High-mountain Conditions Research Articles

Rearrangement of Neuroendocrine Systems in the Mountains

The aim of this research was to study the functional state of the anterior pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands and their relationship with chronic exposure to high altitude. Studies were conducted in high altitudes inhabitants of the Tien-Shan (1200 m, 2800 m, 3600 m). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, catecholamines, thyroid, and sex hormones were determined by immunosorbent and spectrofluorometric methods. Normal hormone levels for sea level inhabitants were used for comparison. Increased cortisol levels in mountaineers (M) (2800 m) may reflect a reduction in reserve capacity of the pituitary-adrenocortical system and the formation of their chronic condition or incomplete adaptation, or the continuing adaptation to the environment in a number of successive generations. Reduced activity of the pituitary-adrenocortical system in high altitude residents (HAR) at 3600 m is a consequence of the harsh weather conditions, narrowing the boundaries of the organism’s adaptation and facilitating economical and appropriate regulation. High altitude residents at 2800 m and 3600 m (when compared to the normal hormone levels and data of low mountain residents at 1200 m), presented a predominance of the mediator activity of the hormone sympathetic-adrenal system, showing an increased secretion of norepinephrine and dopamine, and a decreased secretion of epinephrine. Increased levels of norepinephrine are associated with its decreased metabolism and reserves, providing constant catecholamines that create the preconditions for a stable and long-term work of the body, providing an adequate state of physiological function. Features power (prevalence of carbohydrates and fats in food M and HAR) also lead to the activation secretion of norepinephrine, which leads to intensive use of the biological mediator precursor, dopamine, as evidenced by its high level in residents at both altitudes. This change in optimum reserve of catecholamines promotes an accelerated restoration of catecholamine levels. Prolonged exposure to high altitude hypoxia induces contrasting changes in thyroid hormone levels. The mountaineers (2800 m) are found close to the low values of normal TSH levels, whereas thyroid hormones tend to increase. The increase in T3 and T4 levels, while maintaining the basic concentration of TSH or small hyperthyroidism, seem necessary to adapt to the extreme conditions of high mountains. Increased levels of T4, TSH and norepinephrine, with a decreased secretion of T3 in HAR (3600 m), reflect an additional reaction on the PTS factor constant exposure to cold in the mountains. Low values ​​of T3 without changes in TSH and T4 levels are explained by the influence of cold. The detected levels of testosterone in male HAR (3600 m) show the adverse effects of environmental factors, and reduced levels of progesterone (89%) indicate a hard endocrine function of women M (2800 m), on the mobilization of the strategic reserve endocrine system. However, the decreased functional activity of the sex glands does not exceed the boundaries of conventional indicators, which are a reflection of the body’s resistance. Conclusion: Features of endocrine systems in high-population of Tien-Shan include reduced activity of the pituitary-adrenocortical system in the organism, and economical operation, which allows for normal life, work and heavy physical activities in the specific conditions of the mountains. The parameters of endocrine status should be assessed only in relation to its their own mountain normal population values.

Сезонная динамика структуры изменчивости листовых признаков Trifolium raddeanum Trautv. в условиях высокогорья Дагестана

Сезонная динамика структуры изменчивости листовых признаков Trifolium raddeanum Trautv. в условиях высокогорья Дагестана

Specialized or opportunistic—how does the high mountain endemic butterfly Erebia nivalis survive in its extreme habitats?

High mountain ecosystems are a challenge for the survival of animal and plant species, which have to evolve specific adaptations to cope with the prevailing extreme conditions. The strategies to survive may reach from opportunistic to highly adapted traits. One species successfully surviving under these conditions is the here studied butterfly Erebia nivalis. In a mark-release-recapture study performed in the Hohe Tauern National Park (Austria) from 22 July to 26 August 2013, we marked 1386 individuals and recaptured 342 of these. For each capture event, we recorded the exact point of capture and various other traits (wing conditions, behavior, nectar sources). The population showed a partial protandrous demography with the minority of males emerging prior to the females, but the majority being synchronized with them. Males and females differed significantly in their behavior with males being more flight active and females nectaring and resting more. Both sexes showed preferences for the same plant species as nectar sources, but this specialization apparently is the result of a rapid individual adaptation to the locally available flowers. Estimates of the realized dispersal distances predicted a comparatively high amount of long-distance flights, especially for females. Therefore, the adaptation of Erebia nivalis to the unpredictable high mountain conditions might be a mixture of opportunism and specialized traits.

NATURAL RESISTANCE OF HORSES OF GUTSUL BREED FROM THE POKUTTYA CARPATHIANS

NATURAL RESISTANCE OF HORSES OF GUTSUL BREED FROM THE POKUTTYA CARPATHIANS

Disk braking mechanism of a tractor produced by Minsk tractor works

Operation of tractors in high-mountain conditions is very different from their use in flat terrain. When braking on a steep long slope with large number of turns with minimal radius, the intensive heating of braking mechanisms is occurred, which not only reduces the efficiency of braking system, but also often leads to a complete failure. The aim of the study is to improve the operational efficiency of disk braking mechanism of a tractor produced by Minsk tractor works when braking during direct motion by means of increasing the impact of pressure disk on brake disk by the use of tractive effort torques that arise between them. The general characteristics of tractor braking mechanisms, as well as the characteristics of a proposed improved braking mechanism are given. The improved braking mechanism allows to rotate simultaneously the pressure disks in the direction of rotation of brake disks during tractor forward motion. At that, the tractive effort torques generated in the process of interaction of surfaces of pressure and friction disks match with the torques applied to the pressure disks from the side of brake gears. As a result, the total axial forces affecting from the side of pressure disks on brake disks are increased, which leads to the efficiency improvement of tractor braking. The patent no. 2435997 for the invention of disk braking mechanism has been received based on this study. The proposed design significantly improves the braking capabilities of a tractor. It can be used in the braking systems of tractors, vehicles and motorcycles.

Mountaineer’s Waste: Past, Present and Future

Abstract The growing number of mountaineers (climbers and trekkers) makes the problem of human waste amount to a considerable size (in tonnes of faeces and cubic metres of urine) of environmental degradation. Purity in the high mountains depends mainly on the mountaineers visiting them (the rule of ‘Leave No Trace’); however, if there is no assured suitable sanitation system, no mountaineer can be blamed for leaving human waste (faeces and urine), because the process of excretion cannot be stopped. The management can address the issue in three ways: complete (non–invasive), partial (superficial), and invasive. Those approaches have been elaborately explained in three case studies: Fuji–san (Japan), Yamunotri (India) and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), respectively. Each of the places have been described based on the provided human waste disposal solutions, starting from the historical perspective and ending with the plans for future implementations, i.e. how it was, how it is, and how it will be. The results showed the improvement of understanding of the environmental pollution by human waste, at least from the management site. Decent changes have appeared in recent years–management bodies care more about human waste disposal. The authorities of mountain regions are gradually exchanging the old, leaking toilets for brand–new eco–friendly ones. Even if this process is slow–mostly because of economical limitations–management bodies appear to be noticing this threat. However, mountaineers do not always follow the implemented and recommended solution, as this study shows. The users should change their irresponsible behaviour, because even the best solutions in the case of human waste disposal in high–mountain conditions will fail if they do not follow the rules.

Influence of disturbances and climate on high-mountain Norway spruce forests in the Low Tatra Mts., Slovakia

Survival and growth of trees in high-mountain regions is limited by harsh environmental conditions, and is therefore sensitive to climate change. The main aims of this study were to develop the regional boundary line for high-mountain spruce forests of the Low Tatra Mts., to reconstruct and compare the disturbance regime of investigated localities, and to present the impact of recent climate change on release potential of Norway spruce. The study area included three localities with forest stands dominated by Norway spruce that were selected to represent the altitudinal zone 1200–1500m a.s.l., excluding the tree line and extreme sites. In order to determine the most important climate characteristics driving tree growth, site chronologies were computed from the sample cores of dominant and co-dominant trees, and correlations between chronologies and monthly climate variables from the previous May to the current September were computed for the period 1901–2008. Analysis of release potential and disturbance histories was performed using the boundary line method. Uniform macro-climate and site conditions in the selected region enabled to construct the regional boundary line for Norway spruce in the Low Tatra. The comparison between boundary lines developed for Norway spruce in the Low Tatra and the other regions showed considerable differences. Therefore, in the high-mountain conditions, the transfer of boundary lines from other regions cannot be recommended. In investigated localities, we identified different disturbance regimes that resulted in variable stand structures and modified the growth responsiveness of Norway spruce to climate. A higher sensitivity to previous October temperature was observed in the most disturbed locality, whereas the growth of Norway spruce on the site with the lowest disturbance rates showed the highest correlation with current June–July temperature. After 1990, we registered enhanced release potential of Norway spruce accompanied by the increase of disturbance rates. Increased release potential was detected even for the trees older than 150years.

Ferns in the present-day periglacial zone of the Central Altai

This article presents data on the species composition and distribution of ferns in the present-day periglacial zone of the Aktru, Karagemskiy, Akkem, Sofiiskiy, Gebler, and Taldurinskiy glaciers in the Central Altai. Sixteen fern species have been found and confirmed by herbarium specimens. Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw., Cystopteris dickieana R. Sim, C. fragilis (L.) Bernh., and Polystichum lonchitis (L.) Roth were the most tolerant to the severe conditions of high mountains. The distribution of ferns in the centers of the present-day glaciation was related mostly to the occurrence of rocks. Colonization of the periglacial zone by ferns occurred only by means of spores, initially by their introduction from habitats located far from the periglacial zone. The further colonization and migration of species, following the retreating glaciers, was possible by means of spores produced by sporophytes growing in the periglacial zone. Germination of spores and development of gametophytes and sporophytes under severe conditions of the periglacial zone generally occurred in local microlandscapes providing protection in the cold season and a sufficient amount of moisture in the warm season.

Mathematical Model of the Short- And Medium-Term Adaptation of Respiratory System of the Persons Working in Extreme Conditions of High Mountains

Mathematical Model of the Short- And Medium-Term Adaptation of Respiratory System of the Persons Working in Extreme Conditions of High Mountains

Measurements of the atmospheric electric field under high-mountain conditions in the vicinity of Mt. Elbrus

The measurements of the atmospheric electric field potential gradient are analyzed simultaneously at the two high-mountain stations in the vicinity of Mt. Elbrus: Cheget Peak and Terskol Peak, as well as the Kyzburun mountain station located at the end of the Baksan ravine. A global component in the diurnal variation in the electric field is revealed: the morning minimum (01-04 UT) and the evening maximum (19-21 UT), which conforms to the unitary variation in the ionospheric potential, as well as the daylight maximum (08-12 UT) caused by the action of the local generators in the surface layer. The features of the seasonal variation in the electric field are studied.

Niche overlap between sympatric coyotes and bobcats in highland zones of Olympic Mountains, Washington

AbstractThe 20th century extensive range expansion of coyote Canis latrans throughout North America may impose negative effects on native carnivores. We investigated the interspecific niche relationships to assess potential for competition between sympatric coyote and a similar‐sized felid – bobcat Lynx rufus – throughout the highland zones (elevation >1000 m) of Olympic National Park, Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Through systematic collection and analyses of scats for both carnivores (May–September 2005–2006), we determined food habits (composition, diversity, overlap of diets) and habitat use patterns. To ensure correct determination of carnivore species, we used mtDNA analysis of scats. Scat analysis indicated extensive dietary overlap between coyote and bobcat (Pianka's overlap index = 0.97). For both carnivores medium‐sized mammals comprised the predominant prey: mountain beaver Aplodontia rufa and snowshoe hare Lepus americanus; each occurring in about 50% of the scats. High dietary similarity indicated the potential for interspecific exploitative competition for mammalian prey, especially in harsh climatic conditions of high mountains. However, observed patterns of habitat selection inferred from scat distribution showed differences between coyotes and bobcats, implying some degree of habitat partitioning. Bobcats preferred relatively dense montane forests (canopy cover >40%) at lower elevations, and avoided the alpine zone, while coyotes inhabited mainly alpine and subalpine zones and mostly avoided forest. We conclude that observed habitat separation may alleviate foraging competition between coyote and bobcat. Whether this habitat separation will decrease potential negative effects of coyote colonization on bobcat abundance, or whether it indicates ongoing displacement of bobcats by coyotes, remains an open question.

Раціональна побудова тренувального процесу найсильніших бігунок марафону в умовах середньогір’я й високогір’я

Purpose : in this work we study the rational construction of the training process of the strongest women marathon runners to the conditions of middle and high mountains. Material and Methods: the study involved the strongest runners who specialize in the women’s marathon running. Results: we have analyzed the training sessions in running in middle and high mountains, which can be used from two to five times a year. The principle of training is to acquire a stable long-term adaptation to the conditions close to those of the real competitions. Conclusion: it has been proved that training in the mountains has become an integral part of the preparation of highly skilled runners and at the same time high sports results have been achieved.

Long-term dynamics of nival processes in the Khibiny Mountains

Period of warming is registered at Khibiny Mountains in the end of XX century. Sensible rise in temperature occur in winter. The one of general indicators of present climate changes is multiyear dynamic of nival processes not only for contrast high-mountain conditions but also for more temperate green belt. Compatible variability of both data sets from high-mountain (1050 m) and green belt (320 m) stations allows to full appreciation of present changes. The results of data evaluation shows stability of snow cover characteristics against changing of winter temperature conditions and avalanche activity.

The re-discovered Maculinea rebeli (Hirschke, 1904): Host ant usage, parasitoid and initial food plant around the type locality with taxonomical aspects (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

The taxonomy of the myrmecophilous Maculinea alcon group (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is highly debated. The host-plant and host-ant usage of these butterflies have conventionally been important in their identification. Maculinea ‘rebeli’ has generally been considered to be the xerophilous form of Ma. alcon (Ma. alcon X hereafter) with Gentiana cruciata as initial food plant. However, the type locality and all other known sites of Ma. rebeli are found above the coniferous zone, and are well separated from the lower regions where Ma. alcon X sites are found. Furthermore, no food plant and host ant data for the nominotypic Ma. rebeli have yet been published. Our aim was therefore to identify the host ant(s) of Ma. rebeli around the type locality and compare this with the host ant usage of nearby Ma. alcon X. Nests of Myrmica spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) close to the host plants were opened on one Ma. alcon X (host plant: Gentiana cruciata) and two Ma. rebeli (host plant: Gentianella rhaetica, first record, confirmed by oviposition and emerging larvae) sites just before the flying period, to find prepupal larvae and pupae. Three Myrmica species (My. lobulicornis, My. ruginodis, My. sulcinodis) were found on the two Ma. rebeli sites, which parasitized exclusively My. sulcinodis (22 individuals in 7 nests). On the Ma. alcon X site Myrmica sabuleti and My. lonae were found, with My. sabuleti the exclusive host (51 individuals in 10 nests). Ichneumon cf. eumerus parasitized both butterflies. The results highlight the differentiation of Maculinea rebeli from Ma. alcon X, from both conservation biological and ecological points of view. Thus, it should be concluded that Ma. rebeli does not simply represent an individual form of Ma. alcon but it can be considered as at least an ecological form adapted to high mountain conditions both in its initial food plant and host ant species. In addition, it should be emphasized that Ma. alcon X (= Ma. rebeli auct. nec Hirschke) cannot be synonymised with Ma. rebeli (Hirschke, 1904).

State of gonads of yearlings of triploid rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to androgenic hormone under high-mountain conditions of South Vietnam

Changes in the morphology of gonads under the effect of methyltestosterone in juveniles of triploid rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss incubated and cultivated in a trout farm under climatic conditions of South Vietnam have been studied. It was shown that the effect of the androgenic hormone intensifies the formation and development of testes in triploid rainbow trout at an age of 1+, decreasing the proportion of sterile individuals and the proportion of fish with anatomical and cytological anomalies in the structure of gonads. The relationship between the found anomalies in the structure of the genital system of trout and its triploidization, hormonal effect, and abiotic environmental conditions is discussed.

1. How the natural world helps to understand the past: The Llullaillaco Children’s experience

American native cultures, such as the Incas, believed that the living world and the world of the dead did not have defined borders, giving place to an area where both could coexist. The symbiosis created between them and nature, often, ruled the social, political, economic and religious issues. The deep understanding and the command of natural phenomena were among the special features of Inca culture applied to their life in many aspects. For example, processes to preserve food which involved the transference of heat and matter were used taking advantage of atmospheric conditions of high altitude mountains. This knowledge might have been considered in cultural ceremonies like “The Capacocha”, as the offerings have been kept without changes up to the present, opening a window to the past. The High Altitude Archaeology Museum allows visitors to be in contact with this amazing world and its richness, while helping maintain this legacy, putting it on display and undertaking research with strict safety and respect. This paper deals with the study of natural conditions up on the mountains, the evolution of bodies in the laboratory, the experience of other cases of frozen mummies and their integration into the design of the MAAM cryopreservation system.

Effectiveness of modified milking apparatus under high mountain conditions

A mathematical analysis and comparative measurements of standard and proposed milking apparatuses are given. The economic effectiveness of the modified ADV-F-1A milking apparatus is shown.

Hair cortisol levels in dairy cows from winter housing to summer highland grazing

Cortisol is an indicator of an animal's endocrine response to environmental changes. This study was designed to examine changes in hair cortisol levels produced in response to a change from indoor winter to summer grazing conditions in dairy cows. The study population comprised 83 dairy cows from three farms. Hair samples were obtained using clippers from the animal's forehead at the time points: 7 (P1), 40 (P2) and 70 days (P3) after the start of summer grazing. At these same time points, milk yield, milk fat and somatic cell count (SCC) and body condition score (BCS) were determined in each animal. No effects of farm were detected on these factors. However, hair cortisol levels increased from P1 to P2 ( P < 0.01) and then remained constant from P2 to P3 ( P > 0.05). Transfer from the valley farm to summer pastures and the change in environment and nutrition modified hair cortisol concentrations (estimated marginal means ± standard error), which were 2.1 ± 0.10, 2.9 ± 0.17 and 2.6 ± 0.13 pg/mg for P1, P2 and P3, respectively. In addition, during summer grazing we observed a reduction in milk yield, an increase in SCC and general worsening of BCS. No significant correlation was detected between hair cortisol level and the other factors considered except for fat-corrected milk ( r = − 0.144, P = 0.025). The rise in hair cortisol levels observed during the first month of summer grazing may reflect hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses related to the change from winter indoor to high mountain conditions, though the low cortisol levels detected suggest minimal involvement of this axis along with the well-being of the animals.

Raman spectra of nitrogen-containing organic compounds obtained in high altitude sites using a portable spectrometer: Possible application for remote robotic Titan studies

Well-resolved Raman spectra of examples of nitrogen-containing compounds were detected using a portable Raman instrument (Ahura First Defender XL) outdoors at a low temperature of −15 °C at an altitude of 2860 m (Pitztall, Austria). The portable Raman spectrometer tested here is equipped with a 785 nm diode laser and fixed frontal probe. Solid forms of formamide, urea, 3-methylpyridine, aniline, indene, 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine, benzofuran and indoline were detected unambiguously under field high-mountain conditions. The main Raman features (strong, medium and partially weak bands) were observed at their correct wavenumber positions (spectral resolution 7–10 cm −1) in the range 200–2000 cm −1. The results obtained demonstrate the possibility of applying a miniaturised Raman spectrometer as key instrument for investigating the presence of nitrogen-containing organic compounds and biomolecules under low temperature field conditions. Within the payload designed by ESA and NASA for future missions focusing not only on Mars, Raman spectroscopy will be an important non-destructive analytical tool for the in-situ identification of both organic and inorganic compounds relevant to life detection on planetary surfaces or near sub-surfaces.

Radiation damages of organism and their correction in conditions of adaptation to high-altitude meteorological factors

Influence of the low doses of radiation on human organism has been registered in conditions of aircraft flies at high altitudes and during space flies. Constant influence of radiation in low doses is also an important factor of meteorological conditions in mountains. The problem of influence of radiation on human organism was at the point of investigation of academician Sirotinin N. N. and researchers of his scientific school who carried out their research work in high mountain conditions at Elbrus medical and biological station (EMBS, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, territory of Russia) till the last years. Obtained results permitted to organize quickly the process of rehabilitation and medical treatment for persons who were irradiated during Chernobyl accident on 1986. In present article are described some mechanisms of radiation influence on organism, oxygen molecules participation in these processes and some methods of medical treatment that were suggested by EMBS researcher basing on these knowledge. The fact of insufficient organism supply by oxygen at high altitudes is considered as important one in some of such methods. In present article some examples from EMBS practice of medical treatment are given as well as numerical results registered during the long years of these effect studies. Obtained results may be useful for the health care of pilots or other groups of people who are influenced by low doses of radiation of different nature during long time.