Ancient DNA analysis of 8000 B.C. near eastern farmers supports an early neolithic pioneer maritime colonization of Mainland Europe through Cyprus and the Aegean Islands

The genetic impact associated to the Neolithic spread in Europe has been widely debated over the last 20 years. Within this context, ancient DNA studies have provided a more reliable picture by directly analyzing the protagonist populations at different regions in Europe. However, the lack of available data from the original Near Eastern farmers has limited the achieved conclusions, preventing the formulation of continental models of Neolithic expansion. Here we address this issue by presenting mitochondrial DNA data of the original Near-Eastern Neolithic communities with the aim of providing the adequate background for the interpretation of Neolithic genetic data from European samples. Sixty-three skeletons from the Pre Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) sites of Tell Halula, Tell Ramad and Dja'de El Mughara dating between 8,700-6,600 cal. B.C. were analyzed, and 15 validated mitochondrial DNA profiles were recovered. In order to estimate the demographic contribution of the first farmers to both Central European and Western Mediterranean Neolithic cultures, haplotype and haplogroup diversities in the PPNB sample were compared using phylogeographic and population genetic analyses to available ancient DNA data from human remains belonging to the Linearbandkeramik-Alföldi Vonaldiszes Kerámia and Cardial/Epicardial cultures. We also searched for possible signatures of the original Neolithic expansion over the modern Near Eastern and South European genetic pools, and tried to infer possible routes of expansion by comparing the obtained results to a database of 60 modern populations from both regions. Comparisons performed among the 3 ancient datasets allowed us to identify K and N-derived mitochondrial DNA haplogroups as potential markers of the Neolithic expansion, whose genetic signature would have reached both the Iberian coasts and the Central European plain. Moreover, the observed genetic affinities between the PPNB samples and the modern populations of Cyprus and Crete seem to suggest that the Neolithic was first introduced into Europe through pioneer seafaring colonization.

SMRT-mediated co-shuttling enables export of class IIa HDACs independent of their CaM kinase phosphorylation sites

The Class IIa histone deacetylases (HDAC)4 and HDAC5 play a role in neuronal survival and behavioral adaptation in the CNS. Phosphorylation at 2/3 N-terminal sites promote their nuclear export. We investigated whether non-canonical signaling routes to Class IIa HDAC export exist because of their association with the co-repressor Silencing Mediator Of Retinoic And Thyroid Hormone Receptors (SMRT). We found that, while HDAC5 and HDAC4 mutants lacking their N-terminal phosphorylation sites (HDAC4(MUT), HDAC5(MUT)) are constitutively nuclear, co-expression with SMRT renders them exportable by signals that trigger SMRT export, such as synaptic activity, HDAC inhibition, and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) signaling. We found that SMRT's repression domain 3 (RD3) is critical for co-shuttling of HDAC5(MUT), consistent with the role for this domain in Class IIa HDAC association. In the context of BDNF signaling, we found that HDAC5(WT), which was more cytoplasmic than HDAC5(MUT), accumulated in the nucleus after BDNF treatment. However, co-expression of SMRT blocked BDNF-induced HDAC5(WT) import in a RD3-dependent manner. In effect, SMRT-mediated HDAC5(WT) export was opposing the BDNF-induced HDAC5 nuclear accumulation observed in SMRT's absence. Thus, SMRT's presence may render Class IIa HDACs exportable by a wider range of signals than those which simply

Rotas de síntese e a homogeneidade dos precursores de mulita e cordierita

Multicomponent ceramics are mainly synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction route and sol-gel routes. In the sol-gel route, colloidal or polymeric gel are envolved. In this work, some principles of the chemistry of theses routes are discused and it is ilustrated a variety of strategies for obtaining a homogeneous multicomponent precursors.

Proposta per a la mobilitat en transport públic : MoveOnApp

This paper wants to show a solution for mobility in public transport. Nowadays, the high number of mobile devices with wireless geolocation and Internet data connection has become commonly used tools, as well as partial solutions to facilitate public transport focused on one means of transport (Bus, Underground ...). We collect information from public transport (means of transport, routes, schedules, fare information ...) and adapt it to different users (residents, visitors, public service staff ...). MoveOnApp is the solution adapting its user interface: finding nearby stops, planning a route, knowing schedules or real time service (connecting to the available services), or showing the route of the line. The system could incorporate new cities and regions, or new means of transport with updating service; at first we offered information of public transport from Palma (Majorca Island, Spain): moveOn Palma.

Convergent Approaches for the Synthesis of the Anti-tumoral Peptide, Kahalalide F. Study of Orthogonal Protecting Groups

Kahalalide compounds are peptides that are isolated from a Hawaiian herbivorous marine species of mollusc, Elysia rufescens, and its diet, the green alga Bryopsis sp. Kahalalide F and its synthetic analogues are the most promising compounds of the Kahalalide family because they show anti-tumoral activity. Linear solid-phase syntheses of Kahalalide F have been reported. Here we describe several new improved synthetic routes based on convergent approaches with distinct orthogonal protection schemes for the preparation of Kahaladide analogues. These strategies allow a better control and characterization of the intermediates because more reactions are performed in solution. Five derivatives of Kahalalide F were synthesized using several convergent approaches.

Perspectives in the use of carbon dioxide

The mitigation of carbon dioxide is one of the scientific and technological challenges of the 2000s. Among the technologies that are under assessment, the recovery of carbon dioxide from power plants or industrial flue gases plays a strategic role. Recovered carbon dioxide can be either disposed in natural fields or used. The availability of large amounts of carbon dioxide may open new routes to its utilisation in biological, chemical and innovative technological processes. In this paper, the potential of carbon dioxide utilisation in the short-, medium-term is reviewed.

Type II aromatic polyketide biosynthetic tailoring enzymes: diversity and adaptation in Streptomyces secondary metabolism.

Members of the bacterial genus Streptomyces are well known for their ability to produce an exceptionally wide selection of diverse secondary metabolites. These include natural bioactive chemical compounds which have potential applications in medicine, agriculture and other fields of commerce. The outstanding biosynthetic capacity derives from the characteristic genetic flexibility of Streptomyces secondary metabolism pathways: i) Clustering of the biosynthetic genes in chromosome regions redundant for vital primary functions, and ii) the presence of numerous genetic elements within these regions which facilitate DNA rearrangement and transfer between non-progeny species. Decades of intensive genetic research on the organization and function of the biosynthetic routes has led to a variety of molecular biology applications, which can be used to expand the diversity of compounds synthesized. These include techniques which, for example, allow modification and artificial construction of novel pathways, and enable gene-level detection of silent secondary metabolite clusters. Over the years the research has expanded to cover molecular-level analysis of the enzymes responsible for the individual catalytic reactions. In vitro studies of the enzymes provide a detailed insight into their catalytic functions, mechanisms, substrate specificities, interactions and stereochemical determinants. These are factors that are essential for the thorough understanding and rational design of novel biosynthetic routes. The current study is a part of a more extensive research project (Antibiotic Biosynthetic Enzymes; www.sci.utu.fi/projects/biokemia/abe), which focuses on the post-PKS tailoring enzymes involved in various type II aromatic polyketide biosynthetic pathways in Streptomyces bacteria. The initiative here was to investigate specific catalytic steps in anthracycline and angucycline biosynthesis through in vitro biochemical enzyme characterization and structural enzymology. The objectives were to elucidate detailed mechanisms and enzyme-level interactions which cannot be resolved by in vivo genetic studies alone. The first part of the experimental work concerns the homologous polyketide cyclases SnoaL and AknH. These catalyze the closure of the last carbon ring of the tetracyclic carbon frame common to all anthracycline-type compounds. The second part of the study primarily deals with tailoring enzymes PgaE (and its homolog CabE) and PgaM, which are responsible for a cascade of sequential modification reactions in angucycline biosynthesis. The results complemented earlier in vivo findings and confirmed the enzyme functions in vitro. Importantly, we were able to identify the amino acid -level determinants that influence AknH and SnoaL stereoselectivity and to determine the complex biosynthetic steps of the angucycline oxygenation cascade of PgaE and PgaM. In addition, the findings revealed interesting cases of enzyme-level adaptation, as some of the catalytic mechanisms did not coincide with those described for characterised homologs or enzymes of known function. Specifically, SnoaL and AknH were shown to employ a novel acid-base mechanism for aldol condenzation, whereas the hydroxylation reaction catalysed by PgaM involved unexpected oxygen chemistry. Owing to a gene-level fusion of two ancestral reading frames, PgaM was also shown to adopt an unusual quaternary sturucture, a non-covalent fusion complex of two alternative forms of the protein. Furthermore, the work highlighted some common themes encountered in polyketide biosynthetic pathways such as enzyme substrate specificity and intermediate reactivity. These are discussed in the final chapters of the work.

Síntese de poli(p-xililenos)

Poly(p-xylylenes), PPX, are a class of high performance insulating materials with many applications in the electronic component industry. We review herewith the most important synthetic routes to these polymers, described in the literature, since 1904.

Propriedades e aplicações de clusters trinucleares de carboxilatos de rutênio

A review with 94 references focusing on mu3-oxo-triruthenium carboxylate clusters is presented. The electronic, magnetic, electrochemical, and catalytic properties of these compounds are discussed. Main synthetic routes and structural characteristics, including their use as building blocks in supramolecular systems are described.

Desenvolupament d'una aplicació Android per gestionar rutes de Bicing

En aquest projecte es presenta el desenvolupament d'un sistema integrat per facilitar i incentivar l'ús dels serveis de bicicletes públiques. Seguint una arquitectura client/servidor, l'aplicació és capaç de proporcionar les millors rutes en bicicleta que connectin dos punts de la ciutat. A més, l'aplicació agrega informació que les empreses gestores dels serveis públics d'aquest mitjà de transport posen a disposició dels seus clients. Tot i que de moment l'aplicació es centra en el servei de Bicing de la ciutat de Barcelona, no es descarta la seva ampliació a altres ciutats del món.

Preparação e caracterização de pós cerâmicos de aluminatos de lítio

The preparation of gamma-LiAlO2 by coprecipitation and sol-gel synthesis was investigated. Ceramic powders obtained by coprecipitation synthesis were prepared from aqueous solutions of aluminum and lithium nitrates using sodium hydroxide as precipitant agent. By sol-gel synthesis, the ceramic powders were prepared from hydrolysis of aluminum isopropoxide. The materials obtained by two routes of synthesis were dried at 80ºC and calcined at 550, 750, 950 and 1150ºC. The characterization was done by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, emission and absorption atomic spectrometry, helium picnometry, specific surface area (BET method) and scanning electronic microscopy. Mixtures of crystalline phases were obtained by coprecipitation synthesis: 80ºC- LiAl2(OH)7.2H2O + Al(OH)3; 550 and 750ºC- alpha-LiAlO2 + eta-Al2O3; 950 and 1150ºC- gamma-LiAlO2 + LiAl5O8. Chemical analysis showed molar ration Al/Li @ 3. Crystalline single-phases were obtained by sol-gel synthesis above 550ºC: 550ºC-alpha-LiAlO2; 750, 950 and 1150ºC-gamma-LiAlO2. These powders presented molar ration Al/Li @ 1. Thus, gamma-LiAlO2 crystalline phase was obtained at 750ºC by sol-gel synthesis while by coprecipitation synthesis, a mixture of crystalline phases was obtained. These results showed the superiority of the sol-gel synthesis for the preparation of pure gamma-LiAlO2.

Structuration and branding of a religious tourism product: Catalonia sacra

This article aims to provide an overview of the products Catalonia has to offer in terms of religious tourism. The growing interest in this kind of tourism worldwide, and in Catalonia itself, along with the region's wealth of religious heritage (particularly connected to the Christian Church) contrast with the lack of religion-based tourism products available, which results in its absence from the region's image as a tourism destination. In view of this, the Faculty of Tourism (University of Girona), the Vic Bishopric's Albergueria-Centre for Cultural Dissemination and the Tarraconense Episcopal Conference's Interdiocese Secretariat for the Custody and Promotion of Holy Art (SICPAS) decided to address the situation with the help of funding from the Autonomous Government of Catalonia. In order to re-position Christian religious heritage in the image of Catalonia as a tourist destination, the aforementioned parties embarked upon a project to set up a series of routes throughout the region, branded under the name Catalonia Sacra

Transitoliikenteen lisäarvopalvelut

Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on selvittää Suomen transito- eli kauttakulkuliikenteessä käytössä olevia lisäarvopalveluja ja niiden kehitysnäkymiä. Tutkimuksessa selvitetään myös Suomen transitoliikenteen nykytilaa ja tulevaisuutta. Suomen kauttakulkureitin ohella tarkastellaan muita tärkeimpiä Venäjän ulkomaankaupan kuljetusreittejä. Tutkimus jakautuu 1) kauttakulkuliikennettä koskevaan kirjallisuusselvitykseen ja 2) lisäarvopalveluja selvittävään haastattelututkimukseen, jonka yhteydessä haastateltiin Suomessa toimivia kansallisia ja kansainvälisiä transitoliikenteen toimijoita. Tutkimustulosten perusteella Suomi toimii erityisesti itään suuntautuvien arvotavaroiden kauttakulkureittinä. Transitokuljetusten yhteydessä tarvitaan erilaisia lisäarvopalveluja. Haastatteluissa saatiin selville, että tavaratoimituksille on tarjolla Suomessa yli 30 erilaista lisäarvopalvelua, jotka syntyvät yleensä asiakkaan erityistarpeista. Lisäarvopalvelut keskittyvät aineettomiin toimintoihin, kuljetuksiin, laadunhallintaan ja tavarankäsittelyyn. Eniten tarjottuja lisäarvopalveluja ovat räätälöity asiakaspalvelu, IT-palvelut, dokumentointi ja konsultointi. Lisäarvopalvelut eivät yleensä yksistään vaikuta kuljetusreitin valintaan, mutta yhdessä tehokkaiden, laadukkaiden ja turvallisten logistiikkapalvelujen kanssa lisäarvopalvelut muodostavat merkittävän kilpailutekijän Suomen transitoreitille.

Jakelulogistiikan kustannustehokkuuden kehittäminen

Tämän diplomityön päätavoite on selvittää keinoja Woikoski Oy:n jakelulogistiikan kustannustehokkuuden kehittämiseksi. Päätavoite voidaan jakaa osatavoitteisiin, joita ovat varastonohjauksen kehittäminen ja jakelun kuljetustoimintojen tehostaminen. Varastoinnin nykytilaa arvioitiin ABC-analyysin avulla. Saatujen tulosten pohjalta määritettiin luokkakohtaiset varastonohjaussäännöt ja kiertonopeustavoitteet, jotka yhdessä muodostavat yritykselle varastopolitiikan. Havaitut ongelmat kulminoituivat jatkuvan varastoseurannan puuttumiseen, suuriin varastotasoihin sekä kysynnänhallinnan puutteisiin. Toimenpidesuosituksina yrityksen tulee investoida tehokkaaseen varastonhallintajärjestelmään sekä aloittaa systemaattinen kysynnän ennustaminen. Kuljetuksiin liittyviksi toimenpiteiksi ehdotetaan runko- ja jakelukuljetusten reittien sekä jakelualueiden optimointia ja tuloksena saadun jakelumallin käyttöönottoa. Nykyistä jakelurahtien hinnoittelua suositellaan tarkennettavaksi siten, että jakelukustannuksia ja toimitusmääriä eritellään nykyistä tarkemmin ja asiakkaille kohdistetaan rahtikustannuksia todenmukaisin perustein. Lisäksi logistiikkatoimintaa tulee yhtenäistää eri toimipaikkojen kesken ja toimintojen mittaamista on tehostettava organisaatiossa.

Híbridos inorgânico-orgânicos derivados da reação de filossicatos com organossilanos

Silylation reactions involving hydroxylated surfaces are an important route for synthesis of new materials that could present selected properties, for application in different areas such as catalysis, chromatography, adsorption and electrochemistry. An overview of many synthetic routes, comprising organosilanes to yield phyllosilicates is now presented.