Shellfish collection on the westernmost Mediterranean, Bajondillo cave (160-35 cal kyr BP): a case of behavioral convergence?

The Middle (MP) and Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) evidences of shellfish collection on the southern Iberian site of Bajondillo cave are presented and compared with Westernmost Mediterranean archaeological sites. The main feature is stasis for Mytilus galloprovincialis represents the dominant taxon during a ~120kyr temporal sequence. The second feature is the decrease of the shellfishing signal when site distance to the coast increases. The data reveal that shellfish collection was practiced during Marine Isotopic Stage 4, a poorly documented stage in terms of aquatic adaptations. Striking is also that mollusc assemblages evidence an uninterrupted decreasing trend in terms of remains from the earliest to the latest levels, in particular when H. sapiens replaced H. neanderthalensis. Although taxa of secondary importance are too scarce to make reliable inferences, another difference between the MP and EUP collections is the substantial increase of infaunal bivalves in the latter cultural period. Warm and cold water mollusc records match temperature rises and drops although the scarcity of data do not allow one to proceed beyond qualitative statements. Likewise, the prevalence of fresh and brackish water mollusc hint at a permanent presence of freshwater around the site at all times. When compared with assemblages from the Alboran sea region (Westernmost Mediterranean Sea), the Bajondillo cave collections are remarkable for their abundance of mussels. Comparison between Bajondillo cave and Pinnacle Point reveal that infaunal bivalve abundances in the South African site are far higher than those recorded in the MP levels, though not those from the EUP.PTDC/HAH/64548/2006 Fundaçao para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal) HUM-143 (Universidad de Granada) Consejería de Cultura de la Junta de Andalucía ICArEHB (Universidad de Algarve, Portugal

Towards 3D databases and harmonized 3D models at IGME-CSIC

IGME-CSIC has a highly relevant geological and geophysical database that includes a continuous digital geological cartography at 1:50000; 1:200000 and 1:1000000 scales and a fair amount of geophysical data: gravity, magnetic, well-logs in tiff and LAS format, seismic lines in tiff and SEG-Y format, borehole and petrophysical data, together with other geophysical and geological studies. Since the 2004, an important effort has been done to undertake 3D geological and geophysical modelling ranging from local studies (mineral exploration or CO2 storage sites) to regional geology for a better understanding of the subsurface structure and its geodynamic evolution as a base for other studies on natural hazards or mineral resources. These studies were ¿stand alone¿ and now IGME is designing a new strategy. It includes the available data and models harmonization (stratigraphy sequences, structural interpretations, faults distribution, seismic velocity models, spatial distribution of physical properties such as density and magnetic susceptibility, workflows, methodologies, evaluation of uncertainties, visualization, etc.) to comply with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) data standardization. In this way, the new 3D models will be easily integrated and available from the databases. This strategy includes collaboration with the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières of France (BRGM) and Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia of Portugal (LNEG) in order to harmonize the Spanish geological data and models with their neighbours across national borders. The first step is being done in the framework of GeoERA projects. Plain-language Summary IGME-CSIC owns a large database that includes a highly valuable geological and geophysical data and geophysical studies containing the interpretation of some of the data of Spain (onshore and offshore) Since 2004 the authors of this work have been working in 3D geological and geophysical modelling that includes local (mineral exploration or CO2 storage sites) and regional studies. The goal is to improve our understanding of the subsurface structures and processes as a base for deepening our knowledge in how the natural hazards occur, how to improve the exploration for mineral resources, etc. These studies were made ad hoc within different projects and now IGME-CSIC is designing a workflow to harmonize these models in order to comply with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) data standardization so the models will be available to being used beyond the initial objectives that generated their creation. This strategy includes collaboration with other European institutions like the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières of France (BRGM) and Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia of Portugal (LNEG) in order to harmonize the models across national borders. The first step is already being done in the framework of the GeoERA projects

An early Aurignacian arrival in southwestern Europe

Westernmost Europe constitutes a key location in determining the timing of the replacement of Neanderthals by anatomically modern humans (AMHs). In this study, the replacement of late Mousterian industries by Aurignacian ones at the site of Bajondillo Cave (Málaga, southern Spain) is reported. On the basis of Bayesian analyses, a total of 26 radiocarbon dates, including 17 new ones, show that replacement at Bajondillo took place in the millennia centring on ~45–43 calibrated thousand years before the present (cal ka bp)—well before the onset of Heinrich event 4 (~40.2–38.3 cal ka bp). These dates indicate that the arrival of AMHs at the southernmost tip of Iberia was essentially synchronous with that recorded in other regions of Europe, and significantly increases the areal expansion reached by early AMHs at that time. In agreement with human dispersal scenarios on other continents, such rapid expansion points to coastal corridors as favoured routes for early AMH. The new radiocarbon dates align Iberian chronologies with AMH dispersal patterns in Eurasia.Consejería de Cultura of the Junta de Andalucía (Spain) (UPPH/49/06). HAR2013-44269-P and HAR 2016-77789-P from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (RYC-2015-18966) HUM-949 Research Group (Universidad de Sevilla, Spain) ICArEHB (University of Algarve, Portugal

MARIBNO project: Structure of the NorthWest Iberian margin: influence of inherited tectonics in the Alpine extension and inversion

X Congreso Geológico de España, 5-7 Julio 2021, Vitoria - GasteizLa zona noroeste de Iberia reúne rasgos geológicos excepcionales relacionados con el desarrollo de un margen continental hiperextendido cerca de un punto triple y la posterior inversión tectónica parcial. Es una zona de gran interés para el estudio del papel de la herencia tectónica y la posterior inversión en márgenes continentales extensionales, pero hay un gran déficit de información. Todo esto sienta las bases del proyecto anfibio MARIBNO (PGC2018-095999-B-I00) donde a lo largo de 2021 y 2022 se adquirirán sísmica marina de reflexión multicanal 2D (~4000 km), sísmica de gran ángulo en 3 transectos tierra-mar (~600 km), batimetría multihaz, grav-mag y sísmica de alta resolución. Se complementará en tierra con adquisición de datos grav-mag y varias campañas de cartografía geológica. Los objetivos se centran en el estudio de la estructura cortical, el control tectónico ejercido por estructuras previas a las etapas alpinas y la cartografía y caracterización de los dominios corticales aunando criterios geológicos y geofísicos.Todo esto sienta las bases del proyecto anfibio MARIBNO (PGC2018-095999-B-I00) donde a lo largo de 2021 y 2022 se adquirirán sísmica marina de reflexión multicanal 2D (~4000 km), sísmica de gran ángulo en 3 transectos tierra-mar (~600 km), batimetría multihaz, grav-mag y sísmica de alta resolución

Growth dynamics and yield of melon as influenced by nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen (N) is an important nutrient for melon (Cucumis melo L.) production. However there is scanty information about the amount necessary to maintain an appropriate balance between growth and yield. Melon vegetative organs must develop sufficiently to intercept light and accumulate water and nutrients but it is also important to obtain a large reproductive-vegetative dry weight ratio to maximize the fruit yield. We evaluated the influence of different N amounts on the growth, production of dry matter and fruit yield of a melon 'Piel de sapo' type. A three-year field experiment was carried out from May to September. Melons were subjected to an irrigation depth of 100% crop evapotranspiration and to 11 N fertilization rates, ranging 11 to 393 kg ha-1 in the three years. The dry matter production of leaves and stems increased as the N amount increased. The dry matter of the whole plant was affected similarly, while the fruit dry matter decreased as the N amount was increased above 112, 93 and 95 kg ha-1, in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI), 3.1, was obtained at 393 kg ha-1 of N. The lowest N supply reduced the fruit yield by 21%, while the highest increased the vegetative growth, LAI and Leaf Area Duration (LAD), but reduced yield by 24% relative to the N93 treatment. Excessive applications of N increase vegetative growth at the expense of reproductive growth. For this melon type, rates about 90-100 kg ha-1 of N are sufficient for adequate plant growth, development and maximum production. To obtain fruit yield close to the maximum, the leaf N concentration at the end of the crop cycle should be higher than 19.5 g kg-1.O nitrogênio (N) é um nutriente importante para a produção de melão (Cucumis melo L.), porém existe pouca informação sobre a quantidade necessária para se obter um balanço entre o crescimento e a produtividade. Os órgãos vegetativos do melão precisam se desenvolver suficientemente para interceptor luz, acumular água e nutrients, mas também é importante alcançar uma grande relação de massa seca produtiva-vegetativa para maximizar a produção de frutos. Investigou-se a influência de quantidades de N no crescimento, na produção de matéria seca e na produtividade do melão tipo 'Pele de sapo'. Foi conduzido experimento com três anos de duração, de maio a setembro, com irrigações de 100% da evapotranspiração e 11 doses de adubação de N, no intervalo de 11 a 393 kg ha-1 em três anos. A produção de massa seca de folhas e caules aumentou com o aumento das doses de N. A matéria seca da planta toda foi afetada de maneira semelhante, enquanto a dos frutos decresceu com o aumento de N acima de 112, 93 e 95 kg ha-1, em 2005, 2006 e 2007, respectivamente. O índice de área foliar máxima (LAI) mais aulto (3.1) foi obtido com a dose de 393 kg N ha-1de N. A dose mais baixa de N reduziu a produtividade de frutos em 21%, enquanto a dose mais alta aumentou o crescimento vegetative, LAI e a duração de área foliar (LAD), mas reduziu a produtividade em 24% em relação ao tratamento N93. Aplicações excessivas de N aumentam o crescimento vegetativo às expensas do crescimento vegetativo. Para este tipo de melão, doses da ordem de 90-100 kg ha-1 de N são suficientes para crescimento adequado e produção máxima. Para obter produções próximas ao máximo, a concentração de N na folha no final do ciclo da cultura não deve ser maior que 19.5 g kg-1

Relation of IL28B Gene Polymorphism with Biochemical and Histological Features in Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Liver Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Polymorphism at the IL28B gene may modify the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection. Our aim was to study the influence of IL28B rs12979860 gene polymorphism on the biochemistry and pathology of HCV-induced disease in the clinical course from mild chronic hepatitis C to hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: We have determined the rs12979860 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) upstream IL28B gene in two groups of patients with HCV-induced chronic liver disease: 1) 268 patients (159 men) with biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis C, to analyse its relation with biochemical, virological and histological features; and 2) 134 patients (97 men) with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. The distribution of the analysed SNP in hepatocellular carcinoma patients was compared with that found in untreated chronic hepatitis C patients. All patients were white and most were Spaniards. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis ALT values were higher (P = 0.001) and GGT values were lower (P<0.001) in chronic hepatitis C patients homozygotes for the major rs12979860C allele as compared with carriers of the mutated rs12979860T allele. Steatosis was more frequent (Odds ratio = 1.764, 95% C.I. 1.053-2.955) and severe (P = 0.026) in carriers of the rs12979860T allele. No relation was found between the analysed SNP and METAVIR scores for necroinflammation and fibrosis, and there were no differences in the distribution of the analysed SNP between hepatocellular carcinoma and untreated chronic hepatitis C patients. CONCLUSION: The IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism correlates with the biochemical activity and the presence and severity of liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis C

Determination of fracture patterns in the Neogene rocks of the NE Duero Basin from a satellite image

FrOm.the study of satellite imagery, up to 1.396 lineaments on Neogene rocks of the northeastern Duero Basin have been identified. Length of lineaments fluctuates from 137 to 19.818 m. The statistical analysis of lineament directions shows a NE-SW mode and N130, N020, N090-100 y N180 relative maxima. The study of lineament orientation pattern within specific length-intervals shows a NE-SW dominant trend for the 0-3.000 m interval and NW-SE dominant directions for lineaments largest than 3.000 m. The comparison between satellite lineaments and the main structures affecting the pre-Neogene basement indicates that the orientation of largest lineaments seems to be controlled by major previous structures. Minor lineaments can correspond to faults and joints newly formed under the regional stress field in the Duero Basin during the Neogen

Secular Evolution of Bulges Induced by Satellite Accretion

Satellite accretion events have been invoked for mimicking the internal secular evolutionary processes of bulge growth (Kormendy & Kennicutt 2004). In order to investigate this question, we perform N-body models of the accretion of satellites onto disk galaxies. A scaling between the primary and the satellite based on the Tully-Fisher relation ensures that the density ratios, critical to the outcome of the accretion; are realistic. Both the bulge-to-disk ratio and the Sersic index of the remnant bulge increase as a result of the accretion. The dominant mechanism for bulge growth is the inward flow of material from the primary disk to the bulge region during the satellite decay. The models confirm that the growth of the bulge out of disk material, a central ingredient of secular evolution models, may be triggered externally through satellite accretion. This work is described in more detail in Eliche-Moral et al. (2006)