Photometric light curves of TW Cas do not exhibit any apparent complications. Yet, a careful analysis of the light conditions in the system leads to some contradictory results. A nontraditional explanation is suggested.
Mutant Lurcher mice represent an animal model of naturally
occurring cerebellar degeneration. A gene mutation causes the
demise of all Purkinje cells, as along with certain other types, as
well as the functional elimination of the cerebellar cortex.
Involvement in the research using this model of the C3H strain
began at the Department of Physiology, UCL in 1995/96.
It continued in scientific cooperation with other European
laboratories where we obtained Lurcher mice of the B6CBA
strain. The aim of the effort was first to identify the extent to
which the cerebellum is involved in the higher nervous activity,
i.e. cognitive and other functions. In that research, use was
made of an entire array of methodological procedures to examine
learning, memory, motor functions and emotional behavior.
It was completed with an electrophysiological examination of the
brain and special microscopic procedures. The results
demonstrated that the cerebellum (aside from its traditional
tasks) does in fact play a significant role in cognitive function,
emotions, etc. It was further found that the neurodegenerative
processes also affected the immune and endocrine functions,
confirming the concept of the unity of the psychoneuroendocrine-immune system. Surprisingly, despite their
neurological impairment, the affected animals were able to learn
to some extent and, make progress with physical training,
improving not only their motor skills but also learning and
memory, including deferring of signs of aging. These particular
findings may prove useful for human medicine.
Preventing human-wildlife conflict is key to maintaining viable predator populations. In Namibia, over 90% of cheetahs are found outside of protected areas, therefore risk of conflict with farmers is high. Since 1994, the Cheetah Conservation Fund has implemented a programme to prevent livestock depredation using livestock guarding dogs (LGDs). Long-term (25-year period) monitoring efforts in Namibia have provided insights on the efficiency and performance of LGDs and farmers‘ perceptions. LGDs reduced livestock losses for 91% of respondents and farmers were highly satisfied with their LGD. Poor performance from behavioural issues, such as “staying at home” and “chasing game”, was linked to the LGDs receiving less care and being found in poorer body condition. Unwanted ecological impacts of wildlife killings by LGDs merit further investigation, but occurrence of behavioural issues reduced over time, suggesting a targeted and adaptive management approach to increase performance. Addressing behavioural issues, increasing LGD lifespans and understanding LGD performance under different conditions will be crucial for optimising LGD management leading to better performance. Our long-term study provides unique insights into a highly successful programme and is recommended to be replicated and adapted where imminent human-predator conflicts threaten coexistence.
The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential differences in blood pressure (BP) profile in subjects with different forms of primary aldosteronism (PA). Simultaneously, we studied the effects of PA treatment on BP curve. We therefore monitored 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure values in 22 subjects with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), 22 subjects with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) and 33 subjects with essential hypertension (EH) as controls. We found a significantly attenuated nighttime systolic BP decline in the APA group (P=0.02). Patients with IHA had lower nighttime systolic BP values (P=0.01) and also a diastolic BP decline (P=0.02) during the night in comparison with EH. We did not detect any significant differences in BP profile characteristics between APA and IHA. Specific treatment of primary aldosteronism (adrenalectomy, treatment with spironolactone) led to the normalization of the BP curve with a marked BP decline. Our study thus demonstrates a blunted diurnal BP variability in patients with primary aldosteronism the specific treatment of which normalized previously attenuated nocturnal BP fall., T. Zelinka, J. Widimský., and Obsahuje bibliografii
In order to understand friction processes in wheel/rail contact a new experimental device has been developed. Twin-disc approach has been used to determine adhesion curves in wheel-rail contact under various conditions. This paper describes some details about the design of the twin-disc experimental device. Finally, preliminary results are discussed. and Obsahuje seznam literatury