The use of facial characteristics as engendering strategies in Phoenician-Punic studies

In this paper, we consider four categories of Phoenician-Punic artifacts and how they have been engendered in modern scholarship, specifically with regard to facial characteristics: mold-made musician figurines, bottle-shaped figurines, and masks both of terracotta and painted ostrich eggshell.1 Although we shall not discuss these objects in depth, we contend that it is worthwhile to consider them together in order to draw attention to the strategies used to engender these objects in Phoenician-Punic studies, as they present some common facial characteristics which have been interpreted quite differently by scholars in terms of their relationship to gender

Music, gender and rituals in the ancient Mediterranean. Revisiting the Punic evidence

Music, playing instruments and performing rituals are bodily activities and as such they can be studied stressing their corporeal features. Music and sounds are usually essential elements in rites, and bodies play an essential role in bringing together music and rituals. We explore these issues focusing on Punic terracotta figurines playing musical instruments recovered from the island of Ibiza (fifth to third centuries BC)

Mutilaciones en escultura. Análisis de casos

El Trabajo de Final de Grado “Mutilaciones en Escultura: Análisis de casos” versa sobre el análisis y cálculo de las distintas zonas de mutilaciones sufridas por cuatro casos distintos. En la primera parte del trabajo se expone qué es la mutilación y cómo ha sido tratada a lo largo de la historia, además del planteamiento de una metodología que sirve para el cálculo de los faltantes en relación al porcentaje total de la obra conservada en la actualidad. Además, se plantea una breve propuesta de intervención de cada una de las obras atendiendo los principales problemas que presenta la piedra que la constituye.Ferrer Ventura, M. (2014). Mutilaciones en escultura. Análisis de casos. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/49185.Archivo delegad

Brain networks involved in accented speech processing

We investigated the neural correlates of accented speech processing (ASP) with an fMRI study that overcame prior limitations in this line of research: we preserved intelligibility by using two regional accents that differ in prosody but only mildly in phonetics (Latin American and Castilian Spanish), and we used independent component analysis to identify brain networks as opposed to isolated regions. ASP engaged a speech perception network composed primarily of structures related with the processing of prosody (cerebellum, putamen, and thalamus). This network also included anterior fronto-temporal areas associated with lexical-semantic processing and a portion of the inferior frontal gyrus linked to executive control. ASP also recruited domain-general executive control networks related with cognitive demands (dorsal attentional and default mode networks) and the processing of salient events (salience network). Finally, the reward network showed a preference for the native accent, presumably revealing people's sense of social belonging

Characterization of a recently detected halogenated aminorex derivative: para-fluoro-4-methylaminorex (4′F-4-MAR)

Despite the fact that 33% of the new psychoactive substances seized in 2015 were synthetic cathinones, the number of these derivatives has been decreasing in the last years, probably as a consequence of the unfavourable effects reported by users. Thus, the list of possible cathinone analogues is expected to get shorter, and it is likely that the same moiety changes applied for the preparation of synthetic cathinones will be applied in the near future to other stimulants in the search for favourable alternatives to controlled substances. This is evidenced by the increase in newly reported substances belonging to stimulant classes other than cathinones. One of the possible candidates for a new backbone from which to base new stimulants is aminorex, which is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Three derivatives have been reported until now: 4-methylaminorex or 4-MAR (also categorized as a Schedule I substance), para-methyl-4-methylaminorex (4,4′-DMAR) and 3′,4′-methylenedioxy-4-methylaminorex (MDMAR). Recently, the new halogenated 4-MAR derivative, para-fluoro-4-methylaminorex, characterised in this work (and abbreviated as pF-4-methylaminorex or 4′F-4-MAR) was detected by the Slovenian police. In the present work, 4′F-4-MAR has been characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance in a sample obtained from an anonymous consumer. This research shows that the same modifications applied for the preparation of synthetic cathinones are being used to prepare new stimulants based on the aminorex backbone

The sea urchin metallothionein system: Comparative evaluation of the SpMTA and SpMTB metal-binding preferences.

Metallothioneins (MTs) constitute a superfamily of ubiquitous metal-binding proteins of low molecular weight and high Cys content. They are involved in metal homeostasis and detoxification, amongst other proposed biological functions. Two MT isoforms (SpMTA and SpMTB) have been reported in the echinoderm Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (sea urchin), both containing 20 Cys residues and presenting extremely similar sequences, although showing distinct tissular and ontogenic expression patterns. Although exhaustive information is available for the Cd(II)-SpMTA complex, this including the full resolution of its 3D structure, no data has been reported concerning either SpMTA Zn(II) and Cu(I) binding properties, or the characterization of SpMTB at protein level. In this work, both the SpMTA and SpMTB isoforms, as well as their separate α and β domains, have been recombinantly synthesized in the presence of Zn(II), Cd(II) or Cu(II), and the corresponding metal complexes have been analyzed using electrospray mass spectrometry, and CD, ICP-AES and UV-vis spectroscopies. The results clearly show a better performance of isoform A when binding Zn(II) and Cd(II), and of isoform B when coordinating Cu(I). Thus, our results confirm the differential metal binding preference of SpMTA and SpMTB, which, together with the reported induction pattern of the respective genes, highlights how also in Echinodermata the MT polymorphism may be linked to the evolution of different physiological roles

Characterization of the recently detected cathinone N-cyclohexyl butylone: From structure elucidation to in silico supported pharmacological/ toxicological considerations

One of the most widely consumed new psychoactive substances (NPS) families in Europe are synthetic cathinones. Cathinone structure can be easily modified resulting in new derivatives that rapidly reach drug markets. In this work, the recently detected synthetic cathinone N-cyclohexyl butylone has been characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS), liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, using research chemicals samples collected by the drug analysis service Energy Control from anonymous users. Compound identification was performed by the combination of HRMS and NMR data. The elemental composition and putative moieties of the compound were determined based on the accurate-mass ions observed by HRMS. Then, different NMR experiments, including bidimensional, allowed the establishment of the chemical structure and confirmation of compound identity. Furthermore, FTIR spectrum was also acquired in order to provide a complete analytical characterization of the novel cathinone. Finally, pharmacological/toxicological characterization was attempted using in silico methods. Based on these predictions, N-cyclohexyl butylone probably has similar effects to stimulants like MDMA

First approach to the intervention of the paleo-ichnological heritage on "La Virgen del Campo" site. Enciso, La Rioja (Spain)

[ES] En el presente trabajo. se analiza el estado de conservación del yacimiento paleoicnológico de La Virgen del Campo, situado en Enciso, La Rioja (España). En primer lugar, se realiza una revision bibliográfica y búsqueda de las intervenciones realizadas en el yacimiento y los materiales que se aplicaron. Por otro lado, se realize un studio del estado de conservación y las causas de deterioro y las patologías presentes en el yacimiento. Dichas patologías, se identifican y se asignan a una categoría concreta gracias al glosario del ICOMOS. Por otro lado, se realiza una propuesta de intervención. Esta propuesta de intervención se realiza gracias a la revision bibliográdica y los estudios preliminaries llevados a cabo en el laboratorio. Finalmente, se realiza un studio de los materiales de restauración, especialmente centrado en los diferentes tipos de morteros de cal, testeando la compatiblidad con la piedra del yacimiento en el laboratorio y durante la campaña de campo.[EN] In this paper, we analysed the state of conservation of the paleoichnological site of La Virgen del Campo located in Enciso, La Rioja, (Spain). First, a bibliographic review was carried out, researching about the interventions made on the site and the materials applied. We made a conservation study, in which we analysed the causes of deterioration, using different methods, and pathologies. These pathologies are identified and assigned to a defined category according to ICOMOS glossary. In addition, we carried out an intervention proposal. This has been done, thanks to the bibliographic review and the studies that we accomplished at the laboratory. Finally, we made a study of the restoration materials, specially focused on different lime mortars. We tested their suitability with the rock of the site at the laboratory and then during the field season.Ferrer Ventura, M.; Mas Barberà, X.; Torices, A.; San Juan-Palacios, R.; Navarro-Lorbés, P. (2020). First approach to the intervention of the paleo-ichnological heritage on "La Virgen del Campo" site. Enciso, La Rioja (Spain). Arché. (13 - 14 - 15):93-102. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/1563769310213 - 14 - 1

Reporting the novel synthetic cathinone 5-PPDI through its analytical characterization by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance

Introduction: User surveys indicate that expectations of higher drug purity are a key reason for cryptomarket use. In 2014–2015, Spain’s NGO Energy Control conducted a 1-year pilot project to provide a testing service to cryptomarket drug users using the Transnational European Drug Information (TEDI) guidelines. In this paper, we present content and purity data from the trial. Methods: 219 samples were analyzed by gas chromatography associated with mass spectrometry (GC/ MS). Users were asked to report what substance they allegedly purchased. Results: 40 different advertised substances were reported, although 77.6% were common recreational drugs (cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, LSD, ketamine, cannabis). In 200 samples (91.3%), the main result of analysis matched the advertised substance. Where the advertised compound was detected, purity levels (m SD) were: cocaine 71.6 19.4%; MDMA (crystal) 88.3 1.4%; MDMA (pills) 133.3 38.4 mg; Amphetamine (speed) 51.3 33.9%; LSD 123.6 40.5 m g; Cannabis resin THC: 16.5 7.5% CBD: 3.4 1.5%; Ketamine 71.3 38.4%. 39.8% of cocaine samples contained the adulterant levamisole (11.6 8%). No adulterants were found in MDMA and LSD samples. Discussion: The largest collection of test results from drug samples delivered from cryptomarkets are reported in this study. Most substances contained the advertised ingredient and most samples were of high purity. The representativeness of these results is unknow

Updating the list of known opioids through identification and characterization of the new opioid derivative 3,4-dichloro-N- (2-(diethylamino)cyclohexyl)-N- methylbenzamide (U-49900)

New psychoactive substances have been rapidly growing in popularity in the drug market as non-illegal drugs. In the last few years, an increment has been reported on the use of synthetic alternatives to heroin, the synthetic opioids. Based on the information provided by the European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction, these synthetic opioids have been related to overdoses and deaths in Europe and North America. One of these opioids is the U-47700. A few months ago, U-47700 was scheduled in the U.S. and other countries, and other opioid derivatives have been appearing in order to replace it. One of these compounds is U-49900, an analog of U-47700. A white powder sample was obtained from an anonymous user in Spain. After an accurate characterization by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and single-crystal X-ray diffraction; and complemented by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet and circular dichroism spectrophotometry, the drug sample was unequivocally identified as U-49900. The information provided will be useful for the Early Warning System and forensic laboratories for future identifications of the U-49900, as well as in tentative identifications of other related opioids