bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen Reduction and Motor Function Improvement by Hematopoietic Growth Factor Treatment in Chronic Stroke in Aged Mice: A Treatment Frequency Study
Authors: Liu Yanying , Popescu Maria , Longo Sharon , Gao Mei , Wang Dongliang , Mcgillis Sandra , Zhao Li-Ru
Published: February 2016

Stroke is a serious medical condition that causes long-term neurological disability in mainly elderly adults worldwide. Lack of therapy to improve functional recovery in the chronic phase of stroke is a major challenge for stroke research. Combining two hematopoietic growth factors, stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), our previous studies have demonstrated the neurovascular restorative efficacy of this treatment in the chronic phase of experimental stroke. Elevated plasma fibrinogen has been thought to serve as a predictor for ischemic stroke. Here we have determined the treatment frequency in reducing plasma fibrinogen and in restoring motor function in aged mice with chronic stroke. Our findings show that SCF + G-CSF treatment in chronic stroke decreases plasma fibrinogen and improves motor function in aged mice. No differences have been found between a 2-week treatment regimen and 7-day treatment in the plasma fibrinogen assay, while the 7-day treatment regimen displays a better recovery pattern with regard to motor function. This study provides new insight into understanding the potential contribution of SCF + G-CSF in both reducing the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and enhancing stroke recovery.
Acupuncture-Induced Analgesia: The Role of Microglial Inhibition
Authors: Lin Lili , Skakavac Nikola , Lin Xiaoyang , Lin Dong , Borlongan Mia C. , Borlongan Cesar V. , Cao Chuanhai
Published: February 2016

The last three decades have documented preclinical and clinical data supporting the use of acupuncture in relieving symptoms of many diseases, including allergies, infections, and neurological disorders. The advent of electroacupuncture has not only modernized the practice of acupuncture, but also has improved its efficacy, especially for producing analgesic-like effects. Although the mechanism of action of acupuncture-induced analgesia remains largely unknown, several lines of investigation have implicated modulation of pain processes via brain opioid signaling and neuroimmunoregulatory pathways. Here, we review key findings demonstrating the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture-induced analgesia. In particular, we discuss potent analgesic effects of acupuncture via neural pain processes through inhibition of microglial activation. The safe and effective use of acupuncture stands as a nonpharmacological alternative for induction of analgesia, which has direct clinical applications, especially for pain-related diseases.
Fine Mapping of Resistance Genes from Five Brown Stem Rot Resistance Sources in Soybean
Authors: Rincker Keith , Hartman Glen L. , Diers Brian W.
Published: February 2016

Brown stem rot (BSR) of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] caused by Cadophora gregata (Allington & Chamb.) T.C. Harr. & McNew can be controlled effectively with genetic host resistance. Three BSR resistance genes Rbs1, Rbs2, and Rbs3, have been identified and mapped to a large region on chromosome 16. Marker‐assisted selection (MAS) will be more efficient and gene cloning will be facilitated with a narrowed genomic interval containing an Rbs gene. The objective of this study was to fine map the positions of Rbs genes from five sources. Mapping populations were developed by crossing the resistant sources ‘Bell’, PI 84946‐2, PI 437833, PI 437970, L84‐5873, and PI 86150 with either the susceptible cultivar Colfax or Century 84. Plants identified as having a recombination event near Rbs genes were selected and individually harvested to create recombinant lines. Progeny from recombinant lines were tested in a C. gregata root‐dip assay and evaluated for foliar and stem BSR symptom development. Overall, 4878 plants were screened for recombination, and progeny from 52 recombinant plants were evaluated with simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) genetic markers and assessed for symptom development. Brown stem rot resistance was mapped to intervals ranging from 0.34 to 0.04 Mb in the different sources. In all sources, resistance was fine mapped to intervals inclusive of BARCSOYSSR_16_1114 and BARCSOYSSR_16_1115, which provides further evidence that one locus provides BSR resistance in soybean.
THE POSSIBILITIES OF INSTALLING ELECTRONIC CMR WAYBILL IN ROAD TRANSPORT SECTOR / ELEKTRONINIO CMR VAŽTARAŠČIO DIEGIMO GALIMYBĖS KELIŲ TRANSPORTO SEKTORIUJE
Authors: Baublys Arvydas , Batarlienė Nijolė
Published: February 2016

In the article opportunities of changing paper CMR waybill into electronic are analysed, whereas the paper CMR waybill does not guarantee operational information exchange between participants of logistics chain components in road transport. Due to this reason use ofelectronic CMR waybill becomes more and more important. According to researches done by article authors, the article submitted the limitations of paper CMR waybill, benefits of electronic CMR waybill, concept model of implementing electronic CMR waybill and application possibilities of supply chain components.
Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos popierinio CMR važtaraščio galimybės keisti jį į elektroninį CMR važtaraštį, nes popierinis jau nebeužtikrina operatyvių informacijos mainų tarp vežimo dalyvių kelių transporte. Naudoti elektroninį važtaraštį tampa vis aktualiau. Remiantis atliktų tyrimų rezultatais straipsnyje pateikiami pagrindiniai popierinio CMR važtaraščio trūkumai, įvardijami elektroninio važtaraščio privalumai, elektroninio CMR važtaraščio realizavimo koncepcinis modelis ir jo taikymo galimybės visiems vežimo dalyviams.
POSSIBILITIES OF RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT IN LITHUANIA: THE ANALYSIS OF REGULATIONS FOR RAILWAY DESIGN IN THE ASPECT OF REDUCTION OF ACOUSTIC NOISE / GELEŽINKELIŲ PLĖTROS GALIMYBĖS LIETUVOJE: GELEŽINKELIŲ KELIAMS PROJEKTUOTI SKIRTŲ NORMINIŲ TECHNINIŲ DOKUMENTŲ
Authors: Tumavičė Aja , Laurinavičius Alfredas
Published: February 2016

All over the world railways are of the least-polluting vehicles, and they became increasingly popular. However, the noise emission from railway infrastructure is the most problematic issue, especially at the development planning stage. This article presents analysis of Lithuanian regulations for railway design in the aspect of reduction of acoustic noise. It analyses regulations, which are mandatory for Lithuanian railway designers and builders. In addition, the overview of regulations’provisions, which are related to noise mitigation measures, are presented.
Pasaulyje vis labiau populiarėja kelionės geležinkeliais, kurie yra viena iš mažiausiai taršių transporto priemonių. Nuo geležinkelio infrastruktūros sklindantis triukšmas yra viena didžiausių problemų, ypač planuojant jų plėtrą. Straipsnyje pristatyta Lietuvos norminių techninių dokumentų, skirtų geležinkeliams projektuoti, analizė akustinio triukšmo mažinimo aspektu. Buvo išanalizuoti norminiai techniniai dokumentai, kurie privalomi naudoti Lietuvoje geležinkelių projektuotojams ir geležinkelių tiesėjams, bei apžvelgta, kokios yra juose nuostatos, susijusios su triukšmą mažinančiomis priemonėmis.
THE COMPARISON OF THE EN-ROUTE HORIZONTAL FLIGHT TRAJECTORY COMPONENTS / HORIZONTALIŲ MARŠRUTINIŲ SKRYDŽIŲ TRAJEKTORIJOS KOMPONENTŲ PALYGINIMAS
Authors: Dudoit Anrieta , Stankūnas Jonas
Published: February 2016

EUROCONTROL aims at improving the design and use of the European routes. Inefficiencies in the design of airspace and use of the air route network are considered to be a major causal factor of flight inefficiencies in Europe. The European ATM system is the sum total of a large number of separate Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) whereas the US system is operated by a single ANSP. Airspace fragmentation following National Borders makes flight routes inefficient due to non requested air routes, flight time, excessive fuel burn, CO and NOx emissions. That is the reason why airspace and the fixed route network should be reorganised to satisfy airspace operator needs and maintain required safety levels.The focus of the paper is to show the differences between planned flights and actual trajectories in terms of flight distance, duration and fuel burn. In connection with this, an overview of these indicators in Europe and the USA was made.
EUROCONTROL siekia pagerinti Europos maršrutų planus ir jų naudojimą. Neefektyvus oro erdvės planų ir oro maršrutinio tinklo naudojimas laikomas viena pagrindinių Europos skrydžių neefektyvumo priežasčių. Europos oro eismo valdymo (angl. ATM) sistema sudaryta iš daugelio atskirų oro navigacijos paslaugų teikėjų (angl. ANSP), o JAV sistema valdoma vieno oro navigacijos paslaugų teikėjo. Oro erdvės susiskirstymas pagal valstybių ribas daro skrydžio maršrutus neefektyvius dėl nepareikalautų oro maršrutų, skrydžio laiko, per didelio kuro sunaudojimo, CO ir NOx išsiskyrimo. Štai kodėl reikėtų pertvarkyti oro erdvę ir fiksuotų maršrutų tinklą, norint patenkinti oro erdvės operatorių poreikius ir išlaikyti reikalingą saugumo lygį. Šio straipsnio tikslas – parodyti skirtumus tarp suplanuotų skrydžių ir realių trajektorijų, įvertinant skrydžio atstumą, trukmę ir kuro sunaudojimą. Be to, buvo padaryta šių rodiklių apžvalga Europos ir JAV mastu.
RESEARCH OF DYNAMICS OF LOW FLOOR BUS / ŽEMAGRINDŽIO AUTOBUSO DINAMINIAI TYRIMAI
Authors: Vainorius Darius , Kilikevičius Arūras , Kilikevičienė Kristina , Šešok Nikolaj , Iljin Igor
Published: February 2016

The article describes the dynamics researches of low floor bus. The goal of research is to determine the stability of mechanical system of low floor bus. Performed the dynamic model of ½ bus which was conducted the theoretical research in Matlab environment.
Darbo tyrimų tikslas – išanalizuoti žemagrindžio autobuso dinamines charakteristikas taikant virpesių lygtis. Tikslui pasiekti pirmiausia buvo sudarytas ½ autobuso sistemos dinaminis modelis ir atliktas sistemos modeliavimas žadinant realių amplitudžių reikšmėmis. Sudarytas autobuso sistemos dinaminis modelis leidžia analizuoti charakteringus ir pavojingus autobusui dinaminius virpesius.
THE GRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE (GLASS). III. A CENSUS OF Lyα EMISSION AT
FROM HST SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Schmidt K. B. , Treu T. , Bradač M. , Vulcani B. , Huang K.-H. , Hoag A. , Maseda M. , Guaita L. , Pentericci L. , Brammer G. B. , Dijkstra M. , Dressler A. , Fontana A. , Henry A. L. , Jones T. A. , Mason C. , Trenti M. , Wang X.
Published: February 2016

We present a census of Lyα emission at

, utilizing deep near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope grism spectroscopy from the first six completed clusters of the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). In 24/159 photometrically selected galaxies we detect emission lines consistent with Lyα in the GLASS spectra. Based on the distribution of signal-to-noise ratios and on simulations, we expect the completeness and the purity of the sample to be 40%–100% and 60%–90%, respectively. For the objects without detected emission lines we show that the observed (not corrected for lensing magnification) 1σ flux limits reach 5 × 10−18 erg s−1 cm−2 per position angle over the full wavelength range of GLASS (0.8–1.7 μm). Based on the conditional probability of Lyα emission measured from the ground at

, we would have expected 12–18 Lyα emitters. This is consistent with the number of detections, within the uncertainties, confirming the drop in Lyα emission with respect to

. Deeper follow-up spectroscopy, here exemplified by Keck spectroscopy, is necessary to improve our estimates of completeness and purity and to confirm individual candidates as true Lyα emitters. These candidates include a promising source at z = 8.1. The spatial extent of Lyα in a deep stack of the most convincing Lyα emitters with

is consistent with that of the rest-frame UV continuum. Extended Lyα emission, if present, has a surface brightness below our detection limit, consistent with the properties of lower-redshift comparison samples. From the stack we estimate upper limits on rest-frame UV emission line ratios and find

and

, in good agreement with other values published in the literature.
TRIANGULUM II: A VERY METAL-POOR AND DYNAMICALLY HOT STELLAR SYSTEM
Authors: Martin Nicolas F. , Ibata Rodrigo A. , Collins Michelle L. M. , Rich R. Michael , Bell Eric F. , Ferguson Annette M. N. , Laevens Benjamin P. M. , Rix Hans-Walter , Chapman Scott C. , Koch Andreas
Published: February 2016

We present a study of the recently discovered compact stellar system Triangulum II. From observations conducted with the DEIMOS spectrograph on Keck II, we obtained spectra for 13 member stars that follow the CMD features of this very faint stellar system and include two bright red giant branch stars. Tri II has a very negative radial velocity (

) that translates to

and confirms it is a Milky Way satellite. We show that, despite the small data set, there is evidence that Tri II has complex internal kinematics. Its radial velocity dispersion increases from

in the central

to

outwards. The velocity dispersion of the full sample is inferred to be

. From the two bright RGB member stars we measure an average metallicity

, placing Tri II among the most metal-poor Milky Way dwarf galaxies. In addition, the spectra of the fainter member stars exhibit differences in their line widths that could be the indication of a metallicity dispersion in the system. All these properties paint a complex picture for Tri II, whose nature and current state are largely speculative. The inferred metallicity properties of the system however lead us to favor a scenario in which Tri II is a dwarf galaxy that is either disrupting or embedded in a stellar stream.
Spatial Planning and Protection Measures for Karst Areas
Authors: Hamilton-Smith Elery
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a brief review of the values and vulnerabil­ity of karst systems, and specifically examines issues of water balance, physical destruction, sedimentation and pollution. It then outlines key issues in the protection of karst and the need for continuing vigilance.
Changes in the Use of Natural Resources and Human Impact in the Karst Environments of the Venetian Prealps
Authors: Sauro Ugo
Published: February 2016

In the Venetian Prealps the old model of resources use was for many aspects of sustainable type, in equilibrium with the natural dynamics. Episodes of strong impact occurred only in some particular areas and in specific economical and political situations. After the Second World War dramatic changes in the resources management have taken place, induced by the urban and industrial development. The traditional system of self-sustained economy has completely collapsed and has been replaced by an open economy more dependent on that of the large urban sprawl of the plain. Such development is clearly incompatible with the local environmental dynamics and it is difficult to be modified, because it triggers self-sustaining processes. The problem to individuate new more compatible directions for the development is, for a large part, a cultural problem and it may not be solved without a cultural revolution. Local people must be helped to understand the karst geo-ecosystem, the natural realm, the landscape, the local history, and the cultural heritage. Starting from such knowledge, local people have to develop a strong sense of belonging to their own geographical units and to become and to feel protagonists, responsible of their own development, capable to lead it.
Sustainable Management of Brackish Karst Spring Pantan (Croatia)
Authors: Fistanić Ivana
Published: February 2016

Pantan area is situated in the central part of the eastern Adriatic coast near town Trogir. It presents inseparable unit consisting of Pantan spring, river course with surrounding swamp area and sea coast. Particularity of the area is swamp which is unique example in this part of the eastern Adriatic coast mostly characterized by dry karst areas. Main characteristic of the spring is periodical salinity during the year with the highest salinity during summer months. Spring presents potential drinking water source under consumption that salinization problem is solved. Unfortunately due to bed watershed management water quality of Pantan spring and environment of Pantan area is highly devastated. Today Pantan area presents an example of not preserving balance between natural resources on karst and human interventions in watershed area. All future measures should be directed on rehabilitation and further protection of this valuable karst environment. Paper gives overview of the state of the spring as well as proposed measures of sustainable management directed to the preservation of this distinct karst ecosystem. As the basis for analyzing the inter-related factors that impact on the environment, DPSIR framework is used. This framework provide rational and clear guideline for analyzing the influence of pressures derived from human activities on natural environment, and the way they are changing state of the environment. Results of the analyses showed that DPSIR framework is adequate tool to shape and implement sustainable development strategy for the Pantan area. It is evident that in this process is extremely important to take into the consideration vulnerability of the karst.
Karst Water Management in Slovenia in the Frame of Vulnerability Mapping
Authors: Ravbar Nataša , Kovačič Gregor
Published: February 2016

Slovene karst sources are of great national importance for drinking water supply. Since karst aquifer systems are very susceptible to contamination, these sources require appropriate and careful managing. Unfortunately, in the acts of Slovene legislation, the special characteristics of water flow within karst regions are not very seriously taken into consideration in determining the criteria for karst water sources protection. In contrast, in some other countries, the concept of groundwater vulnerability mapping has been successfully used for protection zoning and land use planning in karst. Regarding the differences between particular karst aquifer systems, data availability and economic resources, different methods of karst water vulnerability assessment and mapping have already been developed. Already these methods have been many times tested and implemented in different test sites worldwide. However, experience in application using different methodologies for vulnerability mapping of karst aquifers is very modest in Slovenia. The present paper deals with potential methodological problems that might arise while applying the most commonly used methods for karst water vulnerability assessment to Slovene karst regions.
Tracer Test on the Mala Gora Landfill near Ribnica in South-Eastern Slovenia
Authors: Kogovšek Janja , Petrič Metka
Published: February 2016

The Mala gora landfill near Ribnica is one of the nine still active landfills on Slovene karst. According to our legislation the monitoring of its impact on groundwater have to be performed, but this can only be effective when the characteristics of the underground water flow in the area of the landfill are well known. Therefore a tracer test was carried out on the Mala gora landfill and the main underground water connections towards the Tominčev studenec, Javornikov izvir, Debeljakov izvir and Šica springs near the settlement Dvor in the Krka valley were proved. In lower concentrations the uranine was detected in the Podpeška jama and Kompoljska jama Caves, as well as in the Šica near Mala Račna spring and both springs of the Krka river. At high waters the flow from the landfill towards the Globočec spring was proved also, but this important source of water supply is primary recharged from other parts of the karst aquifer. The appearance of tracer is forwarded by favourable hydrological conditions and increased concentrations of uranine were measured at all springs after more intensive precipitation events even one year after the injection. Obtained results were considered in the preparation of the monitoring plan.
On Denudation Rates in Karst
Authors: Gabrovšek Franci
Published: February 2016

Paper presents a simple mathematical model, which enables study of denudation rates in karst. A vertical flow of water which is uniformly infiltrated at the surface is assumed. Denudation rate is calculated from the time needed to remove certain thickness of rock. This is done concretely on a limestone block dissected by a vertical array of fractures. It is shown that denudation rate increases with the thickness of removed layer and approaches an upper limit which is defined by the maximum denudation equations, which are based on assumption that all dissolution potential is projected into a surface lowering
Variation in Rates of Karst Processes
Authors: Palmer Arthur N.
Published: February 2016

The development of karst is not a linear process but instead takes place at irregular rates that typically include episodes of stagnation and even retrograde processes in which the evolution toward maturity is reversed. The magnitude and nature of these irregularities differs with the length of time considered. Contemporary measurements in caves show fluctuations in dissolution rate with changes in season, discharge, and soil conditions. Dissolution is sometimes interrupted by intervals of mineral deposition. Observed dissolution rates can be extrapolated to obtain estimates of long-term growth of a solution feature. But this approach is flawed, because as the time scale increases, the rates are disrupted by climate changes, and by variations that are inherent within the evolutionary history of the karst feature (e.g., increased CO2 loss from caves as entrances develop). At time scales of 105-106 years, karst evolution can be interrupted or accelerated by widespread fluctuations in base level and surface river patterns. An example is the relation between karst and the development of the Ohio River valley in east-central U.S.A. At a scale of 106-108 years, tectonic and stratigraphic events cause long-term changes in the mechanism and style of karst development. For example, much of the karst in the Rocky Mountains of North America has experienced two phases of pre-burial Carboniferous karst, mineral accretion during deep burial from Permian to Cretaceous, extensive cave development during Paleocene-Eocene uplift, and stagnation and partial mineral deposition caused by late Tertiary aggradation. At such large time scales, it is difficult to determine rates of karst development precisely, if at all. Instead it is appropriate to divide the evolutionary history into discrete episodes that correlate with regional tectonic and stratigraphic events.
Evolution and Age Relations of Karst Landscapes
Authors: White William B.
Published: February 2016

Any karst landscape is a work in progress. The observed evolution of the landscape is dictated by competing rate processes of surface denudation, stream downcutting, cave development, and tectonic uplift. Quantitative data on these processes, applied to two physiographic provinces of the Appalachian Mountains of eastern United States gives ages and time scales that are in agreement with previous geomorphic interpretation. The results are anchored, very loosely, by the few dates that have been established for cave sediments. Unfortunately, the measured rates vary over an order of magnitude as a result of local circumstances making regional interpretation a rough approximation at best.
How to Date Nothing With Cosmogenic Nuclides
Authors: Häuselmann Philipp
Published: February 2016

A cave is a natural void in the rock. Therefore, a cave in itself cannot be dated, and one has to resort to datable sediments to get ideas about the age of the void itself. The problem then is that it is never very certain that the obtained age really is coincident with the true age of the cave. Here, we present the use of a method which couples sedimentary and morphologic information to get a relative chronology of events. Datings within this relative chronology can be used for assessing ages of forms, processes, and sediments, and the obtained dates also fix some milestones within the chronology, which then can be used to retrace, among other things, paleoclimatic variations. For many cave systems, the dating limits of the most widely used U/Th method on speleothems are too low (350 to max. 700 ka) to get ages that inform us about the age of the cave. The recent use of cosmogenic nuclides on quartz-containing sediment permits to push the datable range back to 5 Ma. While the theoretical background is explained elsewhere (Granger, this volume), we concentrate on the Siebenhengste example (Switzerland)
The World’s Oldest Caves: - How -Did They Survive and What Can They Tell Us?
Authors: L. Osborne Armstrong R.
Published: February 2016

Parts of an open cave system we can walk around in today are more than three hundred million years old. Common sense tells even enthusiasts like me that open caves this old should not still exist, but they do! Their survival can be partly explained by extremely slow rates of surface lowering, but this is not sufficient by itself. Isolation by burial and relative vertical displacement by faults are probably also required. Now one very old set of caves have been found, are there more of them? What can they tell us?
Timing of Passage Development and Sedimentation at Cave of the Winds, Manitou Springs, Colorado, USA
Authors: Luiszer Fred G.
Published: February 2016

In this study the age of the onset of passage development and the timing of sedimentation in the cave passages at the Cave of the Winds, Manitou Springs, Colorado are determined. The amino acid rations of land snails located in nearby radiometrically dated alluvial terraces and an alluvial terrace geomorphically associated with Cave of the Winds were used to construct an aminostratigraphic record. This indicated that the terrace was ~ 2 Ma. The age of the terrace and its geomorphic relation to the Cave of the Winds was use to calibrate the magnetostratigraphy of a 10 meter thick cave sediment sequence. The results indicated that cave dissolution started ~4.5 Ma and cave clastic sedimentation stopped ~1.5 Ma.
Pattern and Process: Evolution of Troglomorphy in the Cave-Planthoppers of Australia and Hawai’i ‒ Preliminary Observations (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae)
Authors: Wessel Andreas , Erbe Petra , Hoch Hannelore
Published: February 2016

The evolution of troglobites comprises three distinct problems: cave colonization by an epigean ancestor, the evolution of troglomorphies, and intra-cave speciation. The study of cave-dwelling planthoppers has contributed much to our understanding of troglobite evolution and provides useful model systems to test various aspects of the theoretic framework developed in recent years. Most promising in this respect are taxa with several closely related but independently evolved troglobiontic lineages, such as on the Canary Islands, in Queensland/Australia and on the Hawaiian Archipelago. Closely related species often occur in caves with comparable ecological parameters yet differ in their age. Here we use comparative age estimates for Australian and Hawaiian cave cixiids to assess the dynamics of reductive evolutionary trends (evolution of troglomorphy) in these taxa and cave planthoppers in general. We show that the degree of troglomorphy is not correlated with the age of cave lineages. Morphological alteration may not be used to draw conclusions about the phylogenetic age of cave organisms, and hypotheses based on such assumptions should be tested in light of these findings.
Fault Determination due to Sinkhole Array on Lar Valley, Northeast of Tehran (Iran)
Authors: Khorsandi Ahmad , Miyata Takao
Published: February 2016

The main objective of this paper is to present an approach to identify active faults in karstic enviroments. This is achieved by a releasing relationship between sinkholes or dolines forma­tion, array and active faults mechanism. In this research , Lar valley on the Northeast of Tehran, Capital of Iran was selected as a case study. The sinkholes array in the valley shows that their formation and location is influenced by active faults. As a result of active faults mechanism, a number of young and old dolines have been formed on north and south of the study area. Ac­cording to Aerial Photographs, Satellite images and geological logs corelation three major active faults were distingushed in the study area specially under Lar dam structure. Two of the faults are elongated to the north and the one extends to the south, seven sinkholes were formed on faults. Based on the available evidences, it is assumed that the formation and array of dolines in the study area has been formed and controlled by active faults. Conversely , it is deduced that faults activity may be determinated by sinkholes formation and array. This results may be applied for the similar cases of world's karstic belt.
Turloughs: a Mosaic of Biodiversity and Management Systems Unique to Ireland
Authors: Sheeny Skeffington Micheline , Gormally Mike
Published: February 2016

Turloughs are seasonally flooded karst wetlands in Ireland and as priority habitats under the EU Habitats Directive, many have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation. They flood usually in winter, mostly through swallow holes, or estavelles, that open to the underlying limestone, but they may fill at any time of year if rainfall is excessive. Almost all of them occur on well-bedded pure Carboniferous limestone. Since the shallow basins of turloughs are usually covered in vegetation, unlike more permanent water bodies, they are excellent feeding areas for over-wintering wildfowl, such as ducks, geese and swans, hosting numbers of international importance. Turloughs are almost all grazed by domestic livestock in the summer months and they support relatively low-intensity farming due to their marginal nature and inaccessibility for much of the year. The vegetation depends to a large extent on the flooding regime and on soil type, usually comprising small-sedge communities or grass-dominated swards. The type of management varies considerably, not only between, but within turloughs. This gives rise to a diversity of sward composition and structure that increases both plant and invertebrate diversity. Whereas drainage was a large threat to turlough conservation in the past, eutrophication of flood waters is gaining in importance. However, the single greatest threat to turlough biodiversity in the future may be the cessation of farming within their basins. Turloughs are an integral part of the Irish cultural landscape and so it is important to develop a strategy for turlough conservation that involves the land-owners and takes into account local socio-economic factors as well as the conservation of their biodiversity.
Visualisations of the Human Impacts on the Earth’s Surface
Authors: Podobnikar Tomaž
Published: February 2016

The objective is to discuss the human impacts to the changing of the landscape surface. The study surface is mainly karstic part of Slovenia. The primary data sources are digital elevation models (DEMs) as continuous surface data, supported with aerial photographs, satellite images and older topographic maps. This study is supplemented with textual information about of historical surfaces. Geomorphologically high quality DEM of Slovenia with 12.5 m resolution uncovered many human impacts to the terrain surface, which could not be perceived before using any classical surveying techniques. Particularly on the karstic areas, changes of the surface as a consequence of highway constructions and developing of the stone quarries are well seen. Additionally is involved a database of natural (ridges, valleys, peaks, sinkholes) and antropogenic features (stone and gravel quarries, standing waters, different types of roads and railways) on the current terrain surface. Even more surface changes were found on the LIDAR-based DEM of 1 m resolution. Some human impacts to the surface changes from prehistory until today were analysed with many visual techniques and confirmed with objective numerical methods. The results show that is the human impact on the Earth’s surface important factor that grows exponentially with time.
Contribution of Simple Hydrogeological Indicating Methods in Contamination-Impacted Environments
Authors: Mikita Slavomír , Vybíral Vladimír
Published: February 2016

Under the project of Ministry of the environment of Slovak Republic a “real” impact of various contaminant sources on water was monitored and assessed during the period of 4 years. Various geological environments of The Western Carpathians were chosen as studying areas. The results of the project confirm that the influence of the contamination source is variable in space and time. An amount of objective and efficient information is necessary to fulfill the requirements for the water treatment. The possibility how to minimize the amount of expensive and intricate methods used by investigation was to connect them with hydrogeological indicating methods (HIM). The correlated relations distinguished between contaminant and physical characteristics of water allow using the obtained local information in larger area and repeating them in higher frequency. The economical benefit is relative to increasing demands on space and time. The base was built on the water conductivity and water temperature measurements set in field. The measured values which were processed basically allow obtaining indirect information about the contamination spreading. By correlation the values with water analyses for a monitoring site from specific studied locality and by added other information from field methods the results can be amplified. It is possible to substitute the intricate and expensive contaminant spreading mapping methods by HIM and monitor the dynamic changes of contamination influences in space and time with denser data net.
Patterns and Processes of Groundwater Invasion by Copepods in the Interior Low Plateaus of the United States
Authors: Lewis Julian J. , Reid Janet W.
Published: February 2016

The copepod crustacean fauna collected from subterranean habitats, including caves, wells, and the hyporheos of streams in and near the Interior Low Plateaus of the United States is dominated by Cyclopoida, with 39 species, followed by Harpacticoida with 9, and Calanoida with 2. Nearly all of the harpacticoid and calanoid species are widespread, primarily surface-dwelling generalists. Fourteen of the cyclopoids, members of the genera Diacyclops, Itocyclops, Megacyclops, and Rheocyclops, are apparently obligate stygobionts or hyporheic. Several of the species that are more strongly modified for subterranean existence occur only in the more southern, unglaciated areas. Our sampling data support the hypothesis that the more specialized, groundwater-interstitial species have been unable to disperse into previously glaciated regions; whereas some, less-specialized species may have invaded groundwaters from surface habitats as the glaciers receded.
Books about Karst and Subterranean in Auersperg’s »Prince’s« Library of Ljubljana
Authors: Južnič Stanislav
Published: February 2016

For the first time the karst research books at the former Ljubljanian Auersperg “Prince’s” library were put at the limelight by using the recently found manuscript catalogue 1668 (transcribed in 1762) and sales catalogues of 1982 and 1983. During the baroque times of Volf Engelbert Auersperg the science of karst was not born yet. The researchers had to wait for another century until the most fundamental facts about karst were proved by Carniolan scientists Hacquet, Gruber, and others. Nonetheless Volf collected several important books about karst with famous authors Aldrovandi, Ferrante Imperato, Johann Joachim Becher, Tommasso Buoni, Jakob Joannes Wenceslaus Dobrzensky de Nigro Ponte, and Athanasius Kircher. The special concern was put on the Count Volf Engelbert and his brother Prince Janez Vajkard interests in karst phenomena and their mutual influence on the younger visitors of their Ljublanian palace, especially Schönleben and Valvasor. Volf and Janez owned several manors at now Slovenian and Croatian karst. Janez Vajkard personally managed the first systematic research of subterranean animals in Postojna cave as a part of his Postojna Manor.
Karst Research in Serbia before the Time of Jovan Cvijić
Authors: Ćalić Jelena
Published: February 2016

Although contributions by Jovan Cvijić are the most significant karstological work in the history of science in Serbia, the researchers of Serbian karst before the time of Cvijić are worth mentioning as well. Their karstological notes are usually parts of much more extensive works in the form of travel-records or landscape monographs. Most notes are related to caves, with only scarce mentioning of karst surface features. The descriptive character of the texts is dominant, although there are also some general remarks on hydrological functioning of karst (ponor-spring connections, role of water in formation of speleothem, etc.). Several authors can be singled out: foreign travellers and scientists Otto von Pirch, Ami Boué and Felix Kanitz, while among the Serbian authors, it is necessary to mention Milan Đ. Milićević, Jovan Žujović and Cvijić’s teacher Vladimir Karić. All of them featured as an introduction to the scientific karstological work which followed at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.
Non-Specialists Perception about Endokarst and Exokarst Scenarios: Visions from High School Students
Authors: Panisset Tavassos Luiz Eduardo , Gomez Travassos Edson , Panisset Tavassos Lucília , Panisset Travassos Luiz Carlos
Published: February 2016

The aim of this work is to recover some methodological aspects of the study about the mind representations of caves in Brazil. The basis of this research consisted of one essay, approaching the social representations of a particular group of high school students on the exokarst and the endokarst. The results showed that the meanings vary only slightly, however, the most interesting result was due to the fact that students, who had already visited caves in some period of their lives, still held “negative” concepts regarding this environment even before visual stimulations. About 640 words associated with the exokarst and the endokarst were mentioned, emphasizing: fear, dark, shadowy, skull, hidden places, fantastic and beauty, which helped identifying relations between the cultural and psychological aspects of the group, mainly general views about the obscure and mysterious aspects of this landscape and its prominence over natural beauties. Analyzed data showed that the development of new research on mind representations of caves is very important, mainly for environmental education programs promoting adequate concepts about caves and extending activities of educational ecotourism in Brazilian caves.
Submerged Speleothemes - Expect the Unexpected. Examples from the Eastern Adriatic Coast (Croatia)
Authors: Surić Maša , Jalžić Branko , Petricioli Donat
Published: February 2016

With the intention of reconstructing Late Pleistocene – Holocene sea-level changes along the Eastern Adriatic coast, a series of speleothems were collected from several submerged caves and pits, in order to constrain periods of their deposition and ceased growth related to sea-level fluctuations. For that purpose, stalagmites provide more reliable records than stalactites, due to their successive layers deposited perpendicularly to the growth direction. Therefore, stalagmites have been collected preferably. But, two of 17 speleothems displayed unexpected interior morphology – speleothem L-1 collected at the depth of 1.5 m in Medvjeđa spilja Cave on Lošinj Island, and speleothem M-25 from Pit near Iški Mrtovnjak Islet collected at the depth of 25 m. Both of the samples were taken from the cave floor, in the growth position of the stalagmite. But the insight into the perpendicular cut with evident central tube revealed their true (stalactitic) origin and additional confirmations were obtained by longitudinal cut and U-Th and 14C dating. Just as the causes of their breakdowns were probably different, so were their falls; speleothem M 25 (together with several other speleothems around it) stuck in the marine sediment in its primary position, while L-1 turned upside-down and even continued crystallizing during the lower sea level. These events are possible in the continental caves, as well. Evidently, it is much easier to recognize and avoid these problems in air-filled caves than in the submarine ones where the speleothems are almost always covered with marine overgrowth, which disguises their outer morphology. Additionally, the bases of the stalagmites are also sometimes covered with marine sediment, which makes correct estimation rather difficult.
Questions of Dry Valleys in Karst: Case Study of Mali Dol, Kras (Slovenia)
Authors: Košutnik Jure
Published: February 2016

In the article the geomorphology of the Mali dol dry valley is presented. It is one of at least two dry valleys that cross about 45 km long and up to 15 km wide Kras plateau. Mali dol is a 10 kilometers long, 50 to 75 meters deep dry valley. It meanders on the leveled surface across the Kras plateau in direction NE-SW, perpendicularly to all structures. Because of the sediment and thicker soil cover deep and large solution dolines inside the basic valley-like shape were formed. These dolines are larger and deeper than the dolines formed on the nearby surface of the plateau. Local tectonically crushed zones, limestones with cherts and thick sediment cover allow some overland flow into the valley. In such places some smaller but deep and steep erosion gullies were formed. From the morphology, the position of the dry valley and the sediments we can infer the polygenetic origin of the valley. It was formed during the planation of Kras in the height of the piezometric level.
Land Cover Mapping Using Landsat Satellite Image Classification in the Classical Karst - Kras Region
Authors: Kokalj Žiga , Oštir Krištof
Published: February 2016

Such a diverse and sensitive eco-region as Karst needs to be managed with special attention and consideration of its natural and cultural resources. Land cover is an important indicator, which enables the analysis of their condition and development monitoring. Advanced satellite images classification represents an accurate and cost-effective alternative to the classical techniques of land cover mapping. The methods used to produce a reliable land cover map are presented in this paper. The complexity of the area requires a combination of various data such as Landsat satellite images, digital elevation model, digital orthophotos as well as existing topographic and thematic maps. The maximum likelihood algorithm was used as the main classifier and the accuracy of results was further improved by fuzzy classification, altitude and inclination filtering and auxiliary data integration.
Fossil Vertebrates and Paleomagnetism Update of One of the Earlier Stages of Cave Evolution in the Classical Karst, Slovenia: Pliocene of Črnotiče II Site and Račiška Pečina Cave
Authors: Horáček Ivan , Mihevc Andrej , Zupan Hajna Nadja , Pruner Petr , Bosák Pavel
Published: February 2016

For the first time in the Classical Karst, paleontological data enabled to match the magnetostratigraphic record precisely with the geomagnetic polarity timescale in two studied sites: (i) a series of speleothems alternating with red clays in Račiška pečina Cave (Matarsko podolje), and (ii) an unroofed paleocave of the Črnotiče II site (Podgorski kras Plateau) completely filled by fluvial clastic sediments covered by speleothems. The later sites are also characterized by a rich appearance of fossil tubes of autochthonous stygobiont serpulid Marifugia cavatica. The vertebrate record is composed mostly of enamel fragments of rodents and soricomorphs. Absence of rootless arvicolids as well as taxonomic composition of the mammalian fauna suggests the Pliocene age of both sites. For (i) Račiška pečina (with Apodemus, cf. Borsodia) it was estimated to middle to late MN17 (ca 1.8–2.4 Ma), while (ii) the assemblage from Črnotiče II (with Deinsdorfia sp., Beremedia fissidens, Apodemus cf. atavus, Rhagapodemus cf. frequens, Glirulus sp., Cseria sp.) is obviously quite older: MN15–MN16 (ca 3.0–4.1 Ma). In respect to congruence of biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic data and a reliable sedimentary setting of the samples we propose to apply the respective datum also as the time of one ancient speleogenetic phase in the Classical Karst.
Early Late Pliocene Paleokarstic Fillings Predating the Major Plio-Pleistocene Erosion of the Quercy Table, SW-France
Authors: Aguilar Jean-Pierre , Michaux Jacques , Pélissié Thierry , Sigé Bernard
Published: February 2016

Early late Pliocene rodent tooth remains, have been found in situ within Quercy paleokarstic fillings. They provide evidence of a sedimentary episode related to a high Pliocene marine level ca 3.5 Ma ago, that illustrates the situation predating the regional erosion phase and setting up of the hydrographic system.
Biodiversity and Ecology of Fauna in Percolating Water in Selected Slovenian and Romanian Caves
Authors: Moldovan Oana T. , Pipan Tanja , Iepure Sanda , Mihevc Andrej , Mulec Janez
Published: February 2016

Biodiversity and ecology of fauna in percolating water from Slovenian and Romanian caves was studied. Research focused on unravelling the community structure of epikarst fauna, which is carried away by the trickles of percolating water from the epikarst and vadose zones. The major part of the fauna found in percolating water is represented by copepods. This fauna, originating in the epikarst, was analysed and by means of the systematic sampling and observation the same groups of animals were found in Slovenian and Romanian caves. Differences among caves and sampling points indicate that epikarst is a heterogenous habitat. Relationship between faunal richness and the physical characteristics of the water was found. Correlation between surface geomorphology and fauna in percolating water was statistically significant in the Postojna cave system.
Subterranean Waters Described in Carniolan Letters Mailed to A. Kircher (* 1601; †1680)
Authors: Južnič Stanislav
Published: February 2016

Kircher’s letters connected with the area of today’s Slovenia were analyzed. His Jesuit informer Wilpenhoffer’s reports on the Cerknica Lake and Idrija Mine were put forward. He also helped distribution of Kircher’s books among Auerspergs and other Ljubljana nobles. Janez Vajkard Auersperg’s letters as an example of high nobility correspondent patronage were put at the limelight in connection with Janez and his admirer Valvasor’s own research of the Postojna Cave flora and fauna.
Directions and dynamics of flow and transport of contaminants from the landfill near Sežana (SW Slovenia)
Authors: Kogovšek Janja , Petrič Metka
Published: February 2016

The characteristics of flow from the landfill near Sežana in the area of Kras were studied by the use of tracer test. In well permeable fissure on the karren surface near the landfill the fluorescent dye uranine was injected in order to study the directions and velocities of its flow through the karst aquifer. Monitoring of tracer concentrations in the period of one year and a half enabled us to make some conclusions about the dynamics of groundwater flow in the directions towards the Timava, Brojnica and Sardoč springs. Detailed observations were organised also at the Klariči pumping station, which is the main source of drinking water for the Kras region. Increased concentrations of tracer were measured only during extremely high waters. Different explanations are possible, but we can not exclude the possibility of a weak, not permanent underground water connection with the landfill. Calculation of the amount of recovered tracer confirmed the main flow direction towards the Timava springs (recovery rate 93%) and a secondary direction with lower flow velocity towards the Brojnica and Sardoč springs. Outflow through the Klariči pumping is estimated to only 0.003% of injected uranine.Key words: tracer test, landfill, Sežana, Kras, Slovenia.