Fallas activas y sismicidad en las partes altas de la ciudad de Granada: comportamiento dinámico de la Formación Alhambra

En este trabajo se caracteriza el comportamiento dinámico de la Formación Alhambra mediante un análisis de estabilidad del Tajo de San Pedro, localizado al pie del monumento de la Alhambra (Granada). La Formación Alhambra está formada principalmente por conglomerados de edad Plioceno-Pleistoceno inferior con un espesor de al menos 200 m. En esta formación se localizan numerosas fallas normales con dirección NO-SE predominante. Muchas de estas fallas presentan una actividad reciente, pudiendo ser relacionada con la ocurrencia de terremotos en la zona. La peligrosidad de estos eventos sísmicos debe ser considerada como moderada, ya que existen numerosos registros históricos en los que los daños producidos en los muros de la Alhambra son relacionados con la actividad sísmica. Por otra parte, estas fallas también representan discontinuidades mecánicas que contribuyen a la reducción de la estabilidad del conjunto del macizo rocoso. Este es el caso del Tajo de San Pedro, cuyo escarpe lateral constituye el plano de una de estas fallas. Los conglomerados de la Formación Alhambra son un sustrato rocoso firme y resistente con valor de aceleración crítica elevado (ac=0.51g), lo que evita que se produzcan importantes inestabilidades de ladera de origen sísmico.We study the dynamic behaviour of the Alhambra Formation by means of a slope stability analysis of the Tajo de San Pedro slope, which is located at the bottom of the Alhambra monument (Granada). The Alhambra Formation is formed mainly by conglomerates of Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene age, and has a thickness of at least 200 m. This formation is affected by a number of normal faults trending NW-SE. Many of these faults show evidence of recent activity and so they could be responsible of the occurrence of past earthquakes in the area. In fact, damage to the walls of the Alhambra has been related many times to the occurrence of earthquakes. Additionally, these faults also play as mechanical discontinuities that contribute to reducing the stability of the rock mass. This is the case of the Tajo de San Pedro slope, one of its lateral faces being a fault scarp. The conglomerates of the Alhambra Formation are a firm and resistant bedrock that shows a high critical acceleration value (ac=0.51g), which reduces the likelihood of a instability triggered by an earthquake

Seasonal variability of oceanographic conditions off NW Galician waters influencing the early life trophic ecology of European hake Merluccius merluccius by stable isotope analysis

Stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbón (δ13C) have been used as tracers for analyzing the trophic ecology of European hake larvae collected during the winter and summer of 2012 off NW Galicia. The sampling times correspond to periods of high and low hake spawning activity, respectively. Trophic enrichment was analyzed using as baseline two different plankton size fractions, corresponding to micro- (55-200μm) and mesozooplankton (>200μm). During both seasons, the δ15N signatures of hake larvae showed higher values than the zooplankton fractions. The first survey carried out in late February was characterized by a preceding marked upwelling, low geostrophic velocities in the hydrographic circulation and an intense mixing of the water column. This environmental scenario is hypothesizing that originated a great nutrient availability for primary consumers showed its effect in the low δ15N values observed in plankton and hake larvae. During July, the environmental setting corresponded to period where the water column was stratified, an anticyclonic gyre was formed in the center of the study area that concentrated particles and weak upwelling conditions and strong geostrophic currents where found. This scenario was characterized hypothetically by low nutrient availability in which production is mainly based on regenerated nutrients which would explain the higher δ15N values found during this period. On the other hand, the greater δ13C values observed in summer in comparison to winter suggest differences in the energetic sources of carbon (Fig. 1). The discussion of results is centered in how oceanographic variability conditions signatures of stable isotope fractionation in the early life trophic food web influencing the variable trophic pathways of larval hake subject to contrasting environmental conditions, thereby affecting their larval nutritional condition as estimated by RNA/DNA ratios and the Fulton index. This study was financed by the projects: CRAMER-CTM2010-21856-CO3 y ECOPREGA-10MMA602021P

gh/igf axis gene expression profile in developing atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus).

Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT), Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758), is a large migratory oceanic top predator, considered as an important worldwide fishery source and a key species in pelagic ecosystems. Survival during the early life stages is crucial for future recruitment success, with larval growth being a determining process. Fish growth and development are mainly controlled by the GH/IGF axis, being involved in skeletal and soft tissue growth, as well as in immune function, appetite control, behavior (including foraging, aggression, and predator avoidance). To characterize the ontogenetic development profile of the GH/IGF axis at the level of gene expression, an ABFT larval rearing experiment (under controlled feeding conditions) was performed in the aquaculture facilities of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), in Mazarrón during June 2019. Eggs and larvae from 3 replicates were collected regularly every 2-3 days from 0 until 30 days post-hatching (dph). In a total of 14 sampling points (n = 6-12 larvae) along the ontogeny, growth hormone (gh) and two forms of insulin growth factor (igf1 and igf2) were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. A sigmoidal gh expression profile was observed, with higher values at 5 and 23 (maximum) dph, and lower values at 0 (minimum), 12 and 30 dph. Nevertheless, igf1 and igf2 showed a gradual increase from early days, also with lower values at 0 and 12 dph, but with maximum levels at 30 dph. Results are discussed considering growing rates and transition from larvae to juvenile, underlining the importance of gh/ igf axis during the ABFT early development and growth

GH/IGF AXIS GENE EXPRESSION PROFILE IN DEVELOPING ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA (Thunnus thynnus)

Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT), Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758), is a large migratory oceanic top predator, considered as an important worldwide fishery source and a key species in pelagic ecosystems. Survival during the early life stages is crucial for future recruitment success, with larval growth being a determining process. Fish growth and development are mainly controlled by the GH/IGF axis, being involved in skeletal and soft tissue growth, as well as in immune function, appetite control, behavior (including foraging, aggression, and predator avoidance). To characterize the ontogenetic development profile of the GH/IGF axis at the level of gene expression, an ABFT larval rearing experiment (under controlled feeding conditions) was performed in the aquaculture facilities of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), in Mazarrón during June 2019. Eggs and larvae from 3 replicates were collected regularly every 2-3 days from 0 until 30 days post-hatching (dph). In a total of 14 sampling points (n = 6-12 larvae) along the ontogeny, growth hormone (gh) and two forms of insulin growth factor (igf1 and igf2) were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. A sigmoidal gh expression profile was observed, with higher values at 5 and 23 (maximum) dph, and lower values at 0 (minimum), 12 and 30 dph. Nevertheless, igf1 and igf2 showed a gradual increase from early days, also with lower values at 0 and 12 dph, but with maximum levels at 30 dph. Results are discussed considering growing rates and transition from larvae to juvenile, underlining the importance of gh/ igf axis during the ABFT early development and growth

Survival of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) larvae hatched at different salinity and pH conditions

In this study, we assessed the effect of environmental salinity and pH as independent factors on larval survival of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT –Thunnus thynnus) together with their whole-body Na+/K+-ATPase and v-type H+-ATPase activities. Fertilized eggs of ABFT were obtained from a spontaneous spawning of broodstock in the farming facilities at El Gorguel (Cartagena, SE Spain) and were transferred to facilities of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in Mazarrón (SE Spain). In a first experiment, eggs (200 fertilized eggs L-1 per treatment, in 3 replicates) were exposed to different salinities treatments and constant pH 8.0 (control) until hatch was completed (50 h post- fertilization, hpf, at 23 ºC): 27, 30, 33, 36, 37, 38 (control), 39, 40, 43, 46 and 49 ppt. In a second experiment eggs (200 fertilized eggs L-1, in 3 replicates) were exposed to seawater salinity (SW: 38 ppt) and four reduced pH treatments until hatch was completed (50 hpf at 23 ºC): 8.0 (control), 7.7, 7.5 and 7.3. An inverse „„U-shaped‟‟ relationship was observed between environmental salinity and number of hatched larvae. An opposite pattern was observed for both Na+/K+-ATPase and H+-ATPase activities in hatched larvae, increasing both activities in groups exposed to extreme salinities. Thus, larval survival was higher at intermediate salinities and lower at the extreme salinities tested. These results suggest higher survival rates with lower active pumps activities. No significant differences in larval survival were observed with pH treatment, but lower H+-ATPase activity was detected at control environmental pH (pH 8.0). Survival results are discussed in terms of osmoregulatory cost adapting to a salinity and pH predicted for the near future scenarios.Versión del edito

UPDATED STANDARDIZED CATCH RATES IN NUMBER FOR SWORDFISH (Xiphias gladius L.) CAUGHT BY THE SPANISH LONGLINE FLEET IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, 1988- 2013

A General Linear Modeling (GLM)approach to analysis of variance was used to analyze swordfish logged catch rates in number of fish from 24 , 239 trips carried out by the Spanish surface longline fleet addressed to this species in the Western Mediterranean f or the period 1988 - 2013.Postprin

Updated standardized catch rates in number and weight for swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.) caught by the Spanish longline fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, 1988- 2013.

A General Linear Modeling (GLM) approach to analysis of variance was used to analyze swordfish logged catch rates in number of fish from 24,239 trips carried out by the Spanish surface longline fleet addressed to this species in the Western Mediterranean for the period 1988 -2013.Versión del edito

SURVIVAL OF ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA (THUNNUS THYNNUS) LARVAE HATCHED AT DIFFERENT PH AND SALINITY CONDITIONS

In this study, we assessed the effect of pH and salinity as independent factors on larval survival (LS) of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT –Thunnus thynnus) together with their Na+/K+-ATPase and V-type H+-ATPase activities. Fertilized eggs of ABFT were obtained on 25 June 2016 from a spontaneous spawning of broodstock in the farming facilities at El Gorguel (Cartagena, SE Spain) of Caladeros del Mediterráneo Company. The fertilized eggs were transferred to facilities of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in Mazarrón (SE Spain). In a first experiment, eggs (n = 150 per treatment, in 3 replicates) were exposed to sea water salinity (SW: 38 ppt) and four pH treatments until hatch was completed (44 hours at 23 ºC): 8.0 (control), 7.7 (near future), 7.5 (far future) and 7.3 (lower). In a second experiment eggs (n = 150 per treatment, in 3 replicates) were exposed to eleven salinities treatments and constant pH 8.0 (control) until hatch was completed (44 hours at 23 ºC): 27 , 30 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 38 (control), 39 , 40 , 43 , 46 and 49 ppt. No significant differences in LS were observed with pH treatment, but lower H+-ATPase activity was detected at control environmental pH (pH 8.0). A ‘‘U-shaped’’ relationship was observed between hatching salinity and both Na+/K+-ATPase and H+-ATPase activities in whole larvae hatched, increasing both activities in groups exposed to extreme salinities. However, LS showed an inverse “U shape” curve respect to environmental salinity with higher values at intermediate salinities and lower LS at extreme salinities. These results suggest higher survival rates with lower active pumps activities. Survival results are discussed in terms of osmoregulatory cost adapting to a pH and salinity predicted for the near future scenarios. This work was funding by the European Union’s Horizon 2020research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 678193

Shifts in the seasonal trophic ecology of larvae and juveniles of European hake (Merluccius merluccius): From the Galician upwelling system (NW Spain).

The trophic ecology of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) larvae and early-juveniles from the Iberian shelf off Galicia (NW Spain) are assessed by means of stable isotopes (SIA) and nutritional condition in conjunction with hydrobiological variations observed during the winter and summer season of 2012. Hake early-juveniles (18–47 mm SL) showed higher δ15N than larvae (3–11 mm SL) together with the microzooplankton (55–200 μm) and mesozooplankton (>200 μm) during both seasons. Low δ15N values and high variability in both zooplankton and hake larvae were found during winter coinciding with an unusually strong upwelling event. Inversely, high δ15N content in zooplankton in summer suggests strong nitrogen reutilization. However, hake larvae sampled in summer had a higher RNA:DNA ratio in line with higher Fulton condition factors than those sampled in winter. Higher δ13C values for microzooplankton and mesozooplankton and hake larvae in summer compared to late winter point to prey availability differences. The relationship between nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes versus size or weight suggests an ontogenetic shift in the diet of hake larvae. Early-juveniles had a lower isotopic niche width compared to larvae in both late winter and summer, indicating a trophic specialization related to changes following settlement process from planktonic life to demersal habitat. Higher trophic specialization was observed in summer, which recorded a narrower isotopic niche and higher trophic position estimations.En prensa2,04

Analisis and tools for performance prediction

We present an analytical model that extends BSP to cover both oblivious synchronization and group partitioning. There are a few oversimplifications in BSP that make difficult to have accurate predictions. Even if the numbers of individual communication or computation operations in two stages are the same, the actual times for these two stages may differ. These differences are due to the separate nature of the operations or to the particular pattern followed by the messages. Even worse, the assumption that a constant number of machine instructions takes constant time is far from the truth. Current memory hierarchies imply that memory access vary from a few cycles to several thousands. A natural proposal is to associate a different proportionality constant with each basic block, and analogously, to associate different latencies and bandwidths with each “communication block”. Unfortunately, to use this approach implies that the evaluation parameters not only depend on given architecture, but also reflect algorithm characteristics. Such parameter evaluation must be done for every algorithm. This is a heavy task, implying experiment design, timing, statistics, pattern recognition and multi-parameter fitting algorithms. Software support is required. We have developed a compiler that takes as source a C program annotated with complexity formulas and produces as output an instrumented code. The trace files obtained from the execution of the resulting code are analyzed with an interactive interpreter, giving us, among other information, the values of those parameters.Eje: Programación concurrenteRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI