bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tibial anatomy in normal small breed dogs including anisometry of various extracapsular stabilizing suture attachment sites
Authors: Witte P. G.
Published: July 2015

Objectives: To investigate proximal tibial anatomy and its influence on anisometry of extracapsular stabilizing sutures in small dog breeds.

Materials and methods: Mediolateral radiographs of the femora, stifles, and tibiae of 12 small breed dogs were acquired with the stifles positioned at various angles. Measurements taken included tibial plateau angle (TPA), diaphyseal: proximal tibial angle (DPA), patellar tendon angle (PTA), Z-angle, relative tibial tuberosity width (rTTW), and the distance between six combinations of two femoral and three tibial extra-capsular stabilizing suture (ECS) attachment sites. Theoretical strain through stifle range-of- motion was recorded.

Results: The TPA (32° ± 5.8°), DPA (10.2° ± 7.3°), PTA (103.7° ± 6.2°), and Z-angle (70.4° ± 9.0°) were positively correlated with one another (R >0.7), but none were correlated with rTTW (0.93 ± 0.10). The F2-T1 combination of ECS attachment sites had lowest strain for nine stifles. The shortest attachment site separation was at a stifle flexion of 50° for nine stifles. Proximal tibial anatomy measurements could not predict optimal attachment site combination, optimal stifle angle for suture placement, or ECS strain.

Clinical significance: There is individual variation in the optimal attachment site combination and stifle angle for suture placement, which may influence consistency of outcomes with ECS.
Experiences in supporting the structured collection of cancer nanotechnology data using caNanoLab
Authors: Morris Stephanie A , Gaheen Sharon , Lijowski Michal , Heiskanen Mervi , Klemm Juli
Published: July 2015

The cancer Nanotechnology Laboratory (caNanoLab) data portal is an online nanomaterial database that allows users to submit and retrieve information on well-characterized nanomaterials, including composition, in vitro and in vivo experimental characterizations, experimental protocols, and related publications. Initiated in 2006, caNanoLab serves as an established resource with an infrastructure supporting the structured collection of nanotechnology data to address the needs of the cancer biomedical and nanotechnology communities. The portal contains over 1,000 curated nanomaterial data records that are publicly accessible for review, comparison, and re-use, with the ultimate goal of accelerating the translation of nanotechnology-based cancer therapeutics, diagnostics, and imaging agents to the clinic. In this paper, we will discuss challenges associated with developing a nanomaterial database and recognized needs for nanotechnology data curation and sharing in the biomedical research community. We will also describe the latest version of caNanoLab, caNanoLab 2.0, which includes enhancements and new features to improve usability such as personalized views of data and enhanced search and navigation.
Tecnología y sociedad: ¿Por qué no llega el hogar digital?
Authors: Cano G. , Maestre J. M.
Published: July 2015

Se analizan los motivos que lastran el despegue del hogar digital a través del estudio de la evolución de la tecnología y los cambios demográficos y de vivienda a lo largo de la última década, contrastando los pronósticos realizados en la época con la compleja realidad que finalmente aconteció. Durante este periodo, el sector inmobiliario experimentó uno de los mayores periodos de crecimiento de las últimas décadas y, sin embargo, la innovación en materia tecnológica apenas fue significativa en esta industria. Los cambios en la composición de las familias y su mayor apertura cultural sobre nuevas formas de habitar también abrieron posibilidades a un mercado domótico que no termina de insertarse en la vivienda española. Se plantean algunas claves explicativas y opciones de futuro.
Geochemistry of iron, maganese, lead, copper, zinc, arsenic, antimony, silver, tin, and cadmium in the soils of the Bathurst area, New Brunswick
Authors: Presant E W
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the amount, distribution, and nature of iron, manganese, lead, copper, zinc, arsenic, antimony, silver, tin, and cadmium in a number of podzol soil profiles from the Bathurst area, northeastern New Brunswick. Total
analyses were done on the soils for these elements, as well as determinations for cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, and pH. Statistical correlation studies were also carried out to determine the relationships of the different elements with pH and total iron. Six soil profiles were selected
for detailed chemical and mineralogical studies. These studies included determinations of the amounts of elements associated with the water-soluble, dilute acid-soluble, organic matter, and free iron oxide fractions of the soil. The mineralogical studies included mechanical analyses, heavy mineral
separations, and microscopic examinations. The highest contents of lead, silver, and manganese occur in the surface Ao horizons. Significant amounts of lead, zinc, copper, and arsenic were removed with the organic matter from the Ao horizons by a hydrogen peroxide treatment, indicating that these
elements are probably combined in some form with humus. Relatively large amounts of dilute HCl-soluble zinc were also removed from the surface horizons. Tin is enriched in the A2 horizons, where it probably is present in a resistant oxide form. Iron, arsenic, antimony, and lead are most enriched in
the B horizons, where they appear to be associated with free iron oxides. The content of most elements is higher in the C horizons, because of the absence of strong mineral weathering in this horizon. The mean trace element contents for all soil horizons overlying sulphide deposits are higher than
the mean trace element contents of horizons above unmineralized bedrock.
Palynology and nannofossil processing techniques
Authors: Barss M S , Williams G L
Published: July 2015

Techniques developed at the Atlantic Geoscience Centre are described. The procedures described permit the production of a large number of high quality preparations and should be useful to those responsible for establishing or maintaining palynological laboratory
facilities.
Middle Devonian (Givetian, Hamilton Group) Ostracoda in two diamond drill cores from Lambton County, southwestern Ontario
Authors: Copeland M J
Published: July 2015

Analysis of some five hundred ostracode-bearing samples in two diamond drill cores (GSC DD1 Arkona and GSC DD2 Ipperwash) from Bosanquet Township, Lambton County permits more exact understanding of the stratigraphic distribution of Ostracoda in the Middle
Devonian (Givetian) Hamilton Group of southwestern Ontario. This allows more precise age determination and stratigraphic correlation of late Middle Devonian Ostracoda in southern Ontario with Middle Devonian ostracode faunas of the Michigan Basin and borderlands in central North America.
The ostracode fauna of the Hamilton Group in these drill cores, contained within the Bell, Rockport Quarry, Arkona, Hungry Hollow, and Widder formations and, in GSC DD2, part of the overlying Ipperwash Formation, comprises some 50 genera represented by almost twice that number of species. These are,
with few exceptions, synonymous with ostracode faunas previously reported from elsewhere in the Michigan Basin. The palaeocopid ostracode fauna is dominated by species of the suborders Beyrichicopina and Kloedenellocopina and the podocopid ostracode fauna is represented by species of the suborders
Podocopina and Metacopina. There are no leperditicopids.
This Hamilton Group ostracode assemblage is of latest Middle Devonian age and may be equated, in part, with similar faunas of the Silica Formation of southeastern Michigan northwestern Ohio, the Traverse Group of the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan, and Middle Devonian faunas of
western New York State. The Hamilton Group ostracodes from southwestern Ontario appear to have evolved during a period of relatively stable environmental conditions and represent lineages of continuous faunal development.
Crustal structure of eastern and central Canada from a Neighborhood Algorithm inversion
Authors: Bent A L , Kao H
Published: July 2015

Teleseismic receiver functions created from waveforms of large earthquakes recorded by twenty-one broadband stations of the Canadian National Seismograph Network in eastern and central Canada were analyzed to determine the shear wave velocity structure of the
crust and uppermost mantle beneath these stations. Preliminary models were obtained from a simple, linear inversion and then an improved Neighborhood Algorithm was employed to enable a larger number of models to be tested and to provide robust uncertainty estimates of the models. Common features are
observed at stations falling within the same geological provinces. While azimuthal variations in receiver functions may be an indication of dipping structure, most stations in this study showing an azimuthal dependence are located near the boundaries of two or more geological provinces. The receiver
functions at some azimuths and the structure obtained by modeling them may more closely resemble that of a neighboring province through which the waves propagated for a significant portion of their path. The goal of structural modeling is to provide improved models for use in earthquake location and
focal mechanism determination, which in turn should improve our understanding of regional seismotectonics and seismic hazard. A test case using the aftershock sequence of a moderate earthquake shows some clear advantages of using a local velocity model over a generic one.
Primary health care nurses’ management practices of common mental health conditions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Dube Faith N. , Uys Leana R.
Published: July 2015

Background: Psychiatric conditions contribute to 13%of the global burden of diseases and account for one third of years lost because of disability (YLD). Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems, primary health care (PHC) services remain ineffective in managing patients with mental health conditions.Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the practices of PHC nurses in the management of psychiatric patients in primary health care clinics in one of the rural districts in South Africa.Method: A survey was conducted amongst nurses working in several PHC clinics in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in order to determine their practices in the management of psychiatric patients. Mixed methods were used to determine the PHC nurses practices in the management of psychiatric patients.Results: The findings revealed that in five sites (83.3%) treatments are not reviewed every six months, there were no local protocols on the administration of psychiatric emergency drugs, and none of the study sites provided psychiatric patients with education on their medication and its possible side effects.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it is evident that psychiatric patients at PHC clinics in the district where the study was conducted do not receive quality treatment according to institutional mental health guidelines.
Psychotropic Medications in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Authors: Haas David M. , McHugh Katherine W. , Durst Paula J. , Rose Sarah M. , Patil Avinash S.
Published: July 2015

Many pregnant women suffer from mental health conditions while pregnant. As providers and patients make decisions about risks of the conditions and treatments during pregnancy, information to populate those discussions is needed. Taking into account the physiologic changes in pregnancy, we may need to optimize medication therapy. This article reviews and summarizes some of the most common mental health conditions suffered in pregnancy: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and psychosis. It further discusses the different medications used to treat them, as well as risks associated with these medications.
Numerical Analysis of Damage Thermo-Mechanical Models
Authors: Hentati Hamdi , Naceur Ilyes Ben , Bouzid Wassila , Maalej Aref
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we present numerical computational methods for solving the fracture problem in brittle and ductile materials with no prior knowledge of the topology of crack path. Moreover, these methods are capable of modeling the crack initiation. We perform numerical simulations of pieces of brittle material based on global approach and taken into account the thermal effect in crack propagation. On the other hand, we propose also a numerical method for solving the fracture problem in a ductile material based on elements deletion method and also using thermo-mechanical behavior and damage laws. In order to achieve the last purpose, we simulate the orthogonal cutting process.
Numerical Simulations of Unsteady Flows From Rarefied Transition to Continuum Using Gas-Kinetic Unified Algorithm
Authors: Wu Junlin , Li Zhihui , Peng Aoping , Jiang Xinyu
Published: July 2015

Numerical simulations of unsteady gas flows are studied on the basis of Gas-Kinetic Unified Algorithm (GKUA) from rarefied transition to continuum flow regimes. Several typical examples are adopted. An unsteady flow solver is developed by solving the Boltzmann model equations, including the Shakhov model and the Rykov model etc. The Rykov kinetic equation involving the effect of rotational energy can be transformed into two kinetic governing equations with inelastic and elastic collisions by integrating the molecular velocity distribution function with the weight factor on the energy of rotational motion. Then, the reduced velocity distribution functions are devised to further simplify the governing equation for one- and two-dimensional flows. The simultaneous equations are numerically solved by the discrete velocity ordinate (DVO) method in velocity space and the finite-difference schemes in physical space. The time-explicit operator-splitting scheme is constructed, and numerical stability conditions to ascertain the time step are discussed. As the application of the newly developed GKUA, several unsteady varying processes of one- and two-dimensional flows with different Knudsen number are simulated, and the unsteady transport phenomena and rarefied effects are revealed and analyzed. It is validated that the GKUA solver is competent for simulations of unsteady gas dynamics covering various flow regimes.
Solution of the Magnetohydrodynamics Jeffery-Hamel Flow Equations by the Modified Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Lu Lei , Duan Junsheng , Fan Longzhen
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the nonlinear boundary value problem (BVP) for the Jeffery-Hamel flow equations taking into consideration the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) effects is solved by using the modified Adomian decomposition method. We first transform the original two-dimensional MHD Jeffery-Hamel problem into an equivalent third-order BVP, then solve by the modified Adomian decomposition method for analytical approximations. Ultimately, the effects of Reynolds number and Hartmann number are discussed.
Thermo-Solutal Natural Convection in an Anisotropic Porous Enclosure Due to Non-Uniform Temperature and Concentration at Bottom Wall
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Alam Pravez , Fartyal Prachi
Published: July 2015

This article summaries a numerical study of thermo-solutal natural convection in a square cavity filled with anisotropic porous medium. The side walls of the cavity are maintained at constant temperatures and concentrations, whereas bottom wall is a function of non-uniform (sinusoidal) temperature and concentration. The non-Darcy Brinkmann model is considered. The governing equations are solved numerically by spectral element method using the vorticity-stream-function approach. The controlling parameters for present study are Darcy number (Da), heat source intensity i.e., thermal Rayleigh number (Ra), permeability ratio (K*), orientation angle (ϕ). The main attention is given to understand the impact of anisotropy parameters on average rates of heat transfer (bottom,Nub, sideNus) and mass transfer (bottom,Shb, side,Shs) as well as on streamlines, isotherms and iso-concentration. Numerical results show that, for irrespective value ofK*, the heat and mass transfer rates are negligible for 10−7≤Da≤ 10−5,Ra= 2 × 105andϕ= 45°. However a significant impact appears on Nusselt and Sherwood numbers whenDalies between 10−5to 10−4. The maximum bottom heat and mass transfer rates (Nub, Sub) is attained atϕ= 45°, whenK*=0.5 and 2.0. Furthermore, both heat and mass transfer rates increase on increasing Rayleigh number (Ra) for all the values ofK*. Overall, It is concluded from the above study that due to anisotropic permeability the flow dynamics becomes complex.
“Improved” But Not Necessarily Safe: An Assessment of Fecal Contamination of Household Drinking Water in Rural Peru
Authors: Heitzinger Kristen , Rocha Claudio A. , Quick Robert E. , Montano Silvia M. , Tilley Drake H. , Mock Charles N. , Carrasco A. Jannet , Cabrera Ricardo M. , Hawes Stephen E.
Published: July 2015

The indicator used to measure progress toward the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for water is access to an improved water supply. However, improved supplies are frequently fecally contaminated in developing countries. We examined factors associated with Escherichia coli contamination of improved water supplies in rural Pisco province, Peru. A random sample of 207 households with at least one child less than 5 years old was surveyed, and water samples from the source and storage container were tested for E. coli contamination. Although over 90% of households used an improved water source, 47% of source and 43% of stored water samples were contaminated with E. coli. Pouring or using a spigot to obtain water from the storage container instead of dipping a hand or object was associated with decreased risk of contamination of stored water (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42, 0.80). Container cleanliness (aPR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.45, 1.00) and correct handwashing technique (aPR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.42, 0.90) were also associated with decreased contamination risk. These findings highlighted the limitations of improved water supplies as an indicator of safe water access. To ensure water safety in the home, household water treatment and improved hygiene, water handling, and storage practices should be promoted.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Rural and Urban Dyspeptic Patients from Venezuela
Authors: Contreras Monica , Fernández-Delgado Milagro , Reyes Nelson , García-Amado María Alexandra , Rojas Héctor , Michelangeli Fabian
Published: July 2015

The goal of this work was to assess the Helicobacter pylori prevalence in a rural mestizo population and compare it to an urban population from Venezuela. The study was performed in gastric juice samples of 71 dyspeptic patients from Caracas (urban) and 39 from Tucupita (rural), in the Orinoco Delta region. Helicobacter pylori was detected by amplification of 16S rRNA, glmM, and ureA genes in 55.0% patients from urban and 87.2% from rural populations. cagA was found positive in 51% and 62% urban and rural patients, respectively. Non-H. pylori Helicobacter species were not detected in the urban population, but was found in 7.7% of patients in the rural study site. Frequency values of the 16S rRNA, glmM, and ureA genes were higher in the rural population. The odds ratio for each gene was 15.18 for 16S rRNA, 2.34 for glmM, 2.89 for ureA, and 1.53 cagA, showing significant differences except for cagA when gene frequency was compared in both populations. These results demonstrate a higher frequency of H. pylori and gastric non-H. pylori Helicobacter infection in a rural mestizo population with low hygienic standards as compared with city dwellers, representing a potential risk for the development of gastroduodenal diseases.
Performance Requirements to Achieve Cost-Effectiveness of Point-of-Care Tests for Sepsis Among Patients with Febrile Illness in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Penno Erin C. , Crump John A. , Baird Sarah J.
Published: July 2015

Bacterial sepsis is an important cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries, yet distinguishing patients with sepsis from those with other illnesses remains a challenge. Currently, management decisions are based on clinical assessment using algorithms such as Integrated Management of Adolescent and Adult Illness. Efforts to develop and evaluate point-of-care tests (POCTs) for sepsis to guide decisions on the use of antimicrobials are underway. To establish the minimum performance characteristics of such a test, we varied the characteristics of a hypothetical POCT for sepsis required for it to be cost-effective and applied a decision tree model to a population of febrile patients presenting at the district hospital level in a low-resource setting. We used a case fatality probability of 20% for appropriately treated sepsis and of 50% for inappropriately treated sepsis. On the basis of clinical assessment for sepsis with established sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity of 0.62, we found that a POCT for sepsis with a sensitivity of 0.83 and a specificity of 0.94 was cost-effective, resulting in parity in survival but costing $1.14 less per live saved. A POCT with accuracy equivalent to the best malaria rapid diagnostic test was cheaper and more effective than clinical assessment.
Potential Contribution of Iron Deficiency and Multiple Factors to Anemia Among 6- to 72-Month-Old Children in the Kokang Area of Myanmar
Authors: Zhao Ai , Gao Hongchong , Li Bo , Yu Kai , Win Naing Naing , Zhang Yumei , Wang Peiyu
Published: July 2015

The prevalence of anemia among children in Myanmar has been reported to be among the highest in the world. This study was conducted to determine 1) the prevalence of anemia in preschool children and 2) risk factors associated with anemia. A total of 138 children aged from 6 to 72 months were recruited through cluster sampling from six villages in Kokang. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, blood trace elements, and anthropometric indicators were measured. Feces samples were collected to examine for the presence of ascarid eggs. The overall prevalence of anemia in children was 61.6%, including 10.9% with severe anemia. Meanwhile, high prevalence of stunting (40.0%), underweight (22.4%), wasting (6.3%), and small head circumference (6.7%) was found. Children with anemia were more prone to stunting. Children with severe anemia and moderate anemia had significantly lower blood iron and zinc levels than children without anemia (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007). The prevalence of ascarid infection was 64.9%; however, it was not associated with anemia. Drinking spring water was positively associated with anemia (odds ratio [OR] = 6.368). This study demonstrated that anemia is an important public health problem among children from the Kokang area. Iron deficiency and drinking spring water may be the important causes of anemia among children.
Long-Lasting Permethrin-Impregnated Clothing Protects Against Mosquito Bites in Outdoor Workers
Authors: Londono-Renteria Berlin , Patel Jaymin C. , Vaughn Meagan , Funkhauser Sheana , Ponnusamy Loganathan , Grippin Crystal , Jameson Sam B. , Apperson Charles , Mores Christopher N. , Wesson Dawn M. , Colpitts Tonya M. , Meshnick Steven R.
Published: July 2015

Outdoor exposure to mosquitoes is a risk factor for many diseases, including malaria and dengue. We have previously shown that long-lasting permethrin-impregnated clothing protects against tick and chigger bites in a double-blind randomized controlled trial in North Carolina outdoor workers. Here, we evaluated whether this clothing is protective against mosquito bites by measuring changes in antibody titers to mosquito salivary gland extracts. On average, there was a 10-fold increase in titer during the spring and summer when mosquito exposure was likely to be the highest. During the first year of the study, the increase in titer in subjects wearing treated uniforms was 2- to 2.5-fold lower than that of control subjects. This finding suggests that long-lasting permethrin-impregnated clothing provided protection against mosquito bites.
Retrieval of aerosol backscatter and extinction from airborne coherent Doppler wind lidar measurements
Authors: Chouza F. , Reitebuch O. , Groß S. , Rahm S. , Freudenthaler V. , Toledano C. , Weinzierl B.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. A novel method for calibration and quantitative aerosol optical property retrieval from Doppler wind lidars (DWLs) is presented in this work. Due to the strong wavelength dependence of the atmospheric molecular backscatter and the low sensitivity of the coherent DWLs to spectrally broad signals, calibration methods for aerosol lidars cannot be applied to coherent DWLs usually operating at wavelengths between 1.5 and 2 μm. Instead, concurrent measurements of an airborne DWL at 2 μm and the POLIS ground-based aerosol lidar at 532 nm are used in this work, in combination with sun photometer measurements, for the calibration and retrieval of aerosol backscatter and extinction profiles at 532 nm. The proposed method was applied to measurements from the SALTRACE experiment in June–July 2013, which aimed at quantifying the aerosol transport and change in aerosol properties from the Sahara desert to the Caribbean. The retrieved backscatter and extinction coefficient profiles from the airborne DWL are within 20 % of POLIS aerosol lidar and CALIPSO satellite measurements. Thus the proposed method extends the capabilities of coherent DWLs to measure profiles of the horizontal and vertical wind towards aerosol backscatter and extinction profiles, which is of high benefit for aerosol transport studies.
OMI total column ozone: extending the long term data record
Authors: McPeters R. D. , Frith S. , Labow G. J.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The ozone data record from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) onboard the NASA EOS-Aura satellite has proven to be very stable over the ten plus years of operation. The OMI total column ozone processed through the TOMS ozone retrieval algorithm (version 8.5) has been compared with ground based measurements and with ozone from a series of SBUV/2 instruments. Comparison with an ensemble of Brewer and Dobson sites shows an absolute offset of about 1.5 % but stability over the ten years to better than half a percent. Comparison with a merged ozone (MOD) data set created by combining data from a series of SBUV/2 instruments again shows an offset, of about 1 %, and a relative trend of less than half a percent over ten years. The offset is mostly due to the use of the old Bass and Paur ozone cross sections in the OMI retrievals rather than the Brion/Daumont/Malicet cross sections that are now recommended. The bias in the Southern Hemisphere is smaller than that in the Northern Hemisphere, 1 vs. 1.5 %, for reasons that are not completely understood. When OMI was compared with the European realization of a multi-instrument ozone time series, the GTO (GOME type ozone) dataset, there was a small trend of about −0.85 % decade−1. Since all the comparisons of OMI relative to other ozone measuring systems show relative trends that are less than 1 % decade−1, we conclude that the OMI total column ozone data are sufficiently stable that they can be used in studies of ozone trends.
Energy partitioning and surface resistance of a poplar plantation in northern China
Authors: Kang M. , Zhang Z. , Noormets A. , Fang X. , Zha T. , Zhou J. , Sun G. , McNulty S. G. , Chen J.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Poplar (Populus sp.) plantations have been, on the one hand, broadly used in northern China for urban greening, combating desertification, as well as for paper and wood production. On the other hand, such plantations have been questioned occasionally for their possible negative impacts on water availability due to the higher water-use nature of poplar trees compared with other tree species in water-limited dryland regions. To further understand the acclimation of poplar species to semiarid environments and to evaluate the potential impacts of these plantations on the broader context of the region's water supply, we examine the variability of bulk resistance parameters and energy partitioning in a poplar (Populus euramericana cv. "74/76") plantation located in northern China over a 4-year period, encompassing both dry and wet conditions. The partitioning of available energy to latent heat flux (LE) decreased from 0.62 to 0.53 under mediated meteorological drought by irrigation applications. A concomitant increase in sensible heat flux (H) resulted in the increase of a Bowen ratio from 0.83 to 1.57. Partial correlation analysis indicated that surface resistance (Rs) normalized by leaf area index (LAI; Rs:LAI) increased by 50 % under drought conditions and was the dominant factor controlling the Bowen ratio. Furthermore, Rs was the main factor controlling LE during the growing season, even in wet years, as indicated by the decoupling coefficient (Ω = 0.45 and 0.39 in wet and dry years, respectively). Rs was also a major regulator of the LE / LEeq ratio, which decreased from 0.81 in wet years to 0.68 in dry years. All physiological and bioclimatological metrics indicated that the water demands of the poplar plantation were greater than the amount available through precipitation, highlighting the poor match of a water-intensive species like poplar for this water-limited region.
Morphology of the Kosi megafan channels
Authors: Gaurav K. , Métivier F. , Devauchelle O. , Sinha R. , Chauvet H. , Houssais M. , Bouquerel H.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. We report on a new set of measurements on the morphology of braided and meandering threads of the Kosi megafan, North Bihar, India. All threads develop on a uniform sandy sediment and under a similar climate. The data set is composed of the width, depth, water discharge and grain size of 51 threads. Downstream slopes and sinuosity are also available. Using this data set, we show that braided and meandering threads share common hydraulic geometries. We then use the threshold theory to explain why the aspect ratio of threads is almost naturally detrended, and rescale the data according to this theory. As expected, the rescaled dimensions of braided and meandering threads are weakly correlated to water discharge. We propose that the large dispersion observed, which is common to meandering and braided threads, is the signature of sediment transport, vegetation or cohesion effects.
The effect of food with different glycaemic index on the blood glucose level
Authors: Kouřimská Lenka , Jiráková Šárka , Adámková Anna
Published: July 2015

Blood glucose levels are affected by many factors including the type of foods consumed, processing technology and cooking method. Hormone insulin lowers blood glucose to its constant level, while glucagon, growth hormone, adrenalin and glucocorticoids have the opposite effect. High steepness of the blood glucose level rise after meals may be unfavourable for the organism. Sugars are transferred into the blood at different speeds according to the type of food. Therefore the aim of this study was to confirm experimentally the effect of food on blood glucose levels in men and women of different ages. Two types of low, medium and high-glycaemic index (GI) foods were given to 4 men and 4 women of different age (from 35 to 65 years). All volunteers were healthy, slightly overweight, and without any regular sporting activity. None of them had any idea about their daily carbohydrates consumption and what the term glycaemic index meant. The volunteers came to the GI determination fasted in the morning. Their rise in blood glucose level was monitored by glucometer before the meal and after 1 and 2 hours of the consumption of baked potatoes (GI 85), white bread bun (GI 70), boiled potatoes (GI 64), rye bread (GI 62), potato dumplings (GI 52) and white cooked spaghetti (GI 41). Fasting blood sugar levels of volunteers highly depended on their age (p <0.0001) and gender (p <0.0001). The blood glucose values increased with age and were higher in men than in women. Significant influence of food GI on blood glucose levels in both men and women in all the age categories was observed (p <0.0001). An interaction between age and gender was also statistically highly significant (p <0.0001). One hour after consuming food the blood glucose values were significantly different from the values of fasting (p = 0.0035). The differences of these values did not depend on the age (p = 0.0574) and sex (p = 0.8256) of volunteers, but there was a significant difference on the GI value of food (p <0.0001). Significant interactions were also found in case of sex*age (p = 0.0002), age*GI (p <0.0001) and age*sex*GI (p <0.0001). Medium correlation was found between the GI values of food and the rise of blood glucose levels after 1 h (r = 0.6468). After the consumption of high-GI foods the values of glycaemia did not returned to their fasting levels even after 2 hours. There was still significant difference (p = 0.0032), but the values after 2 h were also statistically different from those after 1 hour (p <0.0001). The response to a particular type of consumed food depended on age (p = 0.0018) and especially the GI of foods.
Genome-wide selection signatures in Pinzgau cattle
Authors: Kasarda Radovan , Moravčí­ková Nina , Trakovická Anna , Mészáros Gábor , Kadlečí­k Ondrej
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to identify the evidence of recent selection based on estimation of the integrated Haplotype Score (iHS), population differentiation index (FST) and characterize affected regions near QTL associated with traits under strong selection in Pinzgau cattle. In total 21 Austrian and 19 Slovak purebreed bulls genotyped with Illumina bovineHD and  bovineSNP50 BeadChip were used to identify genomic regions under selection. Only autosomal loci with call rate higher than 90%, minor allele frequency higher than 0.01 and Hardy-Weinberg equlibrium limit of 0.001 were included in the subsequent analyses of selection sweeps presence. The final dataset was consisted from 30538 SNPs with 81.86 kb average adjacent SNPs spacing. The iHS score were averaged into non-overlapping 500 kb segments across the genome. The FST values were also plotted against genome position based on sliding windows approach and averaged over 8 consecutive SNPs. Based on integrated Haplotype Score evaluation only 7 regions with iHS score higher than 1.7 was found. The average iHS score observed for each adjacent syntenic regions indicated slight effect of recent selection in analysed group of Pinzgau bulls. The level of genetic differentiation between Austrian and Slovak bulls estimated based on FST index was low. Only 24% of FST values calculated for each SNP was greather than 0.01. By using sliding windows approach was found that 5% of analysed windows had higher value than 0.01. Our results indicated use of similar selection scheme in breeding programs of Slovak and Austrian Pinzgau bulls. The evidence for genome-wide association between signatures of selection and regions affecting complex traits such as milk production was insignificant, because the loci in segments identified as affected by selection were very distant from each other. Identification of genomic regions that may be under pressure of selection for phenotypic traits to better understanding of the relationship between genotype and phenotype is one of the challenges for livestock genetics.
The occurence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and the effect of selected dietary habits on the lipid profile and body mass index
Authors: Kopčeková Jana , Lorková Marta , Habánová Marta , Chlebo Peter , Ferenčí­ková Zuzana , Chlebová Zuzana
Published: July 2015

In a group of 204 randomly selected patients hospitalized in the Cardiocentre Nitra, of which 63 were women (30.88%) and 141 men (69.12%), we evaluated the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and the impact of dietary habits on the lipid profile and body mass index (BMI). We have recorded a high prevalence of risk factors, especially overweight and obesity, where 87.3% of women and 92.91% of men had BMI ≥25. Normal weight was observed only in 12.70% of women and in 7.09% of men. In the study group up to 60.32% of women and 57.45% of men had blood pressure higher than ≥130/85 mmHg. More than half of the respondents were simultaneously overweighted or obese together with high blood pressure occurence. The total cholesterol level higher than 5.2 mmol/Ll was recorded in 41.24% of women and 34.75% of men. There was statistically significant difference between men and women (P <0.05) in the prevalence of low HDL cholesterol to the detriment of men while the value below 1.3 mmol/L was recorded in 31.75% of women and the value lower than 1.1 mmol/L in 52.48 % of men. Values of triglycerides (TG) ≥1.7 mmol/L were recorded in 28.57% of women and in 35.42% of men. Fasting blood glucose levels ≥5.6 mmol/L were recorded in up to 68.25% of women and 71.63% of men. There was not statistically significant difference (P >0.05) in the occurrence of increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and glycemia according to gender. We found out that most of the respondents consumed food 3-4 times per day, i.e. 53.97% of women and 60.99% of men. Food intake for five to six times a day was reported only by 28.57% of women and 19.15% of men. The number of daily meals was significantly reflected in the BMI values in men who consumed food 1-2 times a day compared to the men who ate 3-4 meals daily (P <0.001). We detected lower BMI values in women with more frequent food consumption, however the difference was not statistically significant. While assessing the nutritional history, we have recorded frequent consumption of meat and meat products which are consumed by 49.21% of women and 60.28% of men (P <0.001) more than four times a week, while more than 30% of women and men consume them daily. On the contrary, women consume fish more often, while 53.97% of women and 48.23% of men consume it 1 to 2 times a week. Although fruit and vegetable are part of daily diet of almost all patients, it is insufficient in portions of one or two pieces a day compared with dietary recommendations. We noticed significantly higher BMI (P <0.05) in men who consume sweetened beverages, than men who consume mostly non-sweetened beverages.
Effect of selenium on its content in milk and performance of dairy cows in ecological farming
Authors: Horký Pavel
Published: July 2015

Currently, the ecological farming is increasingly spread in the European Union. The aim of this relatively young farming method is a friendly approach to agricultural production with an emphasis to deliver healthy raw materials and food to final consumer. Selenium is included in an essential trace micronutrients which are necessary for the proper process of physiological reactions. It is a part of glutathione peroxidase, which is a powerful antioxidant. At present,  selenium-deficiency can occur in feed and food in central Europe. Selenium deficiency is one cause of the higher occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the experiment was to study whether the addition of selenium to the diet of dairy cows in ecological farming can increase its concentration in milk and affect quantitative (milk yield) and quality (content of protein, fat, lactose, somatic cells and urea) milk indicators. The experiment included twenty cows of Holstein breed. The first experimental group of cows (n = 10) was fed with selenium in an amount of 0.3 mg.kg-1 (as selenomethionine) in the feed dose. The control group (n = 10) was not fed with the increased selenium in the feed dose. The basic feed dose contained 0.17 mg of Se/kg in the diet. For dairy cows, daily intake was of 20.5 kg of dry matter feed. The duration of the experiment was set at 45 days. The selenium concentration in milk was measured from 0.13 to 0.15 µg.mL-1 in the experimental group of cows during the evaluation. The control group of cows without the addition of selenium to the diet showed a selenium concentration below the detection limit. During the experiment, milk yield, lactose, fat and protein were not affected. A significant decrease (p <0.05) of somatic cells by 58% occurred in milk in the experimental group. The amount of urea was significantly lower in both groups in the experimental (by 52%; p <0.05) and control (50%; p <0.05). These results show that the addition of selenium may increase the selenium concentration in milk (the production of functional food). The addition of selenium reduces the amount of somatic cells, which are the indicators of inflammatory diseases of the mammary gland.
Effects of witnessing or exposure to community violence on mental health of Iraqi men
Authors: Al-Nuaimi Maha A. , Hamad Ruaa A. , Lafta Riyadh K.
Published: July 2015

Background: Iraq is consistently exposed to large-scale traumatic events such as successive wars since 1980 to the present day, economic sanctions, sustained organized violence, and terrorism. These unsafe circumstances have negatively impacted the psychosocial status of the Iraqi community. Objective: To study the prevalence of witnessing or exposure to various types of violence, and its association with mental health problems in a sample of Iraqi men. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted from April to September 2014. The target population were men from different age groups that were collected through a convenience sampling technique from two large cities; Baghdad (the capital city) and Mosul (the second largest city in Iraq). The source of data was from different institutions, colleges and lay people. The data collection process was done using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 which is recommended by the World Health Organization for screening psychiatric disturbances. Results: A total of 480 Iraqi males agreed to participate in the study. The main type of violence reported was witnessing violence (55.4%), followed by exposure of friends or relatives to violence (51.4%), and witnessing or exposure to sexual assault was least reported (3.8%). The most frequent feeling recorded was of worry (72.9%), getting easily upset (65.4%), suffering from headaches (62.7%) and lethargy (59.4%). Severe psychological changes were evident in 68.5% of men, while moderate changes were present in 31.5%. Analysis of the feelings and behavioral changes in relation to the participants' history of exposure to violence revealed a significant association with witnessing shooting or stabbings, displacement, friends or relatives' exposure to violence, and viewing corpses. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence among Iraqi men of exposure to, or witnessing violence that showed an association with their mental condition, which, if proved causally, may be a leading cause for future devastating effects on their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Emotion in Painting and Art Installations
Authors: Konečni Vladimir J.
Published: July 2015

Paintings are static 2- dimensional images with limited narrative means. on the basis of a critical analysis of the relevant laboratory scaling studies, museum studies, and neuroaesthetic work, the article reaches a negative conclusion about most paintings’ ability to engage sufficiently with general viewers’ associative- memory systems, so as to lead to identification and empathy, and induce fundamental psychobiological emotions. in contrast, designers of art installations can draw on subtle combinations of several classes of stimulus properties with psychological significance subsumable under the classical concept of the sublime (physical grandeur, rarity, an association with beauty and with biologically significant outcomes), so that some installations may induce the peak aesthetic emotional response, aesthetic awe—as defined in Aesthetic trinity theory (konečni, 2005, 2011), along with the states of being moved and physiological thrills. the approach also involves an analytical skepticism about emotivism, defined as a culturological proclivity for unnecessary insertion of emotion into accounts of mental life and behavior, especially in the arts. implications for the role of emotion theory in empirical aesthetics are examined.
The Evolution ofThe American Journal of Psychology1, 1887– 1903: A Network Investigation
Authors: Green Christopher D. , Feinerer Ingo
Published: July 2015

the American Journal of Psychology (AJP) was the first academic journal in the united states dedicated to the “new” scientific form of the discipline. But where did the journal’s founding owner/editor, G. stanley hall, find the “psychologists” he needed to fill the pages of such a venture 1887, when he was still virtually the only professor of psychology in the country? to investigate this question we used the substantive vocabularies of every full article published in AJP’s first 14 volumes to generate networks of verbally similar articles. these networks reveal the variety of research communities that hall drew on to launch and support the journal. three separate networks, corresponding to 3 successive time blocks, show how hall’s constellation of participating research communities changed over AJP’s first 17 years. many of these communities started with rather nebulous boundaries but soon began to differentiate into groups of more distinct specialties. some topics declined over time, but new ones regularly appeared to replace them. we sketch a quasievolutionary model to describe the intellectual ecology of AJP’s early years.
Start-Up Games on School Playgrounds: Instances of Ceremonial Rituals
Authors: Countryman June
Published: July 2015

This study emerged from naturalistic observations of children’s self-initiated musical play on the playgrounds of 14 Canadian schools, part of a three-year project anchored by the broad research question: What is the nature of children’s spontaneous musical expressions during selfdirected play? Seven of the dozens of play start-up procedures documented during these observations are analyzed, using ritual theories from a variety of scholarly orientations to establish that these start-up games are genuine ritual acts. While some theorists identify ritual in every aspect of quotidian life, the author proposes that children’s start-up procedures are ceremonial rituals, examples of what Dissanayake termed as artifying. They are characterized by an extended and reverent focus on the performance of a series of formalized rhythmic, kinesthetic actions, sustained by a shared belief that the process is meaningful. Some of the possible benefits that these startup rituals provide are considered, recognizing that, as with all play scenarios, there are issues of inclusion and exclusion. The author suggests that respectful examinations of children’s musical play culture contribute to the project of revisioning music education practice by offering insights into the richness and sophistication of children’s musicking proclivities and abilities. The author proposes specific pedagogical applications.
Teacher Perceptions of Memorization in String Instructional Settings: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Dakon Jacob M. , Dvorak Abbey L.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to acquire baseline data regarding string instructors’ perceptions on the use of memorization in string instructional environments. The researchers surveyed string instructors (N = 126) from two midwestern states about memorization conceptualization, curricular importance, perceived benefits, personal level of ease and enjoyment, and application in string-based learning environments. Results indicated that the majority of string teachers perceive memorization as cognitive recall without the presence of visual stimuli. Although correct, this definition overlooks many other modes of cognitive encoding and retrieval associated with memorization. String teachers also reported supporting the use of aural and visual memorization strategies, but only used them rarely to teach fundamental technique, solo material, or specialty music. Additionally, string teachers may not recognize a standardized method of teaching memorization. Implications for music education are discussed.