Sulfur and strontium isotope composition of the Llobregat River (NE Spain): Tracers of natural and anthropogenic chemicals in stream waters

The use of sulfur and strontium isotopes as tracers for the source/s of water contaminants have been applied to the water of the Llobregat River system (NE Spain). Surface water samples from June 1997 were collected from the Llobregat River and its main tributaries and creeks. The chemistry of most stream waters are controlled mainly by the weathering of Tertiary chemical sediments within the drainage basin. The largest variation in delta(34)S values were found in the small creeks with values ranging from -9.9 to 15parts per thousand, whilst in the main river channels values ranged from 6.3 to 12.4parts per thousand. The Sr-87/Sr-86 ratio for dissolved strontium ranged from 0.70795 for a non-polluted site to 0.70882 for a polluted one. Most of the waters with high NO3 and low Ca/Na ratio converge to the same Sr-87/Sr-86 value, pointing to dominant pollutant end member contribution or a mixing of pollutants with an isotopic composition around 0.7083-0.7085. Although the concentration of the natural inputs in the river for sulfate and strontium are high, as a result of the sulfate outcrops within the geology of the basin, their isotopic characteristics suggest that they can be used as a discriminating device in water pollution problems. However to establish the detailed characteristics of the isotopes as geochemical tools, specific high-resolution case studies are necessary in small areas, where the inputs are well known.

La Red Dédalo, galardonada por UNICEF en el VII certamen de buenas prácticas a favor de la infancia y la adolescencia

Boletín semanal para profesionales sanitarios de la Secretaría General de Calidad, Innovación y Salud Pública de la Consejería de Igualdad, Salud y Políticas Sociales

A Factor analysis of hidrochemical composition of Llobregat river basin

Hydrogeological research usually includes some statistical studies devised to elucidate mean background state, characterise relationships among different hydrochemical parameters, and show the influence of human activities. These goals are achieved either by means of a statistical approach or by mixing modelsbetween end-members. Compositional data analysis has proved to be effective with the first approach, but there is no commonly accepted solution to the end-member problem in a compositional framework.We present here a possible solution based on factor analysis of compositions illustrated with a case study.We find two factors on the compositional bi-plot fitting two non-centered orthogonal axes to the most representative variables. Each one of these axes defines a subcomposition, grouping those variables thatlay nearest to it. With each subcomposition a log-contrast is computed and rewritten as an equilibrium equation. These two factors can be interpreted as the isometric log-ratio coordinates (ilr) of three hiddencomponents, that can be plotted in a ternary diagram. These hidden components might be interpreted as end-members.We have analysed 14 molarities in 31 sampling stations all along the Llobregat River and its tributaries, with a monthly measure during two years. We have obtained a bi-plot with a 57% of explained totalvariance, from which we have extracted two factors: factor G, reflecting geological background enhanced by potash mining; and factor A, essentially controlled by urban and/or farming wastewater. Graphicalrepresentation of these two factors allows us to identify three extreme samples, corresponding to pristine waters, potash mining influence and urban sewage influence. To confirm this, we have available analysisof diffused and widespread point sources identified in the area: springs, potash mining lixiviates, sewage, and fertilisers. Each one of these sources shows a clear link with one of the extreme samples, exceptfertilisers due to the heterogeneity of their composition.This approach is a useful tool to distinguish end-members, and characterise them, an issue generally difficult to solve. It is worth note that the end-member composition cannot be fully estimated but only characterised through log-ratio relationships among components. Moreover, the influence of each endmember in a given sample must be evaluated in relative terms of the other samples. These limitations areintrinsic to the relative nature of compositional data

Diseño e implementación de una base de datos relacional para la gestión de la red de bibliotecas

Implementar una base de datos para que pueda ser integrada en un aplicativo de gestión de una red de bibliotecas y que permita obtener de forma eficiente aquellos elementos valiosos para la toma de decisiones.

Molecular markers allow sibling species identification in red wood ants (Formica rufa group)

Red wood ants (Formica rufa group) constitute a group of species that are considered to be among the most promising bioindicators in forest ecosystems. However, because of their morphological similarity and intraspecific variability, morphological species identification can be difficult. Considerable expertise is necessary to discriminate between the sibling species F. lugubris and F. paralugubris, two species that often live in sympatry in the same Alpine forests. New taxonomic tools providing rapid and reliable species identification are needed. We present a simple and reliable molecular technique based on mtDNA (COI gene) and a restriction enzyme for discriminating between F. lugubris and F. paralugubris. We confirm the validity of this method with a Bayesian analysis based on microsatellites. This new molecular tool represents a clear breakthrough for discriminating between F. lugubris and F. paralugubris and is likely to be helpful in large-scale biomonitoring.

RED BLOOD CELL MICROPARTICLES: ROLE IN TRANSFUSION MEDICINE?

RésuméLes microparticules sont des vésicules phospholipidiques de moins d‟un micromètre relâchées dans le sang par différents types cellulaires, comme les cellules endothéliales, les plaquettes ou encore les globules blancs et rouges. Elles sont bioactives et impliquées dans de nombreux processus physiologiques incluant l‟hémostase. De plus, un nombre élevé de microparticules circulantes dans le sang a été observé dans différentes pathologies.Dans le domaine de la transfusion, les microparticules de globules rouges ont été détectées dans les concentrés érythrocytaires. Le but de cette recherche était de caractériser les microparticules de globules rouges et d‟évaluer si ces dernières avaient un rôle en transfusion. Pour ce faire, une approche globale utilisant différentes techniques comme la cytométrie de flux, la protéomique, la microscopie ainsi que des tests d‟hémostase de routines, a été adoptée.Le présent travail de thèse a démontré que les microparticules de globules rouges s‟accumulent dans les concentrés érythrocytaires pendant le stockage. Leur bioactivité a été démontrée de part leur rôle actif dans le processus de la coagulation. En effet, lors de test de génération de thrombine, elles peuvent non seulement supporter ce processus de coagulation, mais aussi le déclencher par un mécanisme inconnu sous certaines circonstances. Les microparticules de globules rouges présentent aussi des antigènes de groupes sanguins à leur surface, toutefois, leur implication potentielle dans l‟induction d‟une réponse immunitaire n‟est pas connue. Bien que le mécanisme de formation et d‟émissions des microparticules par les globules rouges ne soit pas complètement élucidé, il a été démontré qu‟elles n‟ont pas toutes le même contenu protéique et donc qu‟elles pourraient avoir des fonctions différentes.Au vu des résultats, notamment par leur implication dans la coagulation, il est fort probable que la présence de microparticules puisse affecter la qualité des produits sanguins, et causer des réactions transfusionnelles.

City of Red Oak, June 30, 2002

City Audit Report

Sistema de auto localización a partir de una red WIFI

El objetivo de este trabajo es la localización de una persona u objeto mediante la tecnología inalámbrica. Para realizarlo se ha hecho un estudio sobre las ondas wifi observando su comportamiento en distintas situaciones, así como sus problemas y factores que pueden ser relevantes en el proceso, para dar lugar a un posicionamiento acertado.

Late Labradorian metamorphism and anorthosite-granitoid intrusion, Cape-Caribou River allochthon, Grenville Province, Labrador - Evidence from U-Pb geochronology

In the Cape Caribou River allochthon (CCRA), metaigneous and gneissic units occur as a shallowly plunging synform in the hanging wall of the Grand Lake thrust system (GLTS), a Grenvillian structure that forms the boundary between the Mealy Mountains and Groswater Bay terranes. The layered rocks of the CCRA are cut by a stockwork of monzonite dykes related to the Dome Mountain suite and by metadiabase-amphibolite dykes that probably form part of the ca. 1380 Ma Mealy swarm. The mafic dykes appear to postdate much of the development of subhorizontal metamorphic layering within the lower parts of the CCRA. The uppermost (least metamorphosed) units of the CCRA, the North West River anorthosite-metagabbro and the Dome Mountain monzonite suite, have been dated at 1625 +/- 6 and 1626 +/- 2 Ma, respectively. An amphibolite unit that concordantly underlies the anorthosite-metagabbro and is intruded discordantly by monzonite dykes has given metamorphic ages of 1660 +/- 3 and 1631 +/- 2 Ma. Granitoid gneisses that form the lowest level of the CCRA have given a migmatization age of 1622 +/- 6 Ma. The effects of Grenvillian metamorphism become apparent in the lower levels of the allochthon where gneisses, amphibolite, and mafic dykes have given new generation zircon ages of 1008 +/- 2, 1012 +/- 3, and 1011 +/- 3 Ma, respectively. A posttectonic pegmatite has also given zircon and monazite ages of 1016(-3)(+7) and 1013 +/- 3 Ma, respectively. Although these results indicate new growth of Grenvillian zircon, this process was generally not accompanied by penetrative deformation or melting. Thus, the formation of gneissic fabrics and the overall layered nature of the lower CCRA are a result primarily of Labradorian (1660-1620 Ma) tectonism and intrusion, and probably reflect early movement on an ancestral GLTS. Grenvillian heating and metamorphism (up to granulite facies) was strongly concentrated towards the base of the CCRA and probably occurred during northwestward thrusting of the allochthon over the Groswater Bay terrane.

31-11-19 [i.e. 1er décembre], rue Olivier de Serres, [Football] Association, équipe Red star : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 57087

City of Red Oak, June 30, 2003

City Audit Report

14-12-19, [football] association, équipe du Red Star : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 57227