Sexual size and shape dimorphism in Salamandra salamandra (Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae) from the central Balkans

Sexual size dimorphism is one of the key evolutionary features that has been studied in many organisms. On the other hand, sexual shape dimorphism has not been examined as well despite being as important as size dimorphism. Therefore, we analyzed the sexual size and shape dimorphism (SSSD) of Salamandra salamandra from the territory of the central Balkans. In addition, we wanted to reconsider if there is some regularity in the geographical distribution of SSSD in the investigated area. Significant differences in size and shape between the sexes were found for the whole sample and among the analyzed groups. Females were larger than males and had bigger heads, interlimb distances and a parotid gland, while males had bigger tails, forelimbs, hindlimbs, and forefoot and hindfoot length. Our results reveal a strong effect of locality on trait variation. This variation from the general pattern of SSSD is not substantial but still has to be considered.nul

Dermatoglyphics as a possible morphological biomarker in myopia: analysis of finger ridge counts and fluctuating asymmetry

Background: The aim of this study is to provide the first analysis of finger ridge counts and fluctuating asymmetry in myopia, in order to evaluate dermatoglyphic role as a morphological biomarker. Materials and methods: Study sample consisted of 102 participants recruited from freshman students’ population of the University of Priština-Kosovska Mitro- vica. Prints were taken by standard ink and paper method. Differences in mean ridge counts between examined groups were analysed by ANOVA analysis of variance. Fluctuating asymmetry assessment was performed by using correlation method (p < 0.05).  Results: Analysis has identified myopic males as the group with the most pro- minent differences of examined dermatoglyphic parameters. Myopic males, compared to controls, have significantly higher ridge counts for left and right ring and little finger, as well as total ridge count. Also, this group has recorded significant difference in fluctuating asymmetry correlation score for middle finger, and borderline significance for thumb and ring finger.  Conclusions: Overall findings of this study have indicated that dermatoglyphics might serve as a morphological biomarker, especially in myopic males, selecting them as the group with dermatoglyphic differences that might be suggestive of higher developmental instability. Although promising, the present results should be considered as preliminary until future investigations replicate them in a larger sample.

Sexual size and shape dimorphism in Salamandra salamandra (Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae) from the central Balkans

Sexual size dimorphism is one of the key evolutionary features that has been studied in many organisms. On the other hand, sexual shape dimorphism has not been examined as well despite being as important as size dimorphism. Therefore, we analyzed the sexual size and shape dimorphism (SSSD) of Salamandra salamandra from the territory of the central Balkans. In addition, we wanted to reconsider if there is some regularity in the geographical distribution of SSSD in the investigated area. Significant differences in size and shape between the sexes were found for the whole sample and among the analyzed groups. Females were larger than males and had bigger heads, interlimb distances and a parotid gland, while males had bigger tails, forelimbs, hindlimbs, and forefoot and hindfoot length. Our results reveal a strong effect of locality on trait variation. This variation from the general pattern of SSSD is not substantial but still has to be considered.nul

The background scale Ward identity in quantum gravity

We show that with suitable choices of parametrization, gauge fixing and cutoff, the anomalous variation of the effective action under global rescalings of the background metric is identical to the derivative with respect to the cutoff, i.e. to the beta functional, as defined by the exact RG equation. The Ward identity and the RG equation can be combined, resulting in a modified flow equation that is manifestly invariant under global background rescalings

Far infrared properties of sintered PbTe doped with boron

Far infrared spectra of sintered PbTe doped with boron were analyzed. The measured infrared spectra were fated using a modified plasmon-phonnon interaction model with two additional oscillators (at about 195 cm(-1) and 285 cm(-1)) representing local B-impurity modes. The obtained results were compared with previously published data for a single crystal PbTe sample doped with boron

Challenges and issues in continuum modelling of tribology, wear, cutting and other processes involving high-strain rate plastic deformation of metals

Contribution of finite element method (FEM) as a modelling and simulation technique to represent complex tribological processes has improved our understanding about various biomaterials. This paper presents a review of the advances in the domain of finite element (FE) modelling for simulating tribology, wear, cutting and other processes involving high-strain rate plastic deformation of metals used in bio tribology and machining. Although the study is largely focused on material removal cases in metals, the modelling strategies can be applied to a wide range of other materials. This study discusses the development of friction models, meshing and remeshing strategies, and constitutive material models. The mesh-based and meshless formulations employed for bio tribological simulations with their advantages and limitations are also discussed. The output solution variables including scratch forces, local temperature, residual stresses are analyzed as a function of input variables

Far infrared properties of sintered PbTe doped with boron

Far infrared spectra of sintered PbTe doped with boron were analyzed. The measured infrared spectra were fitted using a modified plasmon-phonnon interaction model with two additional oscillators (at about 195 cm-1 and 285 cm-1) representing local B-impurity modes. The obtained results were compared with previously published data for a single crystal PbTe sample doped with boron

The springtails (Insecta: Collembola) fauna at different microhabitats of Bečići beach, Montenegro

Collembola fauna has been investigated at different microhabitats near the beach in Bečići, Montenegro. Samples were collected from four locations: Hotel 'Tara', 'Sveti Toma' Church (St. Thomas), Hotel 'Naftagas' and 'Zelena Stena' (Green Rock). Each of the location presented different microhabitat: under the palm tree, cypresses tree, larch tree and white pine tree. Samples were taken in May and September 2015 and results presented as qualitative findings. Total number of 30 Collembola species was identified, classified into six families and 17 genera. Representatives of the family Hypogastruridae and Isotomidae were recorded at all of the studied sites, while representatives of the families: Naenuridae, Onychiuridae, Entomobryidae and Sminthuridae were present on some of locations. The biggest number of species and the highest Collembola population density was found at the Green Stone site, 24 species in total, microhabitat- white pine, and the smallest number of species, 6 on site 'St. Thomas' Church, microhabitat- cypresses trees

A longitudinal analysis of urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome flares in the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151272/1/bju14783.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151272/2/bju14783_am.pd