Different Levels Of Alteration Research Articles

Ventriculo-arterial (un)coupling in septic shock: Impact of current and upcoming hemodynamic drugs.

Sepsis is an archetype of distributive shock and combines different levels of alterations in preload, afterload, and often cardiac contractility. The use of hemodynamic drugs has evolved over the past few years, along with the invasive and non-invasive tools used to measure these components in real time. However, none of them is impeccable, which is why the mortality of septic shock remains too high. The concept of ventriculo-arterial coupling (VAC) allows for the integration of these three fundamental macroscopic hemodynamic components. In this mini review, we discuss the knowledge, tools, and limitations of VAC measurement, along with the evidence supporting ventriculo-arterial uncoupling in septic shock. Finally, the impact of recommended hemodynamic drugs and molecules on VAC is detailed.

A FINGERPRINT BASED GENDER DETECTOR SYSTEM USING FINGERPRINT PATTERN ANALYSIS

Humans have distinctive and unique traits which can be used to distinguish them thus, acting as a form of identification. Biometrics identifies people by measuring some aspect of individual’s anatomy or physiology such as hand geometry or fingerprint which consists of a pattern of interleaved ridges and valleys. The aim of this research is to analyse humans fingerprint texture in order to determine their gender, and correlation of RTVTR and Ridge Count on gender detection. The study is to analyze the effectiveness of physical biometrics (thumbprint) in order to determine gender in humans. Humans have distinctive and unique traits which can be used to distinguish them thus, acting as a form of identification. Biometrics identify people by measuring some aspect of individual’s anatomy or physiology such as hand geometry or fingerprint which consists of a pattern of interleaved ridges and valleys. This work developed a system that determines human gender using fingerprint analysis trained with SVM+CNN (for gender classification). To build an accurate fingerprint based model for gender detection system using fingerprint pattern analysis, there are certain steps that must be taken, which include; Data collection (in conducting research, the first step is collecting data in the form of a set of fingerprint image), Pre-processing Data (before entering the training data, pre-processing data is performed, which is resize the fingerprint image 96x96 pixels). Training Data (in this processing the dataset will be trained using the Convolutional neural network and Support vector machine methodology. This training data processing is a stage where CNN + SVM are trained to obtained high accuracy from the classification conducted). Result Verification (after doing all the above process, at this stage, we will display the results of gender prediction based on fingerprint images in the application that has been making). SOCOFing database is made up of 6,000 fingerprint images from 600 African subjects. It contains unique attributes such as labels for gender, hand and finger name as well as synthetically altered versions with three different levels of alteration for obliteration, central rotation, and z-cut. The values for accuracy, sensitivity and precision using the CNN classifier at threshold 0.25 were 96%, 97.8% and 96.92% respectively. At threshold 0.45 the values were 96.3%, 97.6% and 97.6% respectively. At threshold 0.75 the values were 96.5%, 97.3% and 97.9% respectively. In case of the SVM classifier, at threshold 0.25 were 94.3%, 96.6% and 95.8% respectively. At threshold 0.45 the values were 94.5%, 96.4% and 96.2% respectively. At threshold 0.75 the values were 94.8%, 97.3% and 96.8% respectively. From the 600 fingerprints classified, it was observed that a total of 450 fingerprints were detected for male and 150 for female. Results were obtained for gender accuracy, sensitivity and precision through several thresholds to compare the two classifiers. However, it should be verified that the results obtained showed that the CNN classification yielded better accuracy, sensitivity and precision than SVM.

Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library Project: 3. Characterization of Samples With MicrOmega.

The Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library (PTAL) project aims at building and exploiting a database involving several analytical techniques, to help characterize the mineralogical evolution of terrestrial bodies, starting with Mars. Around 100 natural Earth rock samples have been collected from selected locations to gather a variety of analogs for martian geology, from volcanic to sedimentary origin with different levels of alteration. All samples are to be characterized within the PTAL project with different mineralogical and elemental analysis techniques, including techniques brought on actual and future instruments at the surface of Mars (near infrared [NIR] spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy). This article presents the NIR measurements and interpretations acquired with the ExoMars MicrOmega spare instrument. MicrOmega is an NIR hyperspectral microscope, mounted in the analytical laboratory of the ExoMars rover Rosalind Franklin. All PTAL samples have been observed at least once with MicrOmega using a dedicated setup. For all PTAL samples, data description and interpretation are presented. For some chosen examples, color composite images and spectra are presented as well. A comparison with characterizations by NIR and Raman spectrometry is discussed for some of the samples. In particular, the spectral imaging capacity of MicrOmega allows detections of mineral components and potential organic molecules that were not possible with other one-spot techniques. In addition, it enables estimation of heterogeneities in the spatial distribution of various mineral species. The MicrOmega/PTAL data shall support the future observations and analyses performed by MicrOmega/Rosalind Franklin instrument.

Bats and bananas: Simplified diet of the nectar-feeding bat Glossophaga soricina (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) foraging in Costa Rican banana plantations

Habitat loss for food production is a problem strongly affecting wildlife. However, some species may adapt their behavior and use these habitats, such as the neotropical nectar-feeding bats (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) occurring in banana monocultures. We assessed the diet of the common nectar-feeding bat Glossophaga soricina, foraging in two habitats with different levels of alteration and land use intensities, conventional and organic banana plantations, and compared it to that from bats living in native forest patches. We collected pollen from the fur of captured bats and identified it under a microscope to the lowest taxonomical level possible. We found that bats foraging in forests have a richer diet, since they feed in more heterogeneous areas with more plant species. Additionally, bats foraging in conventional banana plantations generally showed a less diverse pollen load. One hectare of banana plantation provides an energy density that easily supports five bat individuals per night throughout the year, so plantations might be ideal foraging grounds. However, bats also require proteins, and banana cultivars produce very little or no pollen at all and additionally pesticide use makes insects a scarce resource in most plantations. Such a simplified and incomplete diet and agrochemical exposure might negatively affect the bats, but we still do not understand to what extent. Thus, we conclude that, although banana plantations represent a high nectar availability habitat, they might be less-than-perfect foraging grounds for nectarivorous bats.

Identification and Preliminary Toxicological Assessment of a Non-Regulated Mineral Fiber: Fibrous Antigorite from New Caledonia

ABSTRACT The rising awareness about the risk due to asbestos environmental exposure has led to a new interest in the investigation of non-regulated mineral fibers. Evidence of chronic diseases has been described in individuals exposed to naturally occurring asbestiform (NOA) minerals in Turkey (erionite), Italy (fluoro-edenite), and the United States (winchite/richterite). In New Caledonia, an increased incidence of asbestos-related diseases was correlated with the natural occurrence of fibrous serpentines chrysotile and fibro-lamellar antigorite in outcrops, roadways, and soils. A minor amount of tremolite asbestos was also observed, increasing the health hazard. By adopting a precautionary principle, New Caledonia legislation classified antigorite as regulated asbestos, even if limited toxicity assessment is available. Caledonian antigorite exhibits a wide range of natural shapes, morphologies, and degrees of alteration as a result of pedogenic alteration induced by subtropical conditions. As the alteration increases, lamellar antigorite gradually cleaves into fibrous-like particles, assuming a fibro-lamellar habit. An increase in the emission of inhalable (potentially asbestiform) fibers in air was observed. To understand this mechanism, a multidisciplinary mineralogical and geochemical investigation was carried out. Additionally, several in vitro tests have been performed on three antigorite samples, subjected to different levels of alteration, to collect preliminary information on antigorite toxicity. Alteration modifies the surface reactivity of antigorite. The circulation of fluids induces a mechanical stress and an elemental exchange at mineral/water interface, promoting the loss of cohesion of the mineral structure and affecting the surface chemistry and toxicity of fibrous (asbestiform) antigorite.

L’ipséité et le Soi – Approches phénoménologiques et cliniques

ObjectivesIpseity (another name for the Self) is a central, precise concept in the psychopathology of psychoses, neuroses and pathological personalities. This work aims to give a status to this concept, and show how it serves to understand psychotic disorders, serious personality disorders and major life crises. MethodologyThe appeoach involves an overview of the genealogy of the concept, and proposes a dynamic conception of the human identity (ipse or idem) so as to illustrate the alterations that can occur in psychoses. We distinguish different levels of alteration of human identity and show how psychiatric symptoms can be understood as attempts to recompose this altered ipseity. ResultsOur work converges towards a paradigm of great importance: psychoses can be understood as forms of alteration of the ipseity structure. It considers a number of emblematic clinical situations to illustrate the scope of this paradigm. DiscussionThis paradigm proves relevant for an enrichment of clinical reflection that integrates not only psychological references but also anthropological references. It does not exclude other readings of psychopathology, the contribution of neuroscience or ethical considerations. ConclusionThe Self appears as essential to psychiatry. Whether in the general clinical management of psychoses, serious personality disorders and trauma, or in the use of psychoanalytic approaches or family therapies, the Self forms a central reference enabling a certain form of subjectivity to become thinkable again.

Trypanosomiasis causing mortality outbreak in Nile tilapia intensive farming: Identification and pathological evaluation

Trypanosomes are flagellated parasite protozoans that prey especially on wild fish and have recently been described affecting fish in aquaculture. The present study was carried out during a mortality outbreak of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared in net cages. Samples of 10 fish in the finishing phase showing unspecific signs, such as anorexia, skin darkening and gill paleness, were analyzed using hemogram, parasitology, microbiology, histopathology, electron microscopy and molecular identification. For microbiological analysis, the kidney was collected aseptically and cultured on tryptone soy agar for 48 h at 30 °C. For parasitological analysis, skin, gills, intestinal contents and blood scrapings were examined. Photomicrographs of the parasite were measured. For molecular identification, blood samples were processed and sequenced for amplification of the 18S rDNA gene. Gills, liver, spleen, kidney, heart and intestine were sampled for histopathological processing. The microbiological results indicated that the fish were not infected with bacteria. Scrapings of the skin and gills revealed the massive presence of kinetoplastids, which were also observed in greater numbers than erythrocytes in the blood. Intestines were not affected by endoparasites. The morphometric characteristics indicated the presence of the Trypanosoma genus, which was confirmed in the sequenced samples, where 95% and 98% of the identity were Trypanosoma sp. In histopathology, all organs presented different levels of alteration, accompanied by large numbers of the parasite in small and large vessels. The main findings were the description of mast cell infiltrates in the gill and intestine, as well as multifocal aggregates of melanomacrophages in the liver, pancreas, spleen and kidney. Furthermore, the study addresses the newest features of clinical signs of infected fish and possible causes of infestations and compares the diagnosis of this hemoparasite with other hemoflagellates. To our knowledge, this study represents the first outbreak of Trypanosoma in Nile tilapia in South America. The authors warn of possible new cases of trypanosomiasis in aquaculture, recommending possible forms of containment and biosecurity measures.

Optical mapping of neuronal activity during seizures in zebrafish

Mapping neuronal activity during the onset and propagation of epileptic seizures can provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying this pathology and improve our approaches to the development of new drugs. Recently, zebrafish has become an important model for studying epilepsy both in basic research and in drug discovery. Here, we employed a transgenic line with pan-neuronal expression of the genetically-encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s to measure neuronal activity in zebrafish larvae during seizures induced by pentylenetretrazole (PTZ). With this approach, we mapped neuronal activity in different areas of the larval brain, demonstrating the high sensitivity of this method to different levels of alteration, as induced by increasing PTZ concentrations, and the rescuing effect of an anti-epileptic drug. We also present simultaneous measurements of brain and locomotor activity, as well as a high-throughput assay, demonstrating that GCaMP measurements can complement behavioural assays for the detection of subclinical epileptic seizures, thus enabling future investigations on human hypomorphic mutations and more effective drug screening methods. Notably, the methodology described here can be easily applied to the study of many human neuropathologies modelled in zebrafish, allowing a simple and yet detailed investigation of brain activity alterations associated with the pathological phenotype.

Impact of chemical alteration on the poromechanical properties of carbonate rocks

ABSTRACTThe technical and economic success of a CO2 geological storage project requires the preservation of the site injectivity and integrity properties over its lifetime. Unlike conventional hydrocarbon gas injection, CO2 injection may imply geochemical reactions between acidified pore fluids and target reservoir formations, leading to modifications of their poromechanical properties. To date, the chemical effects on the host rock mechanical behaviour are not satisfactorily taken into account in site‐scale numerical models of CO2 injection, mainly due to a lack of quantitative data. The present experimental work aims at characterizing the evolution of carbonate poromechanical properties induced by acid alteration. Unlike standard experimental approaches, the implemented alteration method induces a homogeneous dissolution pattern, which ensures reliable poromechanical measurements on altered samples. These well‐controlled alteration conditions allow a proper interpretation of the test results through the macroscopic continuous approach of poromechanics. Petrophysical, geomechanical, and petroacoustic properties of outcrop carbonate samples have been measured for different levels of alteration to mimic long‐term exposure to reactive brine. The obtained experimental data show clear trends of chemically induced mechanical weakening. Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements and microscanner imaging performed before and after alteration have provided complementary insights into the alteration effects at the microscopic scale.

Multiple Perspectives on Body Image Research

Representation of the body is a nuclear aspect of self-image. Body representation includes both subjective and intersubjective experiences. The importance of visual body representation in our social life is demonstrated by the time we spend to take care of our physical appearance, including use of plastic surgery, as well as by the severe mental disorders associated to its alteration, including eating disorders (EDs) and body dysmorphic disorders. In spite of these issues, (neuro)psychological research on body representation has so far mainly focused on the body as a motor device, devoted to the perception of and interaction with objects. The complexity of factors involved in the development, maintenance, and plasticity of body image representations requires an integrated approach that facilitates the evaluation and treatment of EDs with novel, evidence-based, and more efficacious protocols. This special issue of European Psychologist aims to advance such an integrative approach, with a collection of papers that gather different perspectives on the phenomenological, cognitive, (neuro)psychological, and cultural aspects of body representation disorders.

Mineral abundances and different levels of alteration around Mawrth Vallis, Mars

Spectral indices from OMEGA hyperspectral data show that there are two main phyllosilicates exposed in and around Mawrth Vallis: Al phyllosilicates and Fe/Mg phyllosilicates. Detailed analysis of CRISM spectra shows that Al phyllosilicates such as montmorillonite, hydrated silica, kaolinite; Fe/Mg phyllosilicates such as nontronite, saponite, serpentine are widespread on the light-toned outcrops. Though similar stratigraphical sequences, morphologies and textures are observed on both sides of Mawrth Vallis from HiRISE images, suggesting that the geological processes that formed these units must have operated at a regional scale; the multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) derived mineral abundance indicates that there is a higher level of alteration in the western side relative to the eastern side. We suggest that the observed phyllosilicates, stratigraphical sequences and different levels of alteration might have been caused by sedimentary deposition processes in which the composition of the external source sediment or the local solution was different, or by a pedogenic process closely related to the leaching of abundant liquid water with different chemical properties.

Estado de salud en el adulto mayor en atención primaria a partir de una valoración geriátrica integral

ObjectiveTo determine the health status of patients 60 years of age or over in Primary Health Care practices using an integral geriatric assessment. DesignDescriptive cross-sectional study. LocationFive primary care units, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social; México. ParticipantsElderly patient aged 60 years of age or over, who were seen in primary health care practices. Previously signed informed consent was given, with exclusion criteria being non-completion of the integral geriatric assessment. A technical sample of conglomerates and quota was used. Main measurementsMedical dimension variables: visual, hearing (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly), urinary incontinence (Consultation in Incontinence Questionnaire), nutritional condition (Mini Nutritional Assessment), personal clinical history, polypharmacy; mental impairment (Mini Mental State Examination), depression (Yesavaje); functional: basic (Katz) and instrumental (Lawton and Brody) activities of daily living, mobility (Up and go) and social (Social sources scale). The analysis included percentages and confidence intervals. ResultsIn the medical dimensions; 42.3% with visual impairment, 27.7% hearing, 68.3% urinary incontinence, 37.0% malnutrition, and 54.7% polypharmacy. In the mental dimension: 4.0% severe mental impairment, and 11% depression: functional dimension: 2.0% total dependence of activities of daily living; 14.3% instrumental activities impairment; 29.0% mobility impairment, and 48.0% had moderately deteriorated social resources. ConclusionThe health status of the elderly seen in primary health care practices is characterized by independent patients with different levels of alterations in the medical dimensions, low levels in mental alteration, and moderately deteriorated social resources.

Quality of sleep and selective attention in university students: descriptive cross-sectional study

Sleep quality not only refers to sleeping well at night, but also includes appropriate daytime functioning. Poor quality of sleep can affect a variety of attention processes. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between the perceived quality of sleep and selective focus in a group of college students. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of 52 Argentinian college students of the Universidad Adventista del Plata. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Continuous Performance Test and the Trail Making Test were applied. The main results indicate that students sleep an average of 6.48 hours. Generally half of the population tested had a good quality of sleep. However, the dispersion seen in some components demonstrates the heterogeneity of the sample in these variables. It was observed that the evaluated attention processes yielded different levels of alteration in the total sample: major variability in the process of process and in the divided-attention processes were detected. A lower percentage of alteration was observed in the process of attention support. Poor quality of sleep has more impact in the sub processes with greater participation of corticocortical circuits (selective and divided attention) and greater involvement of the prefrontal cortex. Fewer difficulties were found in the attention-support processes that rely on subcortical regions and have less frontal involvement.

Alterations in the sense of time, space, and body in the mindfulness-trained brain: a neurophenomenologically-guided MEG study

Meditation practice can lead to what have been referred to as “altered states of consciousness.”One of the phenomenological characteristics of these states is a joint alteration in the sense of time, space, and body. Here, we set out to study the unique experiences of alteration in the sense of time and space by collaborating with a select group of 12 long-term mindfulness meditation (MM) practitioners in a neurophenomenological setup, utilizing first-person data to guide the neural analyses. We hypothesized that the underlying neural activity accompanying alterations in the sense of time and space would be related to alterations in bodily processing. The participants were asked to volitionally bring about distinct states of “Timelessness” (outside time) and “Spacelessness” (outside space) while their brain activity was recorded by MEG. In order to rule out the involvement of attention, memory, or imagination, we used control states of “Then” (past) and “There” (another place). MEG sensors evidencing alterations in power values were identified, and the brain regions underlying these changes were estimated via spatial filtering (beamforming). Particularly, we searched for similar neural activity hypothesized to underlie both the state of “Timelessness” and “Spacelessness.” The results were mostly confined to the theta band, and showed that: (1) the “Then”/“There” overlap yielded activity in regions related to autobiographic memory and imagery (right posterior parietal lobule (PPL), right precentral/middle frontal gyrus (MFG), bilateral precuneus); (2) “Timelessness”/“Spacelessness” conditions overlapped in a different network, related to alterations in the sense of the body (posterior cingulate, right temporoparietal junction (TPJ), cerebellum); and (3) phenomenologically-guided neural analyses enabled us to dissociate different levels of alterations in the sense of the body. This study illustrates the utility of employing experienced contemplative practitioners within a neurophenomenological setup for scientifically characterizing a self-induced altered sense of time, space and body, as well as the importance of theta activity in relation with these altered states.

Influence of forest cover on in-stream large wood in an agricultural landscape of southeastern Brazil: a multi-scale analysis

Large wood (LW) is critical to the structure and function of streams and forests are the main LW source to stream channels. To assess the influence of forest cover changes at different spatial scales on in-stream LW quantity, we selected eighteen catchments (2nd–4th order) in Southeastern Brazil with forests at different levels of alterations. In each catchment we quantified the pattern of forest cover (% cover and relative catchment position), the physical characteristics of catchments (elevation and slope), the characteristics of channels (wetted channel width and depth), the abundance and volume of in-stream LW, and the frequency of LW pools. We used simple and multiple linear regression to assess the response of LW variables to landscape and stream reach variables. Most of the LW was relatively small; 72 % had a diameter <20 cm, and 66 % had a length <5 m. Although percent forest cover at reach scale had substantial support to explain LW variables, the best predictors of LW variables were forest cover at broader scales (LW abundance and LW pool frequency were best predicted by forest at intermediate distance at the catchment scale and LW volume was best predicted by forest cover at the drainage network scale), suggesting that downstream transport is an important process in addition to local processes in our study area. These findings have important management implications because although low forested reaches receive less LW from local forests (or no LW in the case of deforested stream reaches), they are receiving LW from upstream forested reaches. However, the material is generally small, unstable and likely to be easily flushed. This suggests that not only should riparian forest conservation encompass the full drainage network, but forests should also be allowed to regenerate to later successional stages to provide larger, higher quality LW for natural structuring of streams.

Requirement for cobalamin by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium, Pullorum, Gallinarum and Enteritidis during infection in chickens

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium synthesizes cobalamin (vitamin B12) only during anaerobiosis. Two percent of the S. Typhimurium genome is devoted to the synthesis and uptake of vitamin B12 and to B12-dependent reactions. To understand the requirement for cobalamin synthesis better, we constructed mutants of Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Pullorum that are double-defective in cobalamin biosynthesis (ΔcobSΔcbiA). We compared the virulence of these mutants to that of their respective wild type strains and found no impairment in their ability to cause disease in chickens. We then assessed B12 production in these mutants and their respective wild type strains, as well as in S. Typhimurium ΔcobSΔcbiA, Salmonella Gallinarum ΔcobSΔcbiA, and their respective wild type strains. None of the mutants was able to produce detectable B12. B12 was detectable in S. Enteritidis, S. Pullorum and S. Typhimurium wild type strains but not in S. Gallinarum. In conclusion, the production of vitamin B12 in vitro differed across the tested Salmonella serotypes and the deletion of the cbiA and cobS genes resulted in different levels of alteration in the host parasite interaction according to Salmonella serotype tested.

Requirement for cobalamin by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium, Pullorum, Gallinarum and Enteritidis during infection in chickens

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium synthesizes cobalamin (vitamin B12) only during anaerobiosis. Two percent of the S. Typhimurium genome is devoted to the synthesis and uptake of vitamin B12 and to B12-dependent reactions. To understand the requirement for cobalamin synthesis better, we constructed mutants of Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Pullorum that are double-defective in cobalamin biosynthesis (ΔcobSΔcbiA). We compared the virulence of these mutants to that of their respective wild type strains and found no impairment in their ability to cause disease in chickens. We then assessed B12 production in these mutants and their respective wild type strains, as well as in S. Typhimurium ΔcobSΔcbiA, Salmonella Gallinarum ΔcobSΔcbiA, and their respective wild type strains. None of the mutants was able to produce detectable B12. B12 was detectable in S. Enteritidis, S. Pullorum and S. Typhimurium wild type strains but not in S. Gallinarum. In conclusion, the production of vitamin B12in vitro differed across the tested Salmonella serotypes and the deletion of the cbiA and cobS genes resulted in different levels of alteration in the host parasite interaction according to Salmonella serotype tested.

Body condition does not predict immunocompetence of western pond turtles in altered versus natural habitats

AbstractMany authors have addressed the relationship between body condition and ecological parameters in a wide range of studies, suggesting a better fitness in those individuals with higher values of body condition. However, body size and body condition of individuals can vary significantly at the intraspecific level between geographic locations, which is usually explained by phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation. We suggest that a higher body condition per se might not be a good indicator of physiological health status, particularly when comparing populations inhabiting places with different levels of habitat alteration. We examined two populations of the western pond turtle Emys marmorata in the northern part of California's Central Valley, and found that individuals inhabiting a water pollution control plant located on the valley floor had significantly larger body size and higher body condition than those inhabiting an unaltered natural habitat in the foothills. However, turtles from the water pollution control plant did not show a better health status, estimated by comparisons between two immune system variables: T‐cell‐mediated immune response and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. Parameters such as body size and body condition might be misleading indicators of health condition, particularly when they are used to estimate health status of populations from habitats with different levels of alteration. We emphasize the importance of using physiological methods in assessing the conservation state of wildlife populations, rather than relying on biometric indices that might miss important effects of alteration.

From Injectivity to Integrity Studies of CO2Geological Storage

The technical and economical success of a CO<sub>2<sub/> geological storage project requires the preservation of the site injectivity and integrity properties over its lifetime. Unlike conventional hydrocarbon gas injection, CO<sub>2<sub/> injection implies geochemical reactions between the reactive brine and the in situ formations (reservoir and cap rock) leading to modifications of their petrophysical and geomechanical properties. This paper underlines the experimental difficulties raised by the low permeability of samples representative either of the cap rock itself or at least of transition zones between the reservoir and the effective cap rock. Acidification effects induced by CO<sub>2<sub/> injection have been studied using an experimental procedure of chemical alteration, which ensures a homogeneous dissolution pattern throughout the rock sample and especially avoids any wormholing process that would lead to erroneous measurements at the core scale. Porosity, permeability and geomechanical properties of outcrop and field carbonate samples of various permeability levels have been measured under their native state and different levels of alteration. The present work has been conducted within the framework of ANR GeoCarbone-INJECTIVITY and GeoCarbone-INTEGRITY projects. Each experimental step: chemical alteration, petrophysical measurements and geomechanical testing, is considered from the point of view of injectivity and integrity issues. The obtained experimental data show clear trends of chemically induced mechanical weakening.

Flexibility in Diet and Activity Patterns of Macaca tonkeana in Response to Anthropogenic Habitat Alteration

I examined how Sulawesi Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) respond in terms of their diet and activity patterns to anthropogenic habitat alteration in Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Anthropogenic habitat alteration comprised clearing of forest for agriculture and small-scale forest product collection. I quantified the diet and activity of 2 groups (CH and Anca), occupying habitats with different levels of alteration, via scan sampling. Tree abundance, key food specific density, and fruit production were greater in the minimally altered habitat (CH), substantiating the characterization of the group’s habitat as higher quality. For the group in the heavily altered habitat (Anca), alternative foods, e.g., insects, fungus, young and mature leaves, shoots, and stems, accounted for a significantly greater proportion of the diet. Dietary diversity is significantly lower in the Anca group, with 52% of their diet being palm fruits from Arenga pinnata. The activity patterns of the Anca group—more time foraging, less time moving, and more time resting than the CH group—reflect the lower resource availability in their habitat and their reliance on more alternative food items, coupled with their extremely small group size (6–9 individuals). The group may be at the optimal size in which foraging efficiency is maximized for the habitat, a response, in conjunction with dietary and behavioral flexibility, to alteration of their habitat. The results are contextualized with respect to the conservation value of human-modified landscapes.