On a nonlocal moving frame approximation of traveling waves

The profiles of traveling wave solutions of a 1-d reaction-diffusion parabolic equation are transformed into equilibria of a nonlocal equation, by means of an appropriate nonlocal change of variables. In this new formulation both the profile and the propagation speed of the traveling waves emerge as asymptotic limits of solutions of a nonlocal reaction-diffusion problem when time goes to infinity. In this Note we make these results rigorous analyzing the well-posedness and the stability properties of the corresponding nonlocal Cauchy problem. We also analyze its restriction to a finite interval with consistent boundary conditions. For large enough intervals we show that there is an asymptotically stable equilibrium which approximates the profile of the traveling wave in R. This leads to efficient numerical algorithms for computing the traveling wave profile and speed of propagation

Approximating travelling waves by equilibria of non-local equations

We consider an evolution equation of parabolic type in R having a travelling wave solution. We study the effects on the dynamics of an appropriate change of variables which transforms the equation into a non-local evolution one having a travelling wave solution with zero speed of propagation with exactly the same profile as the original one. This procedure allows us to compute simultaneously the travelling wave profile and its propagation speed avoiding moving meshes, as we illustrate with several numerical examples. We analyze the relation of the new equation with the original one in the entire real line. We also analyze the behavior of the non-local problem in a bounded interval with appropriate boundary conditions. We show that it has a unique stationary solution which approaches the traveling wave as the interval gets larger and larger and that is asymptotically stable for large enough intervals

Web Page Classification with Pre-Trained Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

In this paper, we propose mining the growing amount of information present on the internet in the form of visual content. We address the problem of web page categorization based on the multimedia elements present on it. To achieve this, our framework leverages a pre-trained deep convolutional neural network model, which is used as a feature extractor for later classification. This paper presents experimental results concerning the effectiveness of different classifiers trained with features extracted at various depths of the convolutional neural network

Response to Interpreting the results of oceanic mesoscale enrichment experiments: Caveats and lessons from limnology and coastal ecology

Peer Reviewe

Out of Thin Air: Microbial Utilization of Atmospheric Gaseous Organics in the Surface Ocean

8 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables, supplementary material http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01566Volatile and semi-volatile gas-phase organic carbon (GOC) is a largely neglected component of the global carbon cycle, with poorly resolved pools and fluxes of natural and anthropogenic GOC in the biosphere. Substantial amounts of atmospheric GOC are exchanged with the surface ocean, and subsequent utilization of specific GOC compounds by surface ocean microbial communities has been demonstrated. Yet, the final fate of the bulk of the atmospheric GOC entering the surface ocean is unknown. Our data show experimental evidence of efficient use of atmospheric GOC by marine prokaryotes at different locations in the NE Subtropical Atlantic, the Arctic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. We estimate that between 2 and 27% of the prokaryotic carbon demand was supported by GOC with a major fraction of GOC inputs being consumed within the mixed layer. The role of the atmosphere as a key vector of organic carbon subsidizing marine microbial metabolism is a novel link yet to be incorporated into the microbial ecology of the surface ocean as well as into the global carbon budgetThis is a contribution to projects RODA (CTM2004-06842-CO3-02), and ATOS (POL2006-00550/CTM) projects, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and project THRESHOLDS funded by the 6 Framework Programme of the European Union. JA was supported by a “Ramón y Cajal” research fellowship from the Spanish Government.Peer Reviewe

Interference of biodegradable plastics in the polypropylene recycling process

[EN] Recycling polymers is common due to the need to reduce the environmental impact of these materials. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the polymers called commodities polymers' and it is commonly used in a wide variety of short-term applications such as food packaging and agricultural products. That is why a large amount of PP residues that can be recycled are generated every year. However, the current increasing introduction of biodegradable polymers in the food packaging industry can negatively affect the properties of recycled PP if those kinds of plastics are disposed with traditional plastics. For this reason, the influence that generates small amounts of biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) in the recycled PP were analyzed in this work. Thus, recycled PP was blended with biodegradables polymers by melt extrusion followed by injection moulding process to simulate the industrial conditions. Then, the obtained materials were evaluated by studding the changes on the thermal and mechanical performance. The results revealed that the vicat softening temperature is negatively affected by the presence of biodegradable polymers in recycled PP. Meanwhile, the melt flow index was negatively affected for PLA and PHB added blends. The mechanical properties were affected when more than 5 wt.% of biodegradable polymers were present. Moreover, structural changes were detected when biodegradable polymers were added to the recycled PP by means of FTIR, because of the characteristic bands of the carbonyl group (between the band 1700-1800 cm(-1)) appeared due to the presence of PLA, PHB or TPS. Thus, low amounts (lower than 5 wt.%) of biodegradable polymers can be introduced in the recycled PP process without affecting the overall performance of the final material intended for several applications, such as food packaging, agricultural films for farming and crop protection.This research was funded by Conselleria d'Educacio, Investigacio, Cultura y Esport de la Generalitat Valenciana, grant number APOSTD/2018/209.Samper, M.; Bertomeu, D.; Arrieta, MP.; Ferri, JM.; López-Martínez, J. (2018). Interference of biodegradable plastics in the polypropylene recycling process. Materials. 11(10):1-18. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11101886S1181110Plastics Europe, Plastics—The Facts 2017https://www.plasticseurope.org/application/files/5715/1717/4180/Plastics_the_facts_2017_FINAL_for_website_one_page.pdfAres, A., Bouza, R., Pardo, S. G., Abad, M. J., & Barral, L. (2010). Rheological, Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Wood Polymer Composites Based on Recycled Polypropylene. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 18(3), 318-325. doi:10.1007/s10924-010-0208-xBodar, C., Spijker, J., Lijzen, J., Waaijers-van der Loop, S., Luit, R., Heugens, E., … Traas, T. (2018). Risk management of hazardous substances in a circular economy. Journal of Environmental Management, 212, 108-114. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.014Alam, O., Wang, S., & Lu, W. (2018). Heavy metals dispersion during thermal treatment of plastic bags and its recovery. Journal of Environmental Management, 212, 367-374. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.034Bucci, D. Z., Tavares, L. B. B., & Sell, I. (2005). PHB packaging for the storage of food products. Polymer Testing, 24(5), 564-571. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2005.02.008Siracusa, V., Rocculi, P., Romani, S., & Rosa, M. D. (2008). Biodegradable polymers for food packaging: a review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 19(12), 634-643. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2008.07.003Claro, P. I. C., Neto, A. R. S., Bibbo, A. C. C., Mattoso, L. H. C., Bastos, M. S. R., & Marconcini, J. M. (2016). Biodegradable Blends with Potential Use in Packaging: A Comparison of PLA/Chitosan and PLA/Cellulose Acetate Films. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 24(4), 363-371. doi:10.1007/s10924-016-0785-4Avérous, L. (2004). Biodegradable Multiphase Systems Based on Plasticized Starch: A Review. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part C: Polymer Reviews, 44(3), 231-274. doi:10.1081/mc-200029326Armentano, I., Fortunati, E., Burgos, N., Dominici, F., Luzi, F., Fiori, S., … Kenny, J. M. (2015). Processing and characterization of plasticized PLA/PHB blends for biodegradable multiphase systems. Express Polymer Letters, 9(7), 583-596. doi:10.3144/expresspolymlett.2015.55Arrieta, M. P., López, J., Rayón, E., & Jiménez, A. (2014). Disintegrability under composting conditions of plasticized PLA–PHB blends. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 108, 307-318. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2014.01.034Garcia-Garcia, D., Ferri, J. M., Montanes, N., Lopez-Martinez, J., & Balart, R. (2016). Plasticization effects of epoxidized vegetable oils on mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). Polymer International, 65(10), 1157-1164. doi:10.1002/pi.5164Russo, M. A. L., O’Sullivan, C., Rounsefell, B., Halley, P. J., Truss, R., & Clarke, W. P. (2009). The anaerobic degradability of thermoplastic starch: Polyvinyl alcohol blends: Potential biodegradable food packaging materials. Bioresource Technology, 100(5), 1705-1710. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2008.09.026Neumann, I. A., Flores-Sahagun, T. H. S., & Ribeiro, A. M. (2017). Biodegradable poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and PLLA-3-arm blend membranes: The use of PLLA-3-arm as a plasticizer. Polymer Testing, 60, 84-93. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2017.03.013Khalid, S., Yu, L., Meng, L., Liu, H., Ali, A., & Chen, L. (2017). Poly(lactic acid)/starch composites: Effect of microstructure and morphology of starch granules on performance. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 134(46), 45504. doi:10.1002/app.45504Arrieta, M., Samper, M., Aldas, M., & López, J. (2017). On the Use of PLA-PHB Blends for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications. Materials, 10(9), 1008. doi:10.3390/ma10091008Cosate de Andrade, M. F., Souza, P. M. S., Cavalett, O., & Morales, A. R. (2016). Life Cycle Assessment of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA): Comparison Between Chemical Recycling, Mechanical Recycling and Composting. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 24(4), 372-384. doi:10.1007/s10924-016-0787-2Navarro, R., Ferrándiz, S., López, J., & Seguí, V. J. (2008). The influence of polyethylene in the mechanical recycling of polyethylene terephtalate. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 195(1-3), 110-116. doi:10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.04.126Navarro, R., López, J., Parres, F., & Ferrándiz, S. (2011). Process behavior of compatible polymer blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 124(3), 2485-2493. doi:10.1002/app.35260Sánchez-Jiménez, P. E., Pérez-Maqueda, L. A., Crespo-Amorós, J. E., López, J., Perejón, A., & Criado, J. M. (2010). Quantitative Characterization of Multicomponent Polymers by Sample-Controlled Thermal Analysis. Analytical Chemistry, 82(21), 8875-8880. doi:10.1021/ac101651gAlaerts, L., Augustinus, M., & Van Acker, K. (2018). Impact of Bio-Based Plastics on Current Recycling of Plastics. Sustainability, 10(5), 1487. doi:10.3390/su10051487Pivsa-Art, S., Kord-Sa-Ard, J., Pivsa-Art, W., Wongpajan, R., O-Charoen, N., Pavasupree, S., & Hamada, H. (2016). Effect of Compatibilizer on PLA/PP Blend for Injection Molding. Energy Procedia, 89, 353-360. doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2016.05.046Yoo, T. W., Yoon, H. G., Choi, S. J., Kim, M. S., Kim, Y. H., & Kim, W. N. (2010). Effects of compatibilizers on the mechanical properties and interfacial tension of polypropylene and poly(lactic acid) blends. Macromolecular Research, 18(6), 583-588. doi:10.1007/s13233-010-0613-yRosa, D. S., Guedes, C. G. F., & Carvalho, C. L. (2007). Processing and thermal, mechanical and morphological characterization of post-consumer polyolefins/thermoplastic starch blends. Journal of Materials Science, 42(2), 551-557. doi:10.1007/s10853-006-1049-9Sadi, R. K., Kurusu, R. S., Fechine, G. J. M., & Demarquette, N. R. (2011). Compatibilization of polypropylene/ poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 123(6), 3511-3519. doi:10.1002/app.34853Parres, F., Balart, R., López, J., & García, D. (2008). Changes in the mechanical and thermal properties of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) in the presence of low polypropylene (PP) contents. Journal of Materials Science, 43(9), 3203-3209. doi:10.1007/s10853-008-2555-8Fekete, E., Földes, E., & Pukánszky, B. (2005). Effect of molecular interactions on the miscibility and structure of polymer blends. European Polymer Journal, 41(4), 727-736. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2004.10.038Macaúbas, P. H. P., & Demarquette, N. R. (2002). Time-temperature superposition principle applicability for blends formed of immiscible polymers. Polymer Engineering & Science, 42(7), 1509-1519. doi:10.1002/pen.11047Polymer Properties Databasehttps://polymerdatabase.com/polymer%20classes/Intro.htmlGoonoo, N., Bhaw-Luximon, A., & Jhurry, D. (2015). Biodegradable polymer blends: miscibility, physicochemical properties and biological response of scaffolds. Polymer International, 64(10), 1289-1302. doi:10.1002/pi.4937Arrieta, M. P., López, J., López, D., Kenny, J. M., & Peponi, L. (2015). Development of flexible materials based on plasticized electrospun PLA–PHB blends: Structural, thermal, mechanical and disintegration properties. European Polymer Journal, 73, 433-446. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2015.10.036Ferri, J. M., Garcia-Garcia, D., Carbonell-Verdu, A., Fenollar, O., & Balart, R. (2017). Poly(lactic acid) formulations with improved toughness by physical blending with thermoplastic starch. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135(4), 45751. doi:10.1002/app.45751Sessini, V., Arrieta, M. P., Kenny, J. M., & Peponi, L. (2016). Processing of edible films based on nanoreinforced gelatinized starch. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 132, 157-168. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.02.026Fan, Y., Nishida, H., Shirai, Y., Tokiwa, Y., & Endo, T. (2004). Thermal degradation behaviour of poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 86(2), 197-208. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2004.03.001Sessini, V., Raquez, J.-M., Lourdin, D., Maigret, J.-E., Kenny, J. M., Dubois, P., & Peponi, L. (2017). Humidity-Activated Shape Memory Effects on Thermoplastic Starch/EVA Blends and Their Compatibilized Nanocomposites. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 218(24), 1700388. doi:10.1002/macp.201700388Gerard, T., Budtova, T., Podshivalov, A., & Bronnikov, S. (2014). Polylactide/poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) blends: Morphology and mechanical properties. Express Polymer Letters, 8(8), 609-617. doi:10.3144/expresspolymlett.2014.64Lanzotti, A., Grasso, M., Staiano, G., & Martorelli, M. (2015). The impact of process parameters on mechanical properties of parts fabricated in PLA with an open-source 3-D printer. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 21(5), 604-617. doi:10.1108/rpj-09-2014-0135Arrieta, M. P., López, J., Hernández, A., & Rayón, E. (2014). Ternary PLA–PHB–Limonene blends intended for biodegradable food packaging applications. European Polymer Journal, 50, 255-270. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2013.11.009Du, Y.-L., Cao, Y., Lu, F., Li, F., Cao, Y., Wang, X.-L., & Wang, Y.-Z. (2008). Biodegradation behaviors of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and thermoplastic dialdehyde starch (TPDAS) under controlled composting conditions. Polymer Testing, 27(8), 924-930. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2008.08.00

On a nonlocal moving frame approximation of traveling waves

Abstract The profiles of traveling wave solutions of a 1-d reaction-diffusion parabolic equation are transformed into equilibria of a nonlocal equation, by means of an appropriate nonlocal change of variables. In this new formulation both the profile and the propagation speed of the traveling waves emerge as asymptotic limits of solutions of a nonlocal reaction-diffusion problem when time goes to infinity. In this Note we make these results rigorous analyzing the well-posedness and the stability properties of the corresponding nonlocal Cauchy problem. We also analyze its truncation to a finite interval with consistent boundary conditions. For large enough intervals we show that there is an asymptotically stable equilibrium which approximates the profile of the traveling wave in R. This leads to efficient numerical algorithms for computing the traveling wave profile and velocity of propagation. Résumé Dans cette Note nous considérons le développement de méthodes permettant de préciser aussi bien les profils que la vitesse des ondes progressives pour deséquations de reaction-diffusion, modélisées par deséquations paraboliques semi-linéairesà une dimension d'espace. Moyennant un changement de variable non-local, les profils deviennent des solutions stationnaires d'un problème d'évolution non-local. Nous démontrons que, dans cette nouvelle formulaison, aussi bien les profils que les vitesses de propagation des ondes progressives deviennent desétats stationnaires asymptotiques stables lorsque le temps tend vers l'infini. On analyse aussi la troncature de ce nouveau problème non-local de Cauchy en espace,à un intervalle d'espace fini. Lorsque l'intervalle d'espace tronqué est assez grand on montre qu'il existe unétat stationnaire unique et que si l'intervalle tend vers la droite réelle entière, l'état stationnaire converge vers le profil de l'onde progressive. Ceci permet de développer des méthodes numériques efficaces de calcul des profils et vitesses de ces ondes progressives nonlinéaires

Effectiveness of acute geriatric units on functional decline, living at home, and case fatality among older patients admitted to hospital for acute medical disorders: meta-analysis

Objective To assess the effectiveness of acute geriatric units compared with conventional care units in adults aged 65 or more admitted to hospital for acute medical disorders

Effect of pine resin derivatives on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Mater-Bi type bioplastic

"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Aldas, M., J. M. Ferri, J. Lopez-Martinez, M. D. Samper, and M. P. Arrieta. 2019. Effect of Pine Resin Derivatives on the Structural, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Mater-Bi Type Bioplastic. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 137 (4). Wiley: 48236. doi:10.1002/app.48236, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/app.48236. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving."[EN] The effect of three additives derived from pine resin, namely, gum rosin (GR) and two pentaerythritol ester of GR, Lurefor (LF) and Unik Tack (UT), in 5, 10, and 15 wt %, on the properties of Mater-Bi, based on plasticized starch, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), obtained by injection molding processes, was studied. The mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties were evaluated. LF had a cohesive behavior with the components of Mater-Bi, increasing the toughness of the material up to 250% accompanied by an increase of tensile modulus and tensile strength. UT had an intermediate behavior, conferring cohesive and plasticizing effects, allowing an increase of 105% in impact resistance. GR had a more marked plasticizing effect. This allows processing temperatures of about 50 degrees C lower than those used for neat Mater-Bi. In addition, an increase of the elongation at break, toughness, and impact resistance in 370, 480, and 250%, respectively, was achieved.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, PROMADEPCOL (MAT2017-84909-C2-2-R). M. P. Arrieta thanks Complutense University of Madrid for "Ayudas para la contratacion de personal postdoctoral en formacion en docencia e investigacion en departamentos de la UCM."Aldas-Carrasco, MF.; Ferri, JM.; López-Martínez, J.; Samper, M.; Arrieta, MP. (2020). Effect of pine resin derivatives on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Mater-Bi type bioplastic. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 137(4):1-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.48236S1141374Plastics Europe Plastics – the Facts 2018. An analysis of European plastics production demand and waste data” [Online]. Available:https://www.plasticseurope.org/application/files/6315/4510/9658/Plastics_the_facts_2018_AF_web.pdf(accessed on July 1 2019).Arrieta, M. P., Peponi, L., López, D., & Fernández-García, M. (2018). Recovery of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) residue for the development of PLA-based bionanocomposite films. Industrial Crops and Products, 111, 317-328. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.10.042Akrami, M., Ghasemi, I., Azizi, H., Karrabi, M., & Seyedabadi, M. (2016). A new approach in compatibilization of the poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch (PLA/TPS) blends. Carbohydrate Polymers, 144, 254-262. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.02.035Arrieta, M., Samper, M., Aldas, M., & López, J. (2017). On the Use of PLA-PHB Blends for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications. Materials, 10(9), 1008. doi:10.3390/ma10091008Elfehri Borchani, K., Carrot, C., & Jaziri, M. (2015). Biocomposites of Alfa fibers dispersed in the Mater-Bi® type bioplastic: Morphology, mechanical and thermal properties. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 78, 371-379. doi:10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.08.023Ferri, J. M., Garcia-Garcia, D., Sánchez-Nacher, L., Fenollar, O., & Balart, R. (2016). The effect of maleinized linseed oil (MLO) on mechanical performance of poly(lactic acid)-thermoplastic starch (PLA-TPS) blends. Carbohydrate Polymers, 147, 60-68. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.03.082Arrieta, M. P., López, J., López, D., Kenny, J. M., & Peponi, L. (2016). Effect of chitosan and catechin addition on the structural, thermal, mechanical and disintegration properties of plasticized electrospun PLA-PHB biocomposites. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 132, 145-156. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.02.027Fabra, M. J., López-Rubio, A., Cabedo, L., & Lagaron, J. M. (2016). Tailoring barrier properties of thermoplastic corn starch-based films (TPCS) by means of a multilayer design. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 483, 84-92. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2016.08.021Makaremi, M., Pasbakhsh, P., Cavallaro, G., Lazzara, G., Aw, Y. K., Lee, S. M., & Milioto, S. (2017). Effect of Morphology and Size of Halloysite Nanotubes on Functional Pectin Bionanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9(20), 17476-17488. doi:10.1021/acsami.7b04297Niu, X., Liu, Y., Song, Y., Han, J., & Pan, H. (2018). Rosin modified cellulose nanofiber as a reinforcing and co-antimicrobial agents in polylactic acid /chitosan composite film for food packaging. Carbohydrate Polymers, 183, 102-109. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.11.079Mujica‐Garcia A.;Sonseca A.;Arrieta M. P.;Yusef M.;López D.;Gimenez E.;Kenny J. M.;Peponi L.In Tiwari A. Wang R. Wei B.; Advanced Surface Engineering Materials; Wiley: Massachussets USA 2016.Sessini, V., Arrieta, M. P., Kenny, J. M., & Peponi, L. (2016). Processing of edible films based on nanoreinforced gelatinized starch. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 132, 157-168. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.02.026Ferri, J. M., Garcia-Garcia, D., Carbonell-Verdu, A., Fenollar, O., & Balart, R. (2017). Poly(lactic acid) formulations with improved toughness by physical blending with thermoplastic starch. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135(4), 45751. doi:10.1002/app.45751Trovatti, E., Carvalho, A. J. F., & Gandini, A. (2014). A new approach to blending starch with natural rubber. Polymer International, 64(5), 605-610. doi:10.1002/pi.4808Samper-Madrigal, M. D., Fenollar, O., Dominici, F., Balart, R., & Kenny, J. M. (2014). The effect of sepiolite on the compatibilization of polyethylene–thermoplastic starch blends for environmentally friendly films. Journal of Materials Science, 50(2), 863-872. doi:10.1007/s10853-014-8647-8Azevedo, V. M., Borges, S. V., Marconcini, J. M., Yoshida, M. I., Neto, A. R. S., Pereira, T. C., & Pereira, C. F. G. (2017). Effect of replacement of corn starch by whey protein isolate in biodegradable film blends obtained by extrusion. Carbohydrate Polymers, 157, 971-980. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.10.046Sessini, V., Raquez, J.-M., Lourdin, D., Maigret, J.-E., Kenny, J. M., Dubois, P., & Peponi, L. (2017). Humidity-Activated Shape Memory Effects on Thermoplastic Starch/EVA Blends and Their Compatibilized Nanocomposites. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 218(24), 1700388. doi:10.1002/macp.201700388Correa, A. C., Carmona, V. B., Simão, J. A., Capparelli Mattoso, L. H., & Marconcini, J. M. (2017). Biodegradable blends of urea plasticized thermoplastic starch (UTPS) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL): Morphological, rheological, thermal and mechanical properties. Carbohydrate Polymers, 167, 177-184. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.03.051Lendvai, L., Apostolov, A., & Karger-Kocsis, J. (2017). Characterization of layered silicate-reinforced blends of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate). Carbohydrate Polymers, 173, 566-572. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.05.100Mikus, P.-Y., Alix, S., Soulestin, J., Lacrampe, M. F., Krawczak, P., Coqueret, X., & Dole, P. (2014). Deformation mechanisms of plasticized starch materials. Carbohydrate Polymers, 114, 450-457. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.06.087Sessini, V., Arrieta, M. P., Raquez, J.-M., Dubois, P., Kenny, J. M., & Peponi, L. (2019). Thermal and composting degradation of EVA/Thermoplastic starch blends and their nanocomposites. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 159, 184-198. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.11.025Arrieta, M. P., Samper, M. D., Jiménez-López, M., Aldas, M., & López, J. (2017). Combined effect of linseed oil and gum rosin as natural additives for PVC. Industrial Crops and Products, 99, 196-204. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.02.009Narayanan, M., Loganathan, S., Valapa, R. B., Thomas, S., & Varghese, T. O. (2017). UV protective poly(lactic acid)/rosin films for sustainable packaging. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 99, 37-45. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.152Wilbon, P. A., Chu, F., & Tang, C. (2012). Progress in Renewable Polymers from Natural Terpenes, Terpenoids, and Rosin. Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 34(1), 8-37. doi:10.1002/marc.201200513Rodríguez-García, A., Martín, J. A., López, R., Sanz, A., & Gil, L. (2016). Effect of four tapping methods on anatomical traits and resin yield in Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.). Industrial Crops and Products, 86, 143-154. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.03.033Sharma, L., & Singh, C. (2016). Composite film developed from the blends of sesame protein isolate and gum rosin and their properties thereof. Polymer Composites, 39(5), 1480-1487. doi:10.1002/pc.24088Moustafa, H., El Kissi, N., Abou-Kandil, A. I., Abdel-Aziz, M. S., & Dufresne, A. (2017). PLA/PBAT Bionanocomposites with Antimicrobial Natural Rosin for Green Packaging. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9(23), 20132-20141. doi:10.1021/acsami.7b05557Yu, C., Chen, C., Gong, Q., & Zhang, F.-A. (2012). Preparation of polymer microspheres with a rosin moiety from rosin ester, styrene and divinylbenzene. Polymer International, 61(11), 1619-1626. doi:10.1002/pi.4249Gutierrez, J., & Tercjak, A. (2014). Natural gum rosin thin films nanopatterned by poly(styrene)-block-poly(4-vinylpiridine) block copolymer. RSC Advances, 4(60), 32024. doi:10.1039/c4ra04296dCavallaro, G., Lazzara, G., Milioto, S., Parisi, F., & Ruisi, F. (2017). Nanocomposites based on esterified colophony and halloysite clay nanotubes as consolidants for waterlogged archaeological woods. Cellulose, 24(8), 3367-3376. doi:10.1007/s10570-017-1369-8Marina P. Arrieta, Juan López, Santiago Ferrándiz, & Mercedes A. Peltzer. (2015). EFFECT OF D-LIMONENE ON THE STABILIZATION OF POLY (LACTIC ACID). Acta Horticulturae, (1065), 719-725. doi:10.17660/actahortic.2015.1065.90Arrieta, M. P., López, J., Hernández, A., & Rayón, E. (2014). Ternary PLA–PHB–Limonene blends intended for biodegradable food packaging applications. European Polymer Journal, 50, 255-270. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2013.11.009Liu, X. Q., Huang, W., Jiang, Y. H., Zhu, J., & Zhang, C. Z. (2012). Preparation of a bio-based epoxy with comparable properties to those of petroleum-based counterparts. Express Polymer Letters, 6(4), 293-298. doi:10.3144/expresspolymlett.2012.32International Standards Organization ISO 527‐1:2012 ‐ Plastics ‐ Determination of tensile properties ‐ Part 1: General 2012.Sessini, V., Raquez, J.-M., Lo Re, G., Mincheva, R., Kenny, J. M., Dubois, P., & Peponi, L. (2016). Multiresponsive Shape Memory Blends and Nanocomposites Based on Starch. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8(30), 19197-19201. doi:10.1021/acsami.6b06618Samper, M., Bertomeu, D., Arrieta, M., Ferri, J., & López-Martínez, J. (2018). Interference of Biodegradable Plastics in the Polypropylene Recycling Process. Materials, 11(10), 1886. doi:10.3390/ma11101886International Standards Organization ISO 178:2010 ‐ Plastics ‐ Determination of flexural propertie 2010.International Standards Organization ISO 179:2010 ‐ Plastics ‐ Determination of charpy impact properties 2010.International Standards Organization ISO 868:2003 ‐ Plastics and ebonite ‐ Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore hardness) 2003.Jost, V. (2018). Packaging related properties of commercially available biopolymers – An overview of the status quo. Express Polymer Letters, 12(5), 429-435. doi:10.3144/expresspolymlett.2018.36International Standards Organization ISO 75‐1:2013 ‐ Plastics ‐ Determination of temperature of deflection under load ‐ Part 1: General test method 2013.Mok, S. L., Kwong, C. K., & Lau, W. S. (2001). A Hybrid Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm Approach to the Determination of Initial Process Parameters for Injection Moulding. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 18(6), 404-409. doi:10.1007/s001700170050Al-Itry, R., Lamnawar, K., & Maazouz, A. (2012). Improvement of thermal stability, rheological and mechanical properties of PLA, PBAT and their blends by reactive extrusion with functionalized epoxy. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 97(10), 1898-1914. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.06.028Bastioli, C., Cerutti, A., Guanella, I., Romano, G. C., & Tosin, M. (1995). Physical state and biodegradation behavior of starch-polycaprolactone systems. Journal of Environmental Polymer Degradation, 3(2), 81-95. doi:10.1007/bf02067484Esmaeili, M., Pircheraghi, G., & Bagheri, R. (2017). Optimizing the mechanical and physical properties of thermoplastic starch via tuning the molecular microstructure through co-plasticization by sorbitol and glycerol. Polymer International, 66(6), 809-819. doi:10.1002/pi.5319Mano, J. F., Koniarova, D., & Reis, R. L. (2003). Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 14(2), 127-135. doi:10.1023/a:1022015712170Khan, G., Yadav, S. K., Patel, R. R., Kumar, N., Bansal, M., & Mishra, B. (2017). Tinidazole functionalized homogeneous electrospun chitosan/poly (ε-caprolactone) hybrid nanofiber membrane: Development, optimization and its clinical implications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 103, 1311-1326. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.05.161Arrieta, M. P., & Peponi, L. (2017). Polyurethane based on PLA and PCL incorporated with catechin: Structural, thermal and mechanical characterization. European Polymer Journal, 89, 174-184. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.02.028Jindal, R., Sharma, R., Maiti, M., Kaur, A., Sharma, P., Mishra, V., & Jana, A. K. (2016). Synthesis and characterization of novel reduced Gum rosin-acrylamide copolymer-based nanogel and their investigation for antibacterial activity. Polymer Bulletin, 74(8), 2995-3014. doi:10.1007/s00289-016-1877-ySingh, V., Joshi, S., & Malviya, T. (2018). Carboxymethyl cellulose-rosin gum hybrid nanoparticles: An efficient drug carrier. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 112, 390-398. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.184Garcia-Garcia, D., Rayón, E., Carbonell-Verdu, A., Lopez-Martinez, J., & Balart, R. (2017). Improvement of the compatibility between poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(ε-caprolactone) by reactive extrusion with dicumyl peroxide. European Polymer Journal, 86, 41-57. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2016.11.018Peponi, L., Sessini, V., Arrieta, M. P., Navarro-Baena, I., Sonseca, A., Dominici, F., … Kenny, J. M. (2018). Thermally-activated shape memory effect on biodegradable nanocomposites based on PLA/PCL blend reinforced with hydroxyapatite. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 151, 36-51. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.02.019Muthuraj, R., Misra, M., & Mohanty, A. K. (2015). Hydrolytic degradation of biodegradable polyesters under simulated environmental conditions. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132(27), n/a-n/a. doi:10.1002/app.42189Signori, F., Coltelli, M.-B., & Bronco, S. (2009). Thermal degradation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and their blends upon melt processing. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 94(1), 74-82. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2008.10.004Navarro-Baena, I., Arrieta, M. P., Sonseca, A., Torre, L., López, D., Giménez, E., … Peponi, L. (2015). Biodegradable nanocomposites based on poly(ester-urethane) and nanosized hydroxyapatite: Plastificant and reinforcement effects. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 121, 171-179. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.09.002Salgado, C., Arrieta, M. P., Peponi, L., Fernández-García, M., & López, D. (2016). Influence of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Molecular Weight and Coumarin Amount on Photo-Responsive Polyurethane Properties. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 302(4), 1600515. doi:10.1002/mame.201600515Ferri, J. M., Fenollar, O., Jorda-Vilaplana, A., García-Sanoguera, D., & Balart, R. (2016). Effect of miscibility on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/ polycaprolactone blends. Polymer International, 65(4), 453-463. doi:10.1002/pi.5079Cerruti, P., Santagata, G., Gomez d’Ayala, G., Ambrogi, V., Carfagna, C., Malinconico, M., & Persico, P. (2011). Effect of a natural polyphenolic extract on the properties of a biodegradable starch-based polymer. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 96(5), 839-846. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2011.02.00

Response to Comment on >dilution limits dissolved organic carbon utilization in the deep ocean>

Our recent finding that dilution limits dissolved organic carbon (DOC) utilization in the deep ocean has been criticized based on the common misconception that lability equates to rapid and complete utilization. Even when considering the redefinition of recalcitrant DOC recently proposed by Jiao et al., the dilution hypothesis best explains our experimental observations.This is a contribution to the MALASPINA Expedition 2010 project, funded by the CONSOLIDER-Ingenio 2010 program of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (ref. CSD2008-00077)Peer Reviewe