bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Levels of Dual-Class Drug Resistance in HIV-Infected Children Failing First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Birkneh Tilahun , Kinloch Natalie N. , Baraki Bemuluyigza , Lapointe Hope R. , Cobarrubias Kyle D. , Brockman Mark A. , Brumme Chanson J. , Foster Byron A. , Jerene Degu , Makonnen Eyasu , Aklillu Eleni , Brumme Zabrina L.
Published: February 2018

Clinical monitoring of pediatric HIV treatment remains a major challenge in settings where drug resistance genotyping is not routinely available. As a result, our understanding of drug resistance, and its impact on subsequent therapeutic regimens available in these settings, remains limited. We investigate the prevalence and correlates of HIV-1 drug resistance among 94 participants of the Ethiopia Pediatric HIV Cohort failing first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) using dried blood spot-based genotyping. Overall, 81% (73/90) of successfully genotyped participants harbored resistance mutations, including 69% (62/90) who harbored resistance to both Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) and Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs). Strikingly, 42% of resistant participants harbored resistance to all four NRTIs recommended for second-line use in this setting, meaning that there are effectively no remaining cART options for these children. Longer cART duration and prior regimen changes were significantly associated with detection of drug resistance mutations. Replicate genotyping increased the breadth of drug resistance detected in 34% of cases, and thus is recommended for consideration when typing from blood spots. Implementation of timely drug resistance testing and access to newer antiretrovirals and drug classes are urgently needed to guide clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for HIV-infected children on first-line cART in Ethiopia.
Empirical Characterization of Particle Size Distribution Spatial Dynamics for Helminth Eggs Detection in Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP)
Authors: Izdori Fides , Semiao Andrea , Perona Paolo
Published: February 2018

This study assesses seasonal particle size distribution (PSD) dynamics inside a waste stabilization ponds (WSP) (Buguruni, Tanzania) to understand settling dynamics of wastewater particles with an interest in helminth eggs. Results indicate that particles coming into the pond are mainly supracolloidal and settleables with 52.9% and 45.6%, respectively, in dry season and 48.9% and 49.9%, respectively, in wet season. Inflow PSD is a unimodal distribution that splits into settling and suspended PSDs, with an indication of particle breakage, as shown by the increased volume of smaller particles and hence the appearance of a bimodal distribution for the suspended particles. Up to 61.5% and 45.2% of particles that fall within the size range of helminths eggs are suspended during dry and wet seasons, respectively, with the potential to be carried in the effluent and to cause contamination.
Discovery of an Ultraviolet Counterpart to an Ultrafast X-Ray Outflow in the Quasar PG 1211+143
Authors: Kriss Gerard A. , Lee Julia C. , Danehkar Ashkbiz , Nowak Michael A. , Fang Taotao , Hardcastle Martin J. , Neilsen Joseph , Young Andrew
Published: February 2018

We observed the quasar PG 1211+143 using the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope in 2015 April as part of a joint campaign with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Jansky Very Large Array. Our ultraviolet spectra cover the wavelength range 912–2100 Å. We find a broad absorption feature (

) at an observed wavelength of 1240 Å. Interpreting this as H i Lyα, in the rest frame of PG 1211+143 (z = 0.0809), this corresponds to an outflow velocity of −16,980

(outflow redshift

), matching the moderate ionization X-ray absorption system detected in our Chandra observation and reported previously by Pounds et al. With a minimum H i column density of

, and no absorption in other UV resonance lines, this Lyα absorber is consistent with arising in the same ultrafast outflow as the X-ray absorbing gas. The Lyα feature is weak or absent in archival ultraviolet spectra of PG 1211+143, strongly suggesting that this absorption is transient, and intrinsic to PG 1211+143. Such a simultaneous detection in two independent wavebands for the first time gives strong confirmation of the reality of an ultrafast outflow in an active galactic nucleus.
Induction of Immune Responses by DNA Vaccines Formulated with Dendrimer and Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) Nano-Adjuvants in BALB/c Mice Infected with Leishmania major
Authors: Tabatabaie Fatemeh , Samarghandi Nasim , Zarrati Somayeh , Maleki Fatemeh , Ardestani Mehdi Shafiee , Elmi Taher , Mosawi Sayed Hussain
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease induced by a protozoan from the genus Leishmania. No effective vaccine has yet been developed against the disease.AIM: In this work, two nano-vaccines, TSA recombinant plasmid and dendrimer and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles (as adjuvants), were designed and tested for their immunogenicity in BALB/c mice.METHODS: After the plasmid construction and preparation of adjuvants, three intramuscular injections of the nano-vaccines (100 µg) and the recombinant TSA protein (20 µg) were subcutaneously performed. Eventually, the challenged animals were infected with the parasites (1*106 promastigotes). After the last injections of the nano-vaccines, the responses of their antibody subclasses and cytokines were assessed via ELISA method before and after the challenge.RESULTS: This study revealed that the new nano-vaccines were strong and effective in inducing specific antibody and cellular responses and reducing the parasite burden in the spleen compared to the control groups of Leishmania major-infected BALB/c mice.CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we can suggest that the formulated vaccines are suitable candidates for further studies in the field of leishmaniasis control.
Value of SSTR2A and Claudin - 1 in Differentiating Meningioma from Schwannoma and Hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Anis Shady E. , Lotfalla Mira , Zain Muhammad , Kamel Nora N. , Soliman Ahmed A.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND: The distinction between meningioma, schwannoma and solitary fibrous tumour/ hemangiopericytoma can be challenging in some cases. This study evaluates the expression of Somatostatin receptor 2A (SSTR2A) and Claudin-1 in these different tumours.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five cases of meningioma, 10 cases of intracranial schwannoma and 10 cases of hemangiopericytoma were assessed. The immunohistochemical expression of SSTR2A and Claudin-1 was evaluated and scored according to the percentage of immunostained tumour cells (0: 1+, 2+ and 3). The intensity of staining was classified as weak, moderate and strong.RESULTS: Positivity for SSTR2A and Claudin-1 was encountered in 89% and 49% of meningiomas respectively. None of the schwannomas or hemangiopericytomas was positive for any of both markers. All grade I and II meningiomas were positive for SSTR2A, and only 20% of grade III showed positive staining (p < 0.05). Claudin-1 positivity was detected in 50%, 43% and 60% of grade I, II and III meningioma respectively, with significantly higher intensity in grade III (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: SSTR2A is highly sensitive and specific for meningioma. Claudin-1 is highly specific for meningioma, with low sensitivity. The adjunctive use of both markers can be very helpful in the diagnosis of meningioma and its distinction from schwannoma and hemangiopericytoma.
Oral Hygiene Index in Early Childhood Caries, Before and After Topical Fluoride Treatment
Authors: Kokoceva-Ivanovska Olga Ratko , Sarakinova Olivera , Zabokova-Bilbilova Efka , Mijoska Aneta Nikola , Stavreva Natasha
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND: Circular caries occurs in the earliest age of the children (1 - 1.5 year), immediately after the eruption of the deciduous teeth. During this period, children are too young to be able to properly implement oral hygiene. Consequently, it is at a negligible level, with plenty of soft plaque on the deciduous tooth surfaces.OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this clinical trial was to determine the correlation between oral hygiene shown with Oral Hygiene index, and the initial stages of circular caries (initial lesion and superficial form), before and after topical fluoride treatment.MATERIAL AND METHODS: For determination of the OHI - index we used the method of Green - Vermillion. It was determined two times in 117 patients, during the first visit and immediately before physiological replacement of deciduous teeth. Patients were two to three years old and diagnosed with initial stages of circular caries. Amino fluoride solution was applied once a week, during six months.RESULTS: We obtained statistically significant improvement of OHI - index at the end of the test, among treated subjects from both major groups.CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the level of oral hygiene is correlated with the progression of changes in enamel. Topical fluoride treatment has a positive impact on reducing ECC.
Palatal Melanoma: ʺThe Silent Killerʺ
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Lotti Torello , Wollina Uwe
Published: February 2018

Primary melanoma of the oral cavity is extremely uncommon tumour consisting approximately 0.2 - 8.0% of all melanoma cases and 0.5% of all oral malignancies. It has an aggressive behaviour and poor prognosis, with 5 – year - survival rate between 5 - 20%. The initial symptoms are often unnoticed, which lead to late diagnosis and worsening of the prognosis. Because of its infrequent occurrence, there is no well - defined classification and therapeutic protocol, in contrast to melanomas of another side. Early diagnosis and treatment are essentially linked to survival rate. We present a case of palatal melanoma in a 76 – year - old female patient, as we want to emphasise the importance of the early detection and accurate diagnosis of melanoma of oral cavity, to its influence of the therapeutic outcome.
L’avenir est un champ de bataille
Authors: Guéguen Haud , Tarragoni Federico
Published: February 2018

Cette contribution, à l’interface de la sociologie et de la philosophie politique, s’interroge sur le type de conflictualité sociale dont le temps, et plus particulièrement l’imagination du futur, peut être l’opérateur. Nous vivons, en effet, à une époque de remise en cause radicale, dans l’ordre de la pensée et de la pratique conflictuelle, du slogan tant philosophique que politique TINA ( There Is No Alternative) . Or une telle remise en cause, dont Nuit debout est une manifestation organique, en ce qu’il a conduit des milliers de citoyens ordinaires à s’interroger sur le type de futur démocratique dont ils voulaient être les acteurs, a sa propre histoire. Cet article en ponctue quelques jalons, entre la philosophie (Bloch, Benjamin) et la sociologie (Elias), en montrant en quoi cette archéologie du « possible » permet de comprendre les usages contestataires du temps qui ont vu le jour sur la Place de la République entre avril et juillet 2016.
De la douceur musicale comme faux positif du présentisme contemporain
Authors: Christoffel David
Published: February 2018

Il y a 100 ans, le présentisme futuriste des avant-gardes en appelait au bruitisme pour incorporer les sons urbains dans l’art des sons. Aujourd’hui, le présentisme catastrophiste prescrit de la musique douce à titre de soulagement survivaliste. Les vieilles berceuses trouvent une seconde utilité, mais l’aimable retoucherie esthétique réduit la musique à ses vertus anxiolytiques. Mais plus les bienfaits sonores promettent de boucler les belles détentes de l’esprit, plus ils laissent impensés les potentiels critiques qu’une dilatation perceptive des durées pourrait occasionner. Faute d’espoir plus solide, l’article se termine par un paradoxe sur l’hypothèse d’une hypnose libertarienne.
Les involontaires de la patrie
Authors: Viveiros De Castro Eduardo , Aupiais-L’Homme Armand , Rocha De Souza Lima Henrique
Published: February 2018

À rebours des politiques indigénistes, ce manifeste appelle à la résistance/rexistence de tous les indigènes du Brésil, qu’ils soient indiens ou non, de tous les pauvres et opprimés natifs de cette terre qui en ont été lentement et sûrement dépossédés par l’État pour en faire des « citoyens » assujetis, exploités, surveillés, assistés. Car pour l’auteur, appartenir à la terre au lieu d’en être propriétaire est ce qui définit l’indigène. Alors, le processus de brésilianisation, qui a commencé par la « désindinisation » des Indiens, n’a eu de cesse de séparer tous les indigènes de leur relation organique à la terre, le sol d’un baraquement de favela ou le jardin d’une arrière-cour, pour en faire des travailleurs ou des soldats. C’est pourquoi la lutte des Indiens est celle de tous les indigènes brésiliens, qu’ils soient pauvres, blancs, noirs, métis, LGBT ou femmes.
Temperature Monitoring in Škocjanske jame Caves
Authors: Kranjc Andrej , Opara Bogdan
Published: February 2018

1884 je pričel J. Marinitsch meriti in zapisovati temperature v Škocjanskih jamah in njihovi okolici. Meritve za čas 1886-1914 so bile zabeležene v “Höhlenbuch”. Leta 1928 so potekale podrobne mikroklimatske meritve sočasno v podzemlju in na površju. V letih 1960-1962 so člani ljubljanske univerze opravljali meteorološka opazovanja v jami in v udornici Velika dolina. 1992 so v okviru Inštituta pričeli z rednimi beleženji temperatur. Kasneje so v različne dele postavili 5 avtomatskih termometrov. Analizirani so rezultati dvoletnih opazovanj (maj 1997 - maj 1999) ter predstavljeni v tem prispevku. Čeprav so si letni povprečki precej podobni (10,6 ° in 10,1 °C), kažejo mesečni povprečki velika nihanja (od 1,6 ° do 17,3 °C), medtem ko so bile absolutne temperature v razponu od -1,5 ° do 21,9 °C. Najpomembnejša dejavnika za razporeditev temperature sta razdalja od vhoda in vertikalna lega. Primerjava temperature vode Reke in temperature zraka pri Mačji brvi kaže visoko stopnjo korelacije (R2 = 0,8994). Predhodna opazovanja v tem kratkem času kažejo, da je del Škocjanskih jam, kjer teče Reka, izrazito dinamična jama in da obiskovalci ne morejo preveč vplivati na tamkajšnja meteorološka dogajanja.In 1884 J. Marinitsch started to measure and note down the data of temperature in the Škocjanske jame caves and nearby. The results for the period 1886-1914 are recorded in the “Höhlenbuch”. During the year 1928 detailed microclimatic measurements are performed simultaneously on the surface and underground. In the years 1960-1962 the members of the Ljubljana University have carried on the meteorological observations in the cave and specially in the collapse doline Velika dolina. In 1992 Karst Research Institute started to monitor the temperatures. Later on 5 temperature recorders were placed into different parts of the cave. The results of the two years (May 1997 - May 1999) were analysed and are presented in this paper. Although the annual mean values are rather similar (10.6° and 10.1°C), there is a great amplitude between the monthly mean values (1.6° to 17.3°). The absolute temperatures range between -1.5° and 21.9°C. The most important factors are distance from the entrance, and the vertical position. The comparison between temperatures of the Reka river and the air temperatures bears an important correlation. Previous results of this short period already show that the part of Škocjanske jame, where the Reka river is flowing, is an extremely dynamic cave and the visitors cannot have much impact on it’s meteorology.
Management Assessment in Karst Areas
Authors: Hamilton-Smith Elery
Published: February 2018

Najpomembnejša odgovornost pri upravljanju s svetovno dediščino je dvojna. Po eni strani bi morali ohraniti integriteto in kakovost naravnega okolja, po drugi pa omogočiti dostop čim širši javnosti. Čeprav je v tej trditvi morda nekaj dvoumnosti pa ni dvoma, da se osnovna elementa tega vprašanja dopolnjujeta in da enega ni mogoče v celoti rešiti, ne da bi upoštevali tudi drugega. To vodi do ključnega vprašanja, ali je upravljalec sposoben odgovorno izvajati svoja pooblastila. Prispevek podaja pregled in ocene različnih splošnih pristopov k upravljanju, ki so bili oziroma bi lahko bili uporabljeni. To vključuje različne sheme nadzora nad vplivom obiskovalcev, v glavnem iz ZDA; gre za trojni (okoljski/družbeni/ekonomski) trajnostni pristop in tveganja pri upravljalski strategiji. Sklep prispevka je, da mora upravljalec vsakega kraškega področja razviti sprotno se dopolnjujoč načrt upravljanja, ki mora vključevati tako dolgoročne in načelne rešitve, obenem pa se mora ukvarjati tudi s posebnimi izzivi, ki so tipični le v lokalnem okviru. Vsak pristop, o katerem je govora v tem prispevku, lahko pomaga pri pripravi kateregakoli načrta upravljanja.The key management responsibility in World Heritage Areas is a two-fold one of preserving environmental integrity and quality while at the same time providing for broad-scale public access. Although there is some mbiguity in this mandate, there is no question that these two elements of management are complementary, and that one cannot fully assess one without consideration of the other. This leads to the key question of how management is able to meet the responsibility of this mandate. This paper reviews and assesses various conceptual approaches that have been or might be utilised. These include various visitor impact control schemes generally of U.S. origin; the three faceted (environmental /social /economic) sustainability approach and risk management strategies. This paper concludes that each karst area management agency must develop an ongoing assessment plan that both deals with broad-scale issues while also meeting the distinctive challenges which are endemic to their own situation. Any of the approaches discussed may make a contribution to any one such plan.
Significance and Monitoring
Authors: Osborne R. Armstrong L.
Published: February 2018

Za vsak program monitoringa v jamah je nujno potreben predhodni popis vseh bistvenih lastnosti nekega procesa. Monitoring ni sam sebi namen, pač pa je del integriranega procesa, osnovanega na bistvenih lastnostih upravljalskega procesa. Nujno je, da vemo, kaj v jami je res pomembno, da poznamo pogoje, v katerih lahko to pomembnost ohranimo in, da so tako ohranjeni pogoji celota vseh pomembnih dejavnikov. Na primer, če ne poznamo mehanizma odlaganja blatnih sedimentov, potem monitoring stanja kapnikov ne bo preprečil ponovnega odlaganja blata, ki smo ga sicer odstranili s pranjem pod visokim pritiskom. Podobno nima nobenega smisla merjenje temperature, če je prah glavna gro‘nja pomembnim elementom. Edini način, po katerem spoznamo, da je monitoring uspešen je ta, da merimo značilnosti in celovitost pomembnih elementov. Sicer lahko zberemo veliko pomembnih podatkov, najpomembnejše oblike pa nam medtem propadejo. Zato se mora monitoring nanašati na nujne okoliščine, pri katerih še lahko ohranimo bistvene značilnosti ter na sprotno stanje in celovitost pomembnih značilnosti.An inventory survey followed by a significance assessment process, are essential precursors to any cave monitoring program. Monitoring must not be seen as an end in itself, but as part of an integrated, significance- based management process. It is essential to know what is significant, the conditions necessary to maintain its significance and that the condition and integrity of significant elements are being maintained. For instance, if the significance of a mud deposit is not known, monitoring the condition of speleothems will not stop the mud deposit from being destroyed by high-pressure water cleaning. Similarly, there is little point in monitoring temperature if dust is the main threat to the significant elements. The only way to know that monitoring of environmental conditions is effective is to monitor the ongoing condition and integrity of the significant elements themselves. Without this, lots of interesting data could be collected while the most important features of the cave are lost. Monitoring should therefore address the conditions necessary for the maintenance of significance and the ongoing condition and integrity of significant elements.
Modern Trend in Cave Monitoring
Authors: Cigna Arrigo A.
Published: February 2018

Opisan je razvoj jamskega monitoringa od 19. stoletja dalje. Prednost razvojnih teorij je omogočila doseči primerljive rezultate in napovedati razvoj jamske klime, še preden je prišlo do nepopravljivih procesov. Našteti so najpomembnejše parametri monitoringa. V zadnjih letih smo doživeli močan tehnološki razvoj in ocenjena je bila relativna pomembnost vsakega parametra. Novembra 1999 so odprli za obisk Kartchner Caverns, AZ, ZDA. Opravljenih je bilo nekaj predhodnih raziskav. Arizona Conservation Project, Inc. (ACPI) je predvidel 22 merilnih postaj. Dobili so oceno vpliva. Drugi primer je iz Cango Caves. Septembra 2000 so postavili preprosto mrežo za monitoring, ki naj bi delovala eno leto. Sestavljena je iz 15 preprostih “data loggerjev”, razporejenih po jami. Merijo temperaturo zraka in vode, koncentracijo CO2 in relativno vlažnost in vrednosti občasno prenesejo v računalnik izven jame. Prispevek podaja prve rezultate. Popolnoma avtomatičen monitoring bo postavljen v prihodnosti, ko bodo pregledani rezultati te prve preproste opazovalne mreže. Vzpostavili bodo popolnoma avtomatizirano mrežo, ko bodo razpolagali z rezultati prve preproste opazovalne mreže.The evolution of cave monitoring since 19th century is described. The advantage of the development of theories was the possibility to obtain comparable results and forecast the evolution of a cave climate before irreversible modifications take place. The most important parameters to be monitored are indicated. In recent years both important technological improvements have been obtained and the relative importance of each parameter has been reviewed. Kartchner Caverns, Arizona, USA, was opened to the public in November 1999. Some preliminary studies have been performed. Arizona Conservation Project, Inc. (ACPI) established 22 monitoring stations. An evaluation of the impact assessment was obtained. The second case concerns Cango Cave. A simple monitoring network has been installed in September 2000 to be operated for one year. It consists in about 15 rugged data loggers distributed along the cave. Air and water temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and relative humidity are measured and the values are transferred periodically by a shuttle into a computer outside the cave. A totally automatic monitoring network will be installed in the future after the results of the first simple network are achieved.
Biological Monitoring in Caves
Authors: Culver David C. , Sket Boris
Published: February 2018

Leta 1999 sva opisala 20 jam in kraških vodnjakov, v katerih živi po 20 ali več na podzemlje vezanih vrst živali. Pet izmed teh jam je ali pa je bilo urejenih za turistično izrabo: Postojnsko-planinski jamski sistem (Slovenija), Sistem Baget - Sainte Catherine (Francija), Shelta Cave (Alabama, ZDA), Mammoth Cave (Kentucky, ZDA) in Vjetrenica (Bosna in Hercegovina). Prav dejstvo, da imajo lahko močno preurejene jame z visokim številom obiskovalcev tudi pestro favno, kaže, da se oboje ne izključuje. Številne standardne tehnike za vzorčevanje, so uporabne le v maloštevilnih jamah. Te metode so le omejeno uporabne. Onesnaženje je lahko za jamske živali neposredno pogubno ali pa omogoča površinskim živalim, da tudi v podzemlju izpodrivajo. Zato moramo zasledovati tako gostoto favne, kot tudi spremembe v njeni taksonomski sestavi. Ob načrtovanju novih posegov je treba pred kakršnim koli urejanjem raziskati krajevno favno, tako površinsko kot podzemeljsko. Za biološko zasledovanje stanja priporočava naslednje: 1. vzorčenje skozi daljše obdobje; 2. nastavljanje vab v kopenskih in v vodnih habitatih; 3. nastavljanje lončastih pasti v kopenskih habitatih.In 1999, we described the twenty caves and karst wells that have 20 or more species of obligate cave organisms living in them. Among these caves five are developed as tourist caves — Postojna-Planina Cave System (Slovenia), Baget - Sainte Catherine System (France), Shelta Cave (Alabama, USA), Mammoth Cave (Kentucky, USA), and Vjetrenica Cave (Bosnia & Herzegovina). For these and other tourist caves, there is a special responsibility to protect this fauna. The very fact that caves with large numbers of visitors and with modifications to the cave can have high species diversity shows that the two are not incompatible. Many of the standard sampling techniques, may work in some caves only; they are of restricted use. Pollution may be either directly detrimental to the cave fauna or may enable surface species to outcompete the endemic cave fauna. Therefore, changes in the quantity of fauna have to be monitored as well as changes in its taxonomic composition. In the case of new tourist installations, the local cave and surface fauna has to be investigated prior to any modifications. For biological monitoring, we recommend one of the following: 1. minimum-time census, rather than minimum-area census; 2. baiting in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats; 3. pitfall traps (baited or unbaited) in terrestrial habitats.
Cave Monitoring Priorities in Central America and the Caribbean
Authors: Day Michael , Koenig Susan
Published: February 2018

Kras pokriva okrog 300.000 km2 (50 %) ozemlja Srednje Amerike in Karibov. Jam je verjetno več desettisoč. V celotni Srednji Ameriki in Karibih je monitoring v jamah zelo redek in agencije za urejanje in varstvo okolja ga nizko cenijo. Izjeme se pojavljajo le v nekaterih zaščitenih področjih in v redkih turističnih jamah. Z mnenjem, da je monitoring res potreben, se v splošnem ne strinjajo. Poleg tega je monitoring omejen zaradi nezadostnega financiranja in opreme in zaradi pomanjkanja ustrezno usposobljenega osebja. Vendar je monitoring v jamah nedvomno potreben, kajti jamsko okolje je izrazito občutljivo in kraška pokrajina doživlja naraščajoč pritisk zaradi razvoja. V tej zvezi je nujna inventarizacija in program monitoringa vsaj v bolj pomembnih jamah. Tak monitoring se lahko usmeri na fizično okolje, zgodovinske ali predzgodovinske ostanke, favno, izkoriščanje surovin, kakovost vode in turistični obisk. Enako pomembno je izvajanje monitoringa na kraškem površju, kajti degradacija površja se nujno odraža tudi v slabšanju podzemeljskega okoljaKarstlands cover about 300,000 km2 (50%) of the land area of Central America and the Caribbean. The number of caves is probably tens of thousands. Cave monitoring is uncommon throughout Central America and the Caribbean, and is generally accorded a low priority by agencies responsible for environmental managementand conservation. Exceptions occur only in some protected areas and in a few commercial caves. Fundamentally, it is not recognized generally that there is a need to monitor caves. Beyond that, monitoring is limited severely by paucity of funding, equipment and qualified personnel. Cave monitoring clearly is warranted, however, because cave environments are inherently fragile and because the karstlands are under increasing developmental pressures. In these contexts, selected inventorying and monitoring programs seem advisable in at least some of the more significant caves. Such monitoring programs might focus on physical environments, historic and prehistoric remains, faunal populations, resource extraction, water quality and human visitation. Equally importantly, surface karst environments need to be monitored too, because degradation at the surface will almost inevitably be mirrored by deterioration in underground conditions.
Environmental Baseline Geochemistry of Sediments and Percolating Waters in the Modrić Cave, Croatia
Authors: Miko Slobodan , Kuhta Mladen , Kapelj Sanja
Published: February 2018

Izdelana je bila predhodna podrobna študija jame Modriča, še preden bi jo uredili za turistični obisk. Meljasta ilovica z guanom vsebuje mnogo kremena, ilita in taranakita ter manjše količine vivianita in visoke koncentracije bakra (2869 mg/kg), cinka (951 mg/kg) in kadmija (28 mg/kg). Sedimenti, pomešani z guanom, so obogateni z rahlim REE in s povišanimi koncentracijami U, Th in Hg. Sedimenti z delci kosti vsebujejo kremen, ilit, kalcit in hidroxylapatit, a manj carnalita in nizke vrednosti težkih mineralov. Vsi analizirani sedimenti kažejo razlićno stopnjo kontaminacije Cu in Zn zaradi razsutega guana. Većina Zn in Cu v jamskih sedimentih kot tudi hidroxylapatitna skorja so v zvezi z železovim in manganovim hidroksidom ter organskimi delci. Organski delci v vzorcih sedimentov so pomembni, ker kažejo neposredni vpliv guana in hidroxylapatitnih skorij, medtem ko je v vzorcih sedimentov z drobci kosti najpomembnejši hidroksid. V dveh primerih smo opazovali vpliv guana na prenikajočo vodo v levem rovu, kjer je večja koncentracija ortofosfatov glede na hidroxylapatitA comprehensive study of Modrič cave was undertaken to evaluate the baseline conditions before its utilization for tourism. Silty loams with guano contain abundant quartz, illite and taranakite and minor vivianite and high concentrations of Cu (2869 mg/kg), Zn (951 mg/kg) and Cd (28 mg/kg). Also sediments mixed with guano are enriched with light REE as well as elevated concentrations of U, Th, Rb and Hg. Sediments with bone fragments contain abundant quartz, illite, calcite and hydroxylapatite and minor carndallite and lower contents of heavy metals. All sediments analysed showed various degrees of contamination by Cu and Zn from dispersed guano. Most of the Zn and Cu in cave sediments and the hydroxyl-apatite crusts are mainly controlled by the iron and manganese hydroxide and the organic fractions, the organic fraction plays an important role in sediment samples with direct influence of guano and in hydroxylapatite crusts while in samples with bone fragments the hydroxide control is dominant. Guano influence on the percolating waters was observed in two cases in the left channel where due to the higher content of orthophosphates saturation in respect to hydroxyl-apatite is present.
Microclimatic Research in the Slovakian Show Caves
Authors: Zelinka Jan
Published: February 2018

Prispevek obravnava delo Oddelka za varstvo jam pri Upravi za slovaške jame na področju speleoklimatskega monitoringa slovaških turističnih jam od 1996 dalje. Monitoring je usmerjen na podrobno merjenje osnovnih parametrov klimatskih procesov (temperatura, relativna vlažnost zraka, kondenzacija, gibanje zraka, zračni pritisk itd.) v turističnih jamah v obdobju najmanj enega leta. Bistvo pridobljenega znanja pomaga pri varovanju jam in v praksi turističnim jamam omogoča boljše razumevanje geoekosistema, določa vpliv obiskovalcev, čas trajanja regeneracije jame in oceni možne negativne posledice. Rezultate monitoringa uporabljamo za določanje kapacitete konkretne jame, omejitve števila obiskovalcev, organizacijo vodenja in druge potrebne ukrepe. Meritve v predstavljenih jamah smo opravljali glede na prioriteto: področja svetovne dediščine, ledene jame, naravna zveza zračnih mas s površinsko klimo, možne nevarnosti - vse v zvezi z uporabo in delovanjem jame. Tehnična oprema kot tudi raziskovalna metodologija sta v prispevku podrobno predstavljeni.The paper deals with the activities of the Cave Protection Department of the Slovak Caves Administration in the field of speleoclimatic monitoring in the Slovakian show caves since 1996. The monitoring is concentrated on detail survey of basic climatic parameters processes (temperature, relative air humidity, dew point, air velocity, atmospheric pressure etc.) in by now studied show caves during minimally one year. The essence of obtained knowledge is to enhance cave protection in the practice of show caves, better understand the geoecosystems; determine visitors’ influence, the period of regeneration and evaluation of possible negative influences. The results of the monitoring are used for determining the carrying capacity of individual caves, limits for visitors, guiding the manageiant and other necessary measures. Presented caves were surveyed by priorities like: World Heritage site, ice caves, natural air mass communication with surface climate, potential threats - all in relation to cave utilization and operation. Technical eqqipment, as well as research methodology are described in detail in the paper.
Monitoring of Caves Conclusions and Recommendations
Authors: Cigna Arrigo A.
Published: February 2018

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Characterization of a resilient seagrass meadow during a decline period
Authors: Ondiviela Bárbara , Fernández Lina , Puente Araceli , García-Castrillo Gerardo , Juanes José A.
Published: February 2018

Seagrasses are globally threatened ecosystems with essential ecological roles. An important limitation in seagrass conservation efforts is the poor understanding of resilient meadows. The present work studies a meadow, which maintained a large population of Zostera marina and Zostera noltei, during the decline of seagrasses in the Bay of Santander (from 1984 to 2000). The work examines resilience parameters related to the biological traits (biomass, density, length and width of the leaves) and to the associated benthic assemblages. The maturity of the meadow and the changing environmental conditions induced by the torrential regime of the Miera River, have likely improved the resistance to the periods of stress. The adaptation to these fluctuating conditions is reflected in a high seasonal and spatial variability in the biomass, density, morphological traits and benthic assemblages. These variations are related to the summer peaks in the PAR, the sea surface temperature and the freshwater influence along the discharge of the Miera River. This work provides the first seagrass data in Cantabria. The data are dated in the early 2000s and constitute a baseline study for the Bay of Biscay.
Variation in Age Ratio of Midcontinent Greater White-Fronted Geese During Fall Migration
Authors: Schock Wade G. , Fischer Julian B. , Ely Craig R. , Stehn Robert A. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Causey Douglas
Published: February 2018

Annual productivity is an important parameter for the management of waterfowl populations. Fall age ratio (juveniles:total birds) is an index of productivity of the preceding breeding season. However, differences in the timing of migration between family groups and nonbreeding birds may bias age-ratio estimates. We examined temporal variation in age ratios of midcontinent greater white-fronted geese Anser albifrons frontalis from interior and northwestern Alaska at a northern autumn staging area near Delta Junction, Alaska. Photographic sampling conducted near Delta Junction resulted in an annual age ratio of 0.388 ± 0.004 (mean ± SE) in 2010 and 0.390 ± 0.001 in 2011. Our study demonstrated temporal variation in age ratios over the duration of the migration period during August and September. We recommend that sampling be conducted for 3-d periods at the beginning, middle, and end of the migration period to account for temporal variation in migration of family groups.
The Problems of Measuring Profile and Roughness of Turbine Blades
Authors: Egorov Sergey , Kapitanov Alexey , Loktev Dmitriy , Fedorov Sergey , Egorova Tatiana
Published: February 2018

The article presents a study of a turbine blade profile and roughness measurement processes - the task facing any manufacturer of this part. The blade is one of the most complex regarding parts manufacture because of its complex profile. This profile should be measured in several sections on the feather on all profile elements - the suction side, pressure surface, leading and trailing edge of a blade. If the blade has a shroud platform, its profile should be also measured (and possibly the gland packing profile). It is also necessary to measure the feather end and base of blade profile. Finally, a separate independent task is the blade tang profile measurement.
Issues about the Determination of a Mechanical Model for Masonry Analysis
Authors: Cusano Concetta , Cennamo Claudia
Published: February 2018

The work aims to describe the issue of the approach related to structural problems, both for valuable and minor manufacts existing in the Italian historical town centers. The heterogeneity shown by these constructive typologies should coincide with some heterogeneity of the structural approach, but this is not always feasible, so computational processes and a strict application of the norms are often used in automatically. A representative case, as an example of the above-mentioned kinds of buildings (which are valuable, but not so much as to require a tailored intervention that takes into account the whole constructive history and the changes over the time), is shown. Ricciardelli palace (or Palazzo Ricciardelli) presents a great difficulty as to the structural intervention, but the approach used was a "classical engineer approach", formulated on the basis of the new computing tools and the new constructive norms. The restoration and the consolidation of this artifact have been well conducted by technicians, but the result is an invasive intervention that doesn't respect the original structural configuration of the construction. So the paper explains and discusses some investigation methodologies, alternative to an elastic analysis, which could be used in these cases, with the awareness that they are not completely exhaustive and far far away from the determination of a general formulation for a “unique model”, which can be representative of the masonry material, as well as from a definition that catalogues all its several features.
A New Framework for Myocardium Constitutive Parameters Estimation
Authors: Li Yi Qiang , Huang Zhi Qiang
Published: February 2018

In this study, a new inverse analysis framework for estimation of myocardium constitutive parameters is established. In this framework, by using cardiac magnetic resonance image of realistic human left ventricular, a more realistic, finite element analysis model for analyzing the deformation of left ventricle during diastole is introduced. The anisotropic nonlinear Holzapfel-Ogden constitutive model is used to describe the material behavior of myocardium. Estimating the parameters as for the inverse problem of left ventricle deformation, a novel hybrid simplex and particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters of myocardium’s constitutive model. Numerical examples presents that finite element analysis results and the estimated parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data reported in literature, comparing with current optimization algorithm, the presented hybrid optimal algorithm can estimate the constitutive parameters more efficient. The efficiency and validity of the proposed parameter estimation framework is demonstrated.
Study of Sand Production Using Geomechanical and Hydro-Mechanical Models
Authors: Pham Son Tung
Published: February 2018

Sand production is a complicated physical process depending on rock mechanical properties and flow of fluid in the reservoir. When it comes to sand production phenomenon, many researchers applied the Geomechanical model to predict the pressure for the onset of sand production in the reservoir. However, the mass of produced sand is difficult to determine due to the complexity of rock behavior as well as fluid behavior in porous media. In order to solve this problem, there are some Hydro – Mechanical models that can evaluate sand production rate. As these models require input parameters obtained by core analysis and use a large empirical correlation, they are still not used popularly because of the diversity of reservoirs behavior in the world. In addition, the reliability of these models is still in question because no comparison between these empirical models has been studied. The onset of sand production is estimated using the bottomhole pressure that makes the maximum effective tangential compressive stress equal or higher than the rock strength (failure criteria), which is usually known as critical bottomhole pressure (CBHP). Combining with Hydro – Mechanical model, the main objective of this work aims to develop a numerical model that can solve the complexity of the governing equations relating to sand production. The outcome of this study depicts sand production rate versus time as well as the change of porosity versus space and time. In this paper, the Geomechanical model coupled with Hydro – Mechanical model is applied to calibrate the empirical parameters.
High Photocatalytic Activity of Oliver-Like BiVO4 for Rhodamine B Degradation under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Nguyen Huu Vinh , Thuan Tran Van , Do Sy Trung , Nguyen Duy Trinh , Vo Dai Viet Nguyen , Bach Long Giang
Published: February 2018

We report the facial synthesis of BiVO4crystals with different morphologies by the solvothermal and hydrothermal process. The phase structure and morphology as-synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, and UV-vis DRS spectroscopy. We also investigated the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4for the decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that oliver-like BiVO4was obtained when using the mixed solvent of ethylene glycol and water while starflower-like BiVO4was obtained using the mixed solvent of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and water. The hydrothermal evolution process the BiVO4product with a rod-like morphology. Oliver-like BiVO4with pure monoclinic scheelite phase and high specific surface area exhibits efficient photodegradation of RhB (k = 7.82x10-3min-1).
Production of Biodiesel from Palm Stearin Using Solid Catalyst Assisted with Co-Solvent
Authors: Songoen Weerasak , Punsuvon Vittaya , Arirop Wallop , Timyamprasert Athitan
Published: February 2018

Calcium methoxide obtained from quick lime is used as a solid catalyst in the transesterification reaction between palm stearin with methanol using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as co-solvent for biodiesel production. In this work, quick lime was used to prepare calcium oxide by heat treatment at the different temperatures, after that calcium oxide was further reacted with methanol to produce calcium methoxide catalyst. The properties of Calcium methoxide (Ca(OCH3)2) was characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, TGA, EDX and FTIR. The optimum conditions of biodiesel production were studied through response surface methodology and central composite design. The conversion of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) was determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The results depicted that calcined quick lime at 800 °C for 3 h contained high calcium oxide content. The Ca(OCH3)2 catalyst prepared at 65 °C for 3 h gave high surface area and catalytic activity. The optimum conditions for biodiesel production were 2.33% w/w of catalyst, 1 : 9.39 of palm stearin to methanol molar ratio, 102 min of reaction time and 9.07% v/v based on methanol of THF co-solvent, the same condition gave 98.23% of FAME conversion.
Evaluating the establishment success of Microctonus aethiopoides (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid of the alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), across the northern Great Plains of North America
Authors: Rand Tatyana A. , Pellissier Makenzie , Jabbour Randa , Lundgren Jonathan G. , Waters Debra K.
Published: February 2018

The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica (Gyllenhal); Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a destructive pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa Linnaeus; Fabaceae) worldwide. The biological control parasitoid, Microctonus aethiopoides Loan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), was successfully introduced, and considered highly effective, in the eastern and mid-western United States of America. Redistribution efforts carried out throughout the 1980s reported initial establishment in the northern Great Plains, however follow-up studies to assess long-term persistence and efficacy are lacking. We resurveyed the counties in which M. aethiopoides had been initially recovered following redistribution in Montana (Flathead and Petroleum counties), Wyoming (Platte County), and South Dakota (Brookings County), to gauge whether this species has become permanently established and, if so, assess levels of parasitism in the field. We collected adult weevils from five fields in each county, and reared them in the laboratory to assess parasitism. Despite rearing more than 1000 weevils, no parasitoids were recovered from any of the locations sampled in our study, suggesting a widespread failure of M. aethiopoides to persist in the region. Thus, M. aethiopoides does not currently appear to be an important biological control agent of alfalfa weevil in the northern Great Plains. More intensive surveys will be required to assess the extent of the distributional limits of this species throughout the region.
Galectin-3 Interacts with the CHI3L1 Axis and Contributes to Hermansky–Pudlak Syndrome Lung Disease
Authors: Zhou Yang , He Chuan Hua , Yang Daniel S. , Nguyen Tung , Cao Yueming , Kamle Suchitra , Lee Chang-min , Gochuico Bernadette R. , Gahl William A. , Shea Barry S. , Lee Chun Geun , Elias Jack A.
Published: February 2018

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) comprises a group of inherited disorders caused by mutations that alter the function of lysosome-related organelles. Pulmonary fibrosis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in HPS-1 and HPS-4 patients. However, the mechanisms that underlie the exaggerated injury and fibroproliferative repair responses in HPS have not been adequately defined. In particular, although Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is dysregulated in HPS, its roles in the pathogenesis of HPS have not been adequately defined. In addition, although chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) and its receptors play major roles in the injury and repair responses in HPS, the ability of Gal-3 to interact with or alter the function of these moieties has not been evaluated. In this article, we demonstrate that Gal-3 accumulates in exaggerated quantities in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and traffics abnormally and accumulates intracellularly in lung fibroblasts and macrophages from bleomycin-treated pale ear, HPS-1–deficient mice. We also demonstrate that Gal-3 drives epithelial apoptosis when in the extracellular space, and stimulates cell proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation when accumulated in fibroblasts and M2-like differentiation when accumulated in macrophages. Biophysical and signaling evaluations also demonstrated that Gal-3 physically interacts with IL-13Rα2 and CHI3L1, and competes with TMEM219 for IL-13Rα2 binding. By doing so, Gal-3 diminishes the antiapoptotic effects of and the antiapoptotic signaling induced by CHI3L1 in epithelial cells while augmenting macrophage Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Thus, Gal-3 contributes to the exaggerated injury and fibroproliferative repair responses in HPS by altering the antiapoptotic and fibroproliferative effects of CHI3L1 and its receptor complex in a tissue compartment-specific manner.
Completeness of rank one perturbations of normal operators with lacunary spectrum
Authors: Baranov Anton D. , Yakubovich Dmitry V.
Published: February 2018

Suppose

\mathcal A

is a compact normal operator on a Hilbert space

H

with certain lacunarity condition on the spectrum (which means, in particular, that its eigenvalues go to zero exponentially fast), and let

\mathcal L

be its rank one perturbation. We show that either infinitely many moment equalities hold or the linear span of root vectors of

\mathcal L

, corresponding to non-zero eigenvalues, is of finite codimension in

H

. In contrast to classical results, we do not assume the perturbation to be weak.
Subcritical behavior for quasi-periodic Schrödinger cocycles with trigonometric potentials
Authors: Marx Christoph A. , Shou Laura H. , Wellens Jake L.
Published: February 2018

We give a criterion implying subcritical behavior for quasi-periodic Schrödinger operators where the potential sampling function is given by a trigonometric polynomial. Subcritical behavior, in the sense of Avila’s global theory, is known to imply purely absolutely continuous spectrum for all irrational frequencies and all phases.