bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of intermittent hypoxia training on hematological and aerobic performance in triathletes
Authors: Ramos-Campo DJ , Martínez-Sánchez F , Esteban-García P , Rubio-Arias JA , Clemente-Suarez VJ , Jiménez-Díaz JF
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present research was to analyze modifications on hematological and aerobic performance parameters after a 7-week intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) program. Eighteen male trained triathletes were divided in two groups: an intermittent hypoxia training group (IHTG: n: 9; 26.0 ± 6.7 years; 173.3 ± 5.9 cm; 66.4 ± 5.9 kg; VO2max: 59.5 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min) that conducted a normoxic training plus an IHT and a control group (CG: n: 9; 29.3 ± 6.8 years; 174.9 ± 4.6 cm; 59.7 ± 6.8 kg; VO2max: 58.9 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min) that performed only a normoxic training. Training process was standardized across the two groups. The IHT program consisted of two 60-min sessions per week at intensities over the anaerobic threshold and atmospheric conditions between 14.5 and 15% FiO2. Before and after the 7-week training, aerobic performance in an incremental running test and hematological parameters were analyzed. After this training program, the IHTG showed higher hemoglobin and erythrocytes (p < 0.05) values than in the CG. In terms of physiological and performance variables, between the two groups no changes were found. The addition of an IHT program to normoxic training caused an improvement in hematological parameters but aerobic performance and physiological variables compared to similar training under normoxic conditions did not increase.
The effects of belief in good luck and counterfactual thinking on gambling behavior
Authors: Kim So-Ra , Kwon Young-Sil , Hyun Myoung-Ho
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims

One’s belief in good luck, and belief that it is a personal trait, could play a crucial role in gambling behavior, and can lead gamblers to have an irrational anticipation to win and to over-generalize their subjective sense of control. And upward counterfactual thinking has been considered to be a factor that offsets those irrational beliefs. This study examined the effects of belief in good luck and of upward counterfactual thinking on gambling behavior.

Methods

The subjects of the study were 52 college students who had been classified as non-problematic and non-pathological gamblers. They were assigned into one of two groups, distinguished by having either high (n = 25) or low (n = 27) levels of self-perception of luck, as determined by their scores on the Belief in Good Luck (BIGL) Scale. The subjects were assigned to different groups according to their reported experience of upward counterfactual thinking.

Results

We found that those who had high BIGL scores spent more money on gambling than those who had low BIGL scores. Moreover, after taking into account the upward counterfactual thinking, the subjects with high BIGL scores showed a dramatic decrease in their expectations of winning.

Discussion

The results indicate that to perceive luck as a personal and internal trait could affect gambling, which is one of the cognitive errors for gambling addiction. On the other hand, given that upward counterfactual thinking plays an important role in reducing cognitive errors, it could act as a protective factor against gambling addiction.
Problematic digital gaming behavior and its relation to the psychological, social and physical health of Finnish adolescents and young adults
Authors: Männikkö Niko , Billieux Joël , Kääriäinen Maria
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims

The aim of this study was to identify problematic gaming behavior among Finnish adolescents and young adults, and evaluate its connection to a variety of psychological, social, and physical health symptoms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 293 respondents aged from 13 to 24 years. Participants completed an online survey. Problematic gaming behavior was measured with the Game Addiction Scale (GAS). Self-reports covered health measures such as psychological health (psychopathological symptoms, satisfaction with life), social health (preferences for social interaction), and physical health (general health, Body Mass Index [BMI], body discomfort, physical activity).

Results

Problematic gaming behavior was found to relate to psychological and health problems, namely fatigue, sleep interference, depression and anxiety symptoms. Multiple linear regression indicated that the amount of weekly gaming, depression and a preference for online social interaction predicted increased problematic gaming symptoms.

Conclusions

This research emphasized that problematic gaming behavior had a strong negative correlation to a variety of subjective health outcomes.
Risk for exercise dependence, eating disorder pathology, alcohol use disorder and addictive behaviors among clients of fitness centers
Authors: Müller Astrid , Loeber Sabine , Söchtig Johanna , Te Wildt Bert , De Zwaan Martina
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims

Exercise dependence (EXD) is considered a behavioral addiction that is often associated with eating disorders. To date, only few studies examined the potential overlap between EXD and other addictive behaviors. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating the relationship of EXD with pathological buying, pathological video gaming (offline and online), hypersexual behavior, and alcohol use disorder in a sample of clients of fitness centers.

Methods

The following questionnaires were answered by 128 individuals (age M = 26.5, SD = 6.7 years; 71.7% men, 74.2% university students): Exercise Dependence Scale, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, Compulsive Buying Scale, Pathological Computer-Gaming Scale, Hypersexual Behavior Inventory, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

Results

7.8% of the sample were at-risk for EXD, 10.9% reported eating disorder pathology, 2.3% pathological buying, 3.1% hypersexual behavior, and none of the participants suffered from pathological video gaming. The criteria for severe alcohol disorder pathology (AUDIT ≥ 16) were fulfilled by 10.2%. With regard to continuous symptom scores, EXD symptoms were positively correlated with both eating disorder pathology and pathological buying but not with pathological video gaming, hypersexuality or alcohol use disorder. It is noteworthy that more symptoms of pathological buying corresponded with more symptoms of hypersexual behavior. The correlation pattern did not differ by gender.

Discussion

The co-occurrence of EXD, pathological buying and hypersexual behavior on a subclinical level or in the early stage of the disorders should be taken into account when assessing and treating patients. More research is warranted in order to investigate possible interactions between these conditions.
Book Reviews
Authors: Szabó Edina , Szabo Attila
Published: December 2015

Kent A. Kiehl and Walter P. Sinnott-Armstrong, Eds. Handbook on psychopathy and law, reviewed by Edina Szabó

Katherine Schreiber and Heather A. Hausenblas The truth about exercise addiction – Understanding the dark side of thinspiration, reviewed by Attila Szabo
Solar PV for Water Pumping and Irrigation
Authors: Patay I. , Montvajszki M.
Published: December 2015

Water pumping for irrigation has a relatively high energy demand, depending on the applied irrigation method. At the same time, there is a considerable energy from the sun during the irrigation period. The solar PV (photovoltaic) technology may be suitable to ensure electric energy for pumping in many cases in agriculture, where the electric network is not available or reduction of the energy costs is wanted. There are some pilot plants for water pumping on the base of solar energy in the world and the spreading of these solar technologies is predictable. The solar energy based pumping process can be approached both in theoretical and experimental ways. In this paper, both the theoretical questions of the solar based pumping process and the experimental results of a model testing pump station powered by PV panels are shown.
Experimental Method for Examination of State Dependent Friction
Authors: Safranyik Ferenc , Csatár Attila , Varga Attila
Published: December 2015

The phenomenon of friction reduces efficiency of almost all machines in practice. In order to reduce the deficits, we have to understand this phenomenon and have to take it into consideration during design in all cases. Nevertheless, in certain cases describing of a friction process is very difficult, because it depends on a lot of parameters. In case of polymers, granular materials or in geology, the rate and state dependent friction have great importance. In this paper, velocity and time dependent friction is examined with the help of a direct shear apparatus, which was developed in our earlier work.
Amphibia, Anura, Cycloramphidae, Odontophrynus moratoi: distribution extension and advertisement call
Authors: Brasileiro Cinthia Aguirre , Martins Itamar Alves , Jim Jorge
Published: December 2015

None
Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae, Bokermannohyla ibitipoca: distribution extension, new state record and geographic distribution map
Authors: Moura Mário Ribeiro de , Gasparini João Luiz , Feio Renato Neves
Published: December 2015

None
Insecta, Ephemeroptera: new and additional records from New York (U.S.A.)
Authors: Myers Luke W. , Jacobus Luke M. , Kondratieff Boris C.
Published: December 2015

None
Dung-beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae) from the Zona Protectora Las Tablas, Talamanca, Costa Rica
Authors: González-Maya José F. , Mata-Lorenzen Juan
Published: December 2015

Dung-beetle species are considered an important focal indicator group in tropical forests. During 2007, eighteen traps were set in two permanent biodiversity plots during one week surveys in Las Tablas Protected Zone within La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. The main purpose of this study was to determine the group composition and diversity as the basis for permanent monitoring and to measure potential impacts of land use change and climate change on mountain diversity. Pitfall traps were placed randomly within the plots with human feces as bait. A total of 26 species distributed in 13 genera and six tribes were collected. The composition of species includes eight endemic species, seven for Costa Rica (CR) and Panama and one only for CR. The diversity found in this study was typical of previous studies in the region. Further sampling is needed to obtain the total number of species for the area. This study is part of an on-going research project about climate change impacts and biodiversity monitoring in this important ecoregion of Mesoamerica.
Amphibia, Anura, Cycloramphidae, Alsodes montanus: new record and geographic distribution map
Authors: Correa Quezada Claudio L. , Ayerza Michel Sallaberry , Constant Patricia Iturra , Collado Gonzalo , Méndez Marco A.
Published: December 2015

None
The Impact of Spray Droplet Size on the Efficacy of 2,4-D, Atrazine, Chlorimuron-Methyl, Dicamba, Glufosinate, and Saflufenacil
Authors: Creech Cody F. , Moraes Jesaelen G. , Henry Ryan S. , Luck Joe D. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: December 2015

Herbicide applications often do not reach their full potential because only a small amount of the active ingredients reaches the intended targets. Selecting the appropriate application parameters and equipment can allow for improved efficacy. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of droplet size on efficacy of six commonly used herbicides. Atrazine (1.12 kg ai ha−1), cloransulam-methyl (0.18 g ai ha−1), dicamba (0.14 kg ae ha−1), glufosinate (0.59 kg ai ha−1), saflufenacil (12.48 g ai ha−1), and 2,4-D (0.20 kg ae ha−1) were applied to seven plant species using an XR11003 nozzle at 138, 276, and 414 kPa and a AI11003 nozzle at 207, 345, and 483 kPa. Each herbicide, nozzle, and pressure combination was evaluated for droplet size spectra. Treatments were applied at 131 L ha−1to common lambsquarters, common sunflower, shattercane, soybean, tomato, velvetleaf, and volunteer corn. Control from 2,4-D was observed to increase approximately 12% on average for all species except common lambsquarters as droplet size increased from medium to very coarse (Dv0.5303 to 462 μm;Dv0.5is droplet size such that 50% of spray volume is contained in droplets of equal or smaller size). Control with atrazine was near 95% for common lambsquarters, common sunflower, and soybean. Atrazine provided the greatest shattercane control using a medium (Dv0.5325 μm) droplet, whereas the same droplet size provided the lowest tomato control. Control of common lambsquarters, shattercane, and tomato with cloransulam-methyl increased 79% when decreasing droplet size from extremely coarse to fine (Dv0.5637 to 228 μm). Dicamba control of common lambsquarters increased 17% using a medium droplet compared with a fine droplet (Dv0.5279 to 204 μm). Dry weight of common sunflower and soybean was reduced 21% using dicamba when using a very coarse spray compared with a fine spray classification (Dv0.5491 to 204 μm). Common lambsquarters control using glufosinate increased 18% using a fine spray classification (Dv0.5186 μm) compared with medium (Dv0.5250 μm) and both very coarse droplet sizes (Dv0.5470 and 516 μm). Conversely, tomato and velvetleaf control with glufosinate was maximized using a very coarse (Dv0.5470 and 516 μm) or extremely coarse droplet (Dv0.5628 μm) with increases of 11 and 25% compared with a fine spray (Dv0.5186 μm). Saflufenacil control of volunteer corn was 38% greater using extremely coarse droplets (Dv0.5622 μm) than fine, medium, and very coarse spray classifications (Dv0.5257 to 514 μm). Overall, spray classifications for the herbicides evaluated play an important role in herbicide efficacy and should be tailored to the herbicide being used and the targeted weed species.
A Development of Hotel-Mentoring Function Index (H-MFI) for Employees
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Jeong Wook , Kim Seong-Hyuk , Han Hee-Sup
Published: December 2015

Despite of the criticality of mentoring in organizational behavior, a reliable scale thoroughly capturing mentoring function is rare. Scales for Mentoring Function Index (MFI) available in the extant literature include inconsistent dimensions and factor-analytic results. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is no scale particularly designed to capture hotel mentoring function. Filling this gap, the purpose of this research was to develop a Hotel-Mentoring Function Index(H-MFI) for employees reflecting characteristics of hotel organizations. In order to achieve this objective, in this study, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were utilized. In particular, we identified four major factors of H-MFI through a qualitative process comprising the extensive review of literature and focus group discussion. Additionally, several unnecessary items were excluded during this process. Subsequently, a quantitative approach was used with the samples of actual hotel employees. Results of the data analysis revealed that the four identified factors included an appropriate level of reliability and construct validity (convergent and discriminant). Moreover, findings of the confirmatory factor analytic approach showed that the four-factor structure of the H-MFI contained a satisfactory fit to the data. Overall, we successfully achieve our research purpose by developing a reliable scale for mentoring function for hotel employees. This study includes an important theoretical meaning in that this research was the first that provide a H-MFI developed through a intricate psychometric procedure based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Practically, H-MFI can be widely used to effectively measure mentoring function for employees in the lodging industry.
El consumo de solventes inhalables en la festividad de San Judas Tadeo
Authors: Ortiz Arturo ,   Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales del Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz., Domínguez Mario J , Palomares Gabriela ,   Área de Investigación Psicosocial de Acción Contra el Alcoholismo A.C.
Published: December 2015

Resumen

Introducción A San Judas Tadeo se le considera en México el patrón de las causas difíciles y desesperadas. Entre las creencias populares, se piensa que los “niños en situación de calle” se acogen a él para que les proteja y ayude a dejar de consumir drogas.

Objetivo. Conocer el espacio social del uso de solventes inhalables en el marco del culto a San Judas Tadeo, a partir las prácticas y experiencias vividas con los niños en situación de calle de la zona del Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México.

Método. Se aplicó la metodología conocida como “Lugares de Reunión” propuesta por Hughes y adaptada por Ortiz, en un periodo de trabajo que abarcó del año 2011 a inicios del 2014. Se utilizó la observación no participante y la participante, así como la entrevista no estructurada a informantes no calificados, a calificados y a clave.

Resultados. Se documentaron 22 celebraciones del día de San Judas incluyendo dos fiestas anuales. Se entrevistaron a más de 300 usuarios de solventes inhalables y los resultados mostraron, entre otras cosas, que la edad promedio es de 25 años, que se desempeñan en subocupaciones informales y a la mendicidad en la vía pública. Todos consumen activo, pero con diferencias en la intensidad, con periodos alternantes de consumos altos y bajos y consideran que es prácticamente imposible dejar de consumirlo.

Discusión y conclusión. El vínculo entre el consumo de inhalables y el culto a San Judas Tadeo en los niños en situación de calle, es ficticio.
Assessment of depressive symptoms in severe smokers with minimal-mild depressive symptomatology receiving pre-smoking abstinence for integrated treatment: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Moreno-Coutiño A ,   Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM., García-Anguiano Fabiola , Ruiz-Velasco S , Medina-Mora María Elena ,   Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.,   Directora General del Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. México.
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Introduction. Smoking and depression have a long-history documented of comorbidity.

Objective. The objective of this study was to develop and test a treatment that could simultaneously achieve smoking abstinence and decrease depressive symptoms in a group of heavy smokers with minimal/mild depressive symptomatology.

Method. Sixty smokers were randomly assigned to three different treatment settings. Treatment included a pre-abstinence phase, a psychological treatment phase, a pharmacotherapy phase and a follow-up stage. Smokers began the psychological treatment and the pharmacotherapy two weeks before the day they chosen to quit smoking, and monitoring was conducted over a year. Abstinence was confirmed by assessing the levels of urinary cotinine.

Results. Using a linear mixed model with individual random effect, baseline data was compared with subsequent assessments; 46% of the patients achieved abstinence. For men, the three treatment settings significantly reduced depressive symptoms and helped smokers to achieve abstinence. For women, only the nicotine patch showed to be effective in the reducing depressive symptoms.

Discussion and conclusion. Integral pre-abstinence treatment is effective in aiding smokers to achieve smoking abstinence and improve depressive symptoms.
Une femme est-elle capable de bien gérer les affaires de la cité ? Le Débat sur la scène de théâtre français après la Révolution
Authors: Leontaridou Dora
Published: December 2015

Lors du débat public sur les droits des femmes après la Révolution, une séquence mythique semble récurrente dans les réécritures des tragédies de l’époque. L’émergence est-elle fortuite ou liée au débat politique de l’époque ? L’article examine le mythe, les tragédies modernes ainsi qu’un certain nombre de textes relatifs au débat sur les droits des femmes.
Maurice Blanchot: Avant-garde icon or obscure authoritarian? How thirty years of controversy have stifled debate
Authors: May Adrian
Published: December 2015

Controversy has surrounded Maurice Blanchot from the 1980s to today. Whilst claims of excessive formalism, obscurity and radicalism were often levelled at his generation, the Blanchot controversy has been sustained by the failure of critics to dispassionately appraise his 1930s political commitments. However, recent interventions by Jean-Luc Nancy, Michel Surya and Lignes could end thirty years of stifled debate.
Derechos humanos de las personas mayores en la nueva Convención Americana y sus implicancias bioéticas
Authors: Dabove María Isolina
Published: December 2015

En este trabajo se estudia al Derecho de la Vejez, en calidad de nueva especialidad jurídica, nacida con el devenir del proceso de especificación internacional de los derechos humanos y la bioética. Por ello, se analiza el impacto jurídico del envejecimiento poblacional, global y multigeneracional, y su desarrollo histórico. Se observa su conexión con la bioética, disciplina filosófica que se despliega en relación con la vida, la salud y la tecnología de la postmodernidad. Se realiza un panorama del contenido y del alcance constitucional del derecho de la vejez, en atención a la condición jurídica de persona de los mayores, a sus derechos de autonomía, participación y prestación, junto a la problemática del acceso a la justicia en la vejez. Además, se analizan el significado y alcance de la reciente Convención Interamericana sobre la Protección de los Derechos Humanos de las Personas Mayores para el Derecho de la Vejez y el Estado constitucional de derecho.  
Una mirada de la bioética para la zooterapia
Authors: Fischer Marta Luciane , Amorim Zanatta Amanda , Rezende Adami Eliana
Published: December 2015

Los animales pueden auxiliar en innumerables actividades humanas, incluyendo terapias con los beneficios ya reconocidos, sin embargo con algunas cuestiones éticas. Luego, se genera el objetivo de contextualizar social y éticamente el uso de animales como co-terapeutas y reflexionar sobre la intervención de la bioética en la regulación de un problema complejo, global y plural, que tiene como plano de fondo el estudio del caso relacionado con los tutores, animales y niños con trastornos mentales. La revisión de la literatura evidencia que la zooterapia se ha aplicado en todo el mundo y ha resultado en beneficios biopsicosociales en pacientes de todas las edades, y en los niños presentando mejoras en el proceso educativo. Aunque haya preocupación acerca de las conductas que tienen que ver con los animales, su uso como recurso todavía está respaldado por una ética antropocéntrica utilitarista. Obviamente, que el objetivo de la acción es la mejoría del paciente, sin embargo, el ser humano no puede estar en medio de una actividad en la que implica el intercambio de sentimientos. Hay cuestiones relacionadas con las instituciones, los profesionales, los pacientes y los animales que deben ser  regularizadas, negociadas y supervisadas por un comité de bioética, tomando en cuenta las variables y proyectando estrategias y alternativas que resulten en el bienestar de todos. Las actitudes correctas estimulan el proceso de humanización en la salud y recuperan el paradigma de la atención, valorando el bienestar físico y mental del paciente y del animal que no deben ser vistos sólo como una herramienta, sino el resultado de una relación simbiótica consolidada evolutivamente.
Status, management practices and performance in three strains of deoni breed of cattle
Authors: Kuralkar S. V. , Kuralkar Prajakta , Dhaware S. A. , Bankar P. S. , Chopade M. M.
Published: December 2015

Deoni is an important medium heavy dual purpose cattle breed found mainly in Latur district and also distributed in small numbers in the neighboring districts viz. Parbhani, Nanded and Osmanabad of Maharashtra. Deoni cattle have three strains on the basis of coat colour variation viz. Wannera (clear white with black colour at the sides of the face), Shevera (white body with irregular black spots) and Balankya (clear white with black spots on the lower side of the body). The information on 1682 Deoni cattle belonging to 579 owners from 48 villages of 5 talukas of Latur district of Maharashtra was collected randomly for studying morphometric characteristics as well as production and reproduction traits of three strains. The proportion of Wannera, Shevera and Balankya strains was 49.00 %, 46.29 % and 4.71%, respectively. In adult cattle, the Wannera strain had more chest girth (163 cm), body length (125 cm) and height at wither (126 cm) indicating heavier build-up than other two strains. Balankya strain of Deoni cattle had longer face length (50 cm), horn length (22 cm) and ear length (27 cm) than other two strains of Deoni. Balankya strain yielded more milk per lactation (973.63±55.18 kg) as compared to Wannera (830.80±40.38 kg) and Shevera (848.44±41.57 kg) strains and also had more lactation length (258.04±16.28 days). Balankya strain, also had higher fat % (4.08±0.60) and SNF % (8.45±0.19) than other two strains of Deoni cattle. The results revealed that Balankya strain of Deoni cattle had higher milk yield, lactation length and fat percent than Wannera and Shevera strains, but had slightly delayed age at first mating and age at first calving.
Molecular characterization of lactoferrin gene and its association with mastitis in crossbred cattle
Authors: Patel Vaibhav , Bhushan Bharat , Kumar Vishnu , Panigrahi Manjit , Ranjan Sanjeev , Kumar Pushpendra
Published: December 2015

Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood of 100 crossbred cattle (HF, Jersey, Brown Swiss x Hariana cattle). Exon 4 and intron 6 of lactoferrin (Lf) gene was characterized by PCR-SSCP. Two alleles of exon 4, namely E & F showing two genotypes EE and EF and two alleles of intron 6, namely A and B showing two genotypes AA and AB were found in studied population. Cloning and sequencing results revealed that in exon 4, there was one SNP in allele E and two SNPs in allele F, which changed amino acid isoleucine to valine. In intron 6 there was one SNP in allele A and three SNPs in allele B. Least square analysis for SCC and FLMY revealed that genotype AA was significantly associated with low SCC, while genotype AB was significantly associated with high SCC. However, genotype EE was significantly associated with FLMY as compared to genotype EF.
The effects of in vitro maturation duration on maturation rate and intracytoplasmic sperm injection-derived embryonic development in goats
Authors: Farizah A.H. Nor , Rahman M.M. , Khadijah W.E. Wan , Abdullah* R.B.
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of in vitro maturation (IVM) duration on maturation rate and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-derived embryonic development in goat embryos. Donor goats were superovulated following oestrus synchronisation prior to laparoscopic oocyte pick-up. The quality of oocytes was scored based on cumulus cell layers, which were graded A, B and C. The oocytes were cultured in IVM medium with two different IVM durations (18-21 h and 22-25 h) for the ICSI procedure. A total of 327 matured oocytes were used, of which 157 and 170 oocytes were used for 18-21 h and 22-25 h IVM duration, respectively. The embryo cleavage rate of Grade A from the 18-21 h IVM group was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher than that of grades B and C. However, in the 22-25 h IVM duration group, the cleavage rates for all grades of oocytes were not significantly (P greater than 0.05) different. Regardless of oocyte grades, no significant differences in maturation rates and cleavage rates for all stages of embryonic development between the two groups of IVM durations were observed. The results suggest that both IVM durations have the same potential in ICSI-derived embryonic development.
Evaluation of micromineral status and ovarian hormonal profile and their interrelation in normal cyclings and repeat breeding cows
Authors: Kalita* D.J. , Barua1 K.K. , Goswami R.N. , Saikia2 D. , Dutta2 R.
Published: December 2015

Blood samples from 12 normal cycling and 12 repeat breeding crossbred cows were collected aseptically on different phages of oestrous cycle to elucidate the possible relationship between the trace elements and hormone profile of ovary in normal cycling and repeat breeding cross bred cows. Different trace elements namely Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn were estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophometer (AAS) and serum oestradiol 17-b and progesterone were estimated using coat-A-count ® RIA kit. Fe, Cu and Mn concentration was observed apparently high and Zn concentration was significantly (P less than 0.05) high in each phase of collection in normal cycling cows from repeat breeder except mid luteal phase. Oestradiol 17-b concentration was significantly (P less than 0.01) high in normal cycling cows in oestrous and early luteal phase, while no significant variation was observed for progesterone concentration between the same phase of the two groups. A positive significant (P less than 0.01) correlation was observed between Fe-Zn and Cu-Zn (P less than 0.05) and oestradiol 17-b (P less than 0.05) in normal cycling cows . In repeat breeding cows Fe and oestradiol 17-b and Mn and progresterone was positively significant (P less than 0.01).
Antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin isolated and purified from rumen liquor collected from slaughtered goats
Authors: Barathiraja S. , Thanislass J. , Antony P. X. , Venkatesaperumal S.
Published: December 2015

Bacteriocin like substance with antimicrobial activity was purified from freshly collected rumen liquor using 60% ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by ion exchange(SP-Sepharose) and gel filtration (Sephadex G25) chromatographic techniques. Purity of the product was checked on SDS-PAGE, having molecular weight of 6.5 kDa. Anti-microbial activity was demonstrated using Bacillus subtilis by gel overlay method and agar cut well diffusion method. Proteomic analysis confirmed the substance as bacteriocin. The purified sample was resistant to the action of protease. The substance was active at pH 4, 7 and 10. It was also active at autoclave temperature. The peptide purified was found to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC87), Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC 657) and Pseudomonas aeurginosa (MTCC 424).
Determination of pre and post treatment oxidative status and oxidative DNA damage in diarrheic calves
Authors: Kabu* Mustafa , Cigerci1 Ibrahim Hakki , Uyarlar2 Cangir , Celik3 Haci Ahmet
Published: December 2015

Increase in production of free radicals causes damage in lipids of cell membrane, weakening in functions of cell proteins and DNA damage. The aim of the present study was to determine the oxidative status, level of oxidative DNA damage and treatment effectiveness on these parameters on diarrheic calves. The study was conducted using 10 clinically holstein calves from 2-3 months of age. Antidiarrheic treatment containing Amonium sulphate (30mg/kg/day, Gabbrocol, Ceva Inc.), a mixture of Bismuth subcarbonate, kaolin, pectin (10g/day, Bismol, Bioteknik Inc.), vitamin and mineral mixture (105g/day, Sky High Energy, Egevet Co.Ltd) as drugs orally administered to all calves for 3 days. Body temperature, feces and blood samples were taken before and after treatment. Dry matter measured (%) in feces, DNA damage level and some hematologic parameters, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and some biochemical parameters were measured from blood samples. HB, ALT, TP levels did not differ before and after treatment. However, body temperature (p less than 0.01), WBC (p less than 0.01), HCT (p less than 0.05), GGT (p less than 0.01), TOS (p less than 0.05), DNA damage (p less than 0.05) were decreased, dry matter in feces (p less than 0.01), RBC (p less than 0.05), AST (p less than 0.01), Albumin (p less than 0.01) and TAS (p less than 0.05) were increased after treatment. The results of the study indicate that oxidative DNA damage increases with degenerative diseases such as diarrhea and decreases to the normal range after effective treatment. It can be suggested from these results that oxidative DNA damage might be a good indicator to reveal the degeneration level of diarrhea in animals and a good parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment in terms of cellular form.
Genetic polymorphism in the promoter of prolactin gene in layer chicken
Authors: Bhattacharya* T.K. , Chatterjee R.N. , Kumar U. Raj , Rajaravindra K.S. , Niranjan M.
Published: December 2015

Genetic polymorphism of promoter (Fragment 1, 2 and 3) of prolactin gene in four strains of White Leghorn chicken layers i.e. IWH, IWI, IWK and layer control was identified. Two alleles (A and B) were found in all the promoter fragments of the gene. In above mentioned layer populations, A allele was predominant. The genotypic and allelic distribution was significantly differed among the populations. Different demographic and divergent parameters were estimated in all the lines. It is concluded that all 3 fragments of promoter of prolactin gene was polymorphic in four strains of White Leghorn layer populations.
Forest restoration to attract a putative umbrella species, the white‐backed woodpecker, benefited saproxylic beetles
Authors: Bell David , Hjältén Joakim , Nilsson Christer , Jørgensen Dolly , Johansson Therese
Published: December 2015

Umbrella species are often spatially demanding and have limited ability to adapt to environmental changes induced by human land‐use. This makes them vulnerable to human encroachment. In Sweden, broadleaved trees are disadvantaged by forestry, and commercially managed forests are often deprived of dead wood. This has led to a situation where previously widespread top predators in saproxylic food webs, such as the white‐backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), have become species of conservation concern. The white‐backed woodpecker is generally considered an umbrella species, and it has been linked to forests with large volumes of dead wood from broadleaved trees. In recent years, forest stands have been restored for the white‐backed woodpecker, but post‐treatment evaluations have rarely included other species that also occur in broad‐leaved forests (co‐occurring species). Many co‐occurring species are saproxylic beetles. In this study, we collected saproxylic beetles and environmental data in restored and commercially managed forests to evaluate if habitat restoration for the white‐backed woodpecker also benefited other species with similar habitat associations. We found that volumes of coarse woody debris were higher in restored than in commercially managed forests, and that a majority of man‐made snags and downed logs were created from birch trees (Betulaspp.). Most spruce trees (Picea abies) were extracted during forest restoration, and this opened up the forest canopy, and created stands dominated by broadleaved trees. Many saproxylic beetles were more common in restored forests, and there were significant differences in species composition between treatments. These differences were largely explained by species traits. Effects of sun‐exposure were particularly important, but many beneficiary species were also linked to dead wood from broadleaved trees. Red‐listed saproxylic beetles showed a similar pattern with more species and individuals in restored sites. The white‐backed woodpecker is still critically endangered in Sweden, but important prey species are already responding to forest restoration at the stand level. We recognize that landscape‐level improvements will be required to bring the white‐backed woodpecker back, but also that the umbrella species concept can provide a useful framework for successful forest restoration as many co‐occurring saproxylic beetle species seemingly benefitted from restoration for the white‐backed woodpecker.
Evaluation of impacts of management in an anthropogenic peatland using field and remote sensing data
Authors: Cabezas Julián , Galleguillos Mauricio , Valdés Ariel , Fuentes Juan P. , Pérez Cecilia , Perez-Quezada Jorge F.
Published: December 2015

Peatlands are a type of wetland characterized by the accumulation of organic matter, called peat, and are important carbon reservoirs. In areas with poor drainage, human‐induced forest fires and logging can produce flooded conditions and organic matter accumulation, which generates an ecosystem called anthropogenic peatland. Productive management activities such as Sphagnum moss harvesting and livestock grazing take place there. Our hypothesis was that productive management has a strong impact on the aboveground C reservoir and increases the presence of exotic species. We established 44 sampling points in a 16‐ha anthropogenic peatland on Chiloé Island, Chile, comparing productive and conservation types of managements. Carbon stocks, vegetation structure and composition variables were quantified. These variables were used to classify the ecosystem into microsites to analyze the different locations in the peatland. In addition, predictive models of aboveground carbon were created using Landsat 8 OLI and Pleiades images. The results revealed a carbon stock of 11.99 ± 0.77 kg C m−2, which is smaller than in natural peatlands, and showed a wide variability of conditions within the peatland itself. This variability, mainly expressed in aboveground carbon, produces microsites dominated by either shrubs, species of the genus Juncus or grasses. Productive management reduced accumulated carbon in the aboveground stock and in the woody debris. However, the strongest impact was found on the vegetation variables, with a decrease in total cover, cover of shrubs and herbaceous plants, and in vegetation height. There was also an increase in the richness and presence of exotic species. The spatial prediction of aboveground carbon yielded significant results using only spectral indices, showing also that the impact of productive management is not homogenous, being less intense in waterlogged areas. This study is the first to quantify carbon reservoirs in this type of ecosystem and to propose variables that can be used as indicators of the impact of human activities.
Importance of succession, harvest, and climate change in determining future composition in U.S. Central Hardwood Forests
Authors: Wang Wen J. , He Hong S. , III Frank R. Thompson , Fraser Jacob S. , Hanberry Brice B. , Dijak William D.
Published: December 2015

Most temperate forests in U.S. are recovering from heavy exploitation and are in intermediate successional stages where partial tree harvest is the primary disturbance. Changes in regional forest composition in response to climate change are often predicted for plant functional types using biophysical process models. These models usually simplify the simulation of succession and harvest and may not consider important species‐specific demographic processes driving forests changes. We determined the relative importance of succession, harvest, and climate change to forest composition changes in a 125‐million ha area of the Central Hardwood Forest Region of U.S. We used a forest landscape modeling approach to project changes in density and basal area of 23 tree species due to succession, harvest, and four climate scenarios from 2000 to 2300. On average, succession, harvest, and climate change explained 78, 17, and 1% of the variation in species importance values (IV) at 2050, respectively, but their contribution changed to 46, 26, and 20% by 2300. Climate change led to substantial increases in the importance of red maple and southern species (e.g., yellow‐poplar) and decreases in northern species (e.g., sugar maple) and most of widely distributed species (e.g., white oak). Harvest interacted with climate change and accelerated changes in some species (e.g., increasing southern red oak and decreasing American beech) while ameliorated the changes for others (e.g., increasing red maple and decreasing white ash). Succession was the primary driver of forest composition change over the next 300 years. The effects of harvest on composition were more important than climate change in the short term but climate change became more important than harvest in the long term. Our results show that it is important to model species‐specific responses when predicting changes in forest composition and structure in response to succession, harvest, and climate change.
A framework for quantifying the magnitude and variability of community responses to global change drivers
Authors: Avolio Meghan L. , Pierre Kimberly J. La , Houseman Gregory R. , Koerner Sally E. , Grman Emily , Isbell Forest , Johnson David Samuel , Wilcox Kevin R.
Published: December 2015

A major challenge in global change ecology is to predict the trajectory and magnitude of community change in response to global change drivers (GCDs). Here, we present a new framework that not only increases the predictive power of individual studies, but also allows for synthesis across GCD studies and ecosystems. First, we suggest that by quantifying community dissimilarity of replicates both among and within treatments, we can infer both the magnitude and predictability of community change, respectively. Second, we demonstrate the utility of integrating rank abundance curves with measures of community dissimilarity to understand the species‐level dynamics driving community changes and propose a series of testable hypotheses linking changes in rank abundance curves with shifts in community dissimilarity. Finally, we review six case studies that demonstrate how our new conceptual framework can be applied. Overall, we present a new framework for holistically predicting community responses to GCDs that has broad applicability in this era of unprecedented global change and novel environmental conditions.
Historical Influences on Contemporary Tobacco Use by Northern Plains and Southwestern American Indians
Authors: Kunitz Stephen J.
Published: December 2015

There are great differences in smoking- and tobacco-related mortality between American Indians on the Northern Plains and those in the Southwest that are best explained by (1) ecological differences between the two regions, including the relative inaccessibility and aridity of the Southwest and the lack of buffalo, and (2) differences between French and Spanish Indian relations policies. The consequence was the disruption of inter- and intratribal relations on the Northern Plains, where as a response to disruption the calumet (pipe) ceremony became widespread, whereas it did not in the Southwest. Tobacco was, thus, integrated into social relationships with religious sanctions on the Northern Plains, which increased the acceptability of commercial cigarettes in the 20th century. Smoking is, therefore, more deeply embedded in religious practices and social relationships on the Northern Plains than in the Southwest.
High Tuberculosis Strain Diversity Among New York City Public Housing Residents
Authors: Dawson Patrick , Perri Bianca R. , Ahuja Shama D.
Published: December 2015

Objectives. We sought to better understand tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology among New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, after a recent TB investigation identified patients who had the same TB strain.

Methods. The study population included all New York City patients with TB confirmed during 2001 through 2009. Patient address at diagnosis determined NYCHA residence. We calculated TB incidence, reviewed TB strain data, and identified factors associated with TB clustering.

Results. During 2001 to 2009, of 8953 individuals in New York City with TB, 512 (6%) had a NYCHA address. Among the US-born, TB incidence among NYCHA residents (6.0/100 000 persons) was twice that among non-NYCHA residents (3.0/100 000 persons). Patients in NYCHA had high TB strain diversity. US birth, younger age, and substance use were associated with TB clustering among NYCHA individuals with TB.

Conclusions. High TB strain diversity among residents of NYCHA with TB does not suggest transmission among residents. These findings illustrate that NYCHA’s higher TB incidence is likely attributable to its higher concentration of individuals with known TB risk factors.
Whether Health Departments Should Provide Clinical Services After the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Landers Glenn M.
Published: December 2015

I have described a decision support tool that may facilitate local decisions regarding the provision and billing of clinical services. I created a 2 by 2 matrix of health professional shortage and Medicaid expansion availability as of July 2015. I found that health departments in 93% of US counties may still need to provide clinical services despite the institution of the Affordable Care Act. Local context and market conditions should guide health departments’ decision to act as safety net providers.
Public Health Monitoring of Privilege and Deprivation With the Index of Concentration at the Extremes
Authors: Krieger Nancy , Waterman Pamela D. , Spasojevic Jasmina , Li Wenhui , Maduro Gil , Van Wye Gretchen
Published: December 2015

Objectives. We evaluated use of the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) for public health monitoring.

Methods. We used New York City data centered around 2010 to assess cross-sectional associations at the census tract and community district levels, for (1) diverse ICE measures plus the US poverty rate, with (2) infant mortality, premature mortality (before age 65 years), and diabetes mortality.

Results. Point estimates for rate ratios were consistently greatest for the novel ICE that jointly measured extreme concentrations of income and race/ethnicity. For example, the census tract–level rate ratio for infant mortality comparing the bottom versus top quintile for an ICE contrasting low-income Black versus high-income White equaled 2.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.11, 4.09), but was 2.19 (95% CI = 1.59, 3.02) for low versus high income, 2.77 (95% CI = 2.02, 3.81) for Black versus White, and 1.56 (95% CI = 1.19, 2.04) for census tracts with greater than or equal to 30% versus less than 10% below poverty.

Conclusions. The ICE may be a useful metric for public health monitoring, as it simultaneously captures extremes of privilege and deprivation and can jointly measure economic and racial/ethnic segregation.
Reduction in Needle Sharing Among Seattle-Area Injection Drug Users Across 4 Surveys, 1994–2013
Authors: Burt Richard D. , Thiede Hanne
Published: December 2015

Objectives. We evaluated time trends in sharing needles and other injection equipment from 1994 to 2013 among injection drug users in the Seattle, Washington area.

Methods. We combined data from 4 sources: the Risk Activity Variables, Epidemiology, and Network (RAVEN) study, recruited from institutional settings; the Kiwi study, recruited from jails; National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system (NHBS) surveys, which used respondent-driven sampling; and surveys at needle-exchange sites.

Results. Levels of needle sharing were higher in the earlier studies: RAVEN, 1994 to 1997 (43%) and Kiwi, 1998 to 2002 (61%). In the NHBS surveys, the initial level of 44% in 2005 declined to 31% in the period 2009 to 2012. Across needle-exchange surveys (2009–2013) the level was 21%. There was a parallel reduction in sharing other injection equipment. These trends persisted after control for sociodemographic and risk-associated variables. There was a contemporaneous increase in the number of needles distributed by local needle exchanges and a decline in the number of reported HIV cases among injection drug users.

Conclusions. The apparent long-term reduction in sharing injection equipment suggests substantial success in public health efforts to reduce the sharing of injection equipment.