Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of samples of astrochemical interest handled as individual particles by means of non-inertial acoustic confinement.

The present communication will show experiments performed with an acoustic levitator capable of trapping individual solid particles of different sizes (preferably in the range between 0.1 - 5 mm), shapes, and chemical properties in air. The levitator offers significant advantages over conventional handling approaches for particulate matter as it just requires picking up the desired particle, place it in the levitation device, and performing fine adjustment to bring the particle to the focal point of the laser beam. Single-shot or accumulative shots can be performed depending on the laser energy required, allowing the recording of excellent signal-to-noise ratio LIBS spectra.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Seed storage conditions change the germination pattern of clonal growth plants in Mediterranean salt marshes.

8 páginas, 4 tablas, 8 figuras.The effect of salinity level and extended exposure to different salinity and flooding conditions on germination patterns of three saltmarsh clonal growth plants (Juncus subulatus, Scirpus litoralis, and S. maritimus) was studied. Seed exposure to extended flooding and saline conditions significantly affected the outcome of the germination process in a different, though predictable, way for each species, after favorable conditions for germination were restored. Tolerance of the germination process was related to the average salinity level measured during the growth/germination season at sites where established individuals of each species dominated the species cover. No relationship was found between salinity tolerance of the germination process and seed response to extended exposure to flooding and salinity conditions. The salinity response was significantly related to the conditions prevailing in the habitats of the respective species during the unfavorable (nongrowth/nongermination) season. Our results indicate that changes in salinity and hydrology while seeds are dormant affect the outcome of the seed-bank response, even when conditions at germination are identical. Because these environmental-history-dependent responses differentially affect seed germination, seedling density, and probably sexual recruitment in the studied and related species, these influences should be considered for wetland restoration and managementFinancial support from the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (MMA, project 05/99) and the Junta de Andalucía (research group 4086)enabled us to carry out the present work.Peer reviewe

Seed storage conditions change the germination pattern of clonal growth plants in Mediterranean salt marshes.

8 páginas, 4 tablas, 8 figuras.The effect of salinity level and extended exposure to different salinity and flooding conditions on germination patterns of three saltmarsh clonal growth plants (Juncus subulatus, Scirpus litoralis, and S. maritimus) was studied. Seed exposure to extended flooding and saline conditions significantly affected the outcome of the germination process in a different, though predictable, way for each species, after favorable conditions for germination were restored. Tolerance of the germination process was related to the average salinity level measured during the growth/germination season at sites where established individuals of each species dominated the species cover. No relationship was found between salinity tolerance of the germination process and seed response to extended exposure to flooding and salinity conditions. The salinity response was significantly related to the conditions prevailing in the habitats of the respective species during the unfavorable (nongrowth/nongermination) season. Our results indicate that changes in salinity and hydrology while seeds are dormant affect the outcome of the seed-bank response, even when conditions at germination are identical. Because these environmental-history-dependent responses differentially affect seed germination, seedling density, and probably sexual recruitment in the studied and related species, these influences should be considered for wetland restoration and managementFinancial support from the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (MMA, project 05/99) and the Junta de Andalucía (research group 4086)enabled us to carry out the present work.Peer reviewe

Doñana. Acta vertebrata. vol 24(1/2)

Alimentación de la lagartija colilarga Psammodromus algirus (L) (Sauria, Lacertidae), en el litoral de Huelva (SO EspañaLa alimentación de Myotis myotis Borkh, 1791 (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) en la cuenca del rio Guadix (sureste de España)Distribución y selección de hábitat de la garduña (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) en Vizcaya y Sierra Salvada (Burgos).Nuevo modelo de trampa para reducir el impacto de la pesca de cangrejos sobre los vertebrados en las marismas del GuadalquiviThe functions of song and the spatial pattern of song production in the rufous bush chat (Cercotrichas galactotes)Migración e invernada de las lavanderas cascadena Motacilla cinerea y blanca M. alba en la Penínula Ibérica e Islas BalearesAbundancia y reproducción de Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Rodentia, Gliridae) en el Pirineo occidental.Estatus de residencia, categorización trófica y abundancia de aves en el zoológico de La Plata, ArgentinaAvifauna reproductora y estructura del hábitat en la campiña y sierras Subbéticas de JaénDispersión de semillas de retama (Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss por el conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) en el centro de EspañaGuía para la identificación de restos óseos pertenecientes a algunos peces comunes en las aguas continentales de la Península Ibérica para el estudio de la dieta de depredadores ictiófagosDistribución y abundancia del corzo (Capreolus capreolus L. 1758) en la provincia de JaénAlimentación de las larvas de anuros en ambientes temporales del sistema del rio Paraná, Argentina.Mauremys leprosa como presa de Lutra lutraNota sobre la alimentación del lince ibérico en el Parque Natural de la Sierra de Andújar (Sierra Morena oriental)Presencia de Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda) en un lobo ibérico (Canis lupusLa orientación de los nidos de paseriformes estepariosComparación de la dieta obtenida a partir de muestras estomacales y fecales del Tuco-tuco, Ctenomys mendocinus, en dos poblaciones de la precordillera de los Andes, ArgentinaEstructura genética y distribución de la variabilidad enzimática en poblaciones naturales de estornino negro (Sturnus unicolor)Estimación de la disponibilidad trófica para el quebrantahuesos (Gypaetus barbatus) en Cataluña (NE España) e implicaciones sobre su conservaciónPeer reviewe

A multi-country test of brief reappraisal interventions on emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased negative emotions and decreased positive emotions globally. Left unchecked, these emotional changes might have a wide array of adverse impacts. To reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions, we tested the effectiveness of reappraisal, an emotion-regulation strategy that modifies how one thinks about a situation. Participants from 87 countries and regions (n = 21,644) were randomly assigned to one of two brief reappraisal interventions (reconstrual or repurposing) or one of two control conditions (active or passive). Results revealed that both reappraisal interventions (vesus both control conditions) consistently reduced negative emotions and increased positive emotions across different measures. Reconstrual and repurposing interventions had similar effects. Importantly, planned exploratory analyses indicated that reappraisal interventions did not reduce intentions to practice preventive health behaviours. The findings demonstrate the viability of creating scalable, low-cost interventions for use around the world

Deep-UV laser-induced breakdown spectrometry and laser-ionization mass spectrometry for astrochemistry studies.

The recent ambitions of different national space agencies to return to the Moon and to potentially set up a permanent moon base soon, have triggered the interest to adapt different analysis techniques to the conditions of our satellite. The Moon has virtually no atmosphere, with a vacuum level in the range of the pico mbar. Under such conditions, and after the formation of a laser-induced plasma, the possibility of direct recording of LIBS spectra below 200 nm (DUV/VUV LIBS) or performing mass spectrometry out of the generated ions (LIMS) can be done without the use of pumping system. This communication will show the results obtained in the laboratory under ultra-high vacuum conditions monitoring the photons and ions of solid samples of interest in astrochemical research. For LIBS, a flat-field XUV spectrometer was used, with capability to cover a spectral range from 30-250 nm. Such region, very unexplored in conventional LIBS offers several advantages as reduced interferences and a higher emission intensity from elements of interest in astrochemistry as CHNOPS. For LIMS, a reflectron-type time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used, allowing the simultaneous recording of mass spectra in the 1-1000 range. A deep discussion on the two experimental configurations will be provided, detailing the experimental parameters affecting the signal in both cases. Different examples will be shown, with special emphasis in non-consolidated matter that can be assimilated to the moon regoliths.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

CHARACTERIZATION OF PULSED LASER DEPOSITED ZNO FILMS: INFLUENCE OF LASER AND BEAM PROFILE AT 532 AND 1064 NM

ZnO thin films have been elaborated using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique onto glass substrate at room temperature. The PLD process is developed in oxygen atmosphere (1*10-1 mbar). The morphology, chemical composition and optical characteristics were studied as function of laser wavelength and laser profile (532 and 1064 nm). Film properties are strongly influenced by the Gaussian profile to flat top shaped laser beam at 532 nm and 1064 nm. At regardless of laser wavelength, films prepared with flat top profile exhibit smooth surface and preferential growth direction (101), it is detected reduction of the density defects like interstitial or vacancies atoms. The optical band gap, the ratio intensity visible/UV fluorescence and peak position are modified in agree with the degradation of film stoichiometry. At regardless of the laser wavelength, the use of Gaussian beam stimulates the highest deposition rate; the surface roughness and clusters density are incremented. Films show a polycrystalline structure (100, 002 and 101). The optical band gap is modified, film stoichiometry is higher than flat top films, in agree with the fluorescence measurements. We demonstrated a simple, fast and low cost setup to elaborate ZnO films with tailored properties. These films could be used to applications in short wavelength optoelectronic devices, optical or electric sensors, also for the elaboration of nanowires using different types of substrates.ZnO thin films have been elaborated using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique onto glass substrate at room temperature. The PLD process is developed in oxygen atmosphere (1*10-1 mbar). The morphology, chemical composition and optical characteristics were studied as function of laser wavelength and laser profile (532 and 1064 nm). Film properties are strongly influenced by the Gaussian profile to flat top shaped laser beam at 532 nm and 1064 nm. At regardless of laser wavelength, films prepared with flat top profile exhibit smooth surface and preferential growth direction (101), it is detected reduction of the density defects like interstitial or vacancies atoms. The optical band gap, the ratio intensity visible/UV fluorescence and peak position are modified in agree with the degradation of film stoichiometry. At regardless of the laser wavelength, the use of Gaussian beam stimulates the highest deposition rate; the surface roughness and clusters density are incremented. Films show a polycrystalline structure (100, 002 and 101). The optical band gap is modified, film stoichiometry is higher than flat top films, in agree with the fluorescence measurements. We demonstrated a simple, fast and low cost setup to elaborate ZnO films with tailored properties. These films could be used to applications in short wavelength optoelectronic devices, optical or electric sensors, also for the elaboration of nanowires using different types of substrates

Results of haploidentical transplant in patients with donor-specific antibodies : a survey on behalf of the Spanish Group of Hematopoietic Transplant and Cell Therapy

Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) are IgG allo-antibodies against mismatched donor HLA molecules and can cause graft failure (GF) in the setting of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Our aim was to report the experience of the Spanish Group of Hematopoietic Transplant (GETH-TC) in DSA-positive patients who had undergone haplo-HSCT. We conducted a survey of patients who underwent haplo-HSCT in GETH-TC centers between 2012 and 2021. Data were collected on the DSA assay used, monitoring strategy, complement fixation, criteria for desensitization, desensitization strategies and transplant outcomes. Fifteen centers from the GETH-TC responded to the survey. During the study period, 1,454 patients underwent haplo-HSCT. Seventy of the transplants were performed in 69 DSA-positive patients, all of whom lacked a suitable alternative donor; 61 (88%) patients were female (90% with prior pregnancies). All patients received post-transplant cyclophosphamide-based graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis. Regarding baseline DSA intensity, 46 (67%) patients presented mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) >5,000, including 21 (30%) with MFI >10,000 and three (4%) with MFI >20,000. Six patients did not receive desensitization treatment, four of them with MFI 20,000 as an independent risk factor for survival and an increase in titers after infusion as an independent risk factor for GF. Haplo-HSCT is feasible in DSA-positive patients, with high rates of engraftment after desensitization guided by DSA intensity. Baseline MFI >20,000 and increased intensity after infusion are risk factors for survival and GF