Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are considered as one of the most relevant geospatial data to carry out land-cover and land-use classification. This work deals with the application of a mathematical framework based on a Gaussian Markov Random Field (GMRF) to interpolate grid DEMs from scattered elevation data. The performance of the GMRF interpolation model was tested on a set of LiDAR data (0.87 points/m2) provided by the Spanish Government (PNOA Programme) over a complex working area mainly covered by greenhouses in Almería, Spain. The original LiDAR data was decimated by randomly removing different fractions of the original points (from 10% to up to 99% of points removed). In every case, the remaining points (scattered observed points) were used to obtain a 1 m grid spacing GMRF-interpolated Digital Surface Model (DSM) whose accuracy was assessed by means of the set of previously extracted checkpoints. The GMRF accuracy results were compared with those provided by the widely known Triangulation with Linear Interpolation (TLI). Finally, the GMRF method was applied to a real-world case consisting of filling the LiDAR-derived DSM gaps after manually filtering out non-ground points to obtain a Digital Terrain Model (DTM). Regarding accuracy, both GMRF and TLI produced visually pleasing and similar results in terms of vertical accuracy. As an added bonus, the GMRF mathematical framework makes possible to both retrieve the estimated uncertainty for every interpolated elevation point (the DEM uncertainty) and include break lines or terrain discontinuities between adjacent cells to produce higher quality DTMs.
Abstract. In the area of Trujillo (Extremadura, Spain) we have found a variety of striking bluish and secondary yellow granites outcropping within the Plasenzuela pluton. They are all quarried under different names and are characterized by leucocratic minerals in which a bluish phosphate is dispersed throughout the rock. Their physical and mechanical properties make these granites a perfect option for most applications as ornamental rocks. Within the pluton the radiological background is fairly homogeneous, with no significant differences between the gamma ray fluxes of the different facies. U (6.4 ± 0.51 ppm), Th (2.9 ± 0.47 ppm) and K2O (4.32 ± 0.26%) contents determined in the laboratory by gamma-ray spectrometry from representative samples are in good accordance with fast in situ measurements carried out with the same technique and also with conventional chemical analysis. Estimated activities for K-40, Ra-226 and Th-232 were, on average, 1022 ± 36 Bq kg−1, 84 ± 9 Bq kg−1 and 6.8 ± 1.6 Bq kg−1. On the basis of these results, the I index of EU technical document 112 was determined, with an average result of 0.66 ± 0.03. This suggests that the rock can be used with no restrictions for all types of construction purposes. Striking differences were observed between the blue facies and the yellow facies in radon exhalation tests from crushed material (0.03 Bq kg−1 vs. 0.20 Bq kg−1). Since both granites have similar uranium contents (6.3 ppm and 6.5 ppm, respectively), these results can probably be explained in terms of important differences in the mineralogical distribution of this chemical element, radon emanation being enhanced in the yellow facies. However, due to the ordinary use as ornamental stone, the yellow facies does not present a radiological risk in terms of excess effective dose due to internal exposure to radon.
Maraviroc (MVC), the first approved CC‐chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) antagonist, is used for treating HIV‐1‐infected patients with CCR5 tropism. MVC has been proved safe in all respects and showed beneficial effects on lipid profile of HIV patients with dislipidemia. Adipocyte dysfunction seems to be responsible for many metabolic alterations such as insulin resistance and dislipidemia. Subcutaneous and visceral fat depots are not only physiologically but also metabolically different and metabolic disturbances are more closely associated with visceral than subcutaneous fat accumulation. It has been suggested that antiretrovirals affect both fat depots in a different extent. Thus, whether isolated human adipocytes display regio‐specific sensitivity to the metabolic effects of MVC have been tested in this study. Human subcutaneous and omental preadipocytes were used as the source of human adipocytes. These cells were treated with therapeutic concentrations of MVC (0.5–25 µM) at day 14 post‐differentiation (4 and 24 hours of treatment). Glucose utilization, lactate production and glycerol released into the media were measured using an autoanalyzer. Adiponectin secretion was determined by an ELISA array. A dose‐dependent increase in glucose uptake was observed in subcutaneous adipocytes treated with MVC (+72% of stimulation for MVC 25 µM, p < 0.01). This stimulatory effect was tissue specific, as no effects were observed in omental adipocytes. MVC did not exert any significant effect on adiponectin secretion. No significant effects were observed on lactate production neither in subcutaneous nor omental adipocytes. Interestingly, 4 hours of treatment with MVC induced a significant increase in the amount of glycerol released into the media by subcutaneous adipocytes (p < 0.001), but this effect disappeared with longer exposure of adipocytes to MVC (24 h). No effects were observed on lipolysis in omental adipocytes although a slight tendency to decrease lipolysis was observed (p = 0.08). These data suggest that MVC exerts direct and differential effects on adipocytes depending on their origin. Thus, a stimulation of glucose uptake has been reported in subcutaneous but not in omental adipocytes and a slight decrease of lipolysis was observed in omental adipocytes whereas no effects were observed in subcutaneous adipocytes. These actions could underline the neutral and even beneficial effects demonstrated for MVC in lipid and glucose metabolism of HIV‐infected patients.
3 pages.-- PMID: 7760485 [PubMed]. ; We determined the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis (Nematoda, Filariidae) among 433 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in northeastern Spain, between 1990 and 1992. Forty-six (11%) of 433 foxes were infected; the intensity ranged from 1 to 36 (mean ± SE; 4.39 ± 0.92) nematodes per host. The prevalence of D. immitis was higher in foxes inhabiting riparian zones of the study area. This population has a very high juvenile/adult ratio. Heartworm prevalences did not differ among host sex, weight, or fat condition categories. ; The fieldwork was partially financed by the Government of Aragón, Programme 533.1 of Fauna Conservation. ; Peer reviewed
et al. ; Combining different experimental techniques, investigations in hexagonal P63/mmc Er2Fe17 show remarkable magnetovolume anomalies below the Curie temperature, TC. The spontaneous magnetostriction reaches 1.6×10−2 at 5 K and falls to zero well above TC, owing to short-range magnetic correlations. Moreover, Er2Fe17 exhibits direct and inverse magnetocaloric effects (MCE) with moderate isothermal magnetic entropy ΔSM, and adiabatic temperature ΔTad changes [ΔSM∼−4.7 J(kgK)−1 and ΔTad∼2.5 K near the TC, and ΔSM∼1.3 J(kgK)−1 and ΔTad∼−0.6 K at 40 K for ΔH=80 kOe, respectively, determined from magnetization measurements]. The existence of an inverse MCE seems to be related to a crystalline electric field-level crossover in the Er sublattice and the ferrimagnetic arrangement between the magnetic moments of the Er and Fe sublattice. The main trends found experimentally for the temperature dependence of ΔSM and ΔTad as well as for the atomic magnetic moments are qualitatively well described considering a mean-field Hamiltonian that incorporates both crystalline electric field and exchange interactions. ΔSM(T) and ΔTad(T) curves are essentially zero at ∼150 K, the temperature where the transition from direct to inverse MCE occurs. A possible interplay between the MCE and the magnetovolume anomalies is also discussed. ; Financial support from Spanish MICINN (MAT2011-27573-C04-02) and from the Basque Government (IT-347-07) is acknowledged. J.L.S.Ll. acknowledges the support received from CONACYT, Mexico, under the project CB-2010-01-156932, and Laboratorio Nacional de Investigaciones en Nanociencias y Nanotecnología (LINAN, IPICyT). J.A.R.V. acknowledges the support from the research project MAT2007-61621. ; Peer Reviewed
This paper presents the fundamental characteristics of the Final Year Project (FYP), its associated competences and some evaluation standards that derived from a research conducted by the regional government of Catalonia and the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency. More analytically, the paper begins with the definition of the Final Year Project in social sciences, continues with the identification and analysis of its associated competences and the basic phases for its realization and finishes with the presentation of some fundamental evaluation standards. Our final proposal is considered as objective and effective not only for the realization of the FYP by the students, but also for its evaluation by the instructors, since it can easily be customized for different social sciences curricula.
An ensemble of superantiferromagnetic NdCu2 nanoparticles has been produced to perform a detailed analysis of magnetic excitations using inelastic neutron scattering. Neutron diffraction measurements indicate a mean nanoparticle size of ?D??13 nm, where the bulk commensurate antiferromagnetic structure is retained at the nanoparticle core. Magnetic measurements evidence the interaction among the magnetic moments located at the nanoparticle surface to be strong enough to establish a spin glass behavior. Specific heat analyses show a broad Schottky contribution, revealing the existence of a crystalline electric field. Inelastic neutron scattering analyses disclose that the splitting of the crystalline electric field levels associated with the Nd3+ ions, as well as the spin-wave excitations that emerged below the Néel transition (TN?6K) in polycrystalline NdCu2 are maintained in the nanoparticle state. We have been able to isolate the scattering contribution arising from the nanoparticle surface where both crystalline electric field splitting and the collective magnetic excitations are well-defined despite the symmetry breaking. Quantitative analyses of this surface scattering reveal that finite-size effects and microstrain lead to a partial inhibition of the transitions from the ground state to the first excited level, as well as a positive shift (?15%) of the energy associated to collective magnon excitations. ; This work has been fi nancially supported by Spain's MCIU MAT2017-83631-C3-R and RTI2018-094683-B-C52 projects and Principado de Asturias Regional Government IDI/2018/000185 project. EMJ's work was sup- ported by "Beca C. Arenal" BDNS: 406333 (Gobierno de Cantabria-U. Cantabria). MRF's work was supported by FPI (BES-2012-058722). We acknowledge L. Léon Brillouin and Institut Laue-Langevin for allocation of beam-time and resources.
Social conflicts around large carnivores are increasing in Europe, often associated to the species expansion into human-modified and agricultural landscapes. Large carnivores can be seen as an added value by some but as a source of difficulties by others, depending on different val-ues, attitudes, livelihoods, and everyday activities. Therefore, the effective involvement of the different interest groups is important to identify and shape tailored solutions that can potentially be implemented, complementing top-down approaches that might, on their own, result in lack of implementation and buy-in. To improve dialogue in conflictual situations, as part of a European project promoted by the European Parliament, we assessed the practical implementation of participatory processes in three sample areas in Europe where wolves and bears have recently been increasingly impacting human activities. Our results demonstrate that collaboration among different and generally contrasting groups is possible. Even in situations where large-carnivore impacts were seen as unsatisfactorily managed for many years, people were still willing and eager to be involved in alternative discussion processes hoping this would lead to concrete solutions. An important and common highlight among the three study areas was that all the management interventions agreed upon shared the general scope of improving the conditions of the groups most impacted by large carnivores. The process showed the importance of building trust and supporting dialogue for knowledge co-production and mitigation of conflicts between stakeholders and that controversial environmental issues have the potential to trigger a meaningful dialogue about broader societal issues. The direct involvement and support of competent authorities, as well as the upscaling of this process at larger administrative and social scales, remain important challenges.
This work was supported by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), by the Government of the Basque Country under PIBA 2018e44 and under Elkartek RTM 4.0 projects, by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Grant 16-53-48012) and partially supported by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, contract # 02. A03.21.0011. The authors thank for technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU and European funding (ERDF and ESF). The work was carried out with financial support from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in the framework of increase Competitiveness Program of NUST "MISIS", implemented by a governmental decree dated 16th of March 2013, No 211.
BackgroundPatients with a discordant response to cART, defined as persistent CD4 + T‐cell counts <200 cells/mm3 and lack CD4 increase despite virologic suppression on HAART, have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Several studies have suggested a potential benefit of intensification with maraviroc (MVC) on CD4+T‐cell recovery.MethodsA 24‐week prospective, open‐label, randomized, controlled study. Subjects on cART, plasma HIV RNA <37 copies/mL for at least 12 months, and CD4 < 200 cells/L, with CD4‐gain in the previous 12 months <50 cells/µL, were randomized to add MVC (A) or continuing same cART (B). Randomisation was stratified by the presence of liver cirrhosis (CH) (n = 10) and non‐CH (n = 28). We measured by flow cytometry changes in the following parameters of CD4 + and CD8 + T‐cell subsets: activation (CD38, HLA‐DR), senescence (CD28, CD57, CD45RA and RO), coreceptors (CCR5 and CXCR4) and apoptosis (Annexin‐V).ResultsThirty‐eight subjects were included at the final analysis. Median values were: age 51 years (IQR, 44–57), time with VL < 37 copies/mL before entry 43 months (IQR 24–62 months), baseline CD4 + T‐cell count 144 cells/µL (IQR 106–181). Four subjects were lost of follow‐up (3 in A, 1 in B). One subject from group B experienced confirmed virologic failure at week 24. Adverse events were similar in both arms. Median increase in CD4 + T‐cell count from baseline to weeks 2,4 and 24 in both groups were +15.5 vs ‐1 (p = 0.025); +16.5 vs ‐2.5 (p = 0.158); +46.5 vs + 6.50 (p = 0.190). Similar trend towards a higher CD4 increase were seen in both CH and non‐CH individuals. At W24, 8 subjects from arm A vs 1 subject from arm B achieved a CD4 + T‐cell count above 200 cells/µL (p < 0.05). Markers of immune activation (CD38 and HLA‐DR) decreased during MVC intensification, especially in CD8+ T cells (p < 0.01) whereas apoptosis did not. Additionally CCR5 expression tended to increase (p = 0.051) in CD8 T cells from arm A subjects. No significant differences were found in the immunological assay between cirrhotic and non cirrhotic individuals.ConclusionsMVC intensification was safe and was associated with a significant a trend towards increasing CD4 + T‐cell counts both in cirrhotic as well as non‐cirrhotic patients with discordant response. The addition of MVC was associated with a decrease in markers of immune activation in both groups.
The major antiretroviral guidelines recommend starting ART in patients>50 y of age, regardless of CD4 cell count. However, no references to the preferred cART for these patients have been described. The combination FTC/TDF is one of the cornerstones of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in naïve patients. We studied the persistence of coformulated FTC/TDF in this scenario. National, retrospective cohort analysis of HIV‐infected patients>50 y at the time they began the first cART regimen (January 1, 2006 – December 31, 2009). Patients were selected in a proportion 2:1 to FTC/TDF vs. other NRTI regimens (no‐TDF). We compared the persistence of treatment in FTC/TDF users vs. no‐TDF (main groups). Among TDF users, we compared the persistence in PI vs. NNRTI users and in lopinavir/r vs. efavirenz users. Persistence was defined as the duration of the initial treatment; we analyzed time to any change or discontinuation according to initial regimen. We included 161 patients: median age: 54.6 y, 83% males, median CD4 count 191 cells/μl, median viral load 4.7 log, follow up: median 19 months, max 48 months. Of them, 112 started with FTC/TDF (53 with PIs, 57 with NNRTIs); and 49 with other NRTIs (no‐TDF) (22 with PI, 23 NNRTI). During the follow‐up period 79 patients (49%) modified their treatment, with statistically significant differences among groups, as shown in Table 1.*Adjusted by age, sex, transmission category and baseline CD4 count and viral load.In our study (antiretroviral‐naïve patients>50 y), the persistence of FTC/TDF regimens was significantly higher than other NRTI regimens. According to the third agent, there was a trend to a higher persistence with NNRTI vs. PI. This reaches statistical significance when we compare EFV vs. LPV/r. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, our data may contribute to a better understanding on how cART works in this ageing population, which is progressively increasing.
Proportion and hazard ratio of non‐persistence (any change or discontinuation of any component of initial cART), aOR adjusted by age, sex, transmission category and baseline CD4 count and viral load
BackgroundSimplification of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be an option for virologically suppressed patients for a variety of reasons. Etravirine (ETV) 400 mg qd has a good safety profile and retains activity against viruses resistant to nevirapine or efavirenz. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of ETV plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) as a simplification strategy in treatment‐experienced virologically suppressed individuals with prior episodes of virological failure (VF) and presence of genotypic resistance mutations (GRM).MethodsEligible subjects were followed for ≥6 mo. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients remaining virologically suppressed using an ITT analysis. Genotypic sensitivity score (GSS) to new regimen was calculated according to Stanford resistance database.ResultsFourteen (10%) of 145 subjects switching to ETV+2NRTIs while virologically suppressed had a documented prior VF and presence of GRM and were included in the analysis. Median (range) number of previous episodes of VF to ART, NRTI‐containing regimen, to a NNRTI‐containing regimen and to a PI‐containing regimen were 4 (1–6), 2 (1–5), 1 (0–2) and 1 (0–2) respectively. Median duration of virological suppression before switching therapy was 22.5 months (1‐65). All patients switched from an effective PI‐containing regimen (8 LPV/r, 5 ATV/r and 1 DRV/r) to a qd regimen with ETV 400 mg plus Truvada® (n=12) or Kivexa® (2). 11/14 patients (79%) remained virologically suppressed at ≥6 mo. All of them had a GSS >1.5 to the new regimen and none had resistance to etravirine. Conversely 3/14 (21%) developed a VF at 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. All these 3 patients had a GSS ≤1.5 to the new regimen and 2 of them intermediate resistance to ETV (Y181C). No side effects were reported.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ETV plus 2NRTI could be a good strategy for simplification in virologically suppressed patients despite previous episodes of VF if the GSS to the new regimen is ≥1.5 and ETV remains active.
PurposeIn the last decade the prevalence of HIV‐infected patients≥50 years of age has increased. FTC/TDF is nowadays one of the cornerstones of cART in naïve patients, generally considered safe and well tolerated; nevertheless there is a continuous debate about the renal safety of TDF, due to the report of cases linking this treatment with renal failure and tubular dysfunction. In addition, there is a well‐recognized age‐related decline in renal function. Our aim was to describe the impact of cART regimen (FTC/TDF vs. others) on renal function of subjects who start cART at≥50 years old.MethodsNational, retrospective cohort analysis of HIV‐infected patients>50 y at the time they began the first cART (Jan 1, 2006 – Dec 31, 2009). Patients were selected in a proportion 2:1 to FTC/TDF versus other NRTI regimens (no TDF). For this analysis we excluded subjects taking potentially nephrotoxic drugs at baseline. We compared the impact of FTC/TDF vs. no‐TDF regimens (main groups) on renal function by means of the changes, during the first 12 months of treatment, in glomerular filtration rate estimated by the CKD‐EPI formula, and by the analysis of time to renal deterioration during the complete follow up (defined as progression to an EPI‐CKD value<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in subjects with baseline values>60). We also compared these outcomes among FTC/TDF users, according to the third agent: PI vs. NNRTI, and lopinavir/r vs. efavirenz.ResultsWe included 125 patients, median age: 54.8 y, 82% males, median CD4 count 235 cells/µl, median viral load 4.7 log, follow up: median 19 months, max: 66 months. Of them, 82 started with FTC/TDF and 43 with other NRTIs (no TDF). During the follow‐up 13/125 patients taking FTC/TDF (11%) presented with renal deterioration. The Cox regression model including age, sex, transmission category, baseline CD4 count and viral load, FTC/TDF use, PI/NNRTI use, and LPVr/EFV use showed a hazard ratio for renal deterioration of 4.13 (95% CI 0.92, 18.5) for LPV/r users. The table shows the evolution of glomerular filtration rate, and proportion and risk of renal deterioration.ConclusionIn subjects starting cART after 50 years of age, we have not found significant changes in glomerular filtration rate associated with the use of FTC/TDF‐based regimens. Overall, the risk of renal deterioration was 4.1 times higher for LPV/r users (almost statistically significant). Among FTC/TDF users, this risk was 8 times higher for LPV/r as compared to EFV.
Overall Among TDF users
No TDF vs. TDF/FTC PI vs. NNRTI LPV vs. EFV
Glomerular filtration rate by CKD‐EPI (mL/min/1.73 m2)
Baseline (median)* 91.6 vs. 93.7 90.7 vs. 95.7 93.7 vs. 95.8
Month 12 (median)* 98.0 vs. 95.1 89.2 vs. 96.7 71.2 vs. 97.8 (p < 0.05)
Renal deterioration:
Cases (n, %) 4/38 (10.5%) vs. 9/79 (11.4%) 5/33 (15.1) vs. 4/45 (8.9) 4/21 (19.0) vs. 3/40 (7.5)
All comparisons between arms, and between baseline and month 24 were not statistically significant unless otherwise indicated. Adjusted by age, sex, transmission category and baseline CD4 count and viral load.
We felt the urgency to launch the EU2Cure Consortium to support research and find a cure for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection through intensified collaboration within Europe. This consortium is open to stakeholders on cure in Europe from academia and the community to connect. The aim of this consortium is to intensify the research collaboration amongst European HIV cure groups and the community and facilitate interactions with other academic and community cure consortia, private parties, and policy makers. Our main aim is to create a European research agenda, data sharing, and development of best practice for clinical and translational science to achieve breakthroughs with clinically feasible HIV cure strategies. This consortium should also enable setting up collaborative studies accessible to a broader group of people living with HIV. Besides reservoir studies, we have identified three overlapping scientific interests in the consortium that provide a starting point for further research within a European network: developing "shock and kill" cure strategies, defining HIV cure biomarkers, and connecting cure cohorts. This strategy should aid stakeholders to sustain progress in HIV cure research regardless of coincidental global health or political crises.
