VLT and GTC observations of SDSS J0123+00: a type 2 quasar triggered in a galaxy encounter?

We present long-slit spectroscopy, continuum and [OIII]5007 imaging data obtained with the Very Large Telescope and the Gran Telescopio Canarias of the type 2 quasar SDSS J0123+00 at z=0.399. The quasar lies in a complex, gas-rich environment. It appears to be physically connected by a tidal bridge to another galaxy at a projected distance of ~100 kpc, which suggests this is an interacting system. Ionized gas is detected to a distance of at least ~133 kpc from the nucleus. The nebula has a total extension of ~180 kpc. This is one of the largest ionized nebulae ever detected associated with an active galaxy. Based on the environmental properties, we propose that the origin of the nebula is tidal debris from a galactic encounter, which could as well be the triggering mechanism of the nuclear activity. SDSS J0123+00 demonstrates that giant, luminous ionized nebulae can exist associated with type 2 quasars of low radio luminosities, contrary to expectations based on type 1 quasar studies.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS Letter

Strange matter in the universe

The strange quark matter hypothesis is one of the most exciting speculations of the XX Century Physics. If this hypothesis is correct, the ground state of the matter would be the strange matter, which could form the core of compact objects like neutron stars or even more exotic objects like quarks stars. Due to the high-density and low-temperature regime in these stars, the interaction between quarks through gluon exchange could favor the appearance of a color superconducting state, significantl modifying the equation of state of the system. In this paper we present a general overview of this Subject, taking also into account the effect of strong magnetic field in the quark stars

Fisheries and reproductive biology of Octopus vulgaris (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) in the Gulf of Alicante (Northwestern Mediterranean)

The common octopus Octopus vulgarisCuvier, 1797 is the most fished cephalopod species along the Spanish coasts. Its catches are highly fluctuating due to the short life cycle of the species and to the annual variability of the recruitment pattern, strongly dependent on the environmental conditions affecting the eggs and paralarvae. This study examines the common octopus fishery, the catch composition, and the main features of the reproductive biology of this species in the Gulf of Alicante (Spanish Eastern coast, Western Mediterranean FAO division 37.1.1). The common octopus fishery was studied analysing the monthly landing and effort data by fishing gear from 1994 to 2005. Monthly samplings of the commercial O. vulgarislandings from trawlers and clay pots from January 2004 to December 2005 resulted in the measuring of 1833 specimens to enable analysis of the catch composition, and allowed the biological sampling of 1176 individuals to provide the reproductive parameters of the species in the study area. The length-weight relationship calculated for the species was BW = 0.51 * DML 2.87. The yearly sex ratios (males:females) were 1:1 (trawl, 2004), 1:0.74 (trawl, 2005), and 1:0.88 (clay pots, 2005). The size (dorsal mantle length, DML) at maturity of the species in the study area was 9.67 cm for males and 14.38 cm for females. The gonadosomatic index reached a peak between April and July for males and in July for females. The Fulton condition index was lower in both sexes between June and September, and for males in November-December, whereas for both sexes the values of the digestive gland index were at their maximum between June and December. The energy allocation between somatic and reproductive growth was investigated and the results suggested that the energy spent on reproduction mainly came from feeding, and not from energy stored in the mantle tissues or in the digestive glan

Characterization of LR-115 Type 2 Detectors for Monitoring Indoor Radon 222: Determination of the Calibration Factor

The city of Lima, capital of Peru, has about 11 million inhabitants. Lima has no records about the indoor Radon 222 concentration levels in dwellings. Hereby, we are planning to register the indoor radon concentrations in Lima and in other cities of Peru in the next three years. First, we will determine the calibration factor for the detectors which will be used in our measurements. For this purpose, Solid State Nuclear Tracks Detectors of nitrocellulose nitrate (LR-115 type 2) were used.The calibration process using a Radium 226 source was described to obtain the calibration factor. Linear response in tracks number was found in relation with irradiation time and its stability after time at the calibration chamber

Chemical composition, physicochemical evaluation and sensory analysis of yogurt added with extract of polyphenolic compounds from Quercus crassifolia oak bark

Introduction: A diet high in calories and saturated fats has been associated with health problems that have been increasing worldwide. Therefore, it is required to increase the number of formulated foods that generate well-being to health. Yogurt is a widely consumed food by all sectors of the population and it can be used as a vehicle to incorporate bioactive compounds. The phenolic compounds present in forest residues, such as those from oak bark, can be used and incorporated into yogurt, to increase its benefits as a functional food. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a multifunctional yogurt enriched with vegetable oil (2.3% w/w) as a source of omega 6 and 3 and adding nanocapsules (24.5% w/w) of an extract of oak bark from Quercus crassifolia, rich in in phenolic compounds and high antioxidant capacity. Methods: Three yogurt formulations were prepared: F1: yogurt was made with non-fat milk, used as a control, F2: yogurt was prepared with non-fat milk and added with vegetable palm oil, and F3: non-fat yogurt was added with vegetable oil and nanoencapsulated oak bark phenolic extract. The yogurts were characterized in their chemical composition, microbiological analysis, and sensory analysis. Results: The multifunctional product F3 and product F2 presented lactic acid bacteria in concentration of 3.01X106 and 4.73x106, respectively, preserving characteristics of probiotic food. Product F3 presented low levels of syneresis (7.34%) and it was significantly different from the control yogurt (9.01%). The viscosity increased from 150 cP in the control yogurt to 341 cP in F3, due to the increase in the concentrations of solids by nanoencapsulating the phenolic. The wall material used for nanoencapsulation was sodium caseinate and mantodextrin. However, this increase in viscosity did not affect the sensory evaluation of the product. There were no significant differences between the control yogurt and the F2 and F3 products. Conclusion: A yogurt added with vegetable oil and nanoencapsulated oak bark phenolic extract was obtained. It was enhanced by the presence of probiotics, bioactive compounds, and essential fatty acids, and then evaluated and accepted by a sensory panel. Nanoencapsulation is a viable alternative to mask the characteristic astringent taste of phenolic compounds because it was not detected by the panelists

Antifungal hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-lipid composite edible coatings and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to reduce postharvest decay and improve storability of ‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranates

Pomegranate exhibits important postharvest quality losses that limit its storage potential, caused mainly by weight loss, chilling injury and fungal diseases. In this work, we evaluated the effect of novel hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) edible coatings (ECs) formulated with three different lipids (beeswax (BW), carnauba wax, and glycerol monostearate), as hydrophobic components, and two different GRAS salts (potassium bicarbonate (PBC) and sodium benzoate (SB)), as antifungal ingredients, to control weight loss and natural fungal decay of ‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranates during storage at 20◦C. Afterwards, selected antifungal ECs and commercial modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) films were assayed alone or in combination to control natural decay and preserve fruit quality of pomegranates stored at 5◦C for 4 months plus 1 week at 20◦C. Results showed that ECs amended with SB reduced pomegranate latent infections caused by Botrytis cinerea and wound diseases caused by Penicillium spp. Moreover, MAP technologies were confirmed as an efficient mean to preserve freshness, prevent fruit shriveling and rind browning, and reduce fungal decay, thus extending storage life of pomegranates. The combination HPMC-BW-SB + MAP was the most promising treatment as it reduced weight loss and decay, without negatively affecting the fruit physicochemical and sensory quality