Determination of thermal response of Carrara and Sneznikovsky marble used as building material

Physical weathering of marble, widely used as a cladding material on buildings, is one of the most common damaging mechanism caused by anisotropic thermal expansion of calcite grains. The extent of marble deterioration depends mainly on stone fabric and texture. Dry cuboids of Carrara marble and marble from Dolni Morava quarry were subjected to microscopic analysis and thermal cycling, to determine the thermal expansion related to stone fabric and predominant lattice orientation of grains (i.e. texture)

Fieldtrips and Virtual Tours as Geotourism Resources: Examples from the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (NW Italy)

In the 20th anniversary year of the European Geopark Network, and 5 years on from the receipt of the UNESCO label for the geoparks, this research focuses on geotourism contents and solutions within one of the most recently designated geoparks, admitted for membership in 2013: the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (Western Italian Alps). The main aim of this paper is to corroborate the use of fieldtrips and virtual tours as resources for geotourism. The analysis is developed according to: i) geodiversity and geoheritage of the geopark territory; ii) different approaches for planning fieldtrip and virtual tours. The lists of 18 geotrails, 68 geosites and 13 off-site geoheritage elements (e.g., museums, geolabs) are provided. Then, seven trails were selected as a mirror of the geodiversity and as container of on-site and off-site geoheritage within the geopark. They were described to highlight the different approaches that were implemented for their valorization. Most of the geotrails are equipped with panels, and supported by the presence of thematic laboratories or sections in museums. A multidisciplinary approach (e.g., history, ecology) is applied to some geotrails, and a few of them are translated into virtual tours. The variety of geosciences contents of the geopark territory is hence viewed as richness, in term of high geodiversity, but also in term of diversification for its valorization

A single case report of granular cell tumor of the tongue successfully treated through 445 nm diode laser

Oral granular cell tumor (GCT) is a relatively rare, benign lesion that can easily be misdiagnosed. Particularly, the presence of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia might, in some cases, lead to the hypothesis of squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Recurrence has been reported in up to 15% of cases treated with conventional surgery. Here, we reported a case of GCT of the tongue in a young female patient, which was successfully treated through 445 nm diode laser excision. Laser surgery might reduce bleeding and postoperative pain and may be associated with more rapid healing. Particularly, the vaporization effect on remnant tissues could eliminate GCT cells on the surgical bed, thus hypothetically leading to a lower rate of recurrence. In the present case, complete healing occurred in 1 week, and no recurrence was observed after 6 months. Laser surgery also allows the possibility to obtain second intention healing. Possible laser-induced histopathological artifacts should be carefully considered

Metabolic profiles of whole, parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva

The detection of salivary molecules associated with pathological and physiological alterations has encouraged the search of novel and non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for oral health evaluation. While genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiles of human saliva have been reported, its metabolic composition is a topic of research: metabolites in submandibular/sublingual saliva have never been analyzed systematically. In this study, samples of whole, parotid, and submandibular/ sublingual saliva from 20 healthy donors, without dental or periodontal diseases, were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance. We identified metabolites which are differently distributed within the three saliva subtypes (54 in whole, 49 in parotid, and 36 in submandibular/sublingual saliva). Principal component analysis revealed a distinct cluster for whole saliva and a partial overlap for parotid and submandibular/sublingual metabolites. We found exclusive metabolites for each subtype: 2-hydroxy-3-methylvalerate, 3-methyl-glutarate, 3-phenylpropionate, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, 4-hydroxyphenyllactate, galactose, and isocaproate in whole saliva; caprylate and glycolate in submandibular/sublingual saliva; arginine in parotid saliva. Salivary metabolites were classified into standard and non-proteinogenic amino acids and amines; simple carbohydrates; organic acids; bacterial-derived metabolites. The identification of a salivary gland-specific metabolic composition in healthy people provides the basis to invigorate the search for salivary biomarkers associated with oral and systemic diseases

Sustentabilidad vitivinícola para diferentes tipos de agricultores vitivinícolas

Un Desarrollo Rural Sustentable requiere de sistemas agrícolas sustentables, que sean ecológicamente adecuados, económicamente viables y socio culturalmente aceptables Abbona et al, (2004). Sarandon, (2010), define la agricultura sustentable como aquella que es: suficientemente productiva, económicamente viable, ecológicamente adecuada y cultural y socialmente aceptable. En el contexto de cambio de la vitivinicultura, se hace necesario conocer la sustentabilidad de los mismos. En este caso se usó la tipología que propuesta por Martín, (2009) que plantea tres tipos sociales: productores descapitalizados pluriactivos, productores familiares capitalizados y empresarios. El objetivo de este trabajo fue: analizar, mediante el método propuesto por Sarandón (2002) y el uso de indicadores, la sustentabilidad predial de tres modelos productivos vitivinícolas: productores descapitalizados pluriactivos, productores familiares capitalizados y empresarios, de la 1º zona de Mendoza. La propuesta de metodológica estuvo basada en la metodología de Sarandón (2002) y estaba propuesto realizar tres etapas, de 2 años cada una. En una primera etapa se desarrollaron dos acciones. Lo primero fué buscar y analizar antecedentes e información regional sobre el tema y la segunda acción fue buscar y seleccionar 2 fincas del departamento de Lujan de Cuyo que fueran representativas, para cada tipo social, factibilidad de acceso y predisposición de los agricultores. En una segunda etapa se caracterizaría, a través del enfoque sistémico, el funcionamiento de los agroecosistemas en tres dimensiones: ambiental-ecológica, tecnológica, y socioeconómica. Y en una tercera etapa: se construirán indicadores para evaluar la sustentabilidad de los sistemas agrícolas, Se logró la primera etapa y se pudo: conceptualizar y profundizar el concepto de sustentabilidad integral y su aplicación en la agronomía, proponer variables con potencial de indicadores de sustentabilidad y seleccionar las fincas.A Sustainable Rural Development requires sustainable agricultural systems that are environmentally suitable, economically viable and culturally acceptable (Abbona et al, 2004). Sarandon (2010) defines sustainable agriculture as one that is: productive enough, affordable, ecologically appropriate and culturally and socially acceptable. In the context of the viticulture changes, it is necessary to study their sustainability. In this case we take the typology proposed by Martin, 2009 that summarizes it in three social types: pluriactive undercapitalized producers, family farmers and entrepreneurs capitalized. The objective of this work was to analyze, through the method proposed by Sarandón (2002) and the use of indicators, the property sustainability of three vitivinícolas production models: pluriactively de-capitalized producers, capitalized family producers and entrepreneurs, from the first zone of Mendoza. The methodological proposal was based on the methodology of Sarandon (2002) and was proposed to perform three stages, each of 2 years. In the first stage two actions were developed. The first was to seek and analyze regional background and information on the subject; And the second action was to search and select 2 farms in the department of Lujan de Cuyo that were representative for each social type, feasibility of access and predisposition of farmers. In a second stage, the systemic approach would characterize the functioning of agroecosystems in three dimensions: environmental-ecological, technological, and socioeconomic. And in a third stage: indicators will be constructed to evaluate the sustainability of agricultural systems, The first stage was achieved and it was possible to: conceptualize and deepen the concept of integral sustainability and its application in agronomy, propose variables with potential for sustainability indicators and successful selection of farms.Trabajo publicado en Filippini, María Flavia (comp.). Congreso Internacional Aguas, Ambiente y Energía de la Asociación de Universidades Grupo Montevideo: Resúmenes de trabajos. Mendoza: Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 2017.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Sustentabilidad vitivinícola para diferentes tipos de agricultores vitivinícolas

Un Desarrollo Rural Sustentable requiere de sistemas agrícolas sustentables, que sean ecológicamente adecuados, económicamente viables y socio culturalmente aceptables Abbona et al, (2004). Sarandon, (2010), define la agricultura sustentable como aquella que es: suficientemente productiva, económicamente viable, ecológicamente adecuada y cultural y socialmente aceptable. En el contexto de cambio de la vitivinicultura, se hace necesario conocer la sustentabilidad de los mismos. En este caso se usó la tipología que propuesta por Martín, (2009) que plantea tres tipos sociales: productores descapitalizados pluriactivos, productores familiares capitalizados y empresarios. El objetivo de este trabajo fue: analizar, mediante el método propuesto por Sarandón (2002) y el uso de indicadores, la sustentabilidad predial de tres modelos productivos vitivinícolas: productores descapitalizados pluriactivos, productores familiares capitalizados y empresarios, de la 1º zona de Mendoza. La propuesta de metodológica estuvo basada en la metodología de Sarandón (2002) y estaba propuesto realizar tres etapas, de 2 años cada una. En una primera etapa se desarrollaron dos acciones. Lo primero fué buscar y analizar antecedentes e información regional sobre el tema y la segunda acción fue buscar y seleccionar 2 fincas del departamento de Lujan de Cuyo que fueran representativas, para cada tipo social, factibilidad de acceso y predisposición de los agricultores. En una segunda etapa se caracterizaría, a través del enfoque sistémico, el funcionamiento de los agroecosistemas en tres dimensiones: ambiental-ecológica, tecnológica, y socioeconómica. Y en una tercera etapa: se construirán indicadores para evaluar la sustentabilidad de los sistemas agrícolas, Se logró la primera etapa y se pudo: conceptualizar y profundizar el concepto de sustentabilidad integral y su aplicación en la agronomía, proponer variables con potencial de indicadores de sustentabilidad y seleccionar las fincas.A Sustainable Rural Development requires sustainable agricultural systems that are environmentally suitable, economically viable and culturally acceptable (Abbona et al, 2004). Sarandon (2010) defines sustainable agriculture as one that is: productive enough, affordable, ecologically appropriate and culturally and socially acceptable. In the context of the viticulture changes, it is necessary to study their sustainability. In this case we take the typology proposed by Martin, 2009 that summarizes it in three social types: pluriactive undercapitalized producers, family farmers and entrepreneurs capitalized. The objective of this work was to analyze, through the method proposed by Sarandón (2002) and the use of indicators, the property sustainability of three vitivinícolas production models: pluriactively de-capitalized producers, capitalized family producers and entrepreneurs, from the first zone of Mendoza. The methodological proposal was based on the methodology of Sarandon (2002) and was proposed to perform three stages, each of 2 years. In the first stage two actions were developed. The first was to seek and analyze regional background and information on the subject; And the second action was to search and select 2 farms in the department of Lujan de Cuyo that were representative for each social type, feasibility of access and predisposition of farmers. In a second stage, the systemic approach would characterize the functioning of agroecosystems in three dimensions: environmental-ecological, technological, and socioeconomic. And in a third stage: indicators will be constructed to evaluate the sustainability of agricultural systems, The first stage was achieved and it was possible to: conceptualize and deepen the concept of integral sustainability and its application in agronomy, propose variables with potential for sustainability indicators and successful selection of farms.Trabajo publicado en Filippini, María Flavia (comp.). Congreso Internacional Aguas, Ambiente y Energía de la Asociación de Universidades Grupo Montevideo: Resúmenes de trabajos. Mendoza: Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 2017.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Dose-escalation using intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer - evaluation of quality of life with and without 18F-choline PET-CT detected simultaneous integrated boost

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In comparison to the conventional whole-prostate dose escalation, an integrated boost to the macroscopic malignant lesion might potentially improve tumor control rates without increasing toxicity. Quality of life after radiotherapy (RT) with vs. without ¹⁸F-choline PET-CT detected simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) was prospectively evaluated in this study.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Whole body image acquisition in supine patient position followed 1 h after injection of 178-355MBq ¹⁸F-choline. SIB was defined by a tumor-to-background uptake value ratio > 2 (GTV_PET). A dose of 76Gy was prescribed to the prostate (PTV_prostate) in 2Gy fractions, with or without SIB up to 80Gy. Patients treated with (n = 46) vs. without (n = 21) SIB were surveyed prospectively before (A), at the last day of RT (B) and a median time of two (C) and 19 month (D) after RT to compare QoL changes applying a validated questionnaire (EPIC - expanded prostate cancer index composite).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>With a median cut-off standard uptake value (SUV) of 3, a median GTV_PETof 4.0 cm³and PTV_boost(GTV_PETwith margins) of 17.3 cm³was defined. No significant differences were found for patients treated with vs. without SIB regarding urinary and bowel QoL changes at times B, C and D (mean differences ≤3 points for all comparisons). Significantly decreasing acute urinary and bowel score changes (mean changes > 5 points in comparison to baseline level at time A) were found for patients with and without SIB. However, long-term urinary and bowel QoL (time D) did not differ relative to baseline levels - with mean urinary and bowel function score changes < 3 points in both groups (median changes = 0 points). Only sexual function scores decreased significantly (> 5 points) at time D.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Treatment planning with ¹⁸F-choline PET-CT allows a dose escalation to a macroscopic intraprostatic lesion without significantly increasing toxicity.</p

Measurement of event shapes in deep inelastic scattering at HERA

Inclusive event-shape variables have been measured in the current region of the Breit frame for neutral current deep inelastic ep scattering using an integrated luminosity of 45.0 pb^-1 collected with the ZEUS detector at HERA. The variables studied included thrust, jet broadening and invariant jet mass. The kinematic range covered was 10 < Q^2 < 20,480 GeV^2 and 6.10^-4 < x < 0.6, where Q^2 is the virtuality of the exchanged boson and x is the Bjorken variable. The Q dependence of the shape variables has been used in conjunction with NLO perturbative calculations and the Dokshitzer-Webber non-perturbative corrections (`power corrections') to investigate the validity of this approach.Comment: 7+25 pages, 6 figure

Bacterial Disease and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in HIV-Infected, Hospitalized Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The orginal version is available at www.plosone.orgBackground: Serious bacterial infections are a major source of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children. The spectrum of disease is wide, and responsible organisms vary according to setting. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis and the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria necessitate examination of responsible organisms and their antibiotic susceptibility. Methodology/Principal Findings: A retrospective cohort study of all HIV-positive pediatric admissions at an urban public sector hospital in Cape Town between January 2002 and June 2006 was conducted. Children between the ages of one month and nine years with laboratory confirmed HIV status, serious bacterial infection, and a hospital length of stay of 5 days or more, were eligible for inclusion. Organisms isolated from blood, urine, and cerebral spinal fluid cultures and their antimicrobial susceptibility were examined, and compared according to timing of isolation to distinguish nosocomial versus community-acquired. One hundred and forty-one children were identified (median age 1.2 years), 39% of whom were on antiretrovirals started before or during this hospitalization. Bacterial infections involved all organ systems, however pneumonia was most common (67%). S. pneumoniae and S. aureus were the most common gram positive and K. pneumoniae was the most common gram negative organism. K pneumoniae isolates were resistant to many first and second line antibiotics, and were all considered nosocomial. All S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant, some of which were community-acquired. Conclusions/Significance: Bacterial infections are an important source of co-morbidity in HIV-infected children in resourcelimited settings. Clinicians should have a low threshold to initiate antibiotics in children requiring hospitalization. Broadspectrum antibiotics should be used judiciously. Clinicians caring for HIV-infected children should be cognizant of the most common organisms affecting such children, and of their local antimicrobial susceptibilities, when treating empirically for serious bacterial infections.Publisher's versio

Angular and Current-Target Correlations in Deep Inelastic Scattering at HERA

Correlations between charged particles in deep inelastic ep scattering have been studied in the Breit frame with the ZEUS detector at HERA using an integrated luminosity of 6.4 pb-1. Short-range correlations are analysed in terms of the angular separation between current-region particles within a cone centred around the virtual photon axis. Long-range correlations between the current and target regions have also been measured. The data support predictions for the scaling behaviour of the angular correlations at high Q2 and for anti-correlations between the current and target regions over a large range in Q2 and in the Bjorken scaling variable x. Analytic QCD calculations and Monte Carlo models correctly describe the trends of the data at high Q2, but show quantitative discrepancies. The data show differences between the correlations in deep inelastic scattering and e+e- annihilation.Comment: 26 pages including 10 figures (submitted to Eur. J. Phys. C