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In this study, the application of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) technique was investigated for fabricating composite coatings on magnesium (Mg) substrates aimed at modulating their corrosion resistance, an important characteristic for biodegradable orthopedic implants. The coatings were manufactured using an electrolytic solution containing MgO and TiO2 oxides, varying mass ratios, at currents of 30 mA and 200 mA. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of TiO2 and MgO phases in the coatings, demonstrating the PEO capability to modulate the chemical composition by adjusting the mass ratio of oxides in the electrolytic solution. Microstructural analysis revealed decreased surface roughness with increasing TiO2 concentration. Corrosion tests indicated a significant improvement in corrosion resistance for all coatings compared to uncoated Mg substrate. In particularly, coatings with higher TiO2 concentrations, and those applied at a current density of 30 mA exhibited, enhanced corrosion resistance.

The 235U(n, f) reaction cross section was measured relative to neutron-proton elastic scattering for the first time in the energy region from 10 MeV to 440 MeV at the CERN n_TOF facility, extending the upper limit of the only previous measurement in the literature by more than 200 MeV. For neutron energies below 200 MeV, our results agree within one standard deviation with data in literature. Above 200 MeV, the comparison of model calculations to our data indicates the need to introduce a transient time in neutron-induced fission to allow the simultaneous description of (n, f) and (p, f) reactions.

Abstract Cancer mice models are critical for immune-oncology research; they provide conditions to explore tumor immunoenviroment aiming to advance knowledge and treatment development. Often, research groups breed their own mice colonies. To assess the effect of C57BL/6 mice breeding nuclei in prostate cancer development and intratumoral macrophage populations, an isotransplantation experiment was performed. C57BL/6J mice from two breeding nuclei (nA and nB) were employed for prostate adenocarcinoma TRAMP-C1 cell implantation; tumor growth period and intratumoral macrophage profile were measured. BL/6nB mice (54%) showed tumor implantation after 69-day growth period while BL/6nA implantation reached 100% across tumor growth period (28 days). No difference in total macrophage populations was observed between groups within several tumoral regions; significantly higher M2 macrophage profile was observed in tumor microenvironments from both mice groups. Nevertheless, BL/6nB tumors showed around twice the population of M1 profile (11–27%) than BL6nA (4–15%) and less non-polarized macrophages. The M1:M2 average ratio was 1:8 for group A and 1:4 for B. Our results demonstrate different tumor progression and intratumoral macrophage populations among mice from the same substrain. Data obtained in this study shows the relevance of animal source renewal for better control of murine cancer model variables.

Graphene derivatives are expected to have a great impact in a wide range of applications, among them as food packaging materials. This is one of the sources of potential human oral exposure to them. However, studies devoted to investigating their putative toxic effects at the intestinal level are underrepresented in the scientific literature. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro toxicity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene oxide (GO) in the human intestinal Caco-2 cell line. rGO and GO were firstly characterized and later, cell viability was assessed after exposure to 0–250 µg/mL rGO/GO for 24 and 48 h. Internalization was evidenced for both materials using transmission electron microscopy. A mean effective concentration (24 h) of 176.3 ± 7.6 µg/mL for cytotoxicity was obtained for rGO, whereas GO did not induce any change at the concentration range evaluated. However, both of them altered oxidative stress biomarkers, causing increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of the glutathione content (GSH) after exposures up to 24 h. Further studies, particularly with rGO, are required to elucidate their toxicity profile in experimental models relevant for oral exposures.

Due to emerging high spectral resolution, remote sensing techniques and ongoing developments to retrieve the spectrally resolved vegetation fluorescence spectrum from several scales, the light reactions of photosynthesis are receiving a boost of attention for the monitoring of the Earth's carbon balance. Sensor-retrieved vegetation fluorescence (from leaf, tower, airborne or satellite scale) originating from the excited antenna chlorophyll a molecule has become a new quantitative biophysical vegetation parameter retrievable from space using global imaging techniques. However, to retrieve the actual quantum efficiencies, and hence a true photosynthetic status of the observed vegetation, all signal distortions must be accounted for, and a high-precision true vegetation reflectance must be resolved. ESA's upcoming Fluorescence Explorer aims to deliver such novel products thanks to technological and instrumental advances, and by sophisticated approaches that will enable a deeper understanding of the mechanics of energy transfer underlying the photosynthetic process in plant canopies and ecosystems.

Alternative models of the electrical resistivity of the soil to the well-known constant piecewise multilayer model are presented in this paper. By their special features, the proposed models lead to reasonably simple semi-analytical expressions for the electric potential. The parameters associated with these models are obtained from apparent resistivity measurements using an optimization procedure. The proposed models allow obtaining a continuous piecewise resistivity profile as a function of depth from the soil surface. From the full definition of the models, the grounding resistance of several electrodes is calculated and compared with that obtained from the classic multilayer model. Finally some application examples including data from field measurements are considered in this paper.

Marine traffic has been identified as a relevant source of pollutants, which cause known negative effects on air quality. The Iberian Peninsula is a central point in the connection of shipping traffic between the Americas, Africa, and the rest of Europe. To estimate the effects of shipping emissions inland and around the Iberian Peninsula, the EMEP/MSC-W model was run considering and not considering shipping emissions (obtained with STEAM3). Total estimated emissions of CO, CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter (subdivided into elementary carbon – EC, organic carbon – OC, sulfate, and ash) for the study domain in 2015 were respectively 49, 30 000, 360, 710, 4.5, 11, 32, and 3.3 kt yr−1. Shipping emissions increased SO2 and NO2 concentrations, especially near port areas, and also increased the O3, sulfate, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations over the entire Iberian Peninsula coastline (especially in the south coastal region). Shipping emissions were responsible for exceedances of WHO air quality guidelines for PM2.5 in areas far from the coastline, which confirms that shipping emissions can contribute negatively to air quality, both in coastal and inland areas.

The CoCrMo alloy is a biomaterial that has been employed for the production of permanent orthopedic implants, however, the release of metallic ions from debris due to tribocorrosion is the main drawback for its extended application. In this paper, we propose the use of the ball burnishing process to improve the surface properties of the CoCrMo alloy. A 32 factorial design of experiments (DoE) was conducted to achieve a basic understanding of the relationship between the surface hardness, roughness and corrosion current (response variables) and the force and number of passes of the burnishing tool (input factors). Statistical analysis showed that force is the most significant factor for changing the surface properties. At the best experimental conditions, hardness was improved by 41.4%, the roughness was decreased by 72.7% and the corrosion rate was noticeably reduced by 92.4%. Microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that ball burnishing introduces changes in the microstructure, generating a surface layer with improved properties. It is concluded that the ball burnishing process is suitable for improving the surface properties of the CoCrMo alloy under an appropriate combination of experimental conditions.

Resumen: Introducción: En la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) se ha descrito recientemente la presencia de neuroinflamación. Sin embargo, no se ha definido el rol de citoquinas proinflamatrorias como la proteína quimiotáctica de monocitos-1 (MCP-1) y la proteína inflamatoria macrofágica-1β (MIP-1β) en ELA. En este estudio evaluamos niveles de MCP-1 y MIP-1β en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR), analizando su participación en la duración y gravedad de la ELA. Métodos: En 77 pacientes con ELA definida y 13 sujetos controles, se comparó el nivel de citoquinas MCP-1 y MIP-1β en LCR. Se analizaron estos niveles con relación a la duración de la ELA ( 12 meses) y a la gravedad de esta determinada mediante el puntaje obtenido al ingreso en la escala funcional estratificada de la ELA ( 30 puntos). Resultados: En los 77 pacientes con ELA, se encontraron aumentados los niveles de MIP-1β (4,69 pg/ml vs. 10,68 pg/ml, p 12 months) and severity ( 30 points on the ALS Functional Rating Scale administered at hospital admission). Results: Higher CSF MIP-1β (10.68 pg/mL vs. 4.69 pg/mL, P

Introduction: Neuroinflammation has recently been described in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the precise role of such proinflammatory cytokines as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) in ALS has not yet been determined. In this study, we determined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) MCP-1 and MIP-1β levels and assessed their association with the duration and severity of ALS. Methods: Concentrations of MCP-1 and MIP-1β were determined in the CSF of 77 patients diagnosed with ALS and 13 controls. Cytokine levels were analysed in relation to ALS duration ( 12 months) and severity ( 30 points on the ALS Functional Rating Scale administered at hospital admission). Results: Higher CSF MIP-1β (10.68 pg/mL vs 4.69 pg/mL, P 12 meses) y a la gravedad de esta determinada mediante el puntaje obtenido al ingreso en la escala funcional estratificada de la ELA ( 30 puntos). Resultados: En los 77 pacientes con ELA, se encontraron aumentados los niveles de MIP-1β (4,69 pg/ml vs. 10,68 pg/ml, p

Atmospheric radiative transfer models (RTMs) are software tools that help researchers in understanding the radiative processes occurring in the Earth's atmosphere. Given their importance in remote sensing applications, the intercomparison of atmospheric RTMs is therefore one of the main tasks used to evaluate model performance and identify the characteristics that differ between models. This can be a tedious tasks that requires good knowledge of the model inputs/outputs and the generation of large databases of consistent simulations. With the evolution of these software tools, their increase in complexity bears implications for their use in practical applications and model intercomparison. Existing RTM-specific graphical user interfaces are not optimized for performing intercomparison studies of a wide variety of atmospheric RTMs. In this paper, we present the Atmospheric Look-up table Generator (ALG) version 2.0, a new software tool that facilitates generating large databases for a variety of atmospheric RTMs. ALG facilitates consistent and intuitive user interaction to enable the running of model executions and storing of RTM data for any spectral configuration in the optical domain. We demonstrate the utility of ALG in performing intercomparison studies of radiance simulations from broadly used atmospheric RTMs (6SV, MODTRAN, and libRadtran) through global sensitivity analysis. We expect that providing ALG to the research community will facilitate the usage of atmospheric RTMs to a wide range of applications in Earth observation.

We report on measurements of the hyperfine A,B and C-constants of the 3d4s2 D5/22 and 3d4s2 D3/22 atomic states in 45Sc. High-precision atomic calculations of the hyperfine fields of these states and second-order corrections are performed, and are used to extract C5/2=−0.06(6)kHz and C3/2=+0.04(3)kHz from the data. These results are one order of magnitude more precise than the available literature. From the combined analysis of both atomic states, we infer the nuclear magnetic octupole moment Ω=−0.07(53)μNb, including experimental and atomic structure-related uncertainties. With a single valence proton outside of a magic calcium core, scandium is ideally suited to test a variety of nuclear models, and to investigate in-depth the many intriguing nuclear structure phenomena observed within the neighbouring isotopes of calcium. We perform nuclear shell-model calculations of Ω, and furthermore explore the use of Density Functional Theory for evaluating Ω. From this, mutually consistent theoretical values of Ω are obtained, which are in agreement with the experimental value. This confirms atomic structure calculations possess the accuracy and precision required for magnetic octupole moment measurements, and shows that modern nuclear theory is capable of providing meaningful insight into this largely unexplored observable.

Transparency or turbidity is one of the main indicators in studies of water quality using remote sensing. Transparency can be measured in situ through the Secchi disc depth (SD), and turbidity using a turbidimeter. In recent decades, different relationships between bands from different remote sensing sensors have been used for the estimation of these variables. In this paper, several indices and spectral bands have been calibrated in order to estimate transparency from Sentinel-2 (S2) images from field data, obtained throughout 2017 and 2018 in Júcar basin reservoirs with a great variety of trophic states. Three atmospheric correction methods developed for waters have been applied to the S2 level L1C images taken at the same day as the field data: Polymer, C2RCC and C2X. From the spectra obtained from S2 and the SD field data, it has been found that the smallest error is obtained with the images atmospherically corrected with Polymer and a potential adjustment of the reflectivities’ ratio of the blue and green bands (R490/R560), which allow the estimation of SD with a relative error of 13%. Also the C2X method presents good adjustment with the same bands ratio, although with a greater error, while the correction C2RCC shows the worst correlation. The relationship between SD (in m) and turbidity (in NTU) has also been obtained, which provides an operational method for estimating turbidity with S2. The relationship for the different reservoirs between SD and chlorophyll-a concentration, suspended solids and dissolved organic matter, is also shown.

The use of algorithms for automatic classification of aerial laser scanner 3D Point Clouds is the main process that improves its thematic quality. The main objectives of using 3D Point Clouds are the description of the surface and the detection of objects. The aim of this proposal for bridge and water detection algorithms is to increase the range and accuracy of the classification parameters of these products obtained with LiDAR technologies. With this methodology, the Digital Elevation Models (DEM) quality is improved and they are obtained by automated models of bridges and hydrography.This paper describes a methodology to detect and classify bridges and continental water bodies in points using the properties of LiDAR technology such as radiometric and geometric variables implementing indexes like NDVI, NDWI or NFC. In addition, the Network of Roads and Hydrographic models in Spain are used to reduce the area of interest and errors. Part of the province of Teruel (Spain) has been used as study area.

Splenic infarction is an entity that has been seen over time associated with various pathologies of neoplastic, infectious, hematological, or even immunological type. Management in most of these cases is done by treating the underlying cause of the splenic infarction. However, there is a rare cause such as abdominal trauma.

Blister-Actuated Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (BA-LIFT) is a modified LIFT process to avoid the direct interaction between the laser pulse and the transference fluid. In a previous study, the comparison between process images and simulation suggested the existence of a mechanically induced cavitation bubble. In this work, new images have been acquired to evaluate its appearance due to the depressurization of the fluid in the front of the polyimide blister.

This work clarifies some of the substances involved with the biostimulant effect shown by 28 cyanobacteria isolated from different aquatic environments. The production of salicylic acid, cytokinins, siderophores and phosphate solubilization were analyzed in vitro, as well as the phytostimulant/phytotoxic effect on watercress seeds at two different extract concentrations (0.5 and 0.2 mg mL−1). The most prominent plant growth promoting cyanobacteria were verified in vivo at two different doses (0.5 and 0.1 mg mL−1). 21.4 % and 7.1 % of the tested strains produced siderophores or phosphate solubilization, respectively. The production of salicylic acid was stood out for the strains Calothrix SAB-B797, Nostoc SAB-B1300 and Nostoc SAB-M612, while Nostoc SAB-M251 and Trichormus SAB-M304 were noticeable regard to cytokinin production. The highest values of germination occurred when the extracts were applied in low dose (0.5 mg mL−1). Nostoc SAB-M612 provoked the stimulation of aerial and radicular growth in cucumber seedlings.

Conocer la severidad de los incendios rurales es imprescindible para evaluar daños y analizar los procesos de recuperación en forma económica y eficaz. Entre diciembre de 2016 y enero de 2017 se quemaron más de 30.000 km2 de arbustos y pastizales en Argentina. El incendio estudiado en este trabajo, localizado en el sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires, corresponde a una zona semiárida con predominio de arbustales xerófilos y pastizales, siendo este ecosistema muy abundante en la zona centro y sur de Argentina. A partir de campañas de campo en el área afectada por este incendio, se georreferenciaron zonas quemadas y se caracterizó la severidad del fuego en 5 niveles. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la potencialidad de los nuevos satélites Sentinel-2 para el estudio de incendios, comparándolo con Landsat-8, pues esta misión ha sido una de las más usadas en ello. A partir de imágenes Sentinel-2 y Landsat-8 antes y después del incendio, se han analizado todas las posibles combinaciones de bandas de ambos satélites en índices espectrales de diferencia normalizada (NDSI), así como la diferencia de esos valores antes y después del incendio (dNDSI). Los resultados muestran una significativa correlación (R2 =0,72 y error de estimación de 0,77) del dNDSI obtenido con Sentinel-2 con los niveles de severidad obtenidos en la campaña de campo usando las bandas 8a y 12 (del NIR y del SWIR), que coinciden con las bandas del Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) mejorando respecto a Landsat-8 (R2 =0,63 y error de estimación de 0,92). Además se observa que la correlación mejora todavía más usando las bandas 6 y 5 de Sentinel-2 localizadas en la región del Red-Edge (R2 =0,74 y error de estimación de 0,76). Se ha observado una correlación inversa entre la recuperación de la vegetación cuatro meses después del incendio y el nivel de severidad del incendio.

Strains isolated during composting processes of plant waste, and identified as Actinobacteria, proved to be significant producers of compounds that actively participate in the control of phytopathogens, such as those that cause Damping-off disease. Although most of the actinomycetes analyzed showed to be antagonistic strains against common phytopathogens, only some 30% proved to be capable of producing bioactive substances, such as siderophores, salicylic acid, chitinase enzymes or cyanide, so that antibiosis could be considered the most probable antagonistic mechanism for a high proportion of the strains investigated. 6% of the microorganisms identified in this work, were selected as potential strains to be investigated in depth, since they further stimulated plant growth (germination index tests greater than 100%). Microbacteriaceae was one of the most prominent families. Keywords: Actinobacteria, Composting, Biological control, Damping-off, Plant growth promoting microorganisms

The number of horses in northern Spanish mountains has increased in recent decades, but little is known about their grazing behaviour, performance and potential for foal meat production. This research aimed to study the diet selection, liveweight (LW) changes and parasitic status of dry and lactating mares, and foals’ LW gains, grazing on heathlands with different botanical composition. The experimental design consisted of three vegetation types: dominated by heather (Ericaceae) species (H), dominated by gorse (Ulex gallii; G) and co-dominated by gorse and heath-grasses (G-G), with four replicates per treatment (12 paddocks of 1.2 ha). The study lasted three grazing seasons (2010–12). Each year, 24 crossbred mature mares (310±52 kg LW) were used, managing one lactating mare with her foal plus one non-lactating mare per paddock from May to late summer or early autumn. In the case of H paddocks, animals had to be removed before (late August to early September) because of apparent loss of body condition. Animals were periodically weighed. Mares’ diet composition was estimated using alkane markers, analysing the discrepancies in alkane concentrations between dietary plant components and faeces. Faecal samples were also analysed for gastrointestinal nematodes ova. Chemical composition of the main plant components (i.e. heather, gorse and grasses) revealed a low nutritive value, averaging 79, 115 and 113 g CP/kg dry matter (DM), respectively, that could restrict livestock performance. Mares initially selected gorse and grasses (0.47 and 0.40, respectively, in 2010), increasing heather consumption over time (from 0.13 in 2010 to 0.29 in 2012) as gorse availability decreased. The performance of both mares and foals was lower in H compared with G and G-G paddocks (−216 v. 347 g/day for mares, P

SEOSAT/Ingenio es la futura misión española de observación de la Tierra en el óptico en alta resolución espacial. Mientras que los productos de imagen a Nivel 1, radiancias geo-referenciadas a nivel de sensor, se encuentran en una fase avanzada de desarrollo existiendo para ello un contrato industrial, los productos de Nivel 2 deben ser desarrollados por los propios usuarios. Este hecho limita el uso de las imágenes a la comunidad científica, restringiendo sus posibles aplicaciones fuera de ésta. Así pues, bajo el marco de un proyecto coordinado y motivados por ofrecer productos de Ingenio/SEOSAT de Nivel 2 a disposición de cualquier usuario, se origina y desarrolla este trabajo. En este artículo se presentan los diferentes procesos desarrollados para la elaboración de productos a Nivel 2, desde reflectividades en superficie a la resolución nominal del sensor hasta imágenes con información espacial realzada y la posibilidad de crear mosaicos espaciales y compuestos temporales. Por una parte, en el caso de los productos de reflectividad en superficie se propone una técnica de corrección atmosférica basada en el uso de la información espacial, previo enmascaramiento de las nubes y una exhaustiva corrección de sombras morfológicas y/o topográficas. Por otra parte, para el realce de la información espacial, han sido evaluados diferentes métodos basados en la fusión de bandas multiespectrales con una banda pancromática así como la aplicación de técnicas llamadas de “Super-resolución”. Finalmente, se proporcionan las herramientas necesarias para la realización de mosaicos tanto espaciales como temporales para todo tipo de usuarios interesados en la explotación de las imágenes.

La estimación de variables biofísicas como el Índice de Área Foliar (LAI) mediante técnicas de teledetección es objeto de numerosos estudios, ya que de su conocimiento se puede extraer valiosa información sobre el estado de la vegetación. En este trabajo se estudia la estimación del LAI mediante imágenes multiangulares PROBA/CHRIS, analizando el comportamiento de la reflectividad medida en sus 5 ángulos de observación, en las longitudes de onda de 665 y 705 nm correspondientes a la banda de absorción de la clorofila y la reflectividad de la vegetación en el Red-Edge, respectivamente. El Índice de Diferencia Normalizada (NDI) calculado en estas longitudes de onda, mostró una buena correlación con el LAI, lo que permite su estimación por teledetección y su aplicabilidad a las imágenes del recientemente lanzado Sentinel 2 de la ESA, pues incorpora como novedad varias bandas en el Red-Edge. En esta investigación se analiza la influencia en la geometría de adquisición del NDI calibrando la relación entre este índice y el LAI para cada uno de los 5 ángulos de observación de PROBA/CHRIS. Con ello, se ha obtenido una relación capaz de proporcionar el LAI a partir del ángulo de observación y del índice NDI.

Pomegranate juice is an important source of bioactive compounds, and cryoconcentrated juice is an interesting osmodehydration agent to enrich a vegetal matrix. This investigation aimed to incorporate bioactive compounds from pomegranate cryoconcentrated juice into apple slices using osmodehydration (OD) assisted by pulse vacuum (PV) and ohmic heating (OH). The apple slices (3 × 4 × 0.5 cm) were osmodehydrated using a 47 °Brix pomegranate cryoconcentrated juice at 30, 40, or 50°C for 180 min with an electric field of 6.66 V/cm (50 V) and a 5 min pulsed vacuum. Over the time, all of the treatments applied to the apple slices increased the soluble solids and bioactive compounds compared with the fresh sample. PVOD/OH at 50°C had the highest content of total anthocyanin during processing, and the best results for the total flavonoids were obtained with OD/OH at 50°C and 40°C. The osmodehydration assisted by pulse vacuum and ohmic heating using a cryoconcentrated juice is a useful combined technique to acquire enriched vegetal samples with bioactive compounds.

The plasma generated by plasma focus (PF) devices have substantially different physical characteristics from another plasma, energetic ions and electrons, compared with conventional plasma devices used for plasma nanofabrication, offering new and unique opportunities in the processing and synthesis of Nanomaterials. This article presents the use of a plasma focus of tens of joules, PF-50J, for the deposition of materials sprayed from the anode by the plasma dynamics in the axial direction. This work focuses on the determination of the most significant effects of the technological parameters of the system on the obtained depositions through the use of a statistical experimental design. The results allow us to give a qualitative understanding of the Ti film deposition process in our PF device depending on four different events provoked by the plasma dynamics: i) an electric erosion of the outer material of the anode; ii) substrate ablation generating an interlayer; iii) electron beam deposition of material from the center of the anode; iv) heat load provoking clustering or even melting of the deposition surface.

Plasma focus devices may arise as useful source to perform experiments aimed to study the effects of pulsed radiation on human cells in vitro. In the present work, a table top hundred joules plasma focus device, namely “PF-400J”, was adapted to irradiate colorectal cancer cell line, DLD-1. For pulsed x-rays, the doses (energy absorbed per unit mass, measured in Gy) were measured using thermoluminescence detectors (TLD-100 dosimeters). The neutron fluence and the average energy were used to estimate the pulsed neutron doses. Fifty pulses of x-rays (0.12 Gy) and fifty pulses of neutrons (3.5 μGy) were used to irradiate the cancer cells. Irradiation-induced DNA damage and cell death were assessed at different time points after irradiation. Cell death was observed using pulsed neutron irradiation, at ultralow doses. Our results indicate that the PF-400J can be used for in vitro assessment of the effect of pulsed radiation in cancer cell research.

Freeze concentration is an effective unit operation to concentrate liquid foods such as fruit juices without the use of high temperatures. Recently, the innovations of freeze concentration have been associated more with the one-step configurations than conventional freeze concentration systems (suspension crystallization), because of the simpler separation step. Assisted techniques that improve the process parameters of freeze concentration in one-step are important in achieving commercial viability. The vacuum (suction by a pump) is an interesting assisted technique applied to freeze concentration in a one step. The objective was to study the process parameters of vacuum-assisted freeze concentration applied to orange juice. As material raw, using orange var. Navel and the juice were filtered to separate solids that might interfere with the cryoconcentration process. We used a vacuum pump at 80 kPa as an assisted technique to force the separation of concentrate (solutes) from the frozen solution at controlled temperature condition (20 °C). Over the time, under vacuum condition, the solids content (expressed as °Brix) in the concentrated fraction increased significantly compared the original sample, showing a kinetic of the solute elution from the ice block. The results show an evident advantage using the vacuum as an assisted technique compared the atmospheric condition. In addition, the efficiency under vacuum achieved high values over 70%, with high values of ice purity. The freeze concentration process using vacuum is similar to the principle used by children to suck the sugar solution with attractive colorants from popsicles and takes advantage of the frozen matrix formed by veins (or channels) between the ice crystals containing the concentrated solution. Under these conditions, the frozen block (the ice) acts as a carcass through which the concentrated fraction (rich in solids) passes, collecting the concentrate by gravitation force. The vacuum-assisted freeze concentration is an effective technique to obtain an orange fruit juice concentrated using a system in a one step with advantages compared the conventional suspension crystallization, which needs several steps and an important equipment capital inversion.

El objetivo de nuestro estudio es valorar mediante ecografía y análisis estadístico la respuesta a la liposucción asistida por láser en abdomen y flancos. Para ello, se tuvo en cuenta la disminución del tejido adiposo, la retracción cutánea y el grado de satisfacción de las pacientes con los resultados. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo sobre 340 cirugías en pacientes multíparas mayores de 40 años, con o sin diástasis de rectos, que rechazaron la abdominoplastia con lipectomía. Las intervenciones se efectuaron mediante liposucción a respectivamente en 924 y 9/5 11111, bajo sedo-analgesia y con anestesia tumescente. Los láseres se programaron para emisión en modo continuo, actuando al unísono con potencia de 20 W hasta alcanzar un promedio de entre 10 a 12 kJ de energía acumulada para los flancos, y de entre 12 a 18 kJ para el abdomen. La valoración subjetiva y objetiva se realizó mediante escala GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale). Se tomaron fotografías antes, 1 y 6 meses después de la intervención. En abdomen se realizaron ecografías antes y 6 meses después de la cirugía, y se empleó t de Student como test de contraste para el estudio analítico. En 60 pacientes seleccionados aleatoriamente como muestra representativa se realizaron fotografías digitales de la superficie de la piel a fin de valorar comparativamente por programa de ordenador la textura-flacidez de la condición del tejido antes, 1 y 6 meses después de la cirugía. En ninguno de los resultados se observó isquemia y/o quemaduras. La disminución del tejido adiposo, según las ecografías, fue estadísticamente significativa (p

Topography alters the vertical structure of the atmosphere and, therefore, its radiative properties regarding the reflection and transmission of the solar radiation. Also it modifies the conditions of illumination of terrain, with remarkable influence in the remote sensing measures of the terrestrial surface in the optical spectrum. In this work we have applied two models of atmospheric and radiometric correction on an ENVISAT/MERIS image, considering the topography, to analyse the importance of such effects. For this, we have exploited the recent rise of Digital Models of Elevation (MDE) sufficiently detailed and precise, available to a global scale, that open new prospects for the topographical corrections of remote sensing data. The results show the adjustment of the conjoint correction model (atmospheric and topographical) in the considered case, improving comparison of spectral signatures of similar surfaces independently of the elevation or the conditions of illumination, compensating the relative variations caused by the topography in the reflectivity measured by sensors. Although the remote sensing of the terrestrial surface has tended traditionally to avoid the bands of atmospheric absorption, a peculiarity that presents the ENVISAT/MERIS images is the availability of a band (O2A) of absorption of the oxygen, located in the 761.5 nm. This band is used mainly for atmospheric corrections (estimate of the surface’s pressure, elevation of clouds, aerosols effects, etc.). But also it has been employed recently to determine the fluorescence of the vegetation, consequently this band of absorption has received remarkable attention in the last years. Considering that this absorption of the oxygen is strongly affected for topography, the determination of information on the terrestrial surface from this absorption of the oxygen requires a very precise correction of the topographical effects. Therefore in this work we analyse in particular the effect of the peak of reflectivity at 761.5 nm originated by an inappropriate correction of the topography and we study the existent relationship between the local atmospheric pressure and the depth band of absorption of the oxygen in this wavelength.

Chlorophyll-a concentration is one of the main indicators of inland waters quality. Using CHRIS/PROBA images and in situ data obtained in four lakes in Colombia and Spain, we obtained empirical models for the estimation of chlorophyll-a concentration, which can be directly applied to future images of MSI Sentinel-2 and OLCI Sentinel-3 sensors. The models, based on spectral band indices, were validated with data from the hyperspectral sensor HICO, onboard of the International Space Station.

FLEX (Fluorescence EXplorer) is a candidate for the 8th ESA’s Earth Explorer mission. Is the first space mission specifically designed for the estimation of vegetation fluorescence on a global scale. The mission is proposed to fly in tandem with the future ESA´s Sentinel-3 satellite. It is foreseen that the information obtained by Sentinel-3 will be supplemented with that provided by FLORIS (Fluorescence Imaging Spectrometer) onboard FLEX. FLORIS will measure the radiance between 500 and 800 nm with a bandwidth between 0.1 nm and 2 nm, providing images with a 150 km swath and 300 m pixel size. This information will allow a detailed monitoring of vegetation dynamics, by improving the methods for the estimation of classical biophysical parameters, and by introducing a new one: fluorescence. This paper presents the current status of FLEX mission in A/B1 phase and the different ongoing studies, campaigns and projects carried out in support of the FLEX mission.

This article is the result of research carried out by a group of activists who advocate for the rights of children with disabilities. They are exploring new approaches to both school counselling and the fight against segregation in order to improve the situation of children in the Spanish education system. It focuses on how the psychoeducational report is a key tool for legitimising school segregation, and how deconstructing it is essential for building inclusive schools. The data analysed were collected from 100 people from all over Spain who took part in a Participatory Action Research project focused on emerging narratives on inclusive schooling. The aim of the project was to gather accounts of the experiences of pupils, families, and activist professionals who are engaged in a determined struggle to make schools inclusive. Participants were able to share their experiences, conduct their analysis through assemblies and cooperative groups, and use networking to transform existing policies, cultures, and practices. The information obtained indicates that the labels used by current psychoeducational reports are based on a clinical model and are focused on children's deficiencies. They provide limited knowledge about the individuals involved and exercise strong social and symbolic control over them and others.

Valoramos por ecografía y estadísticamente la eficacia de la liposucción láser-asistida en casos de ginecomastia, teniendo en cuenta la respuesta de retracción de la piel, la rapidez de la recuperación del paciente, y el grado de satisfacción que originan los resultados. Presentamos un estudio prospectivo de 28 pacientes con ginecomastia de diferente grado, tratados mediante liposucción asistida por láser de Diodo de 1470 nm, previa sedación y con anestesia tumescente. El láser se programó a 15 Watios (W) en emisión continua y se administraron 8 a 12 kilojulios (kJ) por cada mama. No se realizaron escisiones de piel ni se emplearon drenajes. Se realizó valoración objetiva y subjetiva empleando la misma escala visual analógica (VAS) completada por médicos y pacientes. Se tomaron fotografías antes y 6 meses después de la intervención, y se realizaron mediciones del perímetro torácico y del diámetro de las areolas. El seguimiento ecográfico de las áreas tratadas fue comparativo antes y 6 meses después del tratamiento. Para el estudio estadístico se empleó t de Student como test de contraste. No observamos complicaciones, como signos de isquemia o quemaduras cutáneas. La disminución del perímetro torácico y del diámetro de las areolas fue estadísticamente significativa. Tanto la valoración objetiva como la subjetiva alcanzaron resultados superiores al 90 %. Mediante la ecografía también se demostró disminución, estadísticamente significativa, de la banda de tejido graso subcutáneo (p < 0,05) al comparar las imágenes de antes y 6 meses después del tratamiento. La recuperación laboral se realizó en un promedio de 3 días. En conclusión, creemos que la liposucción láser-asistida es un método eficaz y reproducible, comprobado ecográfica y estadísticamente, que alcanza buenos resultados con menos trauma quirúrgico, lo que conlleva un alto grado de satisfacción por parte de los pacientes.

The aim of this work was to study the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), in vitro organic dry matter digestibility (IVOMD), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and starch in samples of whole plant maize with a wide range of variability. The samples were analyzed in reflectance mode by a spectrophotometer FOSS NIRSystems 6500. Four hundred and fifty samples of wide spectrum from different origin were selected out of 3000 scanned for the calibration set, whereas 87 independent random samples were used in the external validation. The goodness of the calibration models was evaluated using the following statistics: coefficient of determination (R2), standard error of cross-validation (SECV), standard error of prediction for external validation (SEP) and the RPDCV and RPDP indexes [ratios of standard deviation (SD) of reference analysis data to SECV and SEP, respectively]. The smaller the SECV and SEP and the greater the RPDCV and RPDP, the predictions are better. Trait measurement units were g/100g of dry matter (DM), except for IVOMD (g/100g OM). The SECV and RPDCV statistics of the calibration set were 1.34 and 3.2 for WSC, 2.57 and 3 for NSC and 2.3 and 2.2 for IVOMD, respectively. The SEP and RPDP statistics for external validation were 0.74 and 4.7 for WSC, 2.14 and 2.5 for NSC and 1.68 and 1.6 for IVOMD respectively. It can be concluded that the NIRS technique can be used to predict WSC and NSC with good accuracy, whereas prediction of IVOMD showed a lesser accuracy. NIRS predictions of OM, CP, NDF, ADF and starch also showed good accuracy.

We investigated how interactions between hydrography, topography and species ecology influence the assembly of species and functional traits across multiple spatial scales of a cold-water coral reef seascape. In a novel approach for these ecosystems, we used a spatially resolved complex three-dimensional flow model of hydrography to help explain assembly patterns. Forward-selection of distance-based Moran's eigenvector mapping (dbMEM) variables identified two submodels of spatial scales at which communities change: broad-scale (across reef) and fine-scale (within reef). Variance partitioning identified bathymetric and hydrographic gradients important in creating broad-scale assembly of species and traits. In contrast, fine-scale assembly was related more to processes that created spatially autocorrelated patches of fauna, such as philopatric recruitment in sessile fauna, and social interactions and food supply in scavenging detritivores and mobile predators. Our study shows how habitat modification of reef connectivity and hydrography by bottom fishing and renewable energy installations could alter the structure and function of an entire cold-water coral reef seascape.

En el presente trabajo se muestran los resultados obtenidos al aplicar el AANI para la determinación de la composición elemental de tres radiofármacos cubanos (MlBl, MAG-3 y fitato de sodio).

La determinación de Se en los concentrados de sulfuros de níquel más cobalto obtenidos en la industria niquelífera cubana, se requiere como parte del control de la calidad de estos productos. En este trabajo se determina la concentración de Se y otros elementos en 17 muestras de sulfuros de níquel más cobalto empleando el EAAN. Mediante este método fue posible analizar el Se hasta el orden de los ppm sin destruir la muestra a pesar de la existencia de altos contenidos de Co, Fe, Ni y Cr en las mismas.

La técnica de “rendez-vous” es una maniobra opcional para el acceso a la vía biliar, durante la colecistectomía laparoscópica. Este abordaje garantiza la canulación guiada y segura de la vía biliar. Reportamos tres casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de colecistocoledocolitiasis, a quienes se les realizó colangiografía retrógrada endoscópica (CRE) durante colecistectomía laparoscópica. Se empleó la técnica de “rendez-vous” laparoendoscópica (RVLE) como opción de acceso a la vía biliar principal, debido a la falla inicial del abordaje endoscópico. La introducción de la guía hidrofílica se llevó a cabo de forma anterógrada a través del conducto cístico, previa colangiografía intraoperatoria. El objetivo terapéutico se logró en todos los casos, no observándose morbimortalidad asociada. Todos los pacientes manifestaron alto grado de satisfacción con el resultado quirúrgico. En los tres casos descritos, el empleo del RVLE resultó una opción viable y segura de acceso a la vía biliar. Se logró el tratamiento de la colecistocoledocolitiasis en un solo acto operatorio.

Introduction: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) can be provided by diet (fatty fish, eggs, viscera and human milk) or synthetised from essential fatty acids linoleic and α-linolenic acids through the microsomal pathway. However, endogenous LCPUFA synthesis is rather low, especially for docosahexaenoic (DHA), and seems insufficient to achieve normal DHA values in individuals devoid of preformed dietary supply. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are therefore diseases with a special risk for LCPUFA deficient status. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate LCPUFA status in 132 patients with different IEMs. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of plasma and erythrocyte LCPUFA composition of 63 patients with IEMs treated with protein-restricted diets compared with data from 69 patients with IEMs on protein-unrestricted diets, and 43 own reference values. Results: Erythrocyte and plasma DHA and arachidonic acid concentrations were significantly decreased in patients treated with protein-restriction compared with those on protein-unrestricted diets and with our reference values (p < 0.0001). In the protein-restricted group, 45% of patients showed decreased erythrocyte and plasma DHA values (only 7% and 10%, respectively in the protein-unrestricted group) (p < 0.0001). Erythrocyte and plasma DHA values correlated with the natural protein intake in patients on protein-restriction (r = 0.257; p = 0.045; r = 0.313; p = 0.014, respectively). Conclusion: Plasma and erythrocyte DHA concentrations are decreased in patients with IEMs treated with protein restriction. DHA concentration correlates with the patients' protein intake. Supplementation of patients with LCPUFA would have a beneficial influence on their nutritional status.Introducción: Los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (LCPUFA) pueden ser suministrados por la dieta o sintetizados a partir de los ácidos grasos esenciales, linoleico y α-linolénico. La síntesis endógena de LCPUFA es escasa, especialmente la de ácido docosahe-xaenoico (DHA), e insuficiente para alcanzar los valores normales de DHA en individuos que carecen de un suministro dietético de dichos ácidos preformados. Por ello, los errores innatos del metabolismo (IEM) son enfermedades con riesgo especial de deficiencia de LCPUFAs. Objetivos: Evaluar el estado de LCPUFA en 132 pacientes con diferentes IEMs. Métodos: Estudio transversal de LCPUFA en plasma y eritrocitos de 63 pacientes con IEMs tratados con dieta restringida en proteínas comparados con 69 pacientes con IEMs con una dieta libre y 43 valores de referencia. Resultados: Las concentraciones de DHA y ácido ara-quidónico en plasma y eritrocitos se hallaron disminuidas en pacientes con restricción proteica comparados con pacientes con dieta libre y valores de referencia (p < 0,0001). El 45% de pacientes con restricción proteica mostró un descenso de DHA en plasma y eritrocitos (solo un 7% y un 10%, respectivamente en aquellos con dieta libre) (p < 0,0001). Los valores de DHA en eritrocitos y plasma correlacionaron con la ingesta de proteínas naturales en pacientes con restricción proteica (r = 0,257; p = 0,045; r = 0,313; p = 0,014, respectivamente). Conclusión: Las concentraciones de DHA en plasma y eritrocitos se hallaron descendidas en pacientes con IEMs con restricción proteica, correlacionando con la ingesta proteica de los pacientes. La suplementación de dichos pacientes con LCPUFA podría ser beneficiosa para su estado nutricional.

3D digitalization has become a common tool in archaeology. However, the post processing of the data produced by the scanners is still quite complex, and the computer models generated are given very few practical applications. In this paper, we analyse the key steps involved in the processing of the point clouds. We also review some of the more usual applications for the digital models and propose a conceptual framework for the use of this models in the documentation of cultural heritage.

Se analiza la contaminación por metales en suelos agrícolas en el entorno de la Sierra minera de Cartagena-La Unión. El muestreo se realizó cogiendo 20 muestras de suelo en uso agrícola mediante una distribución aleatoria en un área de unos 100 km2 en torno a la Sierra Minera. Los resultados han detectado concentraciones importantes, que alcanzan y superan los niveles máximos permitidos por diversas normativas internacionales de hasta 11 de los elementos denominados «metales pesados». Aluminio y Hierro destaca sobre los demás con concentraciones medias porcentuales de 13% y 10% respectivamente. Pero hay que destacar la contaminación excesiva de plomo (Pb) y Zinc (Zn) que duplica e incluso triplica el máximo establecido por las leyes más permisivas, superando con mucho los niveles máximos a partir de los cuales se requiere una intervención obligatoria en todas las legislaciones consultadas.

The AHS (Airborne Hyperspectral Scanner) instrument has 80 spectral bands covering the visible and near infrared (VNIR), short wave infrared (SWIR), mid infrared (MIR) and thermal infrared (TIR) spectral range. The instrument is operated by Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aerospacial (INTA), and it has been involved in several field campaigns since 2004. This paper presents an overview of the work performed with the AHS thermal imagery provided in the framework of the SPARC and SEN2FLEX campaigns, carried out respectively in 2004 and 2005 over an agricultural area in Spain. The data collected in both campaigns allowed for the first time the development and testing of algorithms for land surface temperature and emissivity retrieval as well as the estimation of evapotranspiration from AHS data. Errors were found to be around 1.5 K for land surface temperature and 1 mm/day for evapotranspiration.

The CEFLES2 campaign during the Carbo Europe Regional Experiment Strategy was designed to provide simultaneous airborne measurements of solar induced fluorescence and CO2 fluxes. It was combined with extensive ground-based quantification of leaf- and canopy-level processes in support of ESA's Candidate Earth Explorer Mission of the "Fluorescence Explorer" (FLEX). The aim of this campaign was to test if fluorescence signal detected from an airborne platform can be used to improve estimates of plant mediated exchange on the mesoscale. Canopy fluorescence was quantified from four airborne platforms using a combination of novel sensors: (i) the prototype airborne sensor AirFLEX quantified fluorescence in the oxygen A and B bands, (ii) a hyperspectral spectrometer (ASD) measured reflectance along transects during 12 day courses, (iii) spatially high resolution georeferenced hyperspectral data cubes containing the whole optical spectrum and the thermal region were gathered with an AHS sensor, and (iv) the first employment of the high performance imaging spectrometer HYPER delivered spatially explicit and multi-temporal transects across the whole region. During three measurement periods in April, June and September 2007 structural, functional and radiometric characteristics of more than 20 different vegetation types in the Les Landes region, Southwest France, were extensively characterized on the ground. The campaign concept focussed especially on quantifying plant mediated exchange processes (photosynthetic electron transport, CO2 uptake, evapotranspiration) and fluorescence emission. The comparison between passive sun-induced fluorescence and active laser-induced fluorescence was performed on a corn canopy in the daily cycle and under desiccation stress. Both techniques show good agreement in detecting stress induced fluorescence change at the 760 nm band. On the large scale, airborne and ground-level measurements of fluorescence were compared on several vegetation types supporting the scaling of this novel remote sensing signal. The multi-scale design of the four airborne radiometric measurements along with extensive ground activities fosters a nested approach to quantify photosynthetic efficiency and gross primary productivity (GPP) from passive fluorescence.

Resumen: La discapacidad y el envejecimiento plantean a las sociedades actuales una serie de necesidades que deben ser cubiertas con soluciones personales y colectivas adecuadas para mantener un mínimo bienestar. Actualmente está aceptado el papel primordial de la ciencia y la tecnología como pilares para la mejora de las actividades humanas y la autonomía personal (âAssistive Technologiesâ o Tecnologías de Rehabilitación o de Apoyo). La robótica en este sentido comienza a jugar un rol fundamental en las diferentes actividades del hombre y muy especialmente en lo relacionado con la movilidad y la manipulación.En este trabajo, se analizan de forma general estos sistemas robóticos de apoyo y su relación con el usuario. A continuación se presenta, como resultado de un proyecto europeo (MANUS-HAND) el diseño y el desarrollo de una prótesis de mano de alta movilidad, modular y con efectos de realimentación, todo ello con el fin de ofrecer nuevas posibilidades de reintegración social y profesional a personas con amputaciones.El trabajo plantea enfoques complementarios; por una parte, el sistema de control está basado en el empleo de señales mioeléctricas, adaptadas a la capacidad residual de cada usuario; los movimientos de los dedos están coordinados según cuatro modos globales de agarre, potenciados con la realimentación sobre el amputado mediante sensores de fuerza y salida por vibración, cubriendo así un 90% de las habilidades naturales de manipulación. Desde el punto de vista mecánico se ha desarrollado de una estructura específica con tres dedos activos en flexo-extensión y prono-supinación de muñeca, incluyendo para ello diferentes tipos de actuadores (motores DC y ultrasónico) gobernados con un solo canal EMG y estando todo ello controlado por una arquitectura electrónica distribuida y jerarquizada.Una plataforma de entrenamiento y de evaluación de las capacidades de cada usuario completa el sistema, permitiendo así personalizar la prótesis al adaptar los parámetros de la misma a las capacidades residuales y mioeléctricas del amputado. El sistema ha sido probado siguiendo un protocolo ad hoc con amputados, demostrando la validez de los conceptos desarrolados en el proyecto. Palabras clave: Prótesis, robótica, discapacidad, rehabilitación

La cinética de engrosamiento y la evolución morfológica de precipitados coherentes β’ (Fe, Ni)Al en una matriz ferrítica se estudió en la aleación Fe-10 % Ni-15 % Al. Se solubilizaron muestras a 1.100 °C por 24, y posteriormente, se envejecieron a 750, 850 y 920 °C por diferentes tiempos. Los resultados de DRX, MEB y MET mostraron la descomposición, αsss → α + β, durante su envejecido. La distribución de precipitados dentro del grano cambia, gradualmente, de aleatoria a un alineamiento preferencial sobre las direcciones cristalográficas de la matriz. Asimismo, la evolución morfológica de los precipitados fue: esféricos → cúbicos → paralelepípedos → placas. La variación del tamaño de partícula, r3, y la densidad de precipitados en función del tiempo se comportan linealmente, como lo predice la teoría de Lifshitz, Slyosov y Wagner (LSW) para el engrosamiento controlado por difusión. La cinética de crecimiento (K) se incrementó a temperaturas de envejecido mayores. La energía de activación para el proceso de engrosamiento fue de alrededor de 220 kJ/mol.

To test the hypothesis that the beneficial anthelmintic effect of consuming moderate amounts of tannins may not always be accompanied by anti-nutritional effects in goats, two experiments were conducted. In the first, 48 Cashmere goats were randomly assigned to two treatments: supplementation with tannin-containing heather (6.4% total tannins) and non-supplementation. All goats grazed continuously from May to September under farm conditions in a mountainous area of northern Spain. The mean percentage of heather incorporated into the diet of the supplemented animals was 29.1%. Supplementation reduced the mean number of nematode eggs in faeces (P < 0.001) and the goat mortality rate (P < 0.05). The rumen ammonia concentration was markedly reduced in the goats receiving the heather supplement (160 v. 209 mg/l; P < 0.01), while volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were significantly greater (63.0 v. 53.6 mmol total VFA/l; P < 0.05). The heather-supplemented goats also showed a lower loss of live weight (P < 0.01) and body condition score (P < 0.001). In the second experiment, batch cultures of rumen microorganisms with rumen fluid from nine goats whose diet included 29% heather – or not, were used to incubate three substrates (pasture, pasture + heather and pasture + heather + polyethylene glycol) to investigate in vitro ruminal fermentation. Differences (P < 0.01) among substrates were observed in terms of dry matter disappearance (DMD), in vitro true substrate digestibility (ivTSD), gas production and ammonia concentration, the greatest values always associated with the pasture substrate. Cultures involving rumen inoculum derived from goats receiving the heather-containing diet showed slightly lower DMD (46.9 v. 48.5 g/100 g; P < 0.05), ivTSD (64.6 v. 65.9 g/100 g; P < 0.10) and gas production (105 v. 118 ml/g; P < 0.001) values, but much greater total VFA concentrations (48.5 v. 39.3 mmol/l; P < 0.05), and suggest that the efficiency of ruminal fermentation in these animals was probably improved. Together, the results support the absence of a clear nutritional cost counteracting the beneficial anthelmintic effect of supplementing the diet of grazing goats with tannin-containing heather.