The experiments of stemflow of two semiarid shrubs (Caragana korshinskii and Hippophae rhamnoides) and its effect on soil water enhancement were conducted from 1st May to 30th September of 2009–2013 in the Chinese Loess Plateau. Stemflow values in C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides averaged 6.7% and 2.4% of total rainfall. The rainfall threshold for stemflow generation was 0.5 and 2.5 mm for C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides. When rainfall was less than 17.0 mm, the funnelling ratios were highly variable, however, stable funnelling ratios were found for rainfall greater than 17.0 mm for C. korshinskii. The funnelling ratios of H. rhamnoides first increased until a threshold value of 10.0 mm and then the funnelling ratios begin stabilize. The wetting front depths in the area around stem was 1.4–6.7 and 1.3–2.9 times deeper than area outside the canopy for C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides. Soil moisture at soil depth 0–200 cm was 25.6% and 23.4% higher in soil around stem than that outside canopy for C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides. The wetting front advanced to depths of 120 and 100 cm in the area around stem and to depths of 50 cm in the area outside the canopy for C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides suggested that more rain water can be conserved into the deep soil layers through shrub stemflow. Soil moisture was enhanced in the area outside the shrub canopy, only when rainfall depth is > 4.7 and 5.1 mm, which is an effective rainfall for the area for C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides. While for the area around stem of C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides, the corresponding threshold values are 3.2 and 4.3 mm. These results confirmed that stemflow has a positive effect on soil moisture balance of the root zone and the enhancement in soil moisture of deeper soil layers.
As a common waterfront and wet environment tree species, Salix babylonica shows a great potential for restoration of contaminated water or soil environments, such as phenol-polluted water. However, studies on such remediation effects have not been carried out yet. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of phenols on photosynthesis of S. babylonica. Photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of S. babylonica cuttings were determined in hydroponic experiment, where six phenol concentrations was used (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg L-1). Phenol presence inhibited photosynthesis of S. babylonica significantly, as the net photosynthetic rate (PN),
light-saturated net photosynthetic rate, apparent quantum yield, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry declined significantly. The higher the concentration of phenol solution, the greater inhibition of photosynthesis occurred. Our data indicated that nonstomatal limitation was responsible for the reduction of PN. S. babylonica should be used to remediate phenol-contaminated water, when the concentration of phenol solution is lower than 200 mg L-1. Otherwise, the efficiency of photosynthesis of S. babylonica would decrease markedly. However, further study is needed to determine the maximum concentration of phenol that S. babylonica can tolerate to maintain normal photosynthetic activity., H. Li, G. C. Zhang, H. C. Xie, K. Li, S. Y. Zhang., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
The efficacy of fluoride therapy of osteoporosis remains a controversial issue, specially in clinical trials. The effect of fluoride on heterotopic bone formation in mice was analyzed with respect to the dose of the drug administered. Thirty days after implantation of demineralized bone matrix, the ash weight and mineral content of implants from animals receiving the highest dose of fluoride was approximately 49 % lower than that of the controls. Thirty days of fluoride administration had no effect on blood composition. On the other hand, small concentrations of fluoride ions increased the dry and ash weight of implants (36 %) and promoted bone mineralization. The results derived from this study may be directly applicable to the treatment of osteoporosis with fluoride and support our clinical trials.
The long-term electrocardiographic recording with retrospective evaluation (Holter system) has been widely used not only in cardiology, but also in other disciplines of internal medicine and in pharmaceutical research. The Holter system can be used in mini-pig, sheep, dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, and rat. In this paper hardware, software, and anesthesia requirements are summarized with respect to the experimental work with various species. As the Holter systems work in bipolar mode, the use of bipolar leads in sagittal and transversal planes has been proved to be the most appropriate because of large amplitude of QRS complex and uncomplicated consequent automatic analysis of the record. In conclusion, Holter electrocardiography represents a simple and applicable method for monitoring the electrical activity of the heart in small animals’ experimental studies., P. Scheer ... [et al.]., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy
Combustion of coal with limestone (a) and co-combustion of coal with limestone with wood, sewage sludge, soap and PTP (b) were performed in CFB. Inorganic matter composition and properties of all input materials were characterized. For this, chemical and coal petrography analyses of solid samples as well as their leaching tests, unburned carbon, and other properties were determined. There are not striking differences in composition of bottom and fly ashes from combustion/co-combustion data. In fly ash samples higher concentrations of Hg (about 2 ppm), As (about 800 ppm) and chlorine (about 400 ppm) are present than they are in bottom ash (0.002 ppm Hg, 250 ppm As, and 220 ppm Cl). Also relating concentrations of above elements determined in emissions are very similar for combustion/co-combustion regimes (about 0.010 mg.m-3 Hg, 0.027 mg.m-3 As and 24 mg.m-3 Cl). Content of unburned carbon in BA is below 2 wt.% and in FA below 0.6 wt.% in all combustion/co-combustion data. In FA samples the concentration of Hg, As, Se, etc. increases with increasing unburned carbon content, i.e. with decreasing grain size of FA. No significant differences in composition of emissions, bottom and fly ashes as well as in composition of water leachates were found from the combustion regimes I, II, III and IV., Martin Stach, Zdeněk Klika, Martina Nováčková and Václav Roubíček., and Obsahuje bibliografii
A new analysis of one of the graves (No. 177) at the burial ground of the Przeworsk culture in Drochlin, Częstochowa District, dated to the C1a phase of the Younger Roman Period, allows us to participate in a discussion about the position of horseman warriors in the milieu of the Przeworsk culture. The preserved grave goods from Drochlin suggest that the buried horseman can be considered a representative of the local elite. The iron spurs decorated with brass, bow arrowheads, and one glass vessel underline his social rank. The spurs have a stylistic association with spurs known from the sphere of Wielbark culture and also to those found on the territory of the Northern European Barbaricum. Similar associations were identified regarding the belt buckle. This paper also examines whether the bow was part of the equipment of the Przeworsk culture warriors or was a hunting weapon.
The synoptic overview follows two lines of the core topic: life span development and the strategy of its research. The actual task is to design a life span development theory leading to the recognition and specification of individual development dynamics together with allocation of resources for growth, resilience and coping with losses. Ongoing empirical research point out how this general concept is tested in specific areas, such as cognitive processes, motor activity and emotionality. Is lifespan developmental psychology a special kind of developmental psychology, a general integrative ontogenetic concept, or is, is just one of the orientations in the current research of development? Arguments in current discussions are hinted. One of the main pretensions of life span development theory is to allocate a profile of biology- and culture-based sources of growth, resilience and coping with losses. Pluralism appears to be a general characteristic for changes of postmodernism in the concepts of diversity. The number of papers dealing with both positive and risk factors in the lifespan development context is increasing.
Interest in ratites has necessitated a review of available information on the unique endangered kiwi (Apteryx spp.). Five different species of kiwis, endemic to the three islands of New Zealand, are recognized by the Department of Conservation, New Zealand, according to genetic and biological differences: the North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli), Okarito Brown Kiwi/Rowi (A. rowi), Tokoeka (A. australis), Great Spotted Kiwi/Roroa (A. haastii), and Little Spotted Kiwi (A owenii). As predators were found to be the main reason for declining kiwi numbers, predator control is a main objective of management techniques to prevent kiwis becoming extinct in New Zealand. Further considerations include captive breeding and release, and establishment of kiwi sanctuaries. Body size and bill measurements are different between species and genders within species. Kiwis have the lowest basal rates of metabolism compared with all avian standards. A relative low body temperature (38 ºC), burrowing, a highly developed sense of smell, paired ovaries in females, and a low growth rate, separate kiwis from other avian species. Kiwis have long-term partnerships. Females lay an egg that is approximately 400 % above the allometrically expected value, with an incubation period of 75–85 days. Kiwis mainly feed on soil invertebrate, with the main constituent being earthworms, and are prone to parasites and diseases found in other avian species. It can be concluded that kiwis present a biological rarity, with several features more characteristic of small mammals than birds.
Eimeria jamescooki sp. n. was recovered from the skink Cryptoblepharus virgatus (Garman) found on the grounds of James Cook University, Townsville (type locality), North Queensland, Australia. Oocysts were 17.5-25.0 (22.1 ± 1.9) × 15-22.5 (17.7 ± 1.6) µm and sporocysts 6.25-10.0 (7.9 ± 1.15) × 3.75-6.25 (5.3 ± 1.0) µm in size. Endogenous stages are described from histological material examined by light microscope and by transmission electron microscope. Both merogony stages and gamonts were found to develop in the cytoplasm of the anterior gut mucosal epithelium. Meront progeny were comprised of 10 to 21 merozoites. Premature macrogamonts were elongate; some host cells contained two elongate macrogamonts. Unique to the presently described species were the Golgi ''plaques'' and an enclosure of tubuli. Mature macrogamonts and young oocysts ranged in size from 14 x 7 to 21 × 11 µm and contained two types of wall-forming bodies, canaliculi and amylopectin granules. Differentiating microgamonts conformed in fine structure with that observed in other eimerians. Their sizes increased from 15.4 × 4.2 to 28 × 8.4 µm while dividing to over 70 nuclei, which formed a corresponding yield of microgametes.