The effect of the environment on the Faber Jackson relation

We investigate the effect of the environment on the Faber Jackson (FJ) relation, using a sample of 384 nearby elliptical galaxies and estimating objectively their environment on the typical scale of galaxy clusters. We show that the intrinsic scatter of the FJ is significantly reduced when ellipticals in high density environments are compared to ellipticals in low density ones. This result, which holds on a limited range of overdensities, is likely to provide an important observational link between scaling relations and formation mechanisms in galaxies.Comment: accepted by Ap

El problema de la función en evo-devo

RESUMENSi bien el problema de la forma ha sido el explanandum clásico de la evo-devo, frente al énfasis neodarwinista en la adaptación, en los últimos años un número creciente de autores ha reivindicado la incorporación del problema de la función en la perspectiva ontogenética de la evolución. Tras abordar los distintos modos en los que la evo-devo actual investiga la dimensión funcional de la evolución, defendemos que la distancia teórica entre la Síntesis Moderna y la ‘Síntesis Extendida’ no puede interpretarse en términos de la dialéctica Forma/Función. Al contrario: la ‘evo-devo funcional’ implica una radical reconceptuación de las funciones y plantea formas de síntesis alternativas con la teoría sintética.PALABRAS CLAVEEVO-DEVO, SÍNTESIS MODERNA, FORMA ORGÁNICA, FUNCIÓN BIOLÓGICAABSTRACTAlthough the problem of form has been the classical explanandum of evo-devo vs. the Darwinist emphasis on adaptation, in the last years the problem of function has joined evo-devo’s agenda. After examining the various ways in which contemporary evo-devo deals with the functional dimension of evolution, I will argue that the theoretical distance between the Modern Synthesis and evo-devo cannot be interpreted as a dialectics between Form and Function. On the contrary: the new ‘functional evo-devo’ implies a radical reconceptualisation of the concept of function and opens new ways of synthesis with the Modern Synthesis.KEYWORDSEVO-DEVO, MODERN SYNTHESIS, ORGANISMAL FORM, BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIO

Exploring the Use of Everglades Agricultural Area Canal Water as Base Medium for the Mass Production of Algae for Biofuels

Freshwater use is a major concern in the mass production of algae for biofuels. This project examined the use of canal water obtained from the Everglades Agricultural Area as a base medium for the mass production of algae. This water is not suitable for human consumption, and it is currently used for crop irrigation. A variety of canals were found to be suitable for water collection. Comparison of two methods for algal production showed no significant difference in biomass accumulation. It was discovered that synthetic reticulated foam can be used for algal biomass collection and harvest, and there is potential for its application in large-scale operations. Finally, it was determined that high alkaline conditions may help limit contaminants and competing organisms in growing algae cultures

Switching of Magnetic Moments of Nanoparticles by Surface Acoustic Waves

We report evidence of the magnetization reversal in nanoparticles by surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The experimental system consists of isolated magnetite nanoparticles dispersed on a piezoelectric substrate. Magnetic relaxation from a saturated state becomes significantly enhanced in the presence of the SAW at a constant temperature of the substrate. The dependence of the relaxation on SAW power and frequency has been investigated. The effect is explained by the effective ac magnetic field generated by the SAW in the nanoparticles.Comment: Accepted in Europhysics Letter

A case study analysis of factors determining success or failure for participants in collaborative innovation projects in e-Government

In this paper we use the case study of a successful innovative e-government project, iSAC6+, to examine some of the key factors in the project's success with the aim of contributing to the general understanding of the challenges associated with managing e-government projects. We make observations, identify areas for deeper consideration and draw conclusions as to how lessons learned might be applied to other e-government projects. There has been considerable analysis into the success and failure of e-government projects. We analyse some of the literature to identify the unique features which might add additional challenge and risk to e-government projects and then focus on the case study, specifically on individual participants and stakeholders rather than on the project as a whole. The discussion looks at the vulnerability of e-gov projects resulting from one of their defining characteristics, their collaborative and multi-organisational nature. A collaborative project which meets its objectives will rightly be seen as a success, though this may not be the viewpoint of all participants, some of whom may have found that the hoped for benefits have not been realised. For these participants the project is at best a limited success, but for many, a failure. The high failure rate for e-government projects is researched, analysed and documented. One feature which is a consequence of the complex and unpredictable environment within which e-government initiatives take place is that they are inherently innovative in that their purpose is invariably aimed at establishing new IT enabled solutions to embedded and complex problems. Innovative projects operating in complex, unpredictable environments are at high risk of failure for some if not all participants. The aim of iSAC6+, was to implement of a semantic web based Citizens Advice Service (CAS) application in five pilots. Success was judged by the achievement of cost and quality benefits for all stakeholders, citizens and administrators (cost burden reduction), and by the impact on the pilot organisation and operation (service modification). The analysis will demonstrate how the development of a management and measurement framework based upon the strategic aims and objectives for each partner supported success. It will also show how absence or lack of clarity about aims and objectives adversely affected some partners. Finally the paper will make comments and suggestions based upon the lessons learned

Production of biochars from crop residues for the remediation of trace elements contaminated soils

Biochar is the solid material obtained from thermochemical conversion of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions (pyrolysis), which can be applied as soil ameliorant [1]. In general, biochar properties are very heterogeneous due to the diverse pyrolytic conditions and the wide variety of organic residues used as feedstock [2,3]. This study intends to discern the relationship between feedstock, pyrolysis conditions and biochar properties with the goal of producing biochar with a high potential for the stabilization of trace elements in contaminated soils. For that purpose, biochars were produced using four different feedstock (rice husk, pruned olive trees, olive pit and “alperujo”, a byproduct of olive oil production) and two contrasting pyrolysis systems: a batch reactor (temperature ranged from 350 to 600 ºC; reaction time from 0.5 to 4 h under N2 atmosphere with a heating and cooling rate of XY K s-1) and a continuously feed reactor with a screw conveyor (Pyreka reactor; 500 ºC, residence time 12 min and N2 flux). Biochars were characterized by determining their pH, water holding capacity (WHC), elemental composition (C, H, N), ash content, internal structure by micro-computed tomography and chemical composition by field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. To complete the characterization, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area (SSABET; N2 adsorptive) and solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy were performed. Biochars produced in the batch reactor showed that pH, WHC, TC, SSABET, ash content and aromaticity increased with temperature and reaction time. Rice husk biochars showed the highest WHC (> 100%), while olive pit biochars the lowest ones. Rice husk and olive pit biochars had the highest aromaticity (between 75 and 91% of aryl carbon). The H/Cat ratio decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature, which suggests an increase in the condensation degree of the aromatic structures. SSABET surface area ranged from 20 to 100 m2 g-1 and increased with temperature. Biochars produced in the batch reactor resulted in greater SSA values than Pyreka biochars. The pyrolysis conditions of 500 ºC and 2 h at the batch reactor resulted in similar biochars than those produced by the Pyreka reactor at 500 ºC and 12 min. Taking into account the necessity of applying biochar to soil for remediation purposes, we selected those biochars of high stability (ratio H/Cat ≤ 0.7 & high aromaticity by 13C NMR spectroscopy), great capacity for the sorption and stabilization of trace elements2 (SSABET ≥ 100 m2g-1; pH ≥9) and good potential to act as soil amendment (high WHC). The pyrolysis conditions finally selected were 500 ºC and 2 hours for the steel-batch reactor and 500 ºC and 12 min for the continuous reactor. At these conditions, rice husk biochars showed the most appropriate characteristics to be used as soil amendment for trace-elements contaminated soils

Hepatocyte oxidant stress and alcoholic liver disease

Acute and chronic alcohol consumption increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhances lipid peroxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA. The mechanism by which alcohol causes cell injury is still not clear but a major role for ROS and lipid peroxidation-end products is considered. Many pathways have been suggested to play a role on how ethanol induces a state of "oxidative stress", including redox-state changes, acetaldehyde production, damage to mitochondria, membrane injury, apoptosis, ethanol-induced hypoxia, effects on the immune system and altered cytokine production, increased endotoxin levels and activation of Kupffer cells, mobilization of iron, modulation of the antioxidant defense, particularly mitochondrial glutathione (GSH), one electron oxidation of ethanol to 1-hydroxy-ethyl radical, and induction of CYP2E1. These pathways are not exclusive of one another and it is likely that several, indeed many, systems contribute to the ability of ethanol to induce a state of oxidative stress.</p