Planetary astronomy and supporting laboratory research

The aim was to obtain form laboratory measurements the molecular parameters needed to interpret observations of planetary and cometary spectra, and to develop the analytical and computational techniques to interpret the observed spectra in terms of planetary atmospheres including solids and cometary ices. The gas phase molecular parameters measured include the intensities and half-widths of vib-rotational lines, total intensities of absorption bands, temperature dependencies, and absorption and pressure parameters in random-band models of absorption bands. Computation of line shapes of H2 quadrupole lines from quantum mechanical first principles for comparison with laboratory data and use in modeling of planetary atmospheres was accomplished. The solid phase measurements include band profile and quantitative intensity measurements and dependence on composition as well as thermal and photolytic processing which mimics the particular astrophysical environments. Work on GeH4, PH3, has made significant progress

Interstellar grain chemistry and the composition of comets

During the past 15 years considerable progress in observational techniques has been achieved in the middle infrared, the spectral region most diagnostic of molecular vibrations. Spectra of many different astronomical infrared sources are now available. By comparing these astronomical spectra with the spectra of lab ices, one can determine the composition and abundance of the icy materials frozen on the cold dust grains present in the interior of molecular clouds. In the experiments described, the assumption is made that cometary ices are similar to interstellar ices. As an illustration of the processes which can take place as an ice is irradiated and subsequently warmed, the infrared spectra is presented of the mixture H2O:CH3OH:CO:NH3:C6H14 (100:50:10:10:10). Apart from the last species, the ratio of these compounds is representative of the simplest ices found in interstellar clouds

Recent high resolution laboratory determinations of line broadening and intensity parameters: PH3, CH3D, and CO2

Recent unpublished laboratory work on rovibrational line strengths and broadening coefficients which is of interest in the study of planetary atmospheres was reviewed. The molecules discussed are PH3, CH3D and CO2

Laser-generated plasma as a spectroscopic light source

Laser generated plasma as spectroscopic light sourc

Quantitative infrared spectroscopy of minor constituents of the Earth's atmosphere

We obtain quantitative laboratory spectroscopic measurements of molecular constituents which are of importance in understanding the health of the Earth's atmosphere, and, in particular, emphasize those species which are important for understanding stratospheric kinetics or are used for long term monitoring of the stratosphere. Our measurements provide: (1) line and band intensity values which are needed to establish limits of detectability for as yet unobserved species and to quantify the abundance of those species which are observed; (2) line-positions, -half widths and pressure induced shifts are all needed for remote sensing techniques, and (3) data on the above basic molecular parameters at temperatures and pressures appropriate for the real atmosphere

Overview of ACE-Asia spring 2001 investigations on aerosol-radiation interactions

In spring 2001 the Asian Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia) made extensive measurements from land, ocean, air and space platforms. A primary objective was to quantify the interactions between aerosols and radiation. This talk presents illustrative results from each type of platform, with initial assessments of regional aerosol radiative forcing obtained by combining satellite and suborbital results

CUIDADOS ENFERMEROS EN LA UNIDAD DE REANIMACIÓN POSTANESTÉSICA A PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CIRUGÍA HIPOFISARIA POR VÍA TRANSESFENOIDAL.

Introduction: The patients with hypophyseal tumors given to transsphenoidal hypophysectomy (T.H.) can present multiple endocrine disorders and develop specific complications inherent in the surgical technology, together with hormonal alterations due to the manipulation of the gland. These alterations usually appear in the first 24 hours of postoperative period during their stay in the Post Anesthetia Care Unit (P.A.C.U.). Objectives: To unify nursing performance criteria. To elaborate a standardized care programme. To monitor and detect in advance potential complications in the immediate postoperative period of the patients given to hypophyseal surgery transsphenoidally, admitted to our unit. Methodology: We carried out a study on 30 patients operated on T.H. in our Hospital in the last two years, checking the first 24 hours of the postoperative period and collecting the following parameters: Haemodynamic Data (T.A., F.C., P.V.C., T ª); Hourly Diuresis, analytical data (Hb., Htco., ions, osmolaridad, acid – base balance); Water balance, complications and postoperative treatment. A program about standardized cares based on the P.A.C.U. nursing professionals experience was carried out following the taxonomy of N.A.N.D.A., N.I.C. and N.O.C. Results: The average age of the patients was over 37 +/-15 years old. The monitoring consisted of E.C.G., Sat. O2, arterial tension, P.V.C., T ª and hourly diuresis in all cases. The most frequent complication detected was the diabetes insipidus in 70% of the cases; other complications were nauseas, vomits in 20% and arterial hypertension in 15%. Conclusions: By means of the application of the programme of standardized cares in the patients given to hypophyseal surgery transsphenoidally, the care quality has been improved. As well as a quick control of the postoperative complications has been detected. The patient stay in the P.A.C.U. has been shortened and the beginning of an early treatment of the diabetes insipidus has been facilitated.Introducción: Los enfermos con tumores hipofisiarios sometidos a hipofisectomía transesfeinoidal (h:t.) pueden presentar trastornos endocrinos múltiples y desarrollan complicaciones específicas inherentes a la técnica quirúrgica, junto a alteraciones hormonales por manipulación de la glándula que suelen aparecer en las primeras 24 h. del postoperatorio durante su estancia en la U.R.P.A. Objetivos: Unificar criterios de actuación de enfermería. Elaborar plan de cuidados estandarizados. Vigilar y detectar precozmente las posibles complicaciones en el postoperatorio inmediato de los pacientes sometidos a una intervención hipofisaria por vía transesfenoidal ingresados en nuestra unidad. Metodología: Realizamos un estudio sobre 30 pacientes intervenidos de h.t. en los dos últimos años en nuestro hospital, revisando las primeras 24h. del postoperatorio y recogiendo los siguientes parámetros: datos hemodinámicos (t.a., f.c., p.v.c., tª). Diuresis horaria, datos analíticos (hb., htco., iones, osmolaridad, equilibrio ácido-base). Balance hídrico complicaciones y tratamiento postoperatorio. Se realizó un plan de cuidados estandarizado basado en la experiencia de los profesionales de enfermería de la U.R.P.A., para ello se eligió la taxonomía de la N.A.N.D.A., N.I.C. Y N.O.C. Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 37 +_ 15 a. La monitorización consistió en todos los casos en e.c.g., sat.o2, tensión arterial, p.v.c., tª y diuresis horaria. La complicación detectada con más frecuencia fue la diabetes insípida en un (70%) de los casos, otras complicaciones fueron náuseas, vómitos en un ( 20%) e hipertensión arterial en un (15% ). Conclusiones: Mediante la aplicación del plan de cuidados estandarizados en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía hipofisaria por vía transesfenoidal, se ha mejorado la calidad en los cuidados, se detecta un rápido control de las complicaciones postoperatorias. Se acorta la estancia del enfermo en la U.R.P.A. y se facilita el inicio de un tratamiento precoz de la diabetes insípida

"Invisible burials" and fragmentation practices in Iron Age Europe:Excavations at the Monte Bernorio Necropolis (Northern Spain)

The scarcity of burial remains in large parts of Iron Age Europe, particularly in the Atlantic regions, has often led scholars to discuss the apparent “invisibility” of graves. This paper presents the results from several excavation campaigns at Monte Bernorio, one of the most important sites of the 1st millennium b.c. on the Iberian Peninsula. The fieldwork and post-excavation work carried out in the area of the necropolis have identified numerous burial pits, with complex ritual activities characterized by fragmentation and the practice of the pars pro toto. In addition, evidence for later rituals in some of the graves can be linked to ancestor worship. The results provide important insights into funerary practices in Late Iron Age Europe, leading us to rethink the very meaning of cemeteries in the study area and beyond.- Burial Traditions in Iron Age Europe - The Monte Bernorio Archaeological Zone - The 2007–2008 Necropolis Excavations - The 2015–2016 Necropolis Excavations - Post-Excavation Work and Interpretation: The Faunal and Human Remains - Structure and Chronology of Monte Bernorio Area 7 - Destruction of the Body, Commemoration in the Absence of a Corpse, and Visibility of the Mortuary Rite

Revealing the last 13,500 years of environmental history from the multiproxy record of a mountain lake (Lago Enol, northern Iberian Peninsula)

This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10933-009-9387-7.We present the Holocene sequence from Lago Enol (43°16′N, 4°59′W, 1,070 m a.s.l.), Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain. A multiproxy analysis provided comprehensive information about regional humidity and temperature changes. The analysis included sedimentological descriptions, physical properties, organic carbon and carbonate content, mineralogy and geochemical composition together with biological proxies including diatom and ostracod assemblages. A detailed pollen study enabled reconstruction of variations in vegetation cover, which were interpreted in the context of climate changes and human impact. Four distinct stages were recognized for the last 13,500 years: (1) a cold and dry episode that includes the Younger Dryas event (13,500–11,600 cal. year BP); (2) a humid and warmer period characterizing the onset of the Holocene (11,600–8,700 cal. year BP); (3) a tendency toward a drier climate during the middle Holocene (8,700–4,650 cal. year BP); and (4) a return to humid conditions following landscape modification by human activity (pastoral activities, deforestation) in the late Holocene (4,650–2,200 cal. year BP). Superimposed on relatively stable landscape conditions (e.g. maintenance of well established forests), the typical environmental variability of the southern European region is observed at this site.The Spanish Inter-Ministry Commission of Science and Technology (CICYT), the Spanish National Parks agency, the European Commission, the Spanish Ministry of Science, and the European Social Fund