Using SMOS and Sentinel 3 satellite data to obtain high resolution soil moisture maps

Surface soil moisture is a critical climate variable and strongly influences water and energy cycles at the surface-atmosphere interface. It is widely used to improve numerical climate and weather models, rainfall and drough estimation, vegetation monitoring, among others. Traditionally, there were two main ways to retrieve soil moisture data. On one hand, soil moisture sensors networks placed and maintained in situ to obtain long term distributed measurements, which is expensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, soil moisture data could be obtained by using numerical model products combined with ground observations. But, in both cases, the data resolution provided was not enough to characterize soil moisture at large scale. Nowadays, microwave remote sensing allows the global monitoring of soil moisture. SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) mission, launched in 2009, was the first mission with this objective and providing an acceptable spatial resolution. It aims to monitor soil moisture over land surfaces, surface salinity over the oceans, and surfaces covered by snow and ice, by performing microwave radiometric measurements at L-band, characterized by being unaffected by cloud cover and variable surface solar illumination. The SMOS soil moisture data has a spatial resolution of 35-50 km, which is enough for global applications. But, local applications such as hydrological, fire prevention, agricultural and water management, require higher soil moisture resolution. In order to cover this necessity, several downscaling methodologies have been developed to improve the spatial resolution. The Department of Signal Theory in the UPC developed a downscaling algorithm based on the synergistic usage of low resolution soil moisture map and data provided by other satellites, that computed soil moisture maps at 1 km resolution (Maria Piles, 2010 [32]). This algorithm combines the SMOS soil moisture with NDVI and LST measurements from Aqua and Terra missions obtained by MODIS instrument. Later, this algorithm was improved by using an adaptive sliding window, which is the version we will use in this project (Gerard Portal, 2017 [24]). The aim of this project is to substitute the NDVI and LST measurements from MODIS used as ancillary data in the downscaling algorithm by the ones provided by Sentinel 3, comparing its differences and the variation of the high resolution soil moisture maps (SM HR maps) obtained. Also, it will include the evaluation of the data download and preparation process workflow

Endogenous topoisomerase II-mediated DNA breaks drive thymic cancer predisposition linked to ATM deficiency

The ATM kinase is a master regulator of the DNA damage response to double-strand breaks (DSBs) and a well-established tumour suppressor whose loss is the cause of the neurodegenerative and cancer-prone syndrome Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T). A-T patients and Atm−/− mouse models are particularly predisposed to develop lymphoid cancers derived from deficient repair of RAG-induced DSBs during V(D)J recombination. Here, we unexpectedly find that specifically disturbing the repair of DSBs produced by DNA topoisomerase II (TOP2) by genetically removing the highly specialised repair enzyme TDP2 increases the incidence of thymic tumours in Atm−/− mice. Furthermore, we find that TOP2 strongly colocalizes with RAG, both genome-wide and at V(D)J recombination sites, resulting in an increased endogenous chromosomal fragility of these regions. Thus, our findings demonstrate a strong causal relationship between endogenous TOP2-induced DSBs and cancer development, confirming these lesions as major drivers of ATM-deficient lymphoid malignancies, and potentially other conditions and cancer types.Junta de Andalucía SAF2010-21017, SAF2013-47343-P, SAF2014-55532-R, SAF2017-89619-R, CVI-7948European Research Council ERC-CoG-2014-64735

Short-term effect of eucalyptus leachates on green food webs in headwaters

Despite the reported allelopathic nature of the Eucalyptus genus, eucalypt leachates have unknown effects on the trophic base of stream green food webs. Eucalypt plantations have increased worldwide, including riparian ecosystems. We aimed to test whether short-term eucalypt leachates might alter water chemistry, periphytic algal biomass and diatoms, and herbivorous invertebrates’ (i.e., scrapers). We studied two oligotrophic and well-preserved headwaters from NW Spain. The experiment followed a before-after control-impact paired (BACIp) design, with weekly sampling before and after eucalypt leaves addition to streams. In the stream with lower discharge, the eucalypt treatments seemed to affect increases in biomass accrual (Chl-a) and diatom assemblages, disfavouring sensitive species (e.g., Eunotia minor and Achnanthidium pyrenaicum). Therefore, the ecological status was reduced from high to good. In the stream with higher discharge, invertebrate assemblages changed with scrapers having their abundances modified in comparison with the control (e.g., Habrophlebia sp. and Elmidae). Results suggest that eucalypt leaves leachates exert toxic effects on periphyton and on diatom and invertebrate assemblages, and this effect might be mediated by discharge. Alterations at the base of stream food webs may compromise their good ecological status. Further studies are necessary to identify whether this toxicity is due to allelopathic processes

Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors modulate neural rhythms in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and prefronto-hippocampal connectivity in alert mice

Theserotonergic system plays a crucial role in cognition and is a target of many psychiatric treatments. In particular, serotonin 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1AR) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus play key roles in learning, memory, behavioral flexibility, and response inhibition. Here, we investigated how 5-HT1A receptors influence neural network dynamics in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and prefronto-hippocampal functional connectivity in alert mice. We found that pharmacological stimulation of 5-HT1AR with 8-OH-DPAT markedly reduces theta, beta, and high gamma oscillations in both areas and weakens prefronto-hippocampal phase synchronization at theta and beta frequencies. Pharmacological inhibition of 5-HT1A receptors with WAY-100635 reduces theta and high gamma oscillatory activity but increases beta and delta oscillations. It also weakens prefronto-hippocampal phase synchronization at theta frequencies. These results reveal that prefronto-hippocampal neurodynamics are highly sensitive to 5-HT1A manipulation and may be relevant for understanding the actions of psychiatric medication targeting the serotonergic system.Peer ReviewedPreprin

Uso de la tecnología en el ámbito laboral según puesto de trabajo y tipo de actividad

El presente proyecto tiene por objeto dar a conocer la influencia de las nuevas tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) sobre el comportamiento laboral de los trabajadores (rendimiento, bienestar, condiciones laborales…) en diferentes sectores empresariales. Para llevarlo a cabo, hemos realizado una revisión de lo que han supuesto las nuevas tecnologías para las empresas y sus trabajadores, así como del proceso de adopción de las mismas y su influencia en el rendimiento del trabajo. Para ello se ha realizado un análisis exhaustivo de una encuesta realizada exclusivamente para el estudio, a una población ocupada y desempleada de diferentes nacionalidades, destacando los sectores más relevantes. En este análisis, se ha hecho hincapié en las variables tecnológicas de la encuesta, con el fin de argumentar la versatilidad de las nuevas tecnologías para los trabajadores en las diferentes industrias estudiadas. Como resultado, se ha determinado los sectores administrativo, educativo y ventas como los más implicados en el uso de las tecnologías. No obstante, a través de la encuesta, veremos como todos los sectores mantienen una estrecha relación con las TIC y las implementan casi diariamente, ya sea con menor o mayor intensidad.The aim of this project is to provide information on the influence of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the work behaviour of workers (performance, well-being, working conditions...) in different business sectors. To carry out this work, we have begun by analysing what new technologies have meant for companies and their workers, as well as the process of adopting them. On the other hand, the influence of ICTs on work performance has been analysed. Finally, an exhaustive analysis of a survey carried out exclusively for the study, to an employed and unemployed population of different nationalities, highlighting the most relevant sectors. In this analysis, the technologies variables are the highlights of the survey, with the purpose of arguing the versatility of new technologies for workers in the different industries studied. As a result, the administrative, education and sales sector are the most involved in the use of technologies. However, through the survey, we will see that all sectors maintain a close relationship with ICT and implement them almost daily, to a greater o lesser extent

Starburst radio galaxies: General properties, evolutionary histories and triggering

In this paper we discuss the results of a programme of spectral synthesis modelling of a sample of starburst radio galaxies in the context of scenarios for the triggering of the activity and the evolution of the host galaxies. New optical spectra are also presented for a subset of the objects discussed. The starburst radio galaxies - comprising ∼15-25 per cent of all powerful extragalactic radio sources - frequently show disturbed morphologies at optical wavelengths, and unusual radio structures, although their stellar masses are typical of radio galaxies as a class. In terms of the characteristic ages of their young stellar populations (YSPs), the objects can be divided into two groups: those with YSP ages tYSP≤ 0.1 Gyr, in which the radio source has been triggered quasi-simultaneously with the main starburst episode, and those with older YSP in which the radio source has been triggered or re-triggered a significant period after the starburst episode. Most of the former group are associated with a large mid- to far-IR (MFIR) continuum and [Oiii] emission-line luminosities (LIR > 1011L⊙, W), while most of the latter have lower luminosities. Combining the information on the YSP with that on the optical morphologies of the host galaxies, we deduce that the majority of the starburst radio galaxies have been triggered in galaxy mergers in which at least one of the galaxies is gas rich. However, the triggering (or re-triggering) of the radio jets can occur immediately before, around or a significant period after the final coalescence of the merging nuclei, reflecting the complex gas infall histories of the merger events. Although ∼25 per cent of starburst radio galaxies are sufficiently bright at MFIR wavelengths to be classified as ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs), we show that only the most massive ULIRGs are capable of evolving into radio galaxies. Finally, for a small subset of starburst radio galaxies in rich clusters of galaxies, cooling flows associated with the hot X-ray haloes offer a viable alternative to mergers as a trigger for the radio jet activity. Overall, our results provide further evidence that a powerful radio jet activity can be triggered via a variety of mechanisms, including different evolutionary stages of major galaxy mergers; clearly, radio-loud AGN activity is not solely associated with a particular stage of a unique type of gas accretion event. © 2011 The Authors Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2011 RAS.This research has made use of the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Data base (NED) which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla and Paranal observatories under programmes 70.B-0663(A), 71.B-0320(A), 078B-0660(A).Peer Reviewe

Síndrome Nefrótico secundario a Leptospirosis

Un caso clínico de Leptospirosis canina con sintomatología neurológica aguda de tipo convulsiv

Structural Substituent Effect in the Excitation Energy of aChromophore: Quantitative Determination and Application toS-Nitrosothiols

A methodology for the prediction of excitation energies for substituted chromophores on the basis of ground state structures has been developed. The formalism introduces the concept of ?structural substituent excitation energy effect? for the rational prediction and quantification of the substituent effect in the excitation energy of a chromophore to an excited electronic state. This effect quantifies exclusively the excitation energy variation due to the structural changes of the chromophore induced by the substituent. Therefore, excitation bathochromic and hypsochromic shifts of substituted chromophores can be predicted on the basis of known ground and excited potential energy surfaces of a reference unsubstituted chromophore, together with the ground state minimum energy structure of the substituted chromophore. This formalism can be applied if the chemical substitution does not affect the nature of the electronic excitation, where the substituent effect can be understood as a force acting on the chromophore and provoking a structural change on it. The developed formalism provides a useful tool for quantitative and qualitative determination of the excitation energy of substituted chromophores and also for the analysis and determination of the structural changes affecting this energy. The proposed methodology has been applied to the prediction of the excitation energy to the first bright state of several S-nitrosothiols using the potential energy surfaces of methyl-S-nitrosothiol as a reference unsubstituted chromophore.Ministerio de Ciencia e InnovaciónUniversidad de Alcal

Plan museológico "Museo de la ciudad de Antequera": diagnóstico, programa arquitectónico y programa expositivo

El presente proyecto ha de ser entendido como una aproximación al Plan Museológico — herramienta esencial para la planificación y programación— propuesto por el Ministerio de Cultura a través de la Subdelegación General de Museos Estatales, como instrumento rector de la programación de los museos y como guía para el desarrollo de líneas de actuación estratégicas. A fecha de junio de 2014 el Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera no cuenta con una plan de actuación de carácter general sino con estudios parciales y sectoriales, como el Proyecto Museológico de la Sección de Arqueología realizado por D. Manuel Romero Pérez, o diversos planes destinados a la musealización de algunas salas, siendo el Proyecto de Creación presentado a la Junta de Andalucía en 1997 el que de momento desempeña esta función. En este sentido, el Proyecto Fin de Máster, elaborado durante la VII Edición del Máster de Museología de Granada, se concibe como una reflexión de carácter teórico, pero también como una herramienta de trabajo útil para solventar determinadas carencias y adecuar el Museo al desempeño de las funciones establecidas por el ICOM: conservación, investigación, exposición, comunicación y difusión. La realización de este trabajo —cuya práctica ha sido posible gracias al convenio establecido entre la Junta de Andalucía y el Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera en 2013—, ha supuesto la recopilación de material procedente del Archivo Histórico de Antequera, el Ayuntamiento de Antequera y el Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera, así como de la Dirección General de Instituciones Museísticas, Acción Cultural y Promoción del Arte dependiente de la Consejería de Educación, Cultura y Deporte de la Junta de Andalucía, y cuantos quiera otros organismos e instituciones recogidos en la bibliografía, a los que agradecemos su colaboración.Proyecto Fin de Máster de Museología. VII edición 2013-14. Univ. Granada. Facultad de Bellas Arte

The db/db Mouse : a Useful Model for the Study of Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration

Background: To characterize the sequential events that are taking place in retinal neurodegeneration in a murine model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes (db/db mouse). Methods: C57BLKsJ-db/db mice were used as spontaneous type 2 diabetic animal model, and C57BLKsJ-db/+ mice served as the control group. To assess the chronological sequence of the abnormalities the analysis was performed at different ages (8, 16 and 24 weeks). The retinas were evaluated in terms of morphological and functional abnormalities [electroretinography (ERG)]. Histological markers of neurodegeneration (glial activation and apoptosis) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In addition glutamate levels and glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) expression were assessed. Furthermore, to define gene expression changes associated with early diabetic retinopathy a transcriptome analyses was performed at 8 week. Furthermore, an additional interventional study to lower blood glucose levels was performed. Results: Glial activation was higher in diabetic than in non diabetic mice in all the stages (p<0.01). In addition, a progressive loss of ganglion cells and a significant reduction of neuroretinal thickness were also observed in diabetic mice. All these histological hallmarks of neurodegeneration were less pronounced at week 8 than at week 16 and 24. Significant ERG abnormalities were present in diabetic mice at weeks 16 and 24 but not at week 8. Moreover, we observed a progressive accumulation of glutamate in diabetic mice associated with an early downregulation of GLAST. Morphological and ERG abnormalities were abrogated by lowering blood glucose levels. Finally, a dysregulation of several genes related to neurotransmission and oxidative stress such as UCP2 were found at week 8. Conclusions: Our results suggest that db/db mouse reproduce the features of the neurodegenerative process that occurs in the human diabetic eye. Therefore, it seems an appropriate model for investigating the underlying mechanisms of diabetes-induced retinal neurodegeneration and for testing neuroprotective drugs