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In many taxa, individuals voluntarily detach a body part as a form to increase their chances of escaping predation. This defense mechanism, known as autotomy, has several consequences, such as changes in locomotor performance, that may affect fitness. Scorpions of the genus Ananteris autotomize the 'tail', which in fact corresponds to the last abdominal segments. After autotomy, individuals lose nearly 25% of their body mass and the last portion of the digestive tract, including the anus, which prevents defecation and leads to constipation, because regeneration does not occur. Here, we experimentally investigated the short- and long-term effects of tail loss on the locomotor performance of Ananteris balzani. In a short-term experiment, the maximum running speed (MRS) of males and females did not change after autotomy. Moreover, the relative mass of the lost tail did not affect the change in MRS after autotomy. In a long-term experiment, autotomy had a negative effect on the MRS of males, but not of females. Autotomized over-fed individuals suffered from severe constipation but were not slower than autotomized normally fed individuals. In conclusion, tail loss has no immediate effect on the locomotor performance of scorpions. The long-term decrease in the locomotor performance of autotomized males may impair mate searching. However, because death by constipation takes several months, males have a long time to find mates and reproduce. Thus, the prolonged period between autotomy and death by constipation is crucial for understanding the evolution of one of the most extreme cases of autotomy in nature. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Introduction: The rationale of prognostic and predictive molecular biomarkers of malfunctioning of homeostatic control mechanisms is important for solving the tasks of early diagnosis and prevention of priority noncommunicable diseases. Our objective was to detect omic markers of adverse effects of a combined exposure to airborne contaminants and factors of educational environment on the nervous system of children. Materials and methods: We studied school outdoor and indoor concentrations of certain air pollutants, the intensity of the educational process, and plasma proteins characterizing nervous system adverse effects in children aged 7–10 with a combined exposure to various factors of educational environment in the primary school with various types of educational programs and hygienic conditions. Results: We established that blood manganese, nickel, lead, chromium, benzene, xylene, and phenol levels among the schoolchildren of the study group were 1.2–2.4 times higher than those in the control group. The phenol concentration in blood is a proven marker of the inhalation exposure. We also identified such violations of the educational process as uneven distribution of study loads, an increase in the maximum permissible load, a 1.2-fold increase in intellectual loads, shortening of the break between basic and optional classes, and a 1.5-fold increase in intensity of the training mode. We obtained mass spectra of the peptides reflecting changes in homeostasis on the molecular level. As a result of establishing a direct causal relationship between the increase in the relative mass of a Kazal-type 5 serine protease inhibitor, the increased blood phenol level, effects of intellectual loads, routine and distribution of the training load, the Kazal-type 5 serine protease inhibitor was proved to be an omic marker of the combined exposure to ambient phenol and the factors of educational environment. Conclusions: An increase in the relative mass of the Kazal-type 5 serine protease inhibitor following the combined exposure to airborne phenol and educational factors is a molecular indicator of its prognostically unfavorable involvement into the pathogenesis of functional disorders of the nervous system in the form of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

We use an inelastic particle code with shocks and cooling calculated on a subgrid level to study the gas in direct collisions between galaxy discs. The interstellar media (ISM) of the discs are modeled with continuous thermal phases. The models produce many unique structures, collectively called splash bridges. They range from central bridge discs to swirled sheets, which resemble those observed in interacting galaxies. These morphologies are sensitive to the rotation, relative mass, disc offsets and the gas structure in the discs. In the case of the Taffy galaxies - NGC 12914/15, extensive observations have revealed radio continuum emitting gas, HI gas, hot X-rays from hot diffuse gas and more $H_2$ than exists in the Milky Way coexisting in the bridge. The origins of the $H_2$ and large asymmetric distribution of ISM are not clear. We show that for small disc impact parameters, multiple phases of ISM with densities over many orders of magnitude can be removed from their host galaxies into a Taffy-like bridge. The orientation of the discs initial overlap can have a great effect on the distributions of each phase of ISM. In some cases, the models also predict the creation of a possible `dark galaxy,' a large flat region of dense ISM far from the stellar disc potential of either galaxy.

Raman spectroscopy has proven valuable for determining the composition of manufactured drug products, as well as identifying counterfeit drugs. Here we present a simple method to determine the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) mass percent in a sample that does not require knowledge of the identities or relative mass percents of the inactive pharmaceutical ingredients (excipients). And further, we demonstrated the ability of the method to pass or fail a manufactured drug product batch based on a calculated acceptance value in accordance with the US Pharmacopeia method for content uniformity. The method was developed by fitting the Raman spectra of 30 Claritin® tablets with weighted percentages of the Raman spectrum of its API, loratadine, and a composite spectrum of the known excipients. The mean loratadine mass of 9.79 ± 40 mg per 100 mg tablet compared favorably to the 10.21 ± 0.63 mg per 100 mg tablet determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, both of which met the acceptance value to pass the 10 mg API product as labelled. The method was then applied to a generic version of the Claritin product that employed different excipients of unknown mass percents. A Raman spectrum representative of all excipients was created by subtracting the API Raman spectrum from the product spectrum. The Raman spectra of the 30 generic tablets were then fit with weighted percents of the pure loratadine spectrum and the created excipient spectrum, and used to determine a mean API mass for the tablets of 10.12 ± 40 mg, again meeting the acceptance value for the 10 mg API product. The data suggest that this simple method could be used to pass or fail manufactured drug product batches in accordance with the US Pharmacopeia method for content uniformity, without knowledge of the excipients.

The modern state of problem of treatment of pharmaceutical waste in Ukraine was considered. The principles of classification of pharmaceutical waste were presented. The value of quantity of primary and secondary packaging in certain samples of pharmaceutical waste was presented and influence of packaging upon character of process of thermal disposal of pharmaceutical waste was considered. The influence of change of mass of certain samples of pharmaceutical waste during their heating was investigated. The phase transfer of certain pharmaceutical waste during their heating was considered. The dependence of velocity of loss of relative mass of sample on hold-up time in combustion chamber at the temperature of 850 °С was presented. The ignition temperature and self-ignition temperature of certain samples of pharmaceutical waste were identified. The calorific values of number of samples of pharmaceutical waste were defined. The calorific values of number of samples of pharmaceutical waste were defined. The suitability of pharmaceutical waste for disposal by thermal methods was evaluated. A number of thermal characteristics of certain pharmaceutical waste, required for the development of equipment and working conditions of thermal disposal, was identified The character of the process of thermal decomposition of certain pharmaceutical waste at high temperatures of disposal was researched. Bibl. 8, Fig. 4, Tab. 4.

Background Accurately assigning hatchlings to the eggs from which they hatched is a prerequisite to understanding how the composition and environment of eggs affect the growth and survival of nestlings. Correctly assigning hatchlings to their eggs can be a challenging endeavor, however, because multiple eggs within the same clutch can hatch at essentially the same time. Egg and hatchling mass are highly correlated in most bird species, and thus assigning eggs to hatchlings using their relative mass (e.g., matching the heaviest hatchling to the heaviest candidate egg) could prove extremely useful. Methods To assess its potential utility, I applied relative mass assignment (RMA) retrospectively to a dataset of 133 Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) nests in which all egg-hatchling dyads were determined unequivocally. Results I found that RMA correctly assigned approximately 90% of hatchlings to their eggs when 2‒4 hatchlings were present between checks. The number of nests in which hatchlings could not be assigned to their egg, however, increased monotonically from 13 to 46 to 78% for nests containing 2, 3, and 4 hatchlings, respectively, due to the greater likelihood that the mass of hatchlings or their candidate eggs was identical. Conclusions Although RMA correctly identified the vast majority of egg-hatchling dyads, researchers should use this method with caution, because it will always inflate positive egg-size effects and thus could potentially result in erroneously reporting significant effects.

The paper deals with the experimental determination of the shrinkage progress of the polymer cement (PCC) mortars. The main motivation of performed measurements was to compare the results obtained from two different measurement procedures based on the measurement of the relative length changes and relative mass losses of the test specimens during whole time of ageing. Performed experimental analysis, focused on the determination of the progress of the relative length changes and relative mass losses, showed advantages and disadvantages of investigated measurement procedures. All performed measurements exhibited almost the same total progress of relative mass losses regardless of the used test procedure and size of specimens. The differences in the relative length changes originated from the capabilities, limitations and regulations of particular measurement procedures.

In order to study the effect of PVA fiber dispersion on the performance of cement-stabilized macadam as pavement base material, the dispersion factor Fvc is introduced (Fvc = 1 − Cvc, Cvc refers to dispersion coefficient of relative mass fraction proportion coefficient) as a factor to judge the dispersion degrees. Besides, the connections among Fvc and the compressive strength of the splitting strength of cement-stabilized macadam in various curing periods are analyzed. The research conclusions reveal that (1) when the mass ratio of PVA fibers to coal ash is higher than 1 : 50, resulting Fvc > 0.95, it means the PVA fibers can disperse evenly in the cement-stabilized macadam; (2) both the compressive strength and the cleavage strength of cement-stabilized macadam with PVA fibers are proportional to Fvc; moreover, both the compressive strength and the splitting strength of cement-stabilized macadam with PVA fibers are obviously stronger than those in the common macadam; and (3) under the same curing period and with the same Fvc value, both the compressive strength and the splitting strength in the first type of cement-stabilized macadam (volume content: 0.9 kg/m3 of PVA fibers) are stronger than those in the second type of cement-stabilized macadam (volume content: 0.6 kg/m3 of PVA fibers).

E.A. Perevalina1, perevalinaelena@yandex.ru, ORCID: 0000-0001-8288-9357, M.M. Shestakov1, shmm@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0001-6051-4861, S.A. Laggao2, laggao@yandex.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-0623-0726 1Kuban State University of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Krasnodar, Russian Federation, 2Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone Перевалина Елена Андреевна, аспирант, Кубанский государственный университет физической культуры, спорта и туризма. 350015, г. Краснодар, ул. Буденного, 161. E-mail: perevalinaelena@ yandex.ru, ORCID: 0000-0001-8288-9357. Шестаков Михаил Михайлович, доктор педагогических наук, профессор, кафедра теории и методики футбола и регби, Кубанский государственный университет физической культуры, спорта и туризма. 350015, г. Краснодар, ул. Буденного, 161. E-mail: shmm@mail.ru, ORCID: 0000-0001-6051-4861. Самуэль Августин Лаггао, доктор философии, кафедра биокинетики и медико-санитарного просвещения, руководитель отдела биокинетики и медицинского образования, Университет Ньялы, Фритаун, Сьерра-Леоне. E-mail: laggao@yandex.ru, ORCID: 0000-0002-0623-0726. Aim. The article deals with establishing the features of changes in the morphological parameters of women aged 30-40 years involved in different fitness programs at the basic stage. Materials and methods. 85 women aged 30-40 years participated in different fitness programs during 9 weeks: 17 - gym, 19 - traditional aerobics, 17 - strength aerobics, 17 - functional training, 15 - fitness-yoga. 60-minute fitness lessons were conducted 3 times per week. We measured the following parameters: height, weight, body circumference, skin-fat fold volume, the absolute and relative values of the muscle and fat tissues. Results. In women, body mass reduces under the effect of gym training, traditional aerobics, and functional training. The reduction of body circumference measurements occurs under the effect of gym training, traditional aerobics, strength aerobics, and functional training. Muscle mass increases as a result of gym training and decreases after traditional aerobics. The absolute and relative mass of the fat tissue reduces under the effect of gym training, traditional aerobics, and functional training. Conclusion. Different fitness programs influence differently morphological status in women aged 30-40 years. Цель исследования. Определить особенности изменения морфологических показателей женщин 30-40 лет под воздействием тренировочных нагрузок разных программ фитнеса на базовом этапе занятий. Материалы и методы. Разные программы фитнеса девять недель реализовали 85 женщин 30-40 лет: 17 занимались в тренажерном зале, 19 - классической аэробикой, 17 - силовой аэробикой, 17 - функциональным тренингом, 15 - фитнесйогой. Занятия проводились 3 раза в неделю по 60 минут. Контролировались: рост, вес, обхватные размеры звеньев тела, толщина кожно-жировых складок, рассчитывались абсолютные и относительные показатели мышечной и жировой ткани. Результаты. Масса тела у женщин снижается под воздействием занятий в тренажерном зале, классической аэробикой и функциональной тренировкой. Уменьшение обхватных размеров звеньев тела происходит под воздействием занятий в тренажерном зале, классической аэробикой, силовой аэробикой, функциональной тренировкой. Толщина кожно-жировых складок уменьшается под воздействием занятий в тренажерном зале, классической аэробикой, функциональной тренировкой. Увеличению мышечной массы способствуют занятия в тренажерном зале, а уменьшению - классической аэробикой. Абсолютная и относительная масса жировой ткани уменьшается при занятиях в тренажерном зале, классической аэробикой, функциональной тренировкой. Заключение. Тренировочные нагрузки разных программ фитнеса обладают специфическими особенностями воздействия на показатели морфологического статуса женщин 30-40 лет.

У роботі за допомогою анатомічних, гістологічних, нейрогістологічних та морфометричних методик висвітлено макро - та мікроскопічну будову мозочка, спинного мозку та гіпофіза статевозрілої великої рогатої худоби (ВРХ). Мікроскопічно, мозочок у великої рогатої худоби складається з сірої і білої речовини. Його кора утворена відповідними шарами – молекулярним (зовнішнім), гангліонарним (середнім) та зернистим (найглибшим) і характеризується неоднаковою популяцією нейронів, які мають обумовлений зв’язок між рівнем морфофункціонального стану нервових та іннервованих структур. За результатами досліджень встановлені особливості мозочка великої рогатої худоби, на що вказує різна його абсолютна та відносна маса, форма поперечного розрізу, морфометричні показники структурних компонентів товщини гістоархітектонічних шарів, розмір нервових клітин. Так, аналіз органометричних досліджень показує, що абсолютна маса мозочка у великої рогатої худоби становить 72,59 ± 0,94 г, відносна – 0,02 ± 0,002 %. У результаті проведених нами морфометричних досліджень встановлено різну товщину кори мозочка: найбільша товщина кори мозочка властива його молекулярному шару – 413,01 ± 10,84 мкм (53,2 %), дещо менша вона у зернистому – 313,60 ± 13,84 мкм (40,4 %) та найменша у гангліонарному – 49,03 ± 1,94 мкм (6,32 %). Загальна товщина кори мозочка у великої рогатої худоби складає 775,64 ± 26,62 мкм. Поперечний зріз грудної частини спинного мозку має, переважно, округлу форму. За результатами досліджень з’ясована площа і форма поперечного зрізу спинного мозку. Площа грудної частини становить 73,45 ± 0,84 мм². При цьому, сіра мозкова речовина займає 9,74 ± 0,13 % (7,16 ± 0,14 мм²) від загальної площі спинного мозку, біла – 90,25 ± 0,13 % (66,28 ± 9,74 мм²). Співвідношення сірої до білої мозкової речовини у великої рогатої худоби дорівнює 9,74 ± 0,13 %. Морфометричні дослідження спинного мозку великої рогатої худоби свідчать про виражену диференціацію нервових клітин, які мають різні розміри, що суттєво виражається в кількісному співвідношенні малих, середніх і великих нервових клітин. Гіпофіз у великої рогатої худоби має форму округлого тільця і складається з адено- та нейрогіпофіза. До складу аденогіпофіза входять передня (дистальна), проміжна та туберальна частки. Четвертою часткою гіпофіза є нейрогіпофіз, який за походженням є нейрогліальним. Цитоархітектоніка органу представлена трьома видами клітин: ацидофільні, базофільні та хромофобні. Аналіз морфометричних показників свідчить, що абсолютна маса гіпофіза статевозрілої великої рогатої худоби становить 4,45±0,18 г, відносна – 0,001 %., The macro and microscopic structure of the cerebellum, spinal cord and pituitary gland of the sexually active bovine cattle (Bovine Cattle) is described in the work using anatomical, histological, neurohistological and morphometric techniques. Microscopically, the cerebellum in cattle consists of gray and white matter. Its bark is formed by appropriate layers – molecular (external), ganglionic (medium) and grainy (deepest) and characterized by unequal population of neurons that have a conditioned connection between the level of the morphofunctional state of nervous and innervated structures. According to the results of the research, the characteristics of the cerebellum of cattle have been determined, as indicated by its various absolute and relative masses, the shape of the cross section, morphometric indices of the structural components of the thickness of the histoarchitectonic layers, and the size of the nerve cells. Thus, the analysis of organometric studies shows that the absolute mass of the cerebellum in cattle is 72,59±0,94 g, the relative weight is 0,02±0,002 %. As a result of our morphometric studies, we have a different thickness of the cerebellum cortex: the largest thickness of the cerebellum cortex is characteristic of its molecular layer – 413,01±10,84 μm (53,2 %), slightly less in granular form – 313,60±13,84 μm (40,4 %) and the smallest in the ganglionic one – 49,03±1,94 μm (6,32 %). The total thickness of the cerebellum cortex in cattle is 775,64±26,62 μm. The transverse section of the thoracic spinal cord has a generally rounded form. According to the results, the area and shape of the transverse section of the spinal cord were determined. The area of the thoracic part is 73,45±0,84 mm². In this case, gray cerebrospinal fluid is 9,74±0,13 % (7,16±0,14 mm²) of the total spinal cord, white is 90,25±0,13 % (66,28±9,74 mm²) The ratio of gray to white cerebrospinal fluid in cattle is 9,74±0,13 %. Morphometric studies of the bovine spinal cord show a pronounced differentiation of nerve cells of different sizes, which is significantly expressed in the quantitative ratio of small, medium and large nerve cells. The hypophysis in the cattle has the form of a rounded corpuscle and consists of adeno- and neurohypophysis. The adenohypophysis consists of the anterior (distal), intermediate and tober particles. The fourth part of the pituitary gland is a neurohypophysis, which is by nature neuroglial. The organ cytophorectonics is represented by three types of cells: acidophilic, basophilic and chromophobic. The analysis of morphometric indices shows that the absolute mass of the pituitary gland is 4,45±0,18 g, the relative weight is 0,001 %., В работе с помощью анатомических, гистологических, нейрогистологических и морфометрических методик освещены макро - и микроскопическое строение мозжечка, спинного мозга и гипофиза половозрелого крупного рогатого скота (КРС). Микроскопически, мозжечок у крупного рогатого скота состоит из серого и белого вещества. Его кора образована соответствующими слоями - молекулярным (внешним), ганглионарным (средним) и зернистым (глубоким) и характеризуется неодинаковой популяцией нейронов, которые имеют обусловленную связь между уровнем морфофункционального состояния нервных и иннервированные структур. По результатам исследований установлены особенности мозжечка крупного рогатого скота, на что указывает разная его абсолютная и относительная масса, форма поперечного разреза, морфометрические показатели структурных компонентов толщины гистоархитектонических слоев, размер нервных клеток. Так, анализ органометрических исследований показывает, что абсолютная масса мозжечка у крупного рогатого скота составляет 72,59 ± 0,94 г, относительная - 0,02 ± 0,002%. В результате проведенных нами морфометрических исследований установлено разную толщину коры мозжечка: наибольшая толщина коры мозжечка свойственна его молекулярному слою - 413,01 ± 10,84 мкм (53,2%), несколько меньше она в зернистом - 313,60 ± 13,84 мкм (40,4%) и наименьшая в ганглионарном - 49,03 ± 1,94 мкм (6,32%). Общая толщина коры мозжечка у крупного рогатого скота составляет 775,64 ± 26,62 мкм. Поперечный срез грудной части спинного мозга имеет преимущественно округлую форму. По результатам исследований выяснена площадь и форма поперечного среза спинного мозга. Площадь грудной части составляет 73,45 ± 0,84 мм². При этом, серая мозговое вещество занимает 9,74 ± 0,13% (7,16 ± 0,14 мм²) от общей площади спинного мозга, белая - 90,25 ± 0,13% (66,28 ± 9,74 мм² ). Соотношение серой до белой мозгового вещества у крупного рогатого скота равна 9,74 ± 0,13%. Морфометрические исследования спинного мозга крупного рогатого скота свидетельствуют о выраженной дифференциации нервных клеток, которые имеют различные размеры, что существенно выражается в количественном соотношении малых, средних и крупных нервных клеток. Гипофиз у крупного рогатого скота имеет форму округлого тельца и состоит из адено- и нейрогипофиза. В состав аденогипофиза входят передняя (дистальная), промежуточная и туберальная доли. Четвертой долей гипофиза является нейрогипофиз, который по происхождению является нейроглиальным. Цитоархитектоника органа представлена тремя видами клеток: ацидофильные, базофильные и хромофобные. Анализ морфометрических показателей свидетельствует, что абсолютная масса гипофиза половозрелого крупного рогатого скота составляет 4,45 ± 0,18 г, относительная - 0,001%.

We analyze the IllustrisTNG simulations to study the mass, volume fraction and phase distribution of gaseous baryons embedded in the knots, filaments, sheets and voids of the Cosmic Web from redshift $z=8$ to redshift $z=0$. We find that filaments host more star-forming gas than knots, and that filaments also have a higher relative mass fraction of gas in this phase than knots. We also show that the cool, diffuse Intergalactic Medium (IGM; $T, Comment: Accepted by MNRAS

When studying dynamics of body height and development of axial and peripheral departments of a skeleton of guinea fowls it is established that these processes happen in close interrelation with body height of alive weight and a skeleton of guinea fowls in general. At guinea fowls males in development after the birth the relative mass of an axial skeleton to the absolute mass of a skeleton decreases - from 27,17% (at daily age) to 26,19% (at the age of 365 days) while at guinea fowls females this indicator increases - from 25,46% (at daily age) to 29,08% (at the age of 365 days). On a similar index of a peripheral skeleton the inverse picture is observed. It is bound to egg efficiency at guinea fowls females (the axial department of a skeleton grows more intensively) and to meat efficiency at tsesarey-males (the peripheral department of a skeleton grows more intensively).

Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) install wet electrostatic precipitators (WESPs) or/and demisters as end control devices along with wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) systems to meet the ultra-low emission standards in China. This study comprehensively explores the influence of these end control devices on filterable particulate matter (FPM) and condensable particulate matter (CPM) emissions, based on field measurements and chemical analyses of collected samples. The field study was conducted in two typical CFPPs, one equipped with WESPs and the other with newly developed demisters (NDDs). With respect to FPM and filterable PM2.5, the WESP removal efficiency was 96 ± 3% and 92 ± 2%, respectively, and that of NDD was 62 ± 6% and 51 ± 5%, respectively. However, for some unconventional pollutants, the NDD removal efficiency was 60 ± 8% for CPM, which was higher than that of WESP (42 ± 10%); the removal efficiencies of HCl, SO3, and NH3 during the WESP were 78 ± 8%, 44 ± 11%, and 30 ± 5%, respectively, while they were 69 ± 16%, 58 ± 9%, and 60 ± 7%, respectively, when equipped with the NDD. Chemical composition analysis of the obtained samples revealed that the relative content of SO42− in FPM2.5 increased from 12–17% to 14–33% on using end control devices (WESP or NDD). Moreover, SO42− was the major ion component in CPM with relative ratios increasing from 15–35% to 21–59%. The mass ratio of FPM2.5 in FPMs, as well as the relative mass ratio of CPMs, in total particulate matter increased at the outlets of both control devices. The obtained results imply that both WESP and NDD effectively remove FPM and CPM to meet the ultra-low emission standards, respectively. Thus, more attention should be paid to emissions of CPM and FPM2.5 in pollution control technologies.

Mobile phones and various electronic products contribute to the world's fastest-growing category of hazardous waste with international repercussions. We investigated the trends in potential human health impacts and ecotoxicity of waste mobile phones through quantitative life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods and regulatory total threshold limit concentrations. A market-dominant sample of waste basic phones and smartphones manufactured between 2001 and 2015, were analyzed for toxicity trends based on 19 chemicals. The results of the LCIA (using USEtox model) show an increase in the relative mass of toxic materials over the 15-year period. We found no significant changes in the use of toxic components in basic phones, whereas smartphones contained a statistically significant increase in the content of toxic materials from 2006 to 2015. Nickel contributed the largest risk for carcinogens in mobile phones, but the contributions of lead and beryllium were also notable. Silver, zinc and copper contents were associated with non-cancer health risks. Copper components at 45,818-77,938 PAF m3/kg dominated ecotoxicity risks in mobile phones. Overall, these results highlight the increasing importance of monitoring trends in materials use for electronic product manufacturing and electronic-waste management processes that should prevent human and environmental exposures to toxic components.

Magnetoelectric laminated composites of BaTiO3/CoFe2O4 were prepared by the conventional solid-state sintering method. The electrical, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that BaTiO3 and CoFe2O4 phases can coexist in the composites. Compared with the magnetoelectric particulate composites, the magnetoelectric laminated composites have higher resistivities and lower leakage currents. The magnetoelectric behaviors are strongly dependent on the relative mass ratio of BaTiO3 and CoFe2O4. The largest magnetoelectric coefficient of the laminated composite reaches up to 135 mV/cm Oe at a bias magnetic field of 2600 Oe and a frequency of 1 kHz, which is four times as large as that of the particulate composite (35 mV/cm Oe).

This work analyses the effect of mercury on the condition of cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from an extensive breeding colony in northern Poland, the largest in Europe. A total of 55 birds (44 adults and 11 immature) were obtained. Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in the liver, kidneys, breast muscles, heart, gullet (oesophagus), stomach, intestines, trachea, lungs and eyeballs. The total body mass (TBM) and empty body mass (EBM) were measured, and the body parts taken for analysis were weighed. The relative mass of the tissues and the L/K index were expressed as percentages. Based on the L/K index the birds were divided into three condition classes: (A) very good, (B) good and (C) moderate. The mean TBM and EBM in these cormorants were 2286 and 2184 g respectively. The greatest contributions to EBM were from the breast muscles (~11%), liver (3.7%) and intestines (3.0%). The stomach, gullet, lungs, heart and kidneys made up from ~1.0-2.8% EBM, and the trachea and eyeballs 0.4%. 31 of the 55 birds analysed were allocated to class B; mean Hg levels in them were the highest in the kidneys, liver, lungs and muscles (18.3, 9.78, 2.70, 1.86 µg/g dw respectively); they were ≤ 1 µg/g in the other tissues. In ecotoxicology it is assumed that a hepatic concentration 16.7 µg Hg/g dw can lead to adverse effects in the reproduction of non-marine birds. In the light of the present results, the reproductive parameters of the cormorants from the colony in northern Poland, though mostly in good or very good condition, may be depressed as a result of elevated Hg levels in their body tissues.

Schroeder, K.L., Sylvain, N.J., Kirkpatrick, L.J. and Rosser, B.W.C. 2014. Fibretypes in primary ‘flight’ muscles of the African Penguin ( Spheniscus demersus).—ActaZoologica (Stockholm) 00:000–000.The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus)isanendangeredseabirdthatresideson the temperate southern coast of Africa. Like all penguins it is flightless,instead using its specialized wings for underwater locomotion termed ‘aquaticflight’. While musculature and locomotion of the large Antarctic penguins havebeen well studied, smaller penguins show different biochemical and behaviouraladaptations to their habitats. We used h istochemical and immunohistochemicalmethods to characterize fibre type composition of the African penguin primaryflight muscles, the pectoralis and supracoracoideus. We hypothesized the pecto-ralis would contain predominantly fast oxidative–glycolytic (FOG) fibres, withmainly aerobic subtypes. As the supracoracoideus and pectoralis both powerthrust, we further hypothesized these muscles would have a similar fibre typecomplement. Our results supported these hypotheses, also showing an unex-pected slow fibre population in the deep parts of pectoralis and supracoracoide-us. The latissimus dorsi was also examined as it may contribute to thrustgeneration during aquatic flight, and in other avian species typically containsdefinitive fibre types. Unique among birds studied to date, the African penguinanterior latissimus dorsi was found to consist mainly of fast fibres. This studyshows the African penguin has specialized flight musculature distinct from otherbirds, including large Antarctic penguins.BenjaminW.C.Rosser,DepartmentofAnatomyandCellBiology,UniversityofSaskatchewan,Saskatoon,SK,Canada S7N5E5.E-mail:ben.rosser@usask.caIntroductionPenguin species vary widely in habitat and body size, from thelarge emperor penguin of Antarctica to the diminutive littlepenguin of New Zealand and southern Australia, yet exem-plary aquatic agility is a hallmark of all members of the orderSphenisciformes. The modern penguin uses its wings forswimminganddivinginamannerthathasbeentermed‘aquatic flight’, as the behaviour is similar to airborne birds,although underwater agility has developed at the expense ofaerial flight (Bannasch 1994; Ksepka and Ando 2011). Onceancestral penguins became flightless, their morphology wasnot bound by the demands of supporting body mass in airand further modifications were developed to increase effi-ciency in the aquatic environment. Musculoskeletalspecializations of the penguin wing that have increased swim-ming efficiency include flattened bones, reduction of the distalmusculature used to make fine adjustments by airborne birds,large sesamoid bones at the elbow that stiffen the wing andincreased relative mass of muscles involved in the upstroke(Schreiweis 1982; Bannasch 1994; Ponganis et al. 1997).These structural adaptations facilitate movement throughwater by reducing drag, increasing functionality of the wing asa hydrofoil and incorporating the upstroke as a power-gener-ating stroke (Bannasch 1994; Watanuki et al. 2006).In birds, the primary muscles used to power flight are thepectoralis and supracoracoideus. The pectoralis is the largestmuscle in the body and is primarily responsible for driving thedownstroke of the wing. Performing the opposite action is thesupracoracoideus muscle, which raises the wing during

Consideration of physical condition indicators in assessment pupils’ physical fitness permits to differentiate training and health restoration processes at physical culture lessons. Purpose: to substantiate criteria for pupils’ physical fitness assessment, considering their physical condition indicators. Material: in the research 10-11 form pupils (n=406; 211boys and 195 girls) participated. After physical fitness testing by requirement of acting programs we carried out diagnostic of pupils’ psycho-emotional state. Results: by results of physical; fitness we observed substantial deviation from universal law of normal distribution. It was found that physical condition indicators of most pupils are beyond normal. It was also determined that the most informative indicators are body length, chest circumference and body relative mass. We substantiated that it is necessary to consider physical condition indicators, when determining physical fitness level. We also substantiated and worked out differentiated normative for assessment pupils’ physical fitness. Conclusions: testing without consideration physical condition indicators does not facilitate pupils’ motivation for further physical self-perfection. Such testing results in high situational anxiety and unfavorable psycho-emotional state of pupils.

The paper presents an analysis of research in optimal distribution of the airscrew thrust and the jet thrust of the turboprop engine. A conclusion is made as to the necessity of evaluating the efficiency of the power plant being a part of the aircraft.

Mathematical simulation of the propagation mechanisms of combustion waves and heterogeneous detonation in sharply expanding pipes was performed using the equations of two-dimensional axisymmetric unsteady motion of a reacting mixture of a gas and monofuel particles. The influence of the main determining parameters of the gas-particle mixture and the pipeline on the propagation of nonstationary detonation waves was studied. Dependences of the critical ratio of the pipe diameters of the composite pipeline on the relative mass content of monofuel particles of different sizes are given.

The influence of reaction conditions (yield, excess of stoichiometric reagent, molecular weights of reagents, and mass of auxiliary materials and solvents) on the values of several green chemistry mass metrics (E-factor, mass intensity, atom utilization, relative mass efficiency, and element efficiency), for reactions with 1:1 and 1:3 stoichiometries, has been analyzed, as well as relationships between the metrics. The theoretical behavior of these, when visualized by three-dimensional graphic representations, e.g. surfaces of metric = f(yield, excess), together with the experimental values, facilitates the management of its improvement – changes in conditions in successive experiments should follow the directions shown by the graph. The study shows that there are practical limitations to the greenness increase due to the complex nature of the chemistry but confirms that it is worthwhile to pay more attention to the effort of obtaining quantitative details of the laboratory syntheses to acquire i...

Molossid bats are considered as morphologically specialized for fast enduring flights within obstacle-free environments. The only European species of the family, the European free-tailed bat Tadarida teniotis, exhibits a similar flight behavior and is thus expected to demonstrate analogous morphological adaptations. The present report investigates external and muscular forelimb features that could be associated with open air high-speed flight patterns. For the scope of the study, we calculated standard external ecomorphological indices and carried out gross anatomical dissections on six adult specimens of T. teniotis from northern Greece. In this way, we qualitatively and quantitatively examined patterns of relative mass and strength in selected muscles. In terms of external morphology, T. teniotis possessed long and narrow wings with slightly pointed tips. Regarding forelimb muscular anatomy, the species is characterized by powerful wing adductors (e.g. pectorales), an enlargement of the coracoid head of biceps brachii, and equal mass of elbow joint flexors and extensors. These characteristics, partly shared by other molossids, may correlate to a powerful, controlled downstroke and a semi-extended elbow for fast enduring non-maneuverable flight.

На основі літературних джерел та власних досліджень проведено аналіз макроскопічних особливостей селезінки хребетних тварин. З’ясовано, що форма, маса, колір, розміри, відносна маса органу є непостійними величинами та залежать від класу, виду тварин, статі, віку, породи, фізіологічного стану. У хребетних тварин селезінка розміщена в черевній порожнині в лівій підребровій ділянці. Колір селезінки переважно червоний з різними відтінками. Найчастіше зустрічається продовгувато-видовжена, округла форми селезінки. Маса селезінки досліджуваних тварин знаходиться в межах 5,2 мг – 1500 г. Відносна маса відповідно 0,08 % – 0,4 %. У тварин іноді виявляються додаткові селезінки, найчастіше вони локалізовані поблизу основного органа., На основе литературных источников и собственных исследований проведен анализ макроскопических особенностей селезёнки позвоночных животных. Установлено, что форма, масса, цвет, размеры, относительная масса органа являются непостоянными величинами и зависят от класса, вида животных, пола, возраста, породы, физиологичного состояния. У позвоночных животных селезёнка размещена в брюшной полости в левом подрёберном участке. Цвет селезёнки преимущественно красный с разными оттенками. Чаще всего встречается продолговато-удлинённая, округлая формы селезенки. Маса селезёнки исследуемых животных находится в пределах 5,2 мг – 1500 грамм. Относительная масса соответственно 0,08 % – 0,4 %. У животных иногда оказываются дополнительные селезёнки, чаще всего они локализованы вблизи основного органа., The spleen – an important peripheral lymphoid organ that performs filtration, cleansing, immune, hematopoietic, accumulation of blood function. Interspecific differences in the structure of the spleen depending on the dominant functions it performs in different animal species, in most cases. Form spleen variable depending on the structure of neighboring authorities and depend on the type of animal: sickle, oval, flat, trohhranna elongated, oval-elongated, stretched with an extended bottom end, elongated flat, variable, but more elongated. Color spleen determined type of animal physiological state of the body and can be a gray-purple, red-purple, red-brown, dark red, dark brown, reddish-brown. In cattle marked sexual dimorphism body color: cows spleen red-purple, bulls – red-brown. In mammals the spleen entirely located in the abdomen under the left costal region (one-hoofed ruminants) on a large curvature of the stomach in ruminants in the rumen may slightly go beyond the last rib (omnivores, deer), or reach the left groin (predators). There are animals in which the spleen is outside under the left costal region areas and is only left longitudinal and inguinal areas (mozolenogih). In tailed amphibians, reptiles and birds kept front area, so the spleen lies near the stomach. Spleen – is one of the most moving of the peritoneum, but has expressed its locking effect ligamentous apparatus pressure surrounding organs, intra-abdominal pressure. Anomalies fixing spleen lead to twisting (torsion), which may pose a threat to life or so wandering spleen can lead to hemorrhagic infarction in the body. Birds spleen often is globular, sometimes shaped look like an ellipse or elongated, rounded, weighing 3. 5 grams, located between muscular and glandular stomach; goose in red and purple, the chickens’ secundines red-brown. In amphibians spleen has a spherical shape. Spleen frog – a reddish body, in form similar to bean, located dorsally in relation to the front end and attached to the cloaca ripples. In reptiles form the spleen varies widely. In extended spleen lizards, snakes is oval and globular in turtles it is rounded and flattened. The size and weight of the spleen different mammals. The spleen deer has a length of 28-33 cm, width 17-21 cm, weight 570-650 g; reindeer – 28-33 cm, 17-21 cm and 570-650 g, respectively. Horse spleen length of 30-35 cm, the absolute weight is 500-1500 g, relative – 0,2-0,35 %. In pigs, it is long about 38-45 cm, 5-8 cm wide, the absolute weight of 150 g, relative – 0.2 %. In dogs, the spleen is flat, the absolute weight of 35-70 g, relative within 0,08-0,4 %. In cats spleen rich dark red color, the absolute weight 5 g, relative – 0.2 %. In cattle spleen length of 40-50 cm, width 10-15 cm, thickness 2. 3 cm, weight 350-1000 g, relative to the weight of her body weight in 0.16 % bulls, the bulls – 0.15 % cows – 0,17 %. In sheep spleen absolute mass of 120-160 g, relative – 0.15 %. The average weight of the spleen nonlinear laboratory mice is about 0.18 g. Maximum length of spleen in male hamsters was 4.0 cm in the 90-day age, minimum 0.6 cm in newborns, 3.4 cm in 270-day age, maximum value – 221.0 mg in 240-day age. Sometimes there are additional lien of various sizes, the number of additional part can reach 100, which are located near the main body, but may rather remotely, even to the scrotum, they are often located at the gate of the spleen, gastro-splenic ligament.

We discuss and test possible evolutionary connections between Blue Compact Dwarf galaxies (BCDs) and other types of dwarf galaxies. BCDs provide ideal laboratories to study intense star formation episodes in low mass dwarf galaxies, and have sometimes been considered a short-lived evolutionary stage between types of dwarf galaxies. To test these connections, we consider a sample of BCDs as well as a comparison sample of nearby galaxies from the Local Volume Legacy (LVL) survey for context. We fit the multi-wavelength spectral energy distributions (SED, far-ultra-violet to far-infrared) of each galaxy with a grid of theoretical models to determine their stellar masses and star formation properties. We compare our results for BCDs with the LVL galaxies to put BCDs in the context of normal galaxy evolution. The SED fits demonstrate that the star formation events currently underway in BCDs are at the extreme of the continuum of normal dwarf galaxies, both in terms of the relative mass involved and in the relative increase over previous star formation rates. Today's BCDs are distinctive objects in a state of extreme star formation which is rapidly transforming them. This study also suggests ways to identify former BCDs whose star formation episodes have since faded., Comment: accepted to ApJ, 22 pages, main result in Figure 9

Rapidly evolving electronic technology enables wildlife researchers to collect previously unobtainable data. To explore possibilities of using deer-borne cameras (DBCs) to collect behavioral data from an animal's point of view, we constructed DBCs and deployed them on 26 adult male white- tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) within a closed population (405-ha fenced area) in southern Texas just prior to the breeding season during autumn 2010. Our DBCs consisted of global positioning system collars with attached motion-activated trail cameras. We obtained 21,474 video clips from 17 functional DBCs over a period of 14 days. Individual-based data are invaluable in disease and population modeling; therefore, we confirmed the identify of 37 individual deer in field of view of DBCs based on ear tags, collar numbers, and antler characteristics (e.g., point counts, relative mass, tine length). Additionally, we recorded 85 contacts, including 36 with identifiable deer, involving breeding (n ¼ 1), sparring (n ¼ 63), grooming (n ¼ 5), and muzzle contact (n ¼ 16). Our results demonstrate the value of using DBCs to record direct contacts and associated behaviors and even to enable estimation of contact rates, thus improving the understanding of the potential for transmission of disease pathogens. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Total length (L(T)) (range 24-1000 mm; mean ±S.E. = 170.21 ± 0.36 mm) and mass (W) (range 0.10-9590 g; mean ±S.E. = 76.03 ± 0.87 g) of 36,460 specimens of marble trout Salmo marmoratus were used to compute a standard mass (W(s)) equation for this species by means of the empirical percentile (EmP) method. The EmP W(s) equation calculated was: log(10) W(s) = -5.208 + 3.202 log(10) L(T) - 0.046 (log(10) L(T))(2) (L(T) range 90-570 mm) and it is valid throughout the species' area of distribution across Europe.

Breeding success among male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has been correlated with numerous physical and physiological variables. We investigated the effect of relative body mass on breeding success in captive male deer from 21 breeding trials. Contrary to our prediction, larger males on average had identical levels of breeding success (59% of breeding opportunities) in the 1st and 2nd halves of the breeding season. The variability of breeding success increased with greater relative mass; thus deer with substantial mass disadvantages had only limited success, and males weighing 92% of the pen average had success ranging from 0% to 100% of potential breeding opportunities. Although constant proximity limited males primarily to a strategy of direct confrontation, some subordinate males evidently mated opportunistically when .1 female was receptive. We conclude that 1 uncontrolled variable, possibly related to aggressiveness or life-history strategy, remained influential and limited the ability of some males to compete successfully in spite of greater relative body mass.

We used mixed-effects models to examine relationships of reproductive characteristics of the giant gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas) to improve population modeling and conservation planning for this species. Neonates from larger litters had lower mass, and mass of neonates also was affected by random variation among mothers. Length of mother did not affect relative mass of litters; however, our data suggest that longer mothers expended less reproductive effort per offspring than shorter mothers. We detected random variation in length of neonates among mothers, but these lengths were not related to length of mother or size of litter. Mean size of litter varied among years, but little evidence existed for a relationship between size of litter or mass of litter and length of mother. Sex ratios of neonates did not differ from 1∶1.

We have leached fly ash samples from six power stations in potassium hydroxide solutions at a water-to-solid mass ratio of 40 g/g. A wet chemical method was developed which provides for a detailed characterization of the reactivity of fly ash. The leaching process could be divided into three stages. In stage one, reaction progress measured by the relative mass of fly ash reacted (α) was controlled by the rate of glass network dissolution while very little gel formed (α 0.45). The data were modeled using a modified Jander equation and rate constants were calculated for each process. The rate constants for stage one reflect an intrinsic glass property, chemical durability, which increased linearly with increasing concentration of network formers in the glass phase of a fly ash.

Context: Co-orbital systems are bodies that share the same mean orbit. They can be divided into different families according to the relative mass of the co-orbital partners and the particularities of their movement. Janus and Epimetheus are unique in that they are the only known co-orbital pair of comparable masses and thus the only known system in mutual horseshoe orbit. Aims: We aim to establish whether the Janus-Epimetheus system might have formed by disruption of an object in the current orbit of Epimetheus. Methods: We assumed that four large main fragments were formed and neglected smaller fragments. We used numerical integration of the full N-body problem to study the evolution of different fragment arrangements. Collisions were assumed to result in perfectly inelastic merging of bodies. We statistically analysed the outcome of these simulations to infer whether co-orbital systems might have formed from the chosen initial conditions. Results: Depending on the range of initial conditions, up to 9% of the simulations evolve into co-orbital systems. Initial velocities around the escape velocity of Janus yield the highest formation probability. Analysis of the evolution shows that all co-orbital systems are produced via secondary collisions. The velocity of these collisions needs to be low enough that the fragments can merge and not be destroyed. Generally, collisions are found to be faster than an approximate cut-off velocity threshold. However, given a sufficiently low initial velocity, up to 15% of collisions is expected to result in merging. Hence, the results of this study show that the considered formation scenario is viable., Comment: 9 Pages, 8 Figures

This article investigates the time-dependent influence on the shear failure behaviour of parallel rock joints in the echelon arrangement due to chemical weathering, which can be treated as a generalised time-dependency of the rock material. A time-dependent parameter α, identifying the accumulated relative mass removal of bonding material, has been implemented into a novel distinct element method bond contact model. This model is based on a series of mechanical test on bonded aluminium rods with different bond geometries. The numerical direct shear test results of echelon rock joints characterised by different values of α show that increasing time-dependent parameter α can lead to a lower crack initiation and peak stresses. This is accompanied by a growing ratio of the microscopic compressive–shear–torsional (CST) bond failure number of bond failures to the total number of failures, except for the case without weathering influence. High values of α render the material bridge a weaker part to be cut through, generating a large number of CST bond breakages along the central shear axis, This work is funded by the Major Project of Chinese National Programs for Fundamental Research and Development (973 Program) [grant number 2011CB013504], [grant number 2014CB046901]; China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists [grant number 51025932]; State Key Lab. of Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering [grant number SLDRCE14-A-04].

For a finite undirected graph $G = (V,E)$, let $p_{u,v}(t)$ denote the probability that a continuous-time random walk starting at vertex $u$ is in $v$ at time $t$. In this note we give an example of a Cayley graph $G$ and two vertices $u,v \in G$ for which the function \[ r_{u,v}(t) = \frac{p_{u,v}(t)} {p_{u,u}(t)} \qquad t \geq 0 \] is not monotonically non-decreasing. This answers a question asked by Peres in 2013.

The effect of extrusion, applied in the production of cold-pressed rapeseed cake on its nutritional value for broilers was evaluated. Two experiments were performed on 55 female broiler chickens, kept individually and allocated to 2 groups of 14 birds (growth trial) or to 3 groups of 9 chickens (digestibility trial). Rapeseed cakes pressed once (RC) or extruded and pressed again (RCE) were mixed in a 6:4 proportion with a basal diet and used in a balance trial with 3-week-old chickens. Furthermore, they were included into wheat-soyabean meal diets at a level of 100 or 150 g/kg and fed during 1-3 and 4-6 weeks of age, respectively, in a growth trial. Due to extrusion and additional pressing, the amount of crude fat decreased from17.4% in RC to 10% in REC, fat digestibility increased from 83 to 91% (P

Dark-colored particles in the coarse fractions of sandy soils were found to concentrate 137Cs. Up to 94% of the fractional 137Cs was associated with these particles in the sand and coarse silt fractions, although their relative mass did not exceed 1–5%. The concentrations of 137Cs in the dark-colored particles were up to 400 times higher than those in the light-colored particles. The high values of the radiocesium interception potential (RIP(K) = 1600–4600 mM/kg) indicate the presence of clay minerals in the dark particles.

Despite their relatively small total ice volume, mid-latitude valley glaciers are expected to make a significant contribution to global sea-level rise over the next century due to the sensitivity of their mass-balance systems to small changes in climate. Here we use a degree-day model to reconstruct the past century of mass-balance variation at ‘Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere’ Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand, and to predict how mass balance may change over the next century. Analysis of the relationship between temperature, precipitation and mass balance indicates that temperature is a stronger control than precipitation on the mass balance of Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier’s mass balance, relative to its 1986 geometry, has decreased at a mean annual rate of 0.02m a–1w.e. between 1894 and 2005. We compare this reduction to observations of terminus advance and retreat, of which Franz Josef Glacier has the best record in the Southern Hemisphere. For the years 2000–05 the relative mass balance ranged from –0.75 to +1.50m a–1w.e., with 2000/01 the only year showing a negative mass balance. In a regionally downscaled Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change mean warming scenario, the annual relative mass balance will continue to decrease at 0.02m a–1w.e. through the next century.

Two processes have been hypothesized to underlie improvement in perception: attunement and calibration. These processes were examined in a dynamic touch paradigm in which participants were asked to report the lengths of unseen, wielded rods differing in length, diameter, and material. Two experiments addressed whether feedback informs about the need for reattunement and recalibration. Feedback indicating actual length induced both recalibration and reattunement. Recalibration did not occur when feedback indicated only whether 2 rods were of the same length or of different lengths. Such feedback, however, did induce reattunement. These results suggest that attunement and calibration are dissociable processes and that feedback informs which is needed. The observed change in variable use has implications also for research on what mechanical variables underlie length perception by dynamic touch. Copyright 2005 by the American Psychological Association.

The SMC is now known to contain many more transient X-ray pulsars than would be expected based on a simple scaling of the number of such sources in the Galaxy by the relative mass of the SMC. We have been conducting regular monitoring observations of the SMC with the Proportional Counter Array on the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer since 1997. This has resulted in the discovery of many of these X-ray pulsars and also provided orbital period measurements from detections of regular outbursts. We can now investigate the differences and similarities of the Galactic and SMC X-ray pulsar populations and consider the origin of the huge SMC X-ray pulsar over-abundance.

The effects of prey size on prey-handling behavior for 60 ingestively naive hatchling Elaphe helena were studied in the laboratory. Hatchlings were randomly assigned to one of three diet categories in which prey (Mus musculus) varied by relative mass differences of 20-35%, 40-46%, or 50-59% of an individual snake's own body mass. The effects of prey size on capture position, direction of ingestion, condition of prey at ingestion (dead/alive), feeding duration, and prey-handling tactic were observed and recorded for each feeding episode. Results indicated that prey size significantly affected the prey-handling behavior of hatchling E. helena. In the largest relative mass category, hatchlings captured prey by the anterior end more often than in the smaller two relative mass categories. Prey from the smallest relative mass category were simply seized whereas, in the medium and large categories, pinion and constriction behaviors were observed. Time to subdue and ingest the prey item increased with prey size categories.

9 páginas, 4 tablas., The relative mass of major and trace elements that potentially can be released from the fly ashes generated in the main Greek power plants (Megalopolis A, Amynteon, Agios Dimitrios, Ptolemais, and Kardia) when they are landfilled and exposed to water have been determined. These fly ashes were subject to a one-stage leaching procedure using the Synthetic Groundwater Leaching Procedure (SGLP) test to simulate this situation. The elements Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, Mg, Na, K, S, Ag, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, I, La, Li, Lu, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr have been studied. Results show that the elements with the highest potential hazard for the environment are S, Ca, Br, I, Mo, and Sr. The elements with a moderate mobility are K, Na, Ti, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cs, Li, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, W, and Zn. Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ag, As, Be, Bi, Ce, Co, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, La, Lu, Mn, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, Tl, Tm, U, V, Y, Yb, and Zr have a low mobility and, consequently, a low potential hazard for the environment., This work was funded through the Greek-Spanish Bilateral Agreement for Scienti c Research, which is gratefully acknowledged.

The energy spectrum, atom-dimer scattering length, and atom-trimer scattering length for systems of three and four ultracold atoms with $\delta$-function interactions in one dimension are presented as a function of the relative mass ratio of the interacting atoms. The Born-Oppenheimer approach is used to treat three-body ("HHL") systems of one light and two heavy atoms, as well as four-body ("HHHL") systems of one light and three heavy atoms. Zero-range interactions of arbitrary strength are assumed between different atoms, but the heavy atoms are assumed to be noninteracting among themselves. Both fermionic and bosonic heavy atoms are considered., Comment: 22 pages, 6 figures. Includes both positive and negative parity cases for the four-body sector

In birds, individuals with a higher mass at fledging have a higher probability of recruiting into the breeding population. This can be because mass is an indicator of general condition and thereby of the ability to survive adverse circumstances, and/or because fledging mass is positively related to competitive strength in interactions with other fledglings. This latter explanation leads to two testable predictions: (i) there is stronger selection for fledging mass when there is more severe competition (i.e. at higher densities); and (ii) that besides absolute hedging mass, relative mass of fledglings within a cohort is important. We test these two predictions in two great tit (Parus major) populations. The first prediction was met for one of the populations, showing that competition affects the importance of mass-dependent recruitment. The second prediction, that fledglings recruit relatively well if they are heavy compared to the other fledglings, is met for both populations. The consequence of the importance of relative rather than absolute fledging mass is that the fitness consequences of reproductive decisions affecting fledging mass, such as clutch size, depend on the decisions of other individuals in the population. [KEYWORDS: Parus major; density dependence; selection; body mass; fledging mass; recruitment Parus-major; clutch size; juvenile survival; nestling weight; song sparrows; population; dominance; selection]

Rearrangement of the Colburn-Drew equations which model mass transfer in a binary mixture leads to a form that combines the mass transfer contribution of diffusion and bulk flow in one coefficient. For a two-film model, the relative mass transfer resistances of each film are then easily formulated.