bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restricted co‐localization of glutamate and dopamine in neurons of the adult sea lamprey brain
Authors: Fernández‐López B. , Sobrido‐Cameán D. , Anadón R. , Rodicio M. C. , Barreiro‐Iglesias A.
Published: August 2017

Co‐localization of dopamine with other classical neurotransmitters in the same neuron is a common phenomenon in the brain of vertebrates. In mammals, some dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area and the hypothalamus have a glutamatergic co‐phenotype. However, information on the presence of this type of dopaminergic neurons in other vertebrate groups is very scant. Here, we aimed to provide new insights on the evolution of this neuronal co‐phenotype by studying the presence of a dual dopaminergic/glutamatergic neuron phenotype in the central nervous system of lampreys. Double immunofluorescence experiments for dopamine and glutamate in adult sea lampreys revealed co‐localization of both neurotransmitters in some neurons of the preoptic nucleus, the nucleus of the postoptic commissure, the dorsal hypothalamus and in cerebrospinal fluid‐contacting cells of the caudal rhombencephalon and rostral spinal cord. Moreover, co‐localization of dopamine and glutamate was found in dopaminergic fibres in a few brain regions including the lateral pallium, striatum, and the preoptic and postoptic areas but not in the brainstem. Our results suggest that the presence of neurons with a dopaminergic/glutamatergic co‐phenotype is a primitive character shared by jawless and jawed vertebrates. However, important differences in the distribution of these neurons and fibres were noted among the few vertebrates investigated to date. This study offers an anatomical basis for further work on the role of glutamate in dopaminergic neurons.
A pilot study of treatment of striae distensae with variable square pulse Erbium: YAG laser resurfacing
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Meeprathom Walailak , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: August 2017

Background

Striae distensae (SD) are a frequent skin condition for which treatment remains a challenge. Various laser treatments have been employed to remove the epidermis and cause dermal wound and heating with subsequent dermal collagen remodeling.

Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of a variable square pulse Erbium: YAG (VSP Er:YAG) laser for the treatment of striae in skin phototypes III‐IV.

Methods

Twenty‐one women with SD were treated monthly for 2 months with VSP Er:YAG laser resurfacing using a 7‐mm spot size. One side of their striae was randomly treated with one pass of 400 mJ in short pulse (SP) mode with 50% overlapping and one pass of 2.2 J/cm2 in smooth (SM) mode with nonoverlapping. The other side of their striae was treated with two passes of 400 mJ in SP mode with 50% overlapping. Objective and subjective assessments were obtained at baseline and 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month after treatment.

Results

In both SP&SM and SP only group, volume of SD measured by Visioscan VC98 reduced significantly at 6‐month follow‐up visit (P=.017 and P=.034, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in skin roughness (SER), skin smoothness (SESM), and surface measured by Visioscan VC98. Transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the common side effect found in patients with darker skin tone even in nonsun exposure areas and can last as long as 6 months.

Conclusions

VSP Er:YAG laser resurfacing is a promising treatment option for SD. Lower fluence should be used in patients with darker skin phototype to avoid the risk of PIH. In addition, pre‐ and post‐treatment with topical preparations for PIH prevention may be needed.
Morphological, molecular, and toxin analysis of field populations of Alexandrium genus from the Argentine Sea
Authors: Fabro Elena , Almandoz Gastón O. , Ferrario Martha , John Uwe , Tillmann Urban , Toebe Kerstin , Krock Bernd , Cembella Allan
Published: August 2017

In the Argentine Sea, blooms of toxigenic dinoflagellates of the Alexandrium tamarense species complex have led to fish and bird mortalities and human deaths as a consequence of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Yet little is known about the occurrence of other toxigenic species of the genus Alexandrium, or of their toxin composition beyond coastal waters. The distribution of Alexandrium species and related toxins in the Argentine Sea was determined by sampling surface waters on an oceanographic expedition during austral spring from ~39°S to 48°S. Light microscope and SEM analysis for species identification and enumeration was supplemented by confirmatory PCR analysis from field samples. The most frequent Alexandrium taxon identified by microscopy corresponded to the classical description of A. tamarense. Only weak signals of Group I from the A. tamarense species complex were detected by PCR of bulk field samples, but phylogenetic reconstruction of rDNA sequences from single cells from one station assigned them to ribotype Group I (Alexandrium catenella). PCR probes for Alexandrium minutum and Alexandrium ostenfeldii yielded a positive signal, although A. minutum morphology did not completely match the classical description. Analysis of PSP toxin composition of plankton samples revealed toxin profiles dominated by gonyautoxins (GTX1/4). The main toxic cyclic imine detected was 13‐desMe‐spirolide C and this supported the association with A. ostenfeldii in the field. This study represents the first integrated molecular, morphological and toxinological analysis of field populations of the genus Alexandrium in the Argentine Sea.
Is higher population‐level use of ICS/LABA combination associated with better asthma outcomes? Cross‐sectional surveys of nationally representative populations in New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Reddel Helen K. , Beckert Lutz , Moran Angela , Ingham Tristram , Ampon Rosario D. , Peters Matthew J. , Sawyer Susan M.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

New Zealand (NZ) and Australia (AU) have similarly high asthma prevalence; both have universal public health systems, but different criteria for subsidized medicines. We explored differences in asthma management and asthma‐related outcomes between these countries.

Methods

A web‐based survey was administered in AU (2012) and NZ (2013) to individuals aged ≥16 years with current asthma, drawn randomly from web‐based panels, stratified by national population proportions. Symptom control was assessed with the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Healthcare utilization was assessed from reported urgent doctor/hospital visits in the previous year.

Results

NZ (n = 537) and Australian (n = 2686) participants had similar age and gender distribution. More NZ than Australian participants used inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)‐containing medication (68.8% vs 60.9%; P = 0.006) but ICS/long‐acting β2‐agonist (LABA) constituted 44.4% of NZ and 81.5% of Australian total ICS use (P < 0.0001). Adherence was higher with ICS/LABA than ICS‐alone (P < 0.0001), and higher in NZ than in AU (P < 0.0001). ACT scores were similar (P = 0.41), with symptoms well controlled in 58.6% and 54.4% participants, respectively. More NZ participants reported non‐urgent asthma reviews (56.6% vs 50.4%; P = 0.009). Similar proportions had urgent asthma visits (27.9% and 28.6%, respectively, P = 0.75).

Conclusion

This comparison, which included the first nationally representative data for asthma control in NZ, showed that poorly controlled asthma is common in both NZ and AU, despite subsidized ICS‐containing medications. The greater use of ICS‐alone in NZ relative to ICS/LABA does not appear to have compromised population‐level asthma outcomes, perhaps due to better adherence in NZ. Different ICS/LABA subsidy criteria and different patient copayments may also have contributed to these findings.
Potential Biomarkers for NSAID-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Park Hanki , Choi Youngwoo , Jung Chang-Gyu , Park Hae-Sim
Published: August 2017

Asthma is a common chronic disease with several variant phenotypes and endotypes. NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is one such endotype characterized by asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps, and hypersensitivity to aspirin/cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. NERD is more associated with severe asthma than other asthma phenotypes. Regarding diagnosis, aspirin challenge tests via the oral or bronchial route are a standard diagnostic method; reliable in vitro diagnostic tests are not available. Recent studies have reported various biomarkers of phenotype, diagnosis, and prognosis. In this review, we summarized the known potential biomarkers of NERD that are distinct from those of aspirin-tolerant asthma. We also provided an overview of the different NERD subgroups.
Anti-CD137 and PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies En Route toward Clinical Synergy
Authors: Pérez-Ruiz Elisabeth , Etxeberria Iñaki , Rodriguez-Ruiz Maria E. , Melero Ignacio
Published: August 2017

T-cell costimulation and coinhibition can be respectively exploited by blocking and agonist mAbs. Both strategies can be synergistically combined in mouse models. Early clinical results from combinations of anti–PD-1 mAbs in conjunction with agonist anti-CD137 (4-1BB) mAbs show excellent safety and promising efficacy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5326–8. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Tolcher et al., p. 5349
R2P, Human Rights, and the Perils of a Bad Human Rights Intervention
Authors: Murdie Amanda
Published: August 2017

This article evaluates the effects certain interventions, namely various types of third party peacekeeping missions, have had on the future human rights practices of countries experiencing civil conflict. I argue that peacekeeping with (a) an un mandate or (b) a strong civilian or humanitarian focus are the only types of missions that should cause gains in human rights performance; these missions are aligned with R2P goals. Using a cross-national sample of countries experiencing civil conflict from 1960 to 2013, I find much evidence that R2P-aligned peacekeeping missions can be a positive force for future human rights performance within countries that have experienced civil conflict, even after we account for the factors that led to the mission in the first place. Advocacy efforts in support of R2P must be careful to call for only interventions with un support and/or clear humanitarian objectives.
Tmetopis revisited: redescription, new synonymies, and revised tribal placement (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: August 2017

The genus Tmetopis Kiritshenko, 1947 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae) and its type species T. chinensis Kiritshenko, 1947, distributed in central and southern China, are redescribed and illustrated. The genus is recognized as the probable sister group of Prionaca Dallas, 1851. The following new subjective synonymies and new combinations are proposed: Tmetopis chinensis Kiritshenko, 1947 = Prionaca hunanensis Lin & Zhang, 1989, syn. nov. = P. jiangxiensis Lin & Zhang, 1989, syn. nov. = P. hubeiensis Zhang, Lin & Zhao, 1990, syn. nov.; Prionaca sikkimensis (Mathew, 1969), comb. nov. (transferred from Degonetus Distant, 1902). Tmetopis (currently in Halyini) and Prionaca (currently in Pentatomini) are both transferred into the tribe Degonetini; the diagnostic characters and relationships of both genera and of the tribe are discussed.
Too Stressed to Teach? Teaching Quality, Student Engagement, and IEP Outcomes
Authors: Wong Venus W. , Ruble Lisa A. , Yu Yue , McGrew John H.
Published: August 2017

Teacher stress and burnout have a detrimental effect on the stability of the teaching workforce. However, the possible consequences of teacher burnout on teaching quality and on student learning outcomes are less clear, especially in special education settings. We applied Maslach and Leiter’s (1999) model to understand the direct effects of burnout on teaching in general and stress arising from interaction with a specific student on the individualized education program (IEP) outcomes of young children with autism spectrum disorder. We also examined indirect effects through teaching quality and student engagement. The results indicated that one of the three components of burnout—teacher personal accomplishment—was directly related to IEP outcomes, a distal effect, whereas stress was directly related to teaching quality and student engagement, which were more proximal effects. In addition, teacher stress, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization had indirect effects on IEP outcomes through teaching quality and student engagement.
Examining Sexual Function Among Individuals With HIV in a Midwestern US Urban Outpatient Clinic Setting
Authors: Shacham E. , López Julia D. , Souza P. , Overton E. Turner
Published: August 2017

The role of sexual function and its impact on HIV management have been inadequately evaluated. A cross-sectional study in 2009 of 202 patients with HIV were recruited to examine sexual function and psychosocial/HIV management factors. Analyses assessed the relationship between sexual function, sociodemographic factors, biomedical markers, and depressive symptomology. The M-Estimator compared differences in the means of the HIV, cancer survivors, and the normative cohorts. More than 75% were on combination antiretroviral therapy, of which 70% had suppressed HIV viral loads. Patients with unsuppressed HIV viral loads reported lower rates of arousal. Better overall health was associated with higher rates of overall sexual function, arousal, and interest. Compared to the normative and cancer survivor cohorts, mean sexual function was significantly lower in the HIV-infected cohort in all subscales, except for masturbation. These findings suggest lower sexual function impacts individuals with HIV in ways related to negative biomedical and psychosocial factors.
Ruxolitinib vs best available therapy for ET intolerant or resistant to hydroxycarbamide
Authors: Harrison Claire N. , Mead Adam J. , Panchal Anesh , Fox Sonia , Yap Christina , Gbandi Emmanouela , Houlton Aimee , Alimam Samah , Ewing Joanne , Wood Marion , Chen Frederick , Coppell Jason , Panoskaltsis Nicki , Knapper Steven , Ali Sahra , Hamblin Angela , Scherber Robyn , Dueck Amylou C. , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Mesa Ruben , McMullin Mary Frances
Published: August 2017

Key Points

After hydroxycarbamide therapy in high-risk ET, ruxolitinib showed no improvement for complete or partial response rates compared with BAT. Ruxolitinib significantly improved some disease-related symptoms, but rates of thrombosis, hemorrhage, or transformation were not different.
Anatomy and physiology, 1. Homeostasis
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: August 2017

In order to offer care to people that is safe and effective, the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) need to have an understating of how the human body functions in illness and health. This series of articles provides the HCA and AP with an understanding of how the human body works: the anatomy and physiology.

This first article focuses on homeostasis, how the body maintains a stable internal environment, despite changes that occur externally. The second article will then consider the cells, the basic building blocks of all living things. The remainder of the series will address each of the body systems.

In this article, homeostasis is defined and explained and examples are provided as to how the body maintains homeostasis.

Each article will end with a glossary, helping the reader to understand some of the terms used in the articles.
The role of the courts in disagreements over the care of seriously ill babies
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: August 2017

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, reviews how the courts assist in settling disputes over the care of seriously ill babies and describes the test used to inform decisions about their treatment
Confidence and competence is what makes the difference on the frontline
Authors: Price-Dowd Clare
Published: August 2017

In this third blog in the series, Clare Price-Dowd, Senior Programme Lead, NHS Leadership Academy, Leeds, discusses the importance of having both confident and competent nurses delivering care
Book review
Authors: Murray Madeleine C.
Published: August 2017

Restorative Dentistry. An Integrated Approach. By P. H. Jacobsen. Heinemann, Oxford, 1998 (256 pp., £29.50 p/b).
Burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Graham Richard M.
Published: August 2017

Sir, I read with interest the article by Professor P. 1. Lamey in Dental Update on Burning Mouth Syndrome1 and wondered if it may have been relevant to include horm onal imbalance as an unusual, but possible, aetiological factor for Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)?—particularly when all other causes have been ruled out.
Management of open apex in a central incisor using mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Warner Jason J , Al-Salehi Samira K
Published: August 2017

Trauma to an immature tooth can result in pulpal devitalization and arrested apexogenesis, resulting in open apices; this is most common in anterior teeth of the permanent dentition. The attainment of an apical seal in such cases is challenging. The management of an open apex in a central incisor in a 16-year-old male patient is described in this report. The satisfactory result achieved suggests that mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) can be used successfully as a filling material in teeth with open apices.

Clinical Relevance: Preservation of anterior teeth following trauma is essential, especially in young patients. A good option is the use of mineral trioxide aggregate in the treatment of open apices.
Drug disposition, bioavailability and efficacy
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: August 2017

In this article, we will look at the concepts of drug disposition, bioavailability and efficacy. Drug distribution can be defined as getting a drug into its appropriate position in the body at an appropriate concentration. This is represented by pharmacokinetic properties such as absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Here we will concentrate on the movement of drug molecules at a tissue and cellular level to discover how drug molecules cross membranes and are distributed into the relevant body compartments to have their effect. We will also look at the concept of bioavailability, which is the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation, and efficacy, which is maximum response achievable to elicit a therapeutic response.
Specialisation in general practice
Authors: Cox Ella
Published: August 2017

Clinicians are having to consider providing more specialised care in general practice, in this article, Ella Cox discusses how her practice has expanded into providing care for people with type 2 diabetes needing injectable therapy
Yield-related traits characterization of local upland rice cultivars originated from East and North Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: HASANAH NUR , SADARUDDIN SADARUDDIN , SUNARYO WIDI
Published: August 2017

Nurhasanah, Sadaruddin, Sunaryo W. 2017. Yield-related traits characterization of local upland rice cultivars originated from East and North Kalimantan. Biodiversitas 18: 1165-1172. In East and North Kalimantan, rice genetic diversities were very high. Most of the local rice cultivars existed in East and North Kalimantan, are upland rice cultivars. Unfortunately, most of those cultivars have not been optimally studied and characterized for rice breeding purposes. In this study, 146 upland rice cultivars originated from East and North Kalimantan were grown in the field which was further characterized their yield parameters. Tillering capacity, productive tiller, the size and structure of panicle as well as grain characteristics were characterized in the population to select potential superior cultivars. The results showed that the phenotypic variation of tillering capacity in those local upland rice was very high. Tiller number was varied from 2 to 66 tillers, with an average of 20.92 tillers and 25 cultivars had more than 30 tillers. Large range of productive tiller was also observed in the population, ranging from 14.8 to 100% of their tillering capacity, but most of the cultivars (80%) had more than 70% productive tiller. In addition, 9 cultivars had 100% productive tillers, in which all of the tillers generated panicles. Highly significant positive correlation (0.802**) was observed between productive tiller and tillering capacity. The panicle length of the local upland rice cultivars was in range from 14.5 cm to 43.5 cm, with most of the panicle size population clustered in length of 20-30 cm. In addition, 8.2% cultivars had a dense/heavy category, while 22.6% were sparse, and the rest of 70.2% had no panicle secondary branch. Variation of grain characteristics of local upland rice in the East and North Kalimantan including grain weight, grain length and width, as well as length-to-width ratio was also discussed in this study.
Post fire succession in Tegal Panjang Grassland, Mount Papandayan, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: SULISTYAWATI ENDAH , FITRIANA SYLVANITA
Published: August 2017

Sulistyawati E, Fitriana S. 2017. Post fire succession in Tegal Panjang Grassland, Mount Papandayan, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 1226-1233. Tegal Panjang is a grassland area surrounded by rainforest consisting of vegetation patches formed by fires occurring at different times. This condition presents a unique environmental setting allowing the study of vegetation succession after fire disturbance. The objectives of this research were (i) to determine the pattern of vegetative development and changes in environment conditions in post-fire grassland on five sites having different ages (6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years and more than 10 year) and (ii) to examine whether post-fire succession in grassland allows the establishment of tree seedling. Measurements were conducted for vegetation composition, aboveground biomass and edaphic factors (soil pH, water content, bulk density and organic content) in each site. The pattern of vegetation development in the course of succession in Tegal Panjang grassland is marked by increasing biomass and height of the vegetation as the stand ages but with a slow rate of species diversification. No tree saplings were found in all sites despite its close distance to the forest. Recruitment limitation associated with repeated fire disturbance may explain the absence of tree saplings in the grassland.
Breeding behavior of different raptor species in human modified landscape
Authors: WITHANINGSIH SUSANTI , PARIKESIT PARIKESIT , ISKANDAR JOHAN , MEGANTARA ERRI N.
Published: August 2017

Withaningsih S, Parikesit, Iskandar J, Megantara EN. 2017. Breeding behavior of different raptor species in human modified landscape. Biodiversitas 18: 1234-1242. Raptors are important birds which sensitive to environment and mostly used as best indicator for knowing the health of the ecosystem. The breeding period is a critical phase for raptors and seems to be difficult leading to the status of those birds as an endangered species. The nest site selection is of importance to the success of raptor nesting program. Of this reason, the use of human-modified landscape as one of nesting location for raptors, located in Panaruban and Telaga Warna landscape, West Java, Indonesia has been assessed to know the breeding behavior among raptors. The aim of the study was to analyze the nest site, nesting period, and nest placement of raptors in human-modified landscape in Panaruban and Telaga Warna. The relationship among raptor nest occurrences was analyzed using four circular buffers at distances of 250, 500, 750 and 1000 m around each nest-tree. Data was collected by descriptive analysis and Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping. The four species of raptors i.e. the Javan Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi syn. Spizaetus bartelsi), the Changeable Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus syn. Spizaetus cirrhatus), the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela), and the Indian Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis) showed to select nesting sites in different places. The landscape structure at different scales around the nest may contribute to the varied characteristics of nest site selection. The raptors had a different time of the breeding period in the same landscape. These differences might be a part of the strategy to decrease competition among raptors.
Aplikasi Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Untuk Mengamati Perpindahan Kalor Pada Permukaan Logam
Authors: Suryantari Risti , Flaviana Flaviana
Published: August 2017

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengamati peristiwa perpindahan kalor pada area permukaan logam yang bersentuhan dengan permukaan lembaran Thermochromic Liquid Crystal (TLC) R30C5W, melalui citra permukaan TLC selama proses pemanasan logam. Logam dipanaskan dengan pemanas celup, sehingga kalor akan terdistribusi hingga mencapai permukaan logam. Apabila permukaan logam tersebut bersentuhan dengan permukaan TLC, maka kalor akan berpindah dari permukaan logam ke permukaan TLC, dan ditunjukkan dengan terjadinya perubahan warna pada permukaan TLC. Citra asli yang diperoleh dalam bentuk RGB dikonversi menjadi HSV (hue, saturation, value), lalu diambil komponen hue saja, dan kemudian citra hue diproses menggunakan Matlab2014a untuk mendapatkan citra yang lebih baik. Hasil menunjukkan, seiring dengan meningkatnya temperatur permukaan logam, nilai mean hue semakin meningkat. Selain itu, nilai hue sepanjang garis tengah lingkaran pada permukaan TLC, cukup merata di bagian tengahnya (lingkaran dalam) namun semakin berkurang di tepinya (tepi kanan dan kiri), yang menunjukkan semakin jauh dari tepi permukaan logam maka energi kalornya semakin berkurang, karena terjadi perpindahan kalor pada tepi permukaan logam ke udara di sekitarnya.

 

Kata kunci: Thermochromic Liquid Crystal (TLC), hue, perpindahan kalor.
LOGISTICS RISK RESEARCH OF PREFABRICATED HOUSE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING BASED ON CREDIBILITY METHOD
Authors: Bai Xiaoping , Zhao Huifang
Published: August 2017

In recent years, the prefabricated house industry has rapid development,.Because of fewer suppliers, higher demand transport scheme and complex quality test, the risks of construction engineering logistics links are relatively high. Studying how to effectively evaluate the risks of construction engineering logistics links is significant. According to the characteristics of the prefabricated house construction engineering, we analyse the construction engineering logistics risks and use the combined weights method to determine the weight of indexes which contains both subjective and objective factors, to improve the scientific value and the validity of the assessment. Based on credibility measure method, a new logistics risk evaluation model in prefabricated housing is established to estimate the risk during making prefabricated house construction engineering. The presented model can avoid the subjectivity of selecting the membership function and solve the problem of how to comprehensively assess the construction engineering logistics risk in a certain extent.
APPLICATION OF SOFT COMPUTING TECHNIQUES FOR PREDICTING COOLING TIME REQUIRED DROPPING INITIAL TEMPERATURE OF MASS CONCRETE.
Authors: Bhattarai Santosh , Zhou Yihong , Zhao Chunju , Zhou Huawei
Published: August 2017

Minimizing the thermal cracks in mass concrete at an early age can be achieved byremoving the hydration heat as quickly as possible within initial cooling period before the next lift isplaced. Recognizing the time needed to remove hydration heat within initial cooling period helps totake an effective and efficient decision on temperature control plan in advance. Thermal propertiesof concrete, water cooling parameters and construction parameter are the most influencing factorsinvolved in the process and the relationship between these parameters are non-linear in a pattern,complicated and not understood well. Some attempts had been made to understand and formulatethe relationship taking account of thermal properties of concrete and cooling water parameters.Thus, in this study, an effort have been made to formulate the relationship for the same takingaccount of thermal properties of concrete, water cooling parameters and construction parameter,with the help of two soft computing techniques namely: Genetic programming (GP) software“Eureqa” and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Relationships were developed from the dataavailable from recently constructed high concrete double curvature arch dam. The value of R forthe relationship between the predicted and real cooling time from GP and ANN model is 0.8822and 0.9146 respectively. Relative impact on target parameter due to input parameters wasevaluated through sensitivity analysis and the results reveal that, construction parameter influencethe target parameter significantly. Furthermore, during the testing phase of proposed models withan independent set of data, the absolute and relative errors were significantly low, which indicatesthe prediction power of the employed soft computing techniques deemed satisfactory as comparedto the measured data.
Wie christlich ist unsere Gesellschaft?
Authors: Rommelspacher (verst.) Birgit
Published: August 2017

Während Deutschland kulturell und religiös immer pluraler wird, melden sich seit Beginn der Einwanderungs- und Flüchtlingsdebatte diejenigen vehement zu Wort, die die Verankerung des Landes in der christlich-abendländischen Kultur in Gefahr sehen. Wie sind in diesem Kontext Chancen und Grenzen einer interreligiösen und interkulturellen Verständigung und Kooperation einzuschätzen? Historisch, philosophisch und theologisch fundiert fragt die sozialwissenschaftliche Untersuchung von Birgit Rommelspacher (1945-2015) nach der Bedeutung von Religion für die Menschen in einer säkularen und multireligiösen Gesellschaft.
A comparison of isokinetic knee strength and power output ratios between female basketball and volleyball players
Authors: Kabaciński Jarosław , Murawa Michał , Fryzowicz Anna , Dworak Lechosław Bogdan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Tests such as the counter movement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) allow for determining the ratio of maximal power output generated during SJ to CMJ (S/C). The isokinetic peak torque ratio of the hamstrings contracting eccentrically to the quadriceps contracting concentrically (H/Q) is defined as functional H/Q. The purpose of this study was to compare the S/C and functional H/Q between female basketball and volleyball players.

Methods

The total of 14 female basketball players (age, 19.8 ± 1.4 years) and 12 female volleyball players (age, 22.3 ± 4.2 years) participated in the study. A piezoelectric force platform was used for the CMJ and SJ. Moreover, isokinetic tests of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscle torque during eccentric and concentric contraction were performed.

Results

The results of the S/C and functional H/Q at 90 deg • s–1/60 deg • s–1 velocities were higher in basketball players (87.3 ± 9.1% and 91.4 ± 9.3%, respectively) than in volleyball players (83.1 ± 9.8% and 83.6 ± 16.5%, respectively). No significant differences in S/C or functional H/Q values between the two groups were found (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Decreasing the S/C may result from an improvement in the power output during CMJ and a better utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle effect. Balancing the functional H/Q through increasing the eccentric hamstrings strength can provide dynamic knee joint stabilization.
Take-off efficiency: transformation of mechanical work into kinetic energy during the Bosco test
Authors: Jandova Sona , Musilek Michal , Martin Andrew J. , Cochrane Darryl , Rozkovec Jiri
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study is to present a new method for determining the efficiency of take-off during a 60-s Bosco repeated vertical jump test.

Methods

The study involved 15 physical education students (age: 21.5 ± 2.4 years; height: 1.81 ± 0.08 m; mass: 76 ± 9 kg). The data were collected with the use of a pedobarographical system (Pedar-x; Novel, Munich, Germany). The statistical analysis utilized a simple linear regression model.

Results

Owing to possible fatigue, flight time and flight height decreased. The average flight height was 0.260 ± 0.063 m, and the average contact time equalled 0.54 ± 0.16 s. The average anaerobic power values calculated for the 60-s work period had the mean value of 21.9 ± 6.7 W • kgBW–1; there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in anaerobic power during the 60-s Bosco test.

Conclusions

The efficiency of mechanical work was highest at the beginning of the test, reaching values of up to 50%. The efficiency of mechanical work conversion into mechanical energy seems to be an appropriate determinant of rising fatigue during the 60-s Bosco jumping test.
Is Competitive Elite Sport Really Morally Corrupt?
Authors: Ingthorsson Rögnvaldur D.
Published: August 2017

It has been argued that competitive elite sport both a) reduces the humanity of athletes by turning them into beings whose sole value is determined in relation to others, and b) is motivated by a celebration of the genetically superior and humiliation of the weak. This paper argues that while a) is a morally reproachable attitude to competition, it is not what competitive elite sport revolves around, and that b) simply is not the essence of competitive elite sport. Competitive elite sport is an exploration of the physical and mental demands of sport. Finally, the paper explores a number of consequences of the different views of sport with respect to the problem of intersexual women.
Evaluation Results of Finnish Apple Rootstocks in Latvia
Authors: Ikase Laila , Rubauskis Edgars , Rezgale Zanda
Published: August 2017

A trial was established in 2011 with five rootstocks - MTT1, MTT4 and control B.9 (1.5 × 4 m, five replications with two trees), MTT5 and control MM.106 (2.5 × 5 m, six replications with two trees), and two cultivars - ‘Auksis’ and ‘Gita’. The evaluated parameters were: tree general condition, flowering, and yielding intensity (points), number of root suckers, average yield (kg·tree-1), yield per trunk cross section area (g·cm-2), average fruit mass (g), and amount of non-standard fruits (%). A randomised fruit sample from each cultivar-rootstock combination was put into storage, and a panel taste was performed once each season. A snowless winter occurred in 2013/2014, when soil froze to 1.5 m depth, which was critical for MM.106. Other rootstocks did not show injury. The best results were obtained for MTT4, which was similar to that of M.26 in Finland. Its vigour was similar to MM.106, and start of bearing to B.9. Rootstock MTT5 was initially grouped with medium vigour MM.106, as having 60-80 % of vigour of ‘Antonovka’ seedlings in Finland. Yet in our trial, it had vigour and start of bearing was similar to that of B.9 or slightly larger, depending on cultivar; it has a tendency to form root suckers. MTT1, ranged with B.9 in Finland, had too weak vigour. The most promising cultivar-rootstock combination was ‘Gita’ on MTT4.
Establishment of Nuclear Stock Collections for Apple and Pear in Latvia
Authors: Zuļģe Neda , Kāle Anna , Gospodaryk Alina , Vēvere Kristīne , Moročko-Bičevska Inga
Published: August 2017

Apples and pears are among the most important commercial fruit species grown in Latvia. Because of suitability to local climatic conditions, mainly domestic cultivars and cultivars originating in neighbouring countries are grown. The planting material of pome fruits produced and used for establishment of new orchards in Latvia corresponds to the Conformitas Agraria Communitatis standard due to the unavailability of nuclear stock. To establish virus-tested, experimental nuclear stock for apple and pear, one to two years old candidate plants were exposed to thermotherapy at +38 °C for 40 to 70 days. The mother trees and candidate plants before treatment were tested for the presence of the four most widespread pome fruit viruses by RT-PCR. The shoot tips of the heat-treated plants were grafted onto seedling rootstocks and were re-tested for the four viruses by RT-PCR during the next three to five vegetation seasons. Several plants of apple cultivars ‘Dace’, ‘Zarja Alatau’, ‘Rubin’, and ‘Ausma’ remained infected either with Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus, Apple stem growing virus or Apple stem pitting virus after the thermotherapy. Tests on woody indicators were carried out to determine possible presence of graft-transmittable organisms according to EPPO guidelines for the establishment of nuclear stock material for pome fruits.
Qualitative Properties of the Fruits of Blackcurrant Ribes Nigrum L. Genotypes in Conventional and Organic Cultivation
Authors: Kikas Ave , Kahu Kersti , Arus Liina , Kaldmäe Hedi , Rätsep Reelika , Libek Asta-Virve
Published: August 2017

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the effect of genotype and growing conditions on blackcurrant fruit weight and biochemical composition. The trial was carried out during the years 2011 and 2012 in South Estonia with two cultivation methods (conventional and organic) and eight genotypes of different genetic background, including two Scottish, ‘Ben Alder’ and ‘Ben Lomond’; two Swedish ‘Intercontinental’ and ‘Titania’; a Belarusian ‘Pamyati Vavilova’, and three recently selected genotypes from the Estonian blackcurrant breeding programme, ‘Karri’, ‘Asker’, and ‘Mairi’. From each genotype and in both cultivation sites 500 g of fruit at full maturity was collected in three replications. Fruit weight, soluble solids (SS), sugars, organic acids, sugar/acid ratio, and ascorbic acid (AsA) concentrations were determined. Fruits from the organic cultivation site were smaller and contained more SS and sugars, they also had a higher sugar/acid ratio than conventionally grown berries. Organic acids and AsA concentrations were higher in berries from conventional cultivation systems compared to the organic ones. ’Karri’ had the highest SS and sugar concentrations and sugar/acid ratio and the lowest concentration of acids on average over the years and cultivation methods. The highest AsA concentration was determined in ‘Asker’ and ‘Ben Lomond’.
Identification of the forces developed by upper limbs in various forms of human physical activity and in manual techniques used by physiotherapists – a brief review
Authors: Trzaskoma Zbigniew , Molik Bartosz , Morgulec-Adamowicz Natalia , Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra , Ogonowska-Słodownik Anna , Marszałek Jolanta , Stępień Agnieszka , Krawczyk Maciej , Wójcik Agnieszka
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to review the literature dealing with the force-time characteristics of different forms of physical activity performed with upper limbs by the elderly and the disabled (Nordic Walking and using a wheelchair, respectively) and of manual techniques used by physiotherapists. Values of work and power were analysed as well. Based on the analysis of the literature concerning the substantive areas included in this article, we believe that objective measurements will expand the present knowledge about values of force developed by upper limbs during different forms of human activity. It seems to be of particular significance in the application of manual therapy techniques, because currently values of force exerted upon the patient while applying these techniques are selected by a physiotherapist intuitively and are neither objective nor systematically controlled. The identification of the values of force developed with upper limbs by the elderly, the disabled and physiotherapists during the aforementioned forms of activity will make an original contribution to the broadly defined physical culture, especially rehabilitation and health promotion.
The First World War in Women’s Autobiographical Writing. What, in What Way, and Why Was Omitted?
Authors: Pekaniec Anna
Published: August 2017

This article deals with omissions, lacunae and understatements in women’s personal diaries featuring the First World War, in particular the Diaries of Zofia Nałkowska, the Diaries of Maria Kasprowiczowa and Memoirs of Podolia by Helena Kutyłowska. Their content provides ample clues for identifying the characteristic features of women’s wartime autobiographical writing shaped by both the historic context and the personality of the female author. In their autobiographical accounts the war is an eye-opener, making people see things in a more nuanced way, and as an menacing force intruding upon their private worlds. Each narrative works under its burden, and yet none of them is overwhelmed by it. If only for that reason women’s wartime diaries and memoirs remain an interesting historical and personal record, capable of yielding new insights both to historians and historians of literature.
Heritabilities, Intertrait Genetic Correlations, G x E Interaction and Predicted Genetic Gains for Acoustic Velocity in Mid-rotation Coastal Douglas fir
Authors: Jayawickrama K. J. S. , Ye T. Z. , Howe G. T.
Published: August 2017

Acoustic velocity (AV) data from 7,423 coastal Douglas-fir trees drawn from 347 wind-pollinated families on 14 sites, from four first-generation testing programs in the north Oregon Cascades, were analyzed. Families were measured on two or four sites at ages 23 to 41 years from seed using the Fakopp TreeSonic standingtree tool. Height (HT) and DBH data collected at ages 15 and 16 from seed, from all trees in the four programs (95,795 trees, 955 families), were used to calculate volume index (VOL = HT*DBH2) and stem taper (TAP = DBH/HT). All traits were analyzed using multivariate mixed model analyses.

Across-site individual narrow-sense heritabilities for AV2ranged from 0.24 to 0.40 among first-generation programs, compared to 0.12 to 0.23 for HT, 0.10 to 0.16 for DBH, 0.11 to 0.20 for VOL and 0.14 to 0.17 for TAP.

Across-site type B correlations for AV2ranged from 0.85 to 0.95, compared to 0.62 to 0.83 for HT, 0.60 to 0.74 for DBH, 0.67 to 0.78 for VOL and 0.66 to 0.79 for TAP. AV2was negatively correlated with HT in three programs (rA= 0.17 to −0.28), and negatively correlated with DBH (−0.12 to −0.46), VOL (−0.05 to −0.44) and TAP (−0.09 to −0.40) in all four programs.

Selecting the top 10% of the families sampled based on AV2gave predicted gains of 4.4% to 9.6% for AV2and −9.3% to 10.6% for VOL. The adverse genetic correlations between AV2and growth, and the losses in gain in AV2from selection based on growth, may be overestimated by suppression of slower-growing families in these older tests.
Effect of genetic relatedness among parents on gain in salt tolerance in progeny of crosses ofEucalyptus occidentalis
Authors: Hendrati R. , Byrne M. , Barbour E. , Plummer J.
Published: August 2017

Genetic diversity of aEucalyptus occidentalisbreeding population screened for salt and waterlogging tolerance was examined using eight microsatellite loci. Mating using an immature style ‘one stop pollination’ method between parents was carried out to produce progeny for testing under 500 mM salt waterlogging. The effect of parental genetic distance on seed production and early seedling survival was examined and inheritance of salt/or waterlogging tolerance was assessed by testing performance of progeny in comparison to parents. Diversity was moderate among the nine provenances and the families, and most of the diversity was distributed within rather than between families. Genetic relationships showed no structure in relation to provenance indicating any adaptation to saline environments has not affected genetic similarity. Breeding for salt and water tolerance may be achieved without decline in genetic diversity. There was a significant correlation between capsule production and parental genetic distance and a positive trend between increasing parental genetic distance and increasing number of germinated seeds/capsule, and seedling survival at 2 weeks and 9 months. These trends indicate expression of inbreeding depression in crosses between genetically similar parents. Heritability values, under 500 mM salt-waterlogging treatment, indicated that height had moderate heritability (h2= 0.5). Crosses with the widest parental genetic distance produced progeny with considerable height increase above parents and this trend was evident even with moderate genetic distance indicating crossing at this level of differentiation may achieve optimum breeding gain.
Changes in Genetic Diversity of Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulisEngelm.) Associated with Inbreeding and White Pine Blister Rust Infection
Authors: Bower A. D. , Aitken S. N.
Published: August 2017

We investigated the association of inbreeding and infection by the introduced disease white pine blister rust (caused by the fungusCronartium ribicolaJ. C. Fisch) with genetic diversity of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulisEngelm.) by genetically comparing cohorts of different ages in natural stands. Isozyme analysis of bud tissue was used to estimate expected and observed heterozygosity (Heand Ho), and Wright’s fixation index (Fis) for three age cohorts (seedling, young, and mature), sampled from 14 sites in British Columbia, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Comparison of genetic diversity parameters among cohorts within a site was used to assess the extent and persistence of inbreeding with age, while comparisons of parameters among sites within a cohort were used to assess the impact of the disease on genetic diversity. Significant evidence of inbreeding (Fis>0) was found in all age cohorts. When sites were stratified by level of blister rust infection, differences in Fisand Hoamong cohorts were only significant when level of infection was low. A significant negative association was found between level of blister rust infection and Hoin the mature cohort. This suggests that when differential selection due to blister rust is weak, more heterozygous individuals may be favored; however, more homozygous individuals may have higher fitness under higher blister rust levels
Density and wood biomass development in whole-tree analyses of Scots pine, and aspects on heritability estimates
Authors: Fries A. , Mörling T.
Published: August 2017

Twelve trees in a 36 year old full-sib progeny plantation, testing a part of the Scots pine breeding population, were analysed for wood density and the width of the earlywood and latewood sections in each annual ring. Wood samples (stem discs) were taken with 1 m intervals along the stem and the analyses covered thus the whole stem. Based on these data, the biomass of the earlywood and latewood of each annual ring in each 1 meter stem section was estimated. Latewood density increased from pith to bark while it decreased from stem base to top. Earlywood density was of similar size both radially and vertically. The biomass in each annual ring increased until around ring number 10 from pith for both wood types. For earlywood it then decreased while it remained quite constant for latewood. Latewood biomass decreased more rapidly towards the top of the tree than earlywood biomass. Heritabilities for earlywood and latewood in each annual ring at breast height (estimated in the same material in a previous study) were related to the corresponding biomasses to indirectly estimate overall heritability for wood density valid for the whole stem. The analyses indicate that the decrease in heritability for latewood density and increase for earlywood density, from the pith to bark, is compensated by the increase in latewood biomass in relation to earlywood biomass. Thus, the heritability of the latewood density and earlywood density seems to have the same influence on the overall heritability for density in the whole stem.