Malnutrition, School Feeding and Educational Performance. Notes, Comments...No. 186 = Malnutrition, alimentation scolaire et resultats educatifs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levinger, Beryl

Studies reviewed in this paper analyze the relationship between School Feeding Programme (SFP) participation and cognitive development in both developing and industralized countries. Contents concern: (1) the relationship betweeen diet and cognitive development; (2) limitations of intelligence quotient tests and the need for more adequate…

Network Based Approach in the Establishment of the Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications at the Molecular Level Coupled with Molecular Docking Mechanism

PubMed Central

Rampogu Lemuel, Mary

2016-01-01

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major metabolic disorders that is currently threatening the world. DM is seen associated with obesity and diabetic retinopathy (DR). In the present paper we tried to evaluate the relationship between the three aliments at the gene level and further performed the molecular docking to identify the common drug for all the three diseases. We have adopted several software programs such as Phenopedia, VennViewer, and CDOCKER to accomplish the objective. Our results revealed six genes that commonly associated and are involved in the signalling pathway. Furthermore, evaluation of common gene association from the selected set of genes projected the presence of SIRT1 in all the three aliments. Therefore, we targeted protein 4KXQ which was produced from the gene SIRT1 and challenged it with eight phytochemicals, adopting the CDOCKER. C1 compound has displayed highest -CDOCKER energy and -CDOCKER interaction energy of 43.6905 and 43.3953, respectively. Therefore, this compound is regarded as the most potential lead molecule. PMID:27699170

Network Based Approach in the Establishment of the Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications at the Molecular Level Coupled with Molecular Docking Mechanism.

PubMed

Rampogu, Shailima; Rampogu Lemuel, Mary

2016-01-01

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major metabolic disorders that is currently threatening the world. DM is seen associated with obesity and diabetic retinopathy (DR). In the present paper we tried to evaluate the relationship between the three aliments at the gene level and further performed the molecular docking to identify the common drug for all the three diseases. We have adopted several software programs such as Phenopedia, VennViewer, and CDOCKER to accomplish the objective. Our results revealed six genes that commonly associated and are involved in the signalling pathway. Furthermore, evaluation of common gene association from the selected set of genes projected the presence of SIRT1 in all the three aliments. Therefore, we targeted protein 4KXQ which was produced from the gene SIRT1 and challenged it with eight phytochemicals, adopting the CDOCKER. C1 compound has displayed highest -CDOCKER energy and -CDOCKER interaction energy of 43.6905 and 43.3953, respectively. Therefore, this compound is regarded as the most potential lead molecule.

[Effect of the alimentary factor on the immunobiologic reactivity of children's bodies].

PubMed

Voznesenskaia, F M; Panshinskaia, N M

1976-01-01

Observations covered 66 healthy six-year old children of a childrens' home. The actual alimentation of the children was studied according to tabulated values for one year and 112 apportionoments. In the rations of actual nutrition a disturbed correlation of proteins, fats and carbohydrates was noted. Seasonal variations of the salival lysozyme activity were revealed against the background of the actual alimentation. The lowest antimicrobial activity of the lysozyme was recorded in the winter and spring seasons of the year. The low lysozyme activity of the saliva in spring may be explained by deficiency of the animal protein in the ration. In winter time added to the insufficient content of the animal protein were features specific for the day's routine, typical of this season. An addition of the animal protein to the actual nutritional rations of the children, in the form of eggs and nonfat dry milk and a correction of the proteins, fats and carbohydrates proportions in the rations led to a statistically significant rise in the lysozyme activity in the saliva of children during all the months of observation.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 Outbreak Associated with the Consumption of Beef and Veal Tartares in the Province of Quebec, Canada, in 2013.

PubMed

Gaulin, Colette; Ramsay, Danielle; Catford, Angela; Bekal, Sadjia

2015-07-01

An Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak occurred in 2013 that was associated with the consumption of beef and veal tartares in the province of Quebec. This report describes the results of the ensuing investigation. As the outbreak was identified, all individuals in the province of Quebec affected with the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 as defined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Cases reported from other provinces in Canada were interviewed by their public health authorities and the results were reported to the Quebec public health authorities. Microbiological and environmental investigations were conducted by the Sous-ministériat à la santé animale et à l'inspection des aliments du Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec, by the Ville de Montréal's Food Inspection Branch, and by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at the restaurants, suppliers, and slaughterhouses identified. In total, seven individuals in three different Canadian provinces became ill following infection with the same outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. Two cases were hospitalized and one had severe hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths were reported. Two restaurant locations serving different tartare meals including, beef, veal, salmon, tuna, and duck were identified as potential sources of the outbreak. No deficiencies at the restaurant locations were observed during inspections by food inspectors. The risk of consuming tartare can be lowered when basic hygienic rules are followed, temperature is strictly controlled, and fresh meat is used. However, even if handling, chopping, and temperature control during storage of the meat are considered adequate, tartare is a raw product and the risk of contamination is present. Consumers should be advised that consuming this product can lead to serious illness.

The linoleic acid: dihomo-y-linolenic acid ratio (LA:DGLA)— an emerging biomarker of Zn status

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common aliment predicted to affect 17% of the world’s population. Zinc is a vital micronutrient used for over 300 enzymatic reactions and multiple biochemical and structural processes in the body. Although whole blood, plasma, and urine zinc decrease in severe zinc deficien...

Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic. Apprenticeship Training Standards = Mecanicien de systemes d'alimentation en carburant et electriques. Normes de formation en apprentissage.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ontario Ministry of Skills Development, Toronto.

These training standards for fuel and electrical systems mechanics are intended to be used by apprentice/trainees, instructors, and companies in Ontario, Canada, as a blueprint for training or as a prerequisite for prerequisite for accreditation/certification. The training standards identify skills required for this occupation and its related…

[Enteral nutrition in patients with ulcerative and postburn cicatrix strictures of the esophagus and stomach outcome region].

PubMed

Abakumov, M M; Kostiuchenko, L N

2009-01-01

Decompensated cicatrices stricture of upper alimentary canal is a complex disease clinically presenting a high mechanical blocking and leads to expressed abnormality of homeostasis, which requires its pathogenetic correction of urgency evidence. The greatest difficulty is correct protein-energy malnutrition and water-electrolyte metabolism. Prior to the imposition of stoma for feeding should begin immediately with standard parenteral nutrition solutions. In a subsequent it is nessesary to resort more physiologecal tube alimentasion. As with esophageal postambustion stricture electrical activity of the stomach inhibiting and in essentially remains small bowel function, preference should be given to ways of enteral threpsology support. This can be used as a balanced composition in breeding (primary breeding should be 1: 2) and special blends for intraintestinal alimentation (close chyme on line carrying the major components). In the case of postambustion struck of outlet termination stomach department when identified violations of the underlying functions of the digestive canal division, rational come to gentle tactics of enteral alimentation using mixtures, completely similar in composition to himus. At stricture janitor ulcer genesis appropriate tactics is enteral correction, similar to that used in the event of postambustion strictures of the zones when bowel function is largely preserved.

Katimavik Participant's Manual, Book VIII, Nutrition and Well-Being = Katimavik manuel du participant, cahier VIII, l'alimentation et le bien-etre.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crelinsten, Michael, Ed.

The bilingual student manual focuses on the nutrition and well-being learning activity portion of Katimavik, a nine-month volunteer community service and experiential learning program for 17 to 21 year old Canadians. Providing participants with basic information and tools to assess and improve nutritional states and tie nutrition concerns into a…

Improved Nozzle Testing Techniques in Transonic Flow

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-10-01

axiale) et comporte un barreau dynamometrique equips de jauges de contrainte. La canne est solidaire d’un ensemble balance-bloc d’alimentation des...s a l’aide de capteurs produisant un signal ilectrique : Pressions : capteurs ä jauges Temperatures : thermocouples Chromel-Alumel - Efforts...barreau dynamometrique a jauges de contrainte. Les signaux eiectriques sont acquis et traites par la chaine automatique de la soufflerie. Les mesures

Enjeux de fin de vie dans les cas de démence avancée

PubMed Central

Arcand, Marcel

2015-01-01

Résumé Objectif Répondre aux questions souvent posées sur la prise en charge de la pneumonie en phase terminale, de l’apport nutritionnel insuffisant et de la déshydratation dans les cas de démence avancée. Sources des données Une recherche a été effectuée dans MEDLINE sur Ovid pour des articles pertinents publiés jusqu’en février 2015. Aucune étude de niveau I n’a été relevée; la plupart des articles fournissaient des preuves de niveaux III. Les suggestions en matière de prise en charge des symptômes s’appuient en partie sur une récente participation à une approche Delphi visant à concevoir une directive pour le soulagement optimal des symptômes chez les patients atteints de pneumonie et de démence. Message principal Les sondes d’alimentation ne sont pas recommandés chez les patients atteints de démence terminale. L’alimentation de confort manuelle est préférable. L’hydratation parentérale pourrait être utile, mais elle peut aussi contribuer à l’inconfort à la fin de la vie. Si les soins buccaux sont adéquats, l’abstention ou la cessation de l’alimentation et de l’hydratation artificielles ne sont généralement pas associées à des manifestations d’inconfort. Puisque la pneumonie est habituellement très inconfortable, les cliniciens doivent être attentifs à la maîtrise des symptômes. La sédation pour maîtriser l’agitation est souvent utile chez les patients atteints de démence terminale. Conclusion Les soins à visée symptomatique sont une option appropriée pour les manifestations terminales de la démence avancée. Les lignes directrices de prise en charge des symptômes proposées s’appuient sur une revue de la littérature et sur un consensus d’experts.

High prevalence of self-medication practices among medical and pharmacy students: a study from Jordan.

PubMed

Alkhatatbeh, Mohammad J; Alefan, Qais; Alqudah, Mohammad A Y

2016-05-01

To assess self-medication practices and to evaluate the impact of obtaining medical knowledge on self-medication among medical and pharmacy students at Jordan University of Science and Technology. This was a cross-sectional study. A well-validated questionnaire that included 3 sections about self-medication was administered to the subjects after introducing the term "self-medication" verbally. 1,317 students had participated in the study and were subgrouped according to their academic level into seniors and juniors. Compared to the general population rate of 42.5%, self-medication practice was reported by (1,034, 78.5%) of the students and most common amongst pharmacy students (n = 369, 82.9%) compared to Pharm.D. (n = 357, 77.9%) and medical students (n = 308, 74.4%) (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference between juniors and seniors (557, 79.1% vs. 477, 77.8%, p = 0.59, respectively). Headache (71.2%) and common cold (56.5%) were frequent ailments that provoked self-medication. Analgesics (79.9%) and antibiotics (59.8%) were frequently used to self-treat these aliments. Reasons for self-medication included previous disease experience (55.7%); minor aliments (55.3%); and having enough medical knowledge (32.1%). Medicines were used according to instructions obtained mainly from the leaflet (28.8%); pharmacist (20.7%); and university courses (19.7%). Senior students were more aware of the risk of self-medication than junior students. The majority of students frequently advise other people about self-medication (83.6%). Self-medication was common among students irrespective to their level of medical knowledge. Obtaining medical knowledge increased the students' awareness of the risk of self-medication which may result in practicing responsible self-medication. However, medical teaching institutions need to educate students about the proper use of medicines as a therapeutic tool.

Educational intervention to improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet among parents and their children aged 1-2 years. EniM clinical trial.

PubMed

Roset-Salla, Margarita; Ramon-Cabot, Joana; Salabarnada-Torras, Jordi; Pera, Guillem; Dalmau, Albert

2016-04-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational programme on healthy alimentation, carried out in day-care centres and aimed at the parents of children from 1 to 2 years of age, regarding the acquisition of healthy eating habits among themselves and their children. We performed a multicentre, multidisciplinary, randomized controlled study in a community setting. The EniM study (nutritional intervention study among children from Mataró) was performed in twelve day-care centres in Mataró (Spain). Centres were randomized into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). IG received four or five educational workshops on diet, CG did not have workshops. Children, not exclusively breast-fed, from 1 to 2 years of age, in the participating day-care centres and the persons responsible for their alimentation (mother or father). Thirty-five per cent of the IG did not attend the minimum of three workshops and were excluded. The CG included seventy-four children and seventy-two parents and the IG seventy-five children and sixty-seven parents. Both groups were comparable at baseline. Basal adherence to the Mediterranean diet was 56·4 % in parents (Gerber index) and 7·7 points in children (Kidmed test). At 8 months, Mediterranean diet adherence had improved in the IG by 5·8 points in the Gerber index (P=0·01) and 0·6 points in the Kidmed test (P=0·02) compared with the CG. This educational intervention performed in parents at the key period of incorporation of a 1-2-year-old child to the family table showed significant increases in adherence of the parents to the Mediterranean diet, suggesting future improvement in different indicators of health and an expected influence on the diet of their children.

Compensatory growth in crossbred Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue steers: Effects on the colour, shear force and sensory characteristics of longissimus muscle.

PubMed

Keady, S M; Waters, S M; Hamill, R M; Dunne, P G; Keane, M G; Richardson, R I; Kenny, D A; Moloney, A P

2017-03-01

The effect of feed restriction (99days) followed by compensatory growth during a 200day re-alimentation period on the colour and sensory characteristics of meat from Aberdeen Angus×Holstein-Friesian (AN) and Belgian Blue×Holstein-Friesian (BB) steers was examined. Compensatory growth had no effect on muscle pH and temperature decline, chemical composition, drip loss, fat colour, or juiciness, but increased (P=0.009) Warner-Bratzler shear force and decreased tenderness (P=0.08) and overall liking (P=0.09). Compared to meat from BB steers, meat from AN steers had a higher intramuscular fat concentration and was rated similarly for tenderness, but higher for many of the flavour characteristics examined. While adjustment for intramuscular fat concentration removed some of these differences, genotype-specific flavour differences remained. It is concluded that genotype had greater effects on meat quality than the compensatory growth feeding regime imposed in this study. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis of edema and inflammation in human intestines using ultrawideband radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Sonny; Narayanan, Ram M.; Messaris, Evangelos

2015-05-01

Human intestines are vital organs, which are often subjected to chronic issues. In particular, Crohn's disease is a bowel aliment resulting in inflammation along the lining of one's digestive tract. Moreover, such an inflammatory condition causes changes in the thickness of the intestines; and we posit induce changes in the dielectric properties detectable by radar. This detection hinges on the increase in fluid content in the afflicted area, which is described by effective medium approximations (EMA). In this paper, we consider one of the constitutive parameters (i.e. relative permittivity) of different human tissues and introduce a simple numerical, electromagnetic multilayer model. We observe how the increase in water content in one layer can be approximated to predict the effective permittivity of that layer. Moreover, we note trends in how such an accumulation can influence the total effective reflection coefficient of the multiple layers.

NICS report links VOCs to respiratory problems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kirschner, E.

1992-04-22

Children who live near the chemical plants of Kanawha Valley, WV, suffer more acute and chronic respiratory aliments than those farther away, says a Harvard University School of Public Health report. In the $1-million, five-year study commissioned by the National Institute for Chemical Studies (NICS:Charleston, WV) and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, proximity to chemical plants that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was linked to higher incidence of asthma, acute eye irritation, shortness of breath, and chronic cough. The researchers say they adjusted for most other factors, such as parental smoking and petroleum. {open_quotes}The research hypothesis was whether childrenmore » in the valley had more symptoms,{close_quotes} says NICS president Paul Hill. {open_quotes}Yes, there is a difference.{close_quotes} The study showed that some ailments were up to 28% more prevalent in children in the valley than in other Kanawha County children.« less

Flavor evaluation of yak butter in Tsinghai-Tibet Plateau and isolation of microorganisms contributing flavor.

PubMed

Hu, SongQing; Wei, HaiLiu; Guo, ShaSha; Li, Lin; Hou, Yi

2011-02-01

Yak butter in Tsinghai-Tibet Plateau possesses the characters of high energy, abundant alimentation and a special flavor with certain medical and health care functions. In this paper the organoleptic flavor of yak butter was estimated, and 28 kinds of substance with different flavors were identified with the technique of coupling gas chromatography to mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results showed that there are many microorganisms in yak butter with natural inoculation, which contribute to the formation of its special flavors. It was found that three of these 15 microorganisms, identified as Saccharomycetaceae, Penicillium and Asperillus separately, contributed the most to flavors. The microorganisms are expected to be applied in the food industry, especially to produce dairy food with the unique flavor of yak butter. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

L'optique pour la sécurité sanitaire des aliments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piat, Félix

2017-12-01

Il semble aujourd'hui évident que chaque produit alimentaire commercialisé ne représente aucun danger pour la santé. Cet acquis repose pourtant sur un système complexe de règles et de contrôles appliqués quotidiennement dans les coulisses de l'industrie agro-alimentaire. Les technologies optiques y jouent un rôle prépondérant, permettant de séparer le bon grain de l'ivraie.

Nutrition Science and Food Standards for Military Operations (Nutrition et normes d’alimentation pour les operations militaires)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

granola) 5 Pouched bread or similar (includes ‘lunch burger’) 5 Starch (e.g. potato powder, potato goulash, pasta, rice, instant noodles ) 5 Dried fruit...mackerel) 4 Starch (e.g. potato powder, potato goulash, pasta, rice, instant noodles , tortilla) 4 Cereal, dry (e.g. muesli mix, oatmeal block...rice or 55 g flavoured instant noodles or 50 g potato and onion powder) bev powder (artificially sweetened) (1x12 g) sports drink powder (1x70 g

[Contagious diseases in the Austro-Hungarian Army during the First World War].

PubMed

Kiss, Gábor

2010-01-01

Before the WWI significantly more loss was caused to armies by various epidemies, than by weapons. Although as a result of development of medical sciences in the WWI this rate changed, the main epidemies namely cholera, malaria and trachoma still ravaged quite often. In spite of the fact, that alimentation of Austro-Hungarian soldiers gradually deteriorated during the war, so they fell victims more easily to diseases, the sanitary service successfully prevented outbreaks of larger epidemies.

Annual Historical Report, AMEDD Activities, Calendar Year 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

Durkot, J.L. Briggs, M.S. Rose and E.W. Askew. Metabolic effects of supplementing a hypocaloric diet with fat. FASEB J. 3:A448, 1989. 26. Sutton...a hypocaloric diet with fat. FASEB J. 3(3):A448, 1989. 22. Morgan, T.E., S.H. Laramee. Enteral alimentation: Pump- controlled nutrient infusion. J...calorie deficient diet for 30 days. FASEB J. 3:A463, 1989. 24. Meehan, R.T., N.M. Cintron, W.J. Kraemer, P.B. Rock and A. Cymerman. Association between

Dental health and alimentation among the Quintana Roo Mayas: coastal and inland sites of the classic-postclassic periods.

PubMed

Ortega-Muñoz, Allan

2015-01-01

The goal of this study is to compare both dental and skeletal stress indicators of the Classic and Postclassic coastal and inland sites of the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The hypothesis is that coastal populations will show osteo and dental pathologies characteristic of a primarily marine food source combined with a diet of horticultural resources. This kind of alimentation provides people with less environmental stress and therefore a better health status. However, over time, in the Postclassic period, the health conditions deteriorated among both coastal and inland inhabitants, according to the hierarchization of the society, militarization, and commercial activities of all the coastal sites. The sample was drawn from 19 sites (196 individuals of both sexes) from the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as from inland localities within the boundaries of Quintana Roo. Both dental and osteological stress indicators were analyzed, and crosstabs were applied for absolute and relative frequencies and their corresponding χ(2) and F Fisher analyses. The osteopathological index of the coastal and inland sites of the Classic period were compared over time between the Classic coastal inhabitants and the Postclassic coastal inhabitants so as to understand how life conditions changed over time. The Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio, with the crosstabs controlling for sex (males and females), was also carried out. There are low frequencies of dental pathologies and anemia present in both the coastal and inland populations of Quintana Roo in the Classic and Postclassic times. Only the presence of periostitis is highly common in both types of site, and this is the only indicator with significant differences. The dental pathologies, anemia and periostitis, in general, present a slight upward trend in both the coastal and inland populations over time. The coastal populations have fewer frequencies of the above than the inland sites whilst, in the Postclassic period, both the coastal and inland sites register increased frequencies of all the indicators. Linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) is the only indicator that does not follow this tendency. The analyzed indicators are in accord with the general tendency reported in the literature. The results revealed a general trend whereby the Classic inland sites display poorer life conditions than the Classic coastal sites. In the Postclassic period, this pattern changed because the frequencies of all stress indicators increased. The explanations regarding this tendency are related to the differential access to food resources between regions; coastal people had a varied diet and better sources of protein, taking into account the culture of alimentation, the type, and the sources (in general, fish) that have an important impact on the absorption of micronutrients and therefore greater impact on local health conditions. Also, it is plausible that they were able to access imported food through commerce (such as meat and vegetables/corn). The decline in health of the coastal people in the Postclassic period was probably associated with social stratification, increasing militarism, changes in the economic corpus, new pathogens, and the decline of the power structures prevailing throughout the Classic period. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Problems associated with the disposal of radioactive wastes in the sea (in French)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ancellin, J.

1973-06-01

The disposal of radioactive wastes in the sea (case of the La Hague site) is favored by the physical dispersion and transport of the effluents by marine currents. Concentration and precipitation phenomena can inhibit the dispersion. Research has been effected on the way in which the fixing of pollutants occurs and the degree to which it occurs. Investigations were then carried out on the utilization of the marine environment by man (foodstuffs from the sea, distribution of such products, alimentation, critical population groups). (FR)

Medieval Horse Stable; The Results of Multi Proxy Interdisciplinary Research

PubMed Central

Dejmal, Miroslav; Lisá, Lenka; Fišáková Nývltová, Miriam; Bajer, Aleš; Petr, Libor; Kočár, Petr; Kočárová, Romana; Nejman, Ladislav; Rybníček, Michal; Sůvová, Zdenka; Culp, Randy; Vavrčík, Hanuš

2014-01-01

A multi proxy approach was applied in the reconstruction of the architecture of Medieval horse stable architecture, the maintenance practices associated with that structure as well as horse alimentation at the beginning of 13th century in Central Europe. Finally, an interpretation of the local vegetation structure along Morava River, Czech Republic is presented. The investigated stable experienced two construction phases. The infill was well preserved and its composition reflects maintenance practices. The uppermost part of the infill was composed of fresh stabling, which accumulated within a few months at the end of summer. Horses from different backgrounds were kept in the stable and this is reflected in the results of isotope analyses. Horses were fed meadow grasses as well as woody vegetation, millet, oat, and less commonly hemp, wheat and rye. Three possible explanations of stable usage are suggested. The stable was probably used on a temporary basis for horses of workers employed at the castle, courier horses and horses used in battle. PMID:24670874

Sequential, solid-phase assay for biotin in physiologic fluids that correlates with expected biotin status

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mock, D.M.; DuBois, D.B.

1986-03-01

Interest in accurate measurement of biotin concentrations in plasma and urine has been stimulated by recent advances in the understanding of biotin-responsive inborn errors of metabolism and by several reports describing acquired biotin deficiency during parenteral alimentation. This paper presents a biotin assay utilizing radiolabeled avidin in a sequential, solid-phase method; the assay has increased sensitivity compared to previous methods (greater than or equal to 10 fmol/tube), correlates with expected trends in biotin concentrations in blood and urine in a rat model of biotin deficiency, and can utilize commercially available radiolabeled avidin.

Elemental composition of some essential cations in human ocular tissue

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Panessa-Warren, B.J.; Kraner, H.W.; Warren, J.B.

1983-01-01

To obtain data on the baseline elemental content in normal adult sensory retina, RPE and iris, normal non-diabetic eyes were analyzed and these results were used for comparison to similarly prepared samples from diabetic donor eyes. To determine if the concentrations of the cations, Ca, Ba and Zn were altered by the age, alimentation and exposure to light of the donor, tissue from children (from 25 weeks gestation to 8-1/2 years old) was also analyzed by x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, proton induced x-ray emission spectroscopy, and light and electron (scanning and transmission) microscopy.

Mesalazine in treating diverticular disease of the colon.

PubMed

Tursi, Antonio

2013-07-01

Evaluation of: Kruis W, Meier E, Schumacher M, Mickisch O, Greinwald R, Mueller R; German SAG-20 Study Group. Randomised clinical trial: mesalazine (Salofalk granules) for uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon - a placebo-controlled study. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 37(7), 680-690 (2013). Although diverticular disease (DD) is one of the commonest diseases in the western world, robust evidences about its treatment are lack so far. A recent, placebo-controlled study found mesalazine effective in obtaining pain relief in patients suffering from DD. A brief comment is provided herein in order to assess the rationale of this drug in treating DD.

The effect of 1-week feed restriction on performance, digestibility of nutrients and digestive system development in the growing rabbit.

PubMed

Tůmová, E; Volek, Z; Chodová, D; Härtlová, H; Makovický, P; Svobodová, J; Ebeid, T A; Uhlířová, L

2016-01-01

A 3 to 4 week feed restriction of about 20% to 25% of the free intake is widely applied in rabbit breeding systems to reduce post-weaning digestive disorders. However, a short intensive feed restriction is described in few studies and can be beneficial for growing rabbits due to a longer re-alimentation period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ad libitum (AL) and two restriction levels of feeding (50 and 65 g/rabbit per day) applied for 1 week on performance, gastrointestinal morphology and physiological parameters during the restriction and during the re-alimentation period. Rabbits were divided into three experimental groups: AL rabbits were fed AL, R1 rabbits were restricted from 42 to 49 days of age and received 50 g daily (29% of AL) and R2 rabbits were restricted at the same age and were fed 65 g of feed daily (37% of AL). In the 1(st) week after weaning and in the weeks after restriction, all the groups were fed AL. During the restriction period, daily weight gain (DWG) in R1 significantly dropped to 11% (experiment 1) and 5% (experiment 2) compared with rabbits in the AL group, although they were fed 29% of AL, whereas in the R2 group it decreased to 20% (experiment 1) and 10% (experiment 2). In the week following feed restriction, DWG in the restricted groups increased (P<0.001) to 166% and 148% in R1 and to 128% and 145% in R2. Restricted rabbits in both the experiments reached up to 90% to 93% of the final live weight (70 days) of the AL group. Over the entire experimental period, feed restriction significantly decreased feed intake to 85% to 88% of the AL group; however, the feed conversion ratio was lower (P<0.05) only in experiment 1 (-6% in R1 and -4% in R2). Digestibilities of CP and fat were not significantly higher during the restriction period and during the 1(st) week of re-alimentation compared with the AL group. Significant interactions between feeding regime and age revealed the shortest large intestine in the AL group at 49 days of age and the longest at 70 days in the AL and R1 groups. Small intestinal villi were significantly higher and the crypts were significantly deeper in the restricted groups. It could be concluded that short intensive feed restriction increased digestible area in the small and large intestines, including the height of villi and depth of crypts, which might be involved in the compensatory growth and defence mechanism.

Etude analytique du fonctionnement des moteurs à réluctance alimentés à fréquence variable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sargos, F. M.; Gudefin, E. J.; Zaskalicky, P.

1995-03-01

In switched reluctance motors fed by a constant voltage source (like a battery) at high frequencies, the current becomes unpredictable and often cannot reach a given reference value, because of the variation of the inductances with the rotor position ; the “motional” m.m.f. generates commutation troubles which increase with the frequency. An optimal control as well as an approximate design of the motor require a quick and simple calculation of currents, powers and losses ; now, in principle, the non-linear electrical equation needs a numerical resolution, whose results cannot be extrapolated. By linearizing this equation by intervals, the method proposed here allows to express analytically, in any case, the phase currents, the torque and the copper losses, when the feeding voltage itself is constant by intervals. The model neglects saturation, but a simple adjustment of the inductance (chosen ad libitum) allows to deal with it. The calculation is immediate and perfectly accurate as long as the machine parameters themselves are well defined. Some results are given as examples for two usual feeding modes. Dans les machines à réluctance alimentées à haute fréquence par une source à tension constante, comme une batterie, le courant varie de manière difficilement prévisible, à cause de la variation des inductances avec la position du rotor, et souvent ne parvient pas à s'établir à une valeur de consigne imposée ; la f.é.m. “motionnelle” engendre des difficultés de communication qui s'aggravent avec l'augmentation de fréquence jusqu'à empêcher le fonctionnement. Tant pour optimiser la commande que pour dimensionner approximativement un moteur ; on doit pouvoir calculer simplement et rapidement le courant et la puissance ; or l'équation électrique, non linéaire, doit en principe être résolue numériquement et les résultats ne sont pratiquement pas extrapolables. En linéarisant par intervalles cette équation, la méthode proposée ici permer d'exprimer analytiquement et dans tous les cas les courants de phase, la puissance fournie et les pertes Joule, lorsque la tension aux bornes de l'enroulement est constante par morceaux. Le modèle utilisé néglige la saturation ; mais il est possible de tenir compte de celle-ci par des ajustements, facilement calculables, de la courbe d'inductance, quelle que soit son allure. Les calculs sont immédiats et parfaitement précis pour autant que les paramètres soient bien définis. Quelques résultats sont donnés à titre d'exemple, pour deux modes d'alimentation usuels.

The Genus Artemisia: A 2012–2017 Literature Review on Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial, Insecticidal and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils

PubMed Central

Singh, Pooja

2017-01-01

Essential oils of aromatic and medicinal plants generally have a diverse range of activities because they possess several active constituents that work through several modes of action. The genus Artemisia includes the largest genus of family Asteraceae has several medicinal uses in human and plant diseases aliments. Extensive investigations on essential oil composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal and antioxidant studies have been conducted for various species of this genus. In this review, we have compiled data of recent literature (2012–2017) on essential oil composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal and antioxidant activities of different species of the genus Artemisia. Regarding the antimicrobial and insecticidal properties we have only described here efficacy of essential oils against plant pathogens and insect pests. The literature revealed that 1, 8-cineole, beta-pinene, thujone, artemisia ketone, camphor, caryophyllene, camphene and germacrene D are the major components in most of the essential oils of this plant species. Oils from different species of genus Artemisia exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens and insecticidal activity against insect pests. However, only few species have been explored for antioxidant activity. PMID:28930281

Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Strategies for Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease of the Colon.

PubMed

Scaioli, Eleonora; Colecchia, Antonio; Marasco, Giovanni; Schiumerini, Ramona; Festi, Davide

2016-03-01

Colonic diverticulosis imposes a significant burden on industrialized societies. The current accepted causes of diverticula formation include low fiber content in the western diet with decreased intestinal content and size of the lumen, leading to the transmission of muscular contraction pressure to the wall of the colon, inducing the formation of diverticula usually at the weakest point of the wall where penetration of the blood vessels occurs. Approximately 20 % of the patients with colonic diverticulosis develop abdominal symptoms (i.e., abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea), a condition which is defined as symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD). The pathogenesis of SUDD symptoms remains uncertain and even less is known about how to adequately manage bowel symptoms. Recently, low-grade inflammation, altered intestinal microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal colonic motility have been identified as factors leading to symptom development, thus changing and improving the therapeutic approach. In this review, a comprehensive search of the literature regarding on SUDD pathogenetic hypotheses and pharmacological strategies was carried out. The pathogenesis of SUDD, although not completely clarified, seems to be related to an interaction between colonic microbiota alterations, and immune, enteric nerve, and muscular system dysfunction (Cuomo et al. in United Eur Gastroenterol J 2:413-442, 2014). Greater understanding of the inflammatory pathways and gut microbiota composition in subjects affected by SUDD has increased therapeutic options, including the use of gut-directed antibiotics, mesalazine, and probiotics (Bianchi et al. in Aliment Pharmacol Ther 33:902-910, 2011; Comparato et al. in Dig Dis Sci 52:2934-2941, 2007; Tursi et al. in Aliment Pharmacol Ther 38:741-751, 2013); however, more research is necessary to validate the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions.

Étude spectrale d'un micro-plasma d'implosion X-pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aranchuk, L. E.

2006-12-01

Le pincement magnétique de type X-pinch permet de réaliser un micro-plasma chaud et dense bien positionné dans l'espace qui présente une applicabilité pour la radiographie X d'objets peu denses de petite taille. Une batterie de diagnostics ayant tous une résolution spectrale a été installée autour d'un X-pinch alimenté par un banc de condensateurs rapide. Les résultats présentés portent sur la taille de la source intégrée en temps, sur la durée d'impulsion et sur le spectre d'émission X. Des exemples de radiographie confortent la détermination de la taille. Des spectres à haute résolution spectrale intégrés en temps (1 à 3 keV) montrent que les ions multichargés présents dans le plasma (Al hydrogénoïde et héliumoïde, Cu et Mo néonoïdes) sont les mêmes que dans les X-pinches alimentés par des générateurs pulsés bien plus puissants. Une spectroscopie large bande à haute résolution temporelle, basée sur des détecteurs innovants, a permis de mettre en évidence une émission dure sub-nanoseconde et de chiffrer la puissance spectrale instantanée et l'énergie X émise entre 20eV et 8keV. La puissance maximale peut dépasser 1GW pendant 0,4-0,7ns. La source émet 10 à 30J pendant 100-150ns en dessous de 400eV.

NATO Operational Record: Collective Analytical Exploitation to Inform Operational Analysis Models and Common Operational Planning Factors (Archives operationnelles de l’OTAN: Exploitation analytique collective visant a alimenter les modeles d’analyse operationnelle et les facteurs de planification operationnelle commune)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

scientific and technological work is carried out by Technical Teams, created under one or more of these eight bodies, for specific research activities...level records, with a secondary focus on strategic level records. Its work covered NATO records as well as NATO Troop Contributing Nation (TCN...fonctionnalités de recherche, récupération et visualisation peuvent être rapides et conviviales. Il conclut également que les freins à la création d’un

Hunger strike among detainees: guidance for good medical practice.

PubMed

Gétaz, Laurent; Rieder, Jean-Pierre; Nyffenegger, Laurent; Eytan, Ariel; Gaspoz, Jean-Michel; Wolff, Hans

2012-09-17

Hunger strike is a regularly reported problem in prison. Although clinical situations are rarely severe, hospitalisation is often considered. In consequence, it is not only physicians working in prisons, but also hospital medical teams who face challenges related to hunger strike, involving somatic, psychological, legal and human rights aspects. Furthermore, deontological rules must be strictly respected when delivering care, particularly in prison setting. Starvation involves metabolic changes and can cause severe, and sometimes even irreversible or fatal complications. Moreover, the phase of re-alimentation should not be trivialised, as re-feeding syndrome is a potentially fatal phenomenon. This article provides guidance for monitoring and management of patients on hunger strike.

New preparations of the elemental diet and the clinical application.

PubMed

Ogoshi, S; Sato, H

1981-01-01

In 1978, we designed a new elemental diet, ED-AC, which modified after Vivonex-HN with the co-operation of Ajinomoto Co., Japan and Morton-Norwich Co., U.S.A.. ED-AC is now being used widely in Japan for enteral hyper-alimentation, even in case of pediatric surgery. We have new prepared another elemental diet, this time for infants, ED-P (pediatric). The ratio of amino acids in both ED was determined according the proposal of Professor Goro Inoue, Department of Nutrition, Tokushima University. The application of ED, particularly for surgical patients, has been most effective. the use of this diet for enteral hyperalimentation should find a wide application in surgical and medical practice.

[Comparison of medical and surgical treatment of infantile hypothalamic obesity].

PubMed

Bode, H H; Botstein, P M; Crawford, J D; Russel, P S

1975-01-01

The jejunoileal bypass is, of all the current therapeutic possibilities, the only permanent method for the successful treatment of a patient with hypothalamic obesity. Pre-operatively, it is advisable, however, to reduce the body weight by exclusive alimentation with Vivonex, in order to improve lung function and diminish the operation risks. Putting a smaller section of the bowel at rest will prevent major weight loss, as well as more severe complications. The disturbances of the calcium and potassium metabolism and of liver function, which frequently occur after jejunoileal bypass operation, were not observed, when on both sides of the immobilised bowel section a section of small bowel 23 to 38 cm long was maintained in normal function.

[Novel technologies for the correction of aftereffects of deficient nutrition in the dietician practice].

PubMed

Blinkova, L N; Efimenko, N V; Topuriia, D I; Dubovoĭ, R M

2008-01-01

Deficient nutrition is a common pathological factor encountered in medical practice. We evaluated results of combined intake of Essentuki-Novaya mineral water and Nutridrink artificial food mixture (Nutritia, Holland). Spa and resort therapy based on the use of natural factors and well-balanced nutrition resulted in the marked alleviation of clinical symptoms in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Simultaneously, the consequences of deficient nutrition in the preceding period were corrected and manifestations of the main pathological syndromes decreased. It is concluded that a short-term course of oral alimentation using food substrate mixtures had beneficial effect on the health state of patients by improving their nutritional status and quality of life.

Successful closure of gastrocutaneous fistulas using the Surgisis® anal fistula plug

PubMed Central

Kasem, H

2014-01-01

Introduction Gastrocutaneous fistulas remain an uncommon complication of upper gastrointestinal surgery. Less common but equally problematic are gastrocutaneous fistulas secondary to non-healing gastrostomies. Both are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Surgical repair remains the gold standard of care. For those unfit for surgical intervention, results from conservative management can be disappointing. We describe a case series of seven patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas who were unfit for surgical intervention. These patients were managed successfully in a minimally invasive manner using the Surgisis® (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, US) anal fistula plug. Methods Between September 2008 and January 2009, seven patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas presented to Wishaw General Hospital. Four gastrocutaneous fistulas represented non-healing gastrostomies, two followed an anastomotic leak after an oesophagectomy and one following an anastomotic leak after a distal gastrectomy. All patients had poor nutritional reserve with no other identifiable reason for failure to heal. All were deemed unfit for surgical intervention. Five gastrocutaneous fistulas were closed successfully using the Surgisis® anal fistula plug positioned directly into the fistula tract under local anaesthesia and two gastrocutaneous fistulas were closed successfully using the Surgisis® anal fistula positioned endoscopically using a rendezvous technique. Results For the five patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas closed directly under local anaesthesia, oral alimentation was reinstated immediately. Fistula output ceased on day 12 with complete epithelialisation occurring at a median of day 26. For the two gastrocutaneous fistulas closed endoscopically using the rendezvous technique, oral alimentation was reinstated on day 5 with immediate cessation of fistula output. Follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed re-epithelialisation at eight weeks. In none of the cases has there been fistula recurrence (range of follow-up duration: 30–59 months). Conclusions Surgisis® anal fistula plugs can be used safely and effectively to close gastrocutaneous fistulas in a minimally invasive manner in patients unfit for surgical intervention. PMID:24780017

Successful closure of gastrocutaneous fistulas using the Surgisis(®) anal fistula plug.

PubMed

Darrien, J H; Kasem, H

2014-05-01

Gastrocutaneous fistulas remain an uncommon complication of upper gastrointestinal surgery. Less common but equally problematic are gastrocutaneous fistulas secondary to non-healing gastrostomies. Both are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Surgical repair remains the gold standard of care. For those unfit for surgical intervention, results from conservative management can be disappointing. We describe a case series of seven patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas who were unfit for surgical intervention. These patients were managed successfully in a minimally invasive manner using the Surgisis(®) (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, US) anal fistula plug. Between September 2008 and January 2009, seven patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas presented to Wishaw General Hospital. Four gastrocutaneous fistulas represented non-healing gastrostomies, two followed an anastomotic leak after an oesophagectomy and one following an anastomotic leak after a distal gastrectomy. All patients had poor nutritional reserve with no other identifiable reason for failure to heal. All were deemed unfit for surgical intervention. Five gastrocutaneous fistulas were closed successfully using the Surgisis(®) anal fistula plug positioned directly into the fistula tract under local anaesthesia and two gastrocutaneous fistulas were closed successfully using the Surgisis(®) anal fistula positioned endoscopically using a rendezvous technique. For the five patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas closed directly under local anaesthesia, oral alimentation was reinstated immediately. Fistula output ceased on day 12 with complete epithelialisation occurring at a median of day 26. For the two gastrocutaneous fistulas closed endoscopically using the rendezvous technique, oral alimentation was reinstated on day 5 with immediate cessation of fistula output. Follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed re-epithelialisation at eight weeks. In none of the cases has there been fistula recurrence (range of follow-up duration: 30-59 months). Surgisis(®) anal fistula plugs can be used safely and effectively to close gastrocutaneous fistulas in a minimally invasive manner in patients unfit for surgical intervention.

An Epidemiologic Study on Ageing and Dysphagia in the Acute Care Geriatric-Hospitalized Population: A Replication and Continuation Study.

PubMed

Leder, Steven B; Suiter, Debra M; Agogo, George O; Cooney, Leo M

2016-10-01

United States census data project dramatic increases in the geriatric population ageing demographics by 2060 with concomitant health-care consequences. The purpose of this replication and continuation study was to collect new 2014 demographic data relative to ageing, swallow evaluation referral rates, and oral feeding status in geriatric-hospitalized patients for comparison with published data from 2000 to 2007. This was a planned data acquisition study of consecutive hospitalized patients referred for swallow assessments. Swallow evaluation referral rates for 2014 were described according to inpatient discharges, age range 60-105 years grouped by decade, gender, admitting diagnostic category, results of swallow evaluations, and oral feeding status. Determination of aspiration risk status was made with the Yale Swallow Protocol and diagnosis of dysphagia made with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). There were 1348 referrals and 961 patients ≥60 years of age participated. Overall swallow evaluation referral rates increased an average of 63 % between the comparison years 2007 and 2014 with consistent increases corresponding to the decades, i.e., 60-69 (46 %), 70-79 (68 %), 80-89 (53 %), and 90+ (222 %). A total of 75 % of participants resumed oral alimentation and oral medications. Swallow evaluation referral rates increased by 63 % for 60-90+ year-old acute care geriatric-hospitalized participants despite only a 23 % increase in inpatient discharges for the years 2007 versus 2014. This corroborated previously reported increases for individual years from 2000 to 2007. For timely, safe, and successful initiation of oral alimentation, it is important to perform a reliable swallow screen for aspiration risk assessment with the Yale Swallow Protocol and, if failed, instrumental testing with FEES. More dysphagia specialists are needed through 2060 and beyond due to projections of continued population ageing resulting in ever increasing referral rates for swallow assessments.

Rationale and Design of Family-Based Approach in a Minority Community Integrating Systems-Biology for Promotion of Health (FAMILIA).

PubMed

Bansilal, Sameer; Vedanthan, Rajesh; Kovacic, Jason C; Soto, Ana Victoria; Latina, Jacqueline; Björkegren, Johan L M; Jaslow, Risa; Santana, Maribel; Sartori, Samantha; Giannarelli, Chiara; Mani, Venkatesh; Hajjar, Roger; Schadt, Eric; Kasarskis, Andrew; Fayad, Zahi A; Fuster, Valentin

2017-05-01

The 2020 American Heart Association Impact Goal aims to improve cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20%. A large step toward this goal would be to better understand and take advantage of the significant intersection between behavior and biology across the entire life-span. In the proposed FAMILIA studies, we aim to directly address this major knowledge and clinical health gap by implementing an integrated family-centric health promotion intervention and focusing on the intersection of environment and behavior, while understanding the genetic and biologic basis of cardiovascular disease. We plan to recruit 600 preschool children and their 600 parents or caregivers from 12-15 Head Start schools in Harlem, NY, and perform a 2:1 (2 intervention/1 control) cluster randomization of the schools. The preschool children will receive our intensive 37-hour educational program as the intervention for 4 months. For the adults, those in the "intervention" group will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 intervention programs: an "individual-focused" or "peer-to-peer based." The primary outcome in children will be a composite score of knowledge (K), attitudes (A), habits (H), related to body mass index Z score (B), exercise (E), and alimentation (A) (KAH-BEA), using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. For adults, the primary outcome will be a composite score for behaviors/outcomes related to blood pressure, exercise, weight, alimentation (diet) and tobacco (smoking; Fuster-BEWAT score). Saliva will be collected from the children for SNP genotyping, and blood will be collected from adults for RNA sequencing to identify network models and predictors of primary prevention outcomes. The FAMILIA studies seek to demonstrate that targeting a younger age group (3-5 years) and using a family-based approach may be a critical strategy in promoting cardiovascular health across the life-span. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Considerations Regarding the Optical Properties of the Composite Resin Restorative Materials

PubMed Central

Manolea, H.; Râcă, R.; Coleş, Evantia; Preotu, Gabriela; Mărăşescu, P.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study has been to investigate the effects of certain substances frequently used in alimentation on the color stability of the composite resin restorative materials. The research hypothesis was that color stability of the composite resin is affected by the type of composite material used and by the polishing procedure. 14 samples of 5X15X2mm have been prepared from seven universal light curing restorative composite resins. The materials have manipulated and cured using LA 500 Blue Light lamp. A first color determination was done before the introduction of the samples in the dyeing agent with the help of an Easy Shade device. The samples have been splited into two lots each with seven samples. The samples from the first lot have been sectioned into three equal segments. The samples from the second lot have also been sectioned into three equal segments, and in addition to the previous group, their exterior surfaces were processed with a diamond burr. For each type of composite we have introduced a sample in one of the three chosen dyes: red alimentary colorant, coffee and red wine. The color of the samples has been determined again using the Vita Easy Shade device. From clinical point of view the results of this study shows that there are three important factors that matter when we talk about durable aesthetic results: the type of composite resin used for the restoration, the finishing and polishing procedures and the pacients’ alimentation habits. The composite resins with a good representation of the anorganic structure are easier to be polished, therefore they have only slight color modifications. Using plastic matrixes for shaping the exterior surface of the restoration is the best solution for obtaining a very smooth surface. The most significant color modifications have been done by the red wine. Coffee and to a smaller extent the red alimentary colorant have modified the color of the restoration material in a smaller degree. PMID:24778835

Cultural Alimentation in Latin America

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2005-12-15

Le Prof. Paolo Freire(nom?) a dirigé en Brésil un plan national d'alphabétisatation d'adultes. La base de sa méthode est d'essayer de ne pas rester sur la mécanique du mot, mais de le relier avec la réalité sociale et donner un réveillement critique de la conscience populaire en face de la réalité historique du pays. Il était professeur d'histoire et de philosophie de Récife, puis exilé et depuis il était prof. à Harvard, a travaillé à l'Unesco et est maintenant conseiller spécial à l'Office d'Education du centre oecuménique des églises

Lethal pneumatosis coli in a 12-month-old child caused by acute intestinal gas gangrene after prolonged artificial nutrition: a case report

PubMed Central

Kircher, Stefan; Wössner, Rupert; Müller-Hermelink, Hans-Konrad; Völker, Hans-Ullrich

2008-01-01

Introduction Pneumatosis coli is a rare disease with heterogeneous symptoms which can be detected in the course of various acute and chronic intestinal diseases in children, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal obstruction and intestinal bacteriological infections. Case presentation We report the case of a 12-month-old boy who died of pneumatosis coli caused by an acute intestinal gas gangrene after prolonged artificial alimentation. Conclusion While intestinal gas gangrene is a highly uncommon cause of pneumatosis coli, it is important to consider it as a differential diagnosis, especially in patients receiving a prolonged artificial food supply. These patients may develop intestinal gas gangrene due to a dysfunctional intestinal barrier. PMID:18652650

[Alimentary and lifestyle changes as a strategy in the prevention of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2: milestones and perspectives].

PubMed

M Hernández Ruiz de Eguilaz, M; Batlle, M A; Martínez de Morentin, B; San-Cristóbal, R; Pérez-Díez, S; Navas-Carretero, S; Martínez, J A

2016-01-01

A high caloric intake in today's nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle are the main causes of the notable increase in obesity in our society. In turn, this results in an increase in associated pathologies, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes type 2. In the present work we review most recent studies and programs, which are significant due to their sample size and geographical diversity. It clearly shows that changes in alimentation and lifestyles are an effective instrument for combatting or delaying the onset of these diseases. In this sense, prevention is also key to avoiding serious consequences related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which can affect the life of the population.

Laser femtoseconde, filamentation, nuage et orage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Courvoisier, F.; Boutou, V.; Kasparian, J.; Salmon, E.; Méjean, G.; Yu, J.; Wolf, J.-P.

2005-06-01

Les applications telles que le contrôle de foudre grâce aux filaments autoguidés générés par un laser femtoseconde nécessitent de propager un tel filament à travers des aérosols de gouttes d'eau. Nous montrons qu'un filament survit à son interaction avec une goutte de diamètre comparable au sien (95 μ m), ainsi qu'à des nuages d'épaisseur optique 3,2, soit 5% de transmission. Cette transmission est permise par la présence d'un “bain de photons” autour du filament. Ce bain forme un réservoir contenant une part importante de l'énergie du faisceau, en équilibre avec le filament, et favorisant son alimentation.

Nosocomial outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with a drinking water fountain.

PubMed

Costa, D; Bousseau, A; Thevenot, S; Dufour, X; Laland, C; Burucoa, C; Castel, O

2015-11-01

Over a four-month period, ten patients were suspected of having acquired nosocomial infection to P. aeruginosa in the ear, nose, and throat department. Environmental and clinical isolates were compared. Only water from a drinking water fountain was contaminated by P. aeruginosa. This isolate and those of three patients had indistinguishable random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles. These patients had serious oncology diseases. The drinking water fountain was used for their alimentation by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and was the origin of the outbreak. Another type of drinking fountain with a terminal ultraviolet treatment was installed, following which no new infections linked to drinking water were identified. Copyright © 2015 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Energy requirements of workers in the coke chemical industry].

PubMed

Vankhanen, V D; Nelepa, A E

1978-01-01

Energy spent by workers engaged in the basic departments of a coke-chemical plant during working hours and performing operations after the Douglas-Holdeine method was measured and total energy expenditures during separate periods of the day and as a whole determined. Depending upon their jobs the energy spent by the workers during working hours varies within a range of 825 to 1860 Kcal. The energy expenditure during the time outside work, including sleep, amounts to from 1482 up to 1756 Kcal. As concerns the calorific requirements of their alimentation the workers of coke-chemical industry are subdivided into 5 groups of labour-intensity within an interval of from 2500 to 3600 kcal (for men) and from 2200 to 3100 kcal (for women).

Ethnomedicinal uses of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. among rural communities of Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Ethiopian communities highly depend on local plant resources to secure their subsistence and health. Local tree resources are exploited and used intensively for medicinal purposes. This study provides insight into the medicinal importance of Hagenia abyssinica as well as the degree of threat on its population. An ethnobotanical study was carried out to document medicinal uses of Hagenia abyssinica by rural communities of North and Southeastern Ethiopia. The study was conducted using an integrated approach of group discussions, observation, a local market survey and interviews. A total of 90 people were interviewed among whom elderly and traditional healers were the key informants. Societies in the study sites still depend on Hagenia abyssinica for medicine. All plant parts are used to treat different aliments. Tree identification, collection and utilization were different among the studied communities. In spite of its significance, interest in utilizing flowers of Hagenia abyssinica as an anthelmintic seems to be diminishing, notably among young people. This is partly because the medicine can be harmful when it is taken in large quantities. Nowadays, the widely used Hagenia abyssinica is endangered primarily due to various anthropogenic impacts. This in turn may become a threat for the associated knowledge. It is recommended to assist communities in documenting their traditional knowledge. Measures for conserving species are urgently needed. PMID:20701760

The unique endocrine milieu of the fetus.

PubMed Central

Fisher, D A

1986-01-01

Table II summarizes in tabular form the major features of the fetal endocrine milieu discussed in the foregoing pages. The mammalian fetus develops in an environment where respiration, alimentation, and excretory functions are provided by the placenta. Fetal tissue metabolism is oriented largely to anabolism; body temperature is modulated by maternal metabolism, and fetal tissue thermogenesis is maintained at a basal level. Tissue and organ growth appear to be regulated by growth factors which probably function by autocrine or paracrine mechanisms during most of gestation (72, 146-148). In this milieu conventional endocrine control systems are largely redundant, and other transient systems more appropriate to the intrauterine environment have evolved. We have developed some insights into these systems, but much more information is necessary before we can truly understand this fascinating environment. PMID:3018041

Obésité abdominale et autres biomarqueurs de risque cardiométabolique: influence du niveau socioéconomique et du mode de vie dans deux populations noires apparentées, Cotonou (Bénin) et Port-au-Prince (Haïti)

PubMed Central

Mabchour, Asma EL; Delisle, Hélène; Vilgrain, Colette; Larco, Phillipe; Sodjinou, Roger

2016-01-01

Introduction L’augmentation du risque cardio-métabolique (RCM) dans les pays à faible et à moyen revenu résulte pour large part d’une transition nutritionnelle rapide. Cette étude est réalisée dans deux groupes de population apparentés mais vivant dans des environnements différents. Elle vise à cerner la relation entre le mode de vie et les biomarqueurs de RCM, ainsi qu’entre l’obésité abdominale (OA) et les autres biomarqueurs. Méthodes L’étude porte sur 200 Béninois de Cotonou et 252 Haïtiens de Port-au-Prince (PAP) âgés de 25 à 60 ans et apparemment en bonne santé. L’OA est définie spécifiquement par un tour de taille (TT) ≥ 88cm (hommes) et ≥ 95cm (femmes). Les autres biomarqueurs les plus fréquents sont considérés: un ratio cholestérol total/HDL-cholestérol élevé, une tension artérielle élevée et la résistance à l’insuline d’après HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessement). Le niveau socio-économique (NSE), l’alimentation, la consommation d’alcool et de tabac sont documentés par questionnaire. Deux schémas alimentaires ressortent de l’analyse typologique, l’un traditionnel et l’autre « transitionnel », avec une fréquence accrue d’aliments occidentaux. Résultats Le NSE, la consommation d’alcool et le tabagisme sont associés au RCM, mais non le schéma alimentaire. L’OA est associée aux autres biomarqueurs de RCM, sans effet marqué du NSE et des variables du mode de vie. Conclusion Les valeurs-seuilsspécifiques de TT se confirment. Aussi, le NSE et le mode de vie influencent le RCM mais non la relation entre l’OA et les autres biomarqueurs de RCM. PMID:28154661

Protein supplementation may enhance the spontaneous recovery of neurological alterations in patients with ischaemic stroke.

PubMed

Aquilani, Roberto; Scocchi, Marco; Iadarola, Paolo; Franciscone, Piero; Verri, Manuela; Boschi, Federica; Pasini, Evasio; Viglio, Simona

2008-12-01

To determine whether protein supplementation could enhance neurological recovery in subacute patients with ischaemic stroke. Alimentation-independent patients with ischaemic stroke were randomly allocated to either 21 days of protein supplementation (protein-supplemented group; n=20) or to a spontaneous diet only (control group; n=21) in order to investigate the recovery of neurological changes (measured using the National Institute of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale). Tertiary care rehabilitation in Italy. Forty-two patients (27 male and 15 female; 66.4 +/- 11 years) 16 +/-2 days after the acute event. Supplementation with a hyperproteic nutritional formula (10% protein). NIH Stroke Scale and protein intake. At admission to rehabilitation, both groups of patients were homogeneous for demographic, clinical and functional characteristics. After 21 days from the start of the protocol, the NIH Stroke Scale was found to be enhanced in the group with supplemental proteins (-4.4 +/- 1.5 score versus -3 +/- 1.4 of control group; P<0.01). When expressed as difference (triangle up) between baseline and 21 days, the NIH Stroke Scale correlated negatively with change in protein intake (g/day) (r=-0.50, P= 0.001) and positively with change in carbohydrate/protein ratio (r = +0.40, P=0.01) Protein supplementation may enhance neurological recovery in subacute patients with ischaemic stroke.

[Food intakes in breast-feeding mothers].

PubMed

Savino, F; Bermond, S; Bonfante, G; Gallo, E; Oggero, R

2001-06-01

The relation between mother's diet and breastmilk composition is still an open issue. Nutritional inadequacies during lactation may affect the well-being of both the mother and the infant. For this reason breast feeding women usually pay attention about their alimentary practices and about their style of life during breast-feeding period. This research was conducted to verify the adequacy of lactating mother's diet in comparison with the Italian recommended daily assumption levels of nutrients (LARN 1996) for this category. We have also compared food intake of not breast feeding mothers with the LARN, and analyzed the differences between these groups of mothers. Forty-eight healthy infants were selected, 23 bottle fed, 25 breast fed. Mothers's diet in the previous 48 hours was investigated using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were processed using software Dietosystem to obtain the daily nutrient intakes. The wetnurses's diet in comparison with the LARN 1996 resulted hypocaloric and hyperproteic, deficient in Calcium, Iron, folic acid and vitamin E. Surprisingly not breast feeding mothers's intake of nutrients is closer to LARN levels than that of breast feeding mothers. Mothers are not informed enough about their alimentation during lactating period. Pediatricians must improve their knowledge about this subject and give the mothers the information they need to achieve the recommended food requirements.

Cultural Alimentation in Latin America

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-09

Le Prof. Paolo Freire(nom?) a dirigé en Brésil un plan national d'alphabétisatation d'adultes. La base de sa méthode est d'essayer de ne pas rester sur la mécanique du mot, mais de le relier avec la réalité sociale et donner un réveillement critique de la conscience populaire en face de la réalité historique du pays. Il était professeur d'histoire et de philosophie de Récife, puis exilé et depuis il était prof. à Harvard, a travaillé à l'Unesco et est maintenant conseiller spécial à l'Office d'Education du centre oecuménique des églises

[Jean-Jacques Rosseau the vitalist. The moralization of medical hygiene between diet and ethical food].

PubMed

Menin, Marco

2012-01-01

The historiographical prejudice that sees in Jean-Jacques Rousseau an implacable opponent of scientific knowledge has long prevented an objective evaluation of the important influence that medical thought exerted over his philosophy. The aim of this paper is to show not only Rousseau's familiarity with the most important expressions of eighteenth-century medical literature, but also his willingness to incorporate some medical suggestions in his philosophical and literary production. In the first part of this article, I try to show how Rousseau's sensibility theory presupposes precise medical ideals, related to Montpellier School of vitalism. In the second part, I stress how Rousseau's philosophy of alimentation (which has clear anthropological and political implications) can be regarded as a genuine application of an ambition typical of vitalism: to use medical hygiene, also and above all, for moral purpose.

When the Synchrotron radiations highlight the Randall's plaques and kidney concretions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daudon, M.; Bazin, D.

2013-03-01

In western countries, a dramatic increase in papilla calcifications (Randall's Plaque or RP) is observed as a major cause of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Through ex vivo X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we give for the first time direct structural evidence of the presence of amorphous carbonated calcium phosphate in these Randall's plaques (RP). Such chemical composition of RP present in increasingly young subjects raises a major question regarding alimentation: does nutrient-enriched food especially aimed at young children affect the physiology of the kidney? Moreover, lithogenic diseases may induce intratubular crystallization and end-stage renal failure. We show that Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy is able to characterize such pathological microcalcifications giving their chemical composition and their spatial distribution, thus providing invaluable information for the diagnosis of the disease and the treatment of the patients.

Botanical, Phytochemical, and Anticancer Properties of the Eucalyptus Species.

PubMed

Vuong, Quan V; Chalmers, Anita C; Jyoti Bhuyan, Deep; Bowyer, Michael C; Scarlett, Christopher J

2015-06-01

The genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is mainly native to Australia; however, some species are now distributed globally. Eucalyptus has been used in indigenous Australian medicines for the treatment of a range of aliments including colds, flu, fever, muscular aches, sores, internal pains, and inflammation. Eucalyptus oils containing volatile compounds have been widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries for a multitude of purposes. In addition, Eucalyptus extracts containing nonvolatile compounds are also an important source of key bioactive compounds, and several studies have linked Eucalyptus extracts with anticancer properties. With the increasing research interest in Eucalyptus and its health properties, this review briefly outlines the botanical features of Eucalyptus, discusses its traditional use as medicine, and comprehensively reviews its phytochemical and anticancer properties and, finally, proposes trends for future studies. Copyright © 2015 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

[Food safety and animal diseases. The French Food Safety Agency, from mad cow disease to bird flu].

PubMed

Keck, Frédéric

2008-01-01

Why has the French food safety agency been particularly mobilized on zoonoses like bovine spongiform encephalopathy ("mad cow disease") or highly pathogenic avian influenza ("bird flu") ? Because sanitary crisis make explicit an ambivalent relationship between humans and animals (animals being perceived alternatively as providers of goods and as bearers of threats), and to the circulation of life in general (the contaminated blood crises being due to the rapprochement of blood giving and blood receiving). The sociology of risks needs therefore to reintegrate the idea of an intention of the risk bearer (risk with enemy), and the sociology of alimentation needs to reintegrate the analysis of the conditions of production. Mad cow disease is the paradigmatic food safety crisis because it brings together the poles of production and consumption, of animals and humans. It therefore belongs to anthropology.

Fluid control pump (in French)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1973-10-31

La pompe est caracterisee en ce qu'elle comporte un dispositif destine a soumettre le fluide a pomper a des impulsions repetees alors que ce fluide est renferme dans une chambre comportant des raccords d'entree et de sortie dans chacun desquels une valve fluidique est montee de maniere que les impulsions facilitent la penetration de ce fluide dans la chambre par la valve fluidique du raccord d'entree et qu'elles facilitent egalement la sortie de ce fluide de la chambre par la valve fluidique du raccord de sortie, la sortie du fluide de la chambre par la valve fluidique du raccord d'entreemore » etant cependant reduite, le dispositif comprenant un troncon d'aspiration reliant la chambre a un ejecteur qui comporte un canal relie a une alimentation en gaz comprime, et un element sur lequel le fluide pompe agit pour qu'il obture de maniere intermittente ce canal. (FR)« less

[Breast feeding in Chile, past and present (author's transl)].

PubMed

Mardones, F

1979-08-01

Breastfeeding practices have greatly diminished in all industrialized countries in the past 30 years; only now breastfeeding is enjoying a revival, especially among better educated people, as data gathered in Sweden and in the U.S. show. In Chile, as in most underdeveloped countries, the practice of breastfeeding began declining in urban, then in rural areas, reaching the largest decline in 1930. Modernization and all the factors connected with it, and especially urbanization, are accountable for this change. To encourage breastfeeding in Chile several recommendations are possible, among which is the education of parents on the advantages of breastfeeding. Mass media and all communication channels should be used; 2) better alimentation, when necessary at government expenses, for pregnant and nursing mothers; 3) legislation regulating the advertisement and distribution of infant formulas; 4) information on the possible effects of oral contraception on lactation; and 5) new social legislation protecting pregnant and nursing mothers.

Supportive care for children with cancer. Guidelines of the Childrens Cancer Study Group. The use of nutritional therapy.

PubMed

Lukens, J N

1984-01-01

Nutritional support for children with cancer is predicated on the belief that optimal nutrition promotes tolerance of anti-neoplastic therapy and preserves immunologic responsiveness. The use of nutritional support is based on the assumption that there is effective therapy for the primary disease and that there will be a predictable period of nutritional stress. The most common nutritional problem is posed by the failure of sick children willingly to eat enough to maintain nutritional homeostasis. Supplementation of oral intake with a nutritional formula given by a small-bore nasogastric tube is simple, effective, and economical. If the sum of oral and tolerated nasogastric tube feedings is less than that required for optimal nutrition, unmet needs may be satisfied by nutrients given into a peripheral vein. Total parenteral nutrition, given by central vein, is reserved for situations in which the combination of enteral and peripheral venous alimentation is inadequate.

Modeling Physarum space exploration using memristors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ntinas, V.; Vourkas, I.; Sirakoulis, G. Ch; Adamatzky, A. I.

2017-05-01

Slime mold Physarum polycephalum optimizes its foraging behaviour by minimizing the distances between the sources of nutrients it spans. When two sources of nutrients are present, the slime mold connects the sources, with its protoplasmic tubes, along the shortest path. We present a two-dimensional mesh grid memristor based model as an approach to emulate Physarum’s foraging strategy, which includes space exploration and reinforcement of the optimally formed interconnection network in the presence of multiple aliment sources. The proposed algorithmic approach utilizes memristors and LC contours and is tested in two of the most popular computational challenges for Physarum, namely maze and transportation networks. Furthermore, the presented model is enriched with the notion of noise presence, which positively contributes to a collective behavior and enables us to move from deterministic to robust results. Consequently, the corresponding simulation results manage to reproduce, in a much better qualitative way, the expected transportation networks.

[Post traumatic injuries of the duodenum and/or pancreas. Perioperative management].

PubMed

Beye, M D; Kane, O; Diouf, E; Ndoye, M D; Ndiaye, P I; Fall, B; Sall, B K

2002-01-01

The duodenal and/or pancreatic lesions rarely occur during abdominal contusions, this, because of the deep and retroperitoneal position of the duodeno-pancreatic entity. These lesions occur mostly in the young adults and occur mostly on violent trauma, hence the high frequency of associated lesions. Their management is well codified and the prognosis depends on the degree of pancreatic damage. The authors reporting of 3 cases of duodenaland or post-traumatic lesion, in a retrospective study. The after therapeutic management necessitated a pre-operative reanimation, simple duodenal suturing in the 3 cases with relearning gastrotomy, alimentation jejenostomy and closing of thepyloric sphincter,with association of cholostomy in one of the cases. The pancreatic lesions of type contusion observed in 2 cases necessitated simple drainage of the pancreatic sector without resection. The evolution was favourable in 2 cases. One case of death was noted in a patient who developed acute pancreatis.

Energy intake of rats fed a cafeteria diet.

PubMed

Prats, E; Monfar, M; Castellà, J; Iglesias, R; Alemany, M

1989-02-01

The proportion of lipid, carbohydrate and protein energy self-selected by male and female rats from a cafeteria diet has been studied for a 48-day period (36-day in female rats). The diet consisted in 12 different items and was offered daily, in excess and under otherwise standard conditions, to rats--caged in groups of three--from weaning to adulthood. Groups of control animals were studied in parallel and compared with the cafeteria groups. Cafeteria diet fed groups of rats ingested more energy and lowered their metabolic efficiency with age. Male rats ate more than females and increased their body weight even after female practically stopped growing. There was a wide variation in the aliments consumed each day by the cafeteria-fed rats. However, the proportion of lipid, protein and carbohydrate the rats ate remained constant. Male rats ingested more lipid than females. Carbohydrate consumption was constant in control and cafeteria fed groups of rats independently of sex. Protein consumption was higher in cafeteria rats than in controls, but the differences were not so important as with liquid. Fiber content of the cafeteria diet was lower than that of the control diet. The cafeteria diet selected by the rats was, thus, hypercaloric and hyperlipidic, with practically the same amount of carbohydrate than the control diet, slightly hyperproteic and, nevertheless, remarkably constant in its composition with respect to time. Cafeteria rats had a higher water intake than controls. All these trends were maintained despite the observed changes in the animals' tastes and their differential consumption of the ailments of the diet.

Development of a translation stage for in situ noninvasive analysis and high-resolution imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strivay, David; Clar, Mathieu; Rakkaa, Said; Hocquet, Francois-Philippe; Defeyt, Catherine

2016-11-01

Noninvasive imaging techniques and analytical instrumentation for cultural heritage object studies have undergone a tremendous development over the last years. Many new miniature and/or handheld systems have been developed and optimized. Nonetheless, these instruments are usually used with a tripod or a manual position system. This is very time consuming when performing point analysis or 2D scanning of a surface. The Centre Européen d'Archéométrie has built a translation system made of pluggable rails of 1 m long with a maximum length and height of 3 m. Three motors embedded in the system allow the platform to be moved along these axis, toward and backward from the sample. The rails hold a displacement system, providing a continuous movement. Any position can be reached with a reproducibility of 0.1 mm. The displacements are controlled by an Ethernet connection through a laptop computer running a multiplatform custom-made software written in JAVA. This software allows a complete control over the positioning using a simple, unique, and concise interface. Automatic scanning can be performed over a large surface of 3 m on 3 m. The Ethernet wires provide also the power for the different motors and, if necessary, the detection head. The platform has been originally designed for a XRF detection head (with its full power alimentation) but now can accommodate many different systems like IR reflectography, digital camera, hyperspectral camera, and Raman probes. The positioning system can be modified to combine the acquisition software of the imaging or analytical techniques and the positioning software.

[The opiate pharmacopeia in France from its origins to the 19th century].

PubMed

Warolin, Christian

2010-04-01

For thousands of years, opium was the main remedy against pain. Its analgesic properties have been known since antiquity, as well as its stupefacient, narcotic and addictive effects. A countless number of opiate galenical preparations had already been formulated by the beginning of our era. The best-known were electuaries, complex drugs combining multiple active substances, essentially plant-based, used to obtain beneficial effects for different aliments. These universal remedies were panaceas. Sonne opium--or opiate--based electuaries were recommended as antidotes to poison or snake venom. The best-known, Mithridate and Theriac Andromache (Venice Treacle), the latter also containing viper flesh, combined up to a hundred or so ingredients. However, this polypharmacy was criticized and it was an English doctor, Thomas Sydenham, to whom we owe the preparation of a liquid laudanum which was easier to administer than an electuary. Sydenham's laudanum (1683) was adopted by ail the pharmacopeias. Later, based on a traditional research approach, pharmacists attempted to isolate the active principles of opium. Seguin, but above ail the German pharmacist Sertürner (in 1805 and 1817) isolated morphine. Organic chemists took over from the analysts, and morphine derivatives were obtained by hemi-synthesis (heroin), and then central analgesics, or opioids, by total synthesis. Opium is no longer seen as the only supreme remedy for painful disorders, and its galenic forms have gradually disappeared from pharmacopeias.

Analyse des possibilités de fonctionnement en régime des désexcitation des moteurs à aimants permanents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Multon, Bernard; Lucidarme, Jean; Prévond, Laurent

1995-05-01

In this paper, we study the extending of speed range of motors (or generators) with permanent magnet inductor and supplied by electronic converter. The amplitude of phase voltage and current waveforms are limited by electronics supply. The aim of this study is to achieve a maximum power near of the base speed one on an extended speed range. This require an airgap flux weakening so called “flux weakening” above base speed. A parametric analysis of motor electromagnetic characteristics is made to show the influence of armature reaction and magnetic saliency on speed range. We show that exists an ideal condition to obtain a constant power speed range theoretically unlimited. Magnetic saliency permits to enhance the power factor especially when L_d> L_q. As main hypotheses, we consider no saturation, e.m.f. and current sine waveforms and a sinusoidal airgap flux density. Finally, we recapitulate the permanent magnet rotor structures able to obtain a flux-weakening operation. Cet article traite de l'extension de la plage de vitesse des moteurs (ou alternateurs) à excitation par aimants permanents et alimentés par convertisseur électronique. La tension et le courant sont limités en amplitude par l'alimentation électronique.L'objectif est d'obtenir une puissance proche de celle correspondant au régime de base sur une plage de vitesse étendue. Ceci nécessite une réduction de flux d'entrefer ou “désexition” au delà de la vitesse de base. Une analyse paramétrique des caractéristiques du moteur est effectuée pour mettre en évidence l'influence de la réaction d'induit et de la saillance magnétique. Nous montrons qu'il existe une condition idéale pour obtenir une plage de fonctionnement à puissance constante théoriquement illimitée. La saillance magnétique permet d'accroître le facteur de puissance surtout lorsque L_d> L_q. Les principales hypothèses de cette étude sont l'absence de saturation, des f.e.m. et des courants sinusoïdaux et une induction spatiale sinusoïdale dans l'entrefer. Enfin, nous effectuons un bilan des structures de rotors permettant un fonctionnement en régime de désexcitation.

Land factors affecting soil erosion during snow melting: a case study from Lebanon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darwich, Talal

2014-05-01

Soil erosion is one of the major problems facing the mountainous agricultural lands in Lebanon. In order to assess the land factors acting on soil erosion; a study was conducted in the upper watershed of Ibrahim River in the spring months of April, May and June. Water and bed load sediments from six locations alimented by six sub-basins were sampled. Four sub-basins (1, 2, 3 and 6) were dominated by agricultural lands while lands in sub-basins 4 and 7 were occupied by grassland and bare soils. The highest quantities of suspended sediments were found in waters originating from watersheds dominated by agricultural lands, such as Location 2 (713.72 mg L-1 in April 2012). Low clay content and the combination of land occupation (orchards = 71%) and slope (20.7 degrees) caused this ecosystem disturbance. Locations 1, 2, 3 and 6 were alimented by runoff water due to the melting of the snow. For this, the concentrations of sediments decreased by 4 fold between April and May in sub-basin 1 and by 11-14 fold in sub-basins 2, 3 and 6. Globally, some 1669.4 tons of sediments were delivered in the upper river during April. Bed load sediments were separated into 4 classes according to their size. The size of the particles found in the bed load reflected to a large extent the type of soils surrounding the watershed. The range of sand in the regions surrounding locations 6 and 7 was 64% and 82%, while the average in the bed load was 80.9% and 78.25% respectively. The silt content in locations 2, 3 and 5 was well reflected in the concentrations of silt in the bed load. In bed load samples, the exchangeable potassium ranged from 70-250 mg kg-1 in sub-basins dominated by agricultural lands against 20-50 mg kg-1 in sub-basins dominated by grassland and bare rocks. Further quantitative studies need to be conducted especially during the first rains to fully estimate the water load sediments after a prolonged dry season, characterizing the east Mediterranean. Action must be taken for land conservation by improving the farmer's practices, modifying the frequency of plowing and introducing no tillage beside the maintenance of terraces. Keywords: Mountains, erosion, sediments, East Mediterranean, river, bed load quality.

Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Jordan, the Tafila Region

PubMed Central

Abdelhalim, Abeer; Aburjai, Talal; Hanrahan, Jane; Abdel-Halim, Heba

2017-01-01

Background: The reporting of the medicinal plants and their traditional uses is important in order to prevent this knowledge from being lost. The aims of this study were to collect information concerning the traditional use of medicinal plants in the region of Tafila; identify the most important medicinal plants; determine the relative importance of the species surveyed; and calculate the informant consensus factor (Fic) in relation to medicinal plant use. Materials and Methods: Data on the traditional medicinal uses of local plants were collected using qualitative tools. The informant consensus factor (Fic) for the category of aliments and the use value (UV) of the plant species were calculated. Results and Conclusions: The survey revealed that 41 plant species are still in use in Tafila for the treatments of various diseases. Problems of the digestive system had the highest Fic values, while Allium cepa L. and Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch. Bip. scored the highest UV. SUMMARY The medicinal plants used by local people of the Tafila area of Jordan their traditional uses were investigated. forty one plant species are still in use in Tafila for the traditional treatment of various diseases. The preservation of this knowledge is important not only for maintaining cultural and traditional resources but also as a resource for the future identification of leads for drug development. The use of Fic and the UV to identify plant species that are consistently used in the treatment of specific ailments assists in narrowing down the search for new effective plant-derived medicines and in validating the use of traditional medicines. Data on the traditional medicinal uses of local plants was collected using qualitative tools. The informant consensus factor (Fic) for category of aliments and the use value (UV) of the plant species were calculated. in the Tafila region, the Fic values are relatively low, indicating a low level of shared knowledge and that a number of different species are used to treat similar disorders. This may be a result of the great diversity of vegetation types found across the Tafila region, with the specific plant chosen being dependent on the species most readily available in the different vegetation zones. Interestingly, however, the UVs calculated for a number of species in the Tafila region are relatively high, compared with those recorded in other areas of Jordan. These high UVs indicate that despite the diversity of vegetation types across the Tafila region, a number of plants are highly valued for medicinal use throughout the whole region. This study contributes to the body of knowledge about the use of plants in traditional medicine, helping to document and maintain the knowledge that has been traditionally passed directly from person to person. The preservation of this knowledge is important not only for maintaining cultural and traditional resources but also as a resource for the future identification of leads for drug development. Problems of the digestive system had the highest Fic values, while Allium cepa L. and Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch. Bip. scored the highest UV. Comparison with other ethnopharmacological studies in the region found consensus about many of the uses reported, and also identified localized uses of some species. Experimental evidence from the literature offered support for many of the reported uses. Abbreviations used: Fic: Informants consensus factor, nur: number of use reports per each category, nt: number of taxa used, UV: use value of a species, U: number of uses per species, n: number of informants PMID:28479733

Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Jordan, the Tafila Region.

PubMed

Abdelhalim, Abeer; Aburjai, Talal; Hanrahan, Jane; Abdel-Halim, Heba

2017-01-01

The reporting of the medicinal plants and their traditional uses is important in order to prevent this knowledge from being lost. The aims of this study were to collect information concerning the traditional use of medicinal plants in the region of Tafila; identify the most important medicinal plants; determine the relative importance of the species surveyed; and calculate the informant consensus factor ( F ic ) in relation to medicinal plant use. Data on the traditional medicinal uses of local plants were collected using qualitative tools. The informant consensus factor ( F ic ) for the category of aliments and the use value (UV) of the plant species were calculated. The survey revealed that 41 plant species are still in use in Tafila for the treatments of various diseases. Problems of the digestive system had the highest F ic values, while Allium cepa L. and Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch. Bip. scored the highest UV. The medicinal plants used by local people of the Tafila area of Jordan their traditional uses were investigated. forty one plant species are still in use in Tafila for the traditional treatment of various diseases. The preservation of this knowledge is important not only for maintaining cultural and traditional resources but also as a resource for the future identification of leads for drug development. The use of Fic and the UV to identify plant species that are consistently used in the treatment of specific ailments assists in narrowing down the search for new effective plant-derived medicines and in validating the use of traditional medicines. Data on the traditional medicinal uses of local plants was collected using qualitative tools. The informant consensus factor (Fic) for category of aliments and the use value (UV) of the plant species were calculated. in the Tafila region, the Fic values are relatively low, indicating a low level of shared knowledge and that a number of different species are used to treat similar disorders. This may be a result of the great diversity of vegetation types found across the Tafila region, with the specific plant chosen being dependent on the species most readily available in the different vegetation zones. Interestingly, however, the UVs calculated for a number of species in the Tafila region are relatively high, compared with those recorded in other areas of Jordan. These high UVs indicate that despite the diversity of vegetation types across the Tafila region, a number of plants are highly valued for medicinal use throughout the whole region. This study contributes to the body of knowledge about the use of plants in traditional medicine, helping to document and maintain the knowledge that has been traditionally passed directly from person to person. The preservation of this knowledge is important not only for maintaining cultural and traditional resources but also as a resource for the future identification of leads for drug development. Problems of the digestive system had the highest Fic values, while Allium cepa L. and Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch. Bip. scored the highest UV. Comparison with other ethnopharmacological studies in the region found consensus about many of the uses reported, and also identified localized uses of some species. Experimental evidence from the literature offered support for many of the reported uses. Abbreviations used: F ic : Informants consensus factor, n ur : number of use reports per each category, n t : number of taxa used, UV: use value of a species, U: number of uses per species, n: number of informants.

The Diet and Haemodialysis Dyad: Three Eras, Four Open Questions and Four Paradoxes. A Narrative Review, Towards a Personalized, Patient-Centered Approach

PubMed Central

Piccoli, Giorgina Barbara; Moio, Maria Rita; Fois, Antioco; Sofronie, Andreea; Gendrot, Lurlinys; Cabiddu, Gianfranca; D’Alessandro, Claudia; Cupisti, Adamasco

2017-01-01

The history of dialysis and diet can be viewed as a series of battles waged against potential threats to patients’ lives. In the early years of dialysis, potassium was identified as “the killer”, and the lists patients were given of forbidden foods included most plant-derived nourishment. As soon as dialysis became more efficient and survival increased, hyperphosphatemia, was identified as the enemy, generating an even longer list of banned aliments. Conversely, the “third era” finds us combating protein-energy wasting. This review discusses four questions and four paradoxes, regarding the diet-dialysis dyad: are the “magic numbers” of nutritional requirements (calories: 30–35 kcal/kg; proteins > 1.2 g/kg) still valid? Are the guidelines based on the metabolic needs of patients on “conventional” thrice-weekly bicarbonate dialysis applicable to different dialysis schedules, including daily dialysis or haemodiafiltration? The quantity of phosphate and potassium contained in processed and preserved foods may be significantly different from those in untreated foods: what are we eating? Is malnutrition one condition or a combination of conditions? The paradoxes: obesity is associated with higher survival in dialysis, losing weight is associated with mortality, but high BMI is a contraindication for kidney transplantation; it is difficult to limit phosphate intake when a patient is on a high-protein diet, such as the ones usually prescribed on dialysis; low serum albumin is associated with low dialysis efficiency and reduced survival, but on haemodiafiltration, high efficiency is coupled with albumin losses; banning plant derived food may limit consumption of “vascular healthy” food in a vulnerable population. Tailored approaches and agreed practices are needed so that we can identify attainable goals and pursue them in our fragile haemodialysis populations. PMID:28394304

[Change of host's behavior including man under the influence of parasites].

PubMed

Sergiev, V P

2010-01-01

Directed modulation of hosts' behavior favouring transmission of pathogen was noted in many parasites and, above all, in helminthes, which life cycle includes the consequent change of several hosts. It turned out that parasites use the same neuromediators for change of behavior of both mammals and hosts belonging to other animal classes. In fishes as well as in mammals, monoamines-neurotransmitters assist in brain functioning. Norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin affect the alimentation, motion activity, aggression and social behaviour. Changes in concentration ratio of serotonin and its metabolites in invaded species were more pronounced, which pointed to directed effects of pathogens on serotonin activity. The same effect of some pathogens on human behaviour does not have selective significance because humans are not an essential link in life cycle of many parasites. Although the mentioned effect on behaviour could lead to negative consequences. For examples, persons with latent toxoplasmosis are significantly more frequent become members or victims of traffic accidents due to decreased ability for concentration of attention.

Reactive nitrogen requirements to feed the world in 2050 and potential to mitigate nitrogen pollution.

PubMed

Bodirsky, Benjamin Leon; Popp, Alexander; Lotze-Campen, Hermann; Dietrich, Jan Philipp; Rolinski, Susanne; Weindl, Isabelle; Schmitz, Christoph; Müller, Christoph; Bonsch, Markus; Humpenöder, Florian; Biewald, Anne; Stevanovic, Miodrag

2014-05-13

Reactive nitrogen (Nr) is an indispensable nutrient for agricultural production and human alimentation. Simultaneously, agriculture is the largest contributor to Nr pollution, causing severe damages to human health and ecosystem services. The trade-off between food availability and Nr pollution can be attenuated by several key mitigation options, including Nr efficiency improvements in crop and animal production systems, food waste reduction in households and lower consumption of Nr-intensive animal products. However, their quantitative mitigation potential remains unclear, especially under the added pressure of population growth and changes in food consumption. Here we show by model simulations, that under baseline conditions, Nr pollution in 2050 can be expected to rise to 102-156% of the 2010 value. Only under ambitious mitigation, does pollution possibly decrease to 36-76% of the 2010 value. Air, water and atmospheric Nr pollution go far beyond critical environmental thresholds without mitigation actions. Even under ambitious mitigation, the risk remains that thresholds are exceeded.

Molecular mechanisms of intrauterine growth restriction.

PubMed

Gurugubelli Krishna, Rao; Vishnu Bhat, B

2017-07-10

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy specific disease characterized by decreased growth rate of fetus than the normal growth potential at particular gestational age. In the current scenario it is a leading cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. In the last decade exhilarating experimental studies from several laboratories have provided fascinating proof for comprehension of molecular basis of IUGR. Atypical expression of enzymes governed by TGFβ causes the placental apoptosis and altered expression of TGFβ due to hyper alimentation causes impairment of lung function. Crosstalk of cAMP with protein kinases plays a prominent role in the regulation of cortisol levels. Increasing levels of NOD1 proteins leads to development of IUGR by increasing the levels of inflammatory mediators. Increase in leptin synthesis in placental trophoblast cells is associated with IUGR. In this review, we emphasize on the regulatory mechanisms of IUGR and its associated diseases. They may help improve the in-utero fetal growth and provide a better therapeutic intervention for prevention and treatment of IUGR.

Editorial for Special Issue on Herbal Medicines and Natural Products.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhi-Wei; Zhou, Shu-Feng

2015-11-16

Herbal medicines and natural products have been the most productive source of drug development and there is a large line of evidence on the applications of herbal medicines and natural products for the management of body function and the treatment of aliments. The multiple bioactive components in herbal medicines and natural products can explain the multiple targets effect in their medical applications. The increasing usage of state-of-art computational, molecular biological, and analytical chemistry techniques will promote the exploration of the pharmacological effect of previously inaccessible sources of herbal medicines and natural products. Notably, with the increasing reports on the safety issues regarding the medical use of herbal medicines and natural products, the awareness of pharmacovigilance in herbal medicines and natural products needs to be strengthened. To prevent the adverse drug reactions related to herbal medicines and natural products, physicians need to be aware of potential risks and alert patients in the use of herbal medicines and natural products.

Food, flavouring and feed plant traditions in the Tyrrhenian sector of Basilicata, Italy

PubMed Central

Guarrera, Paolo Maria; Salerno, Giovanni; Caneva, Giulia

2006-01-01

Background: Research was carried out in the years 2002–2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region (southern Italy). This area was colonized in ancient times by Greeks. Data was collected through field interviews, especially of farmers. Methods: Field data were collected through structured interviews. The informants, numbered 49, belonged to families which had strong links with the traditional activities of the area. Results: 61 taxa are cited, belonging to 26 botanical families, amongst which 44 used as food or flavouring and 22 for animal alimentation. Besides 7 taxa are involved in rituals especially connected with agriculture and plant growth. Conclusion: The preservation of some rituals especially concerning agricultural plants is noteworthy in the area, together with a certain degree of continuity in food uses. Knowledge and rediscovery of recipes in human and animal diet could represent an economic potential for the area. PMID:16959031

Decree No. 50 of 10 January 1989 amending and adding to the Political Constitution of the State of Coahuila.

PubMed

1989-01-01

Among other things, this Coahuila, Mexico Constitution provides the following: 1) minors have a right to a wholesome life, health, alimentation, education, culture, recreation, preparation for employment, and the achievement of a dignified life within the family; 2) parents have the duty to protect the rights of minors to have their necessities satisfied and to achieve mental and physical health; laws should protect minors from the time of conception and determine ways of supporting their protection by means of public institutions; 3) the elderly have a right to respect and consideration and when they are abandoned, and the state shall promote their well-being through a system of social services that attend to their specific problems of health, food, housing, and recreation; 4) equal rights for men and women are recognized in all areas of cultural, social, legal, political, and economic life; 5) every person has a right to health protection; and 6) every family has a right to dignified and proper housing.

Mucosal injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion in the piglet intestine: Influences of age and feeding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crissinger, K.D.; Granger, D.N.

1989-10-01

The pathogenesis of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is unknown, but enteral alimentation, infectious agents, and mesenteric ischemia have been frequently invoked as primary initiators of the disease. To define the vulnerability of the intestinal mucosa to ischemia and reperfusion in the developing piglet, we evaluated changes in mucosal permeability using plasma-to-lumen clearance of chromium 51-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in the ileum of anesthetized 1-day-, 3-day-, 2-wk-, and 1-mo-old piglets as a function of (a) duration of intestinal ischemia (20, 40, or 60 min of total superior mesenteric artery occlusion), (b) feeding status (fasted or nursed), and (c) composition of luminal perfusate (balancedmore » salt solution vs. predigested cow milk-based formula). Baseline chromium 51-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid clearance was not significantly altered by ischemia, irrespective of duration, or feeding in all age groups. However, clearances were significantly elevated during reperfusion after 1 h of total intestinal ischemia in all age groups, whether fasted or fed. Reperfusion-induced increases in clearance did not differ among age groups when the bowel lumen was perfused with a balanced salt solution. However, luminal perfusion with formula resulted in higher clearances in 1-day-old piglets compared with all older animals. Thus, the neonatal intestine appears to be more vulnerable to mucosal injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion in the presence of formula than the intestine of older animals.« less

Survey on food hygiene knowledge on board ships.

PubMed

Grappasonni, Iolanda; Marconi, Donatella; Mazzucchi, Fabrizio; Petrelli, Fabio; Scuri, Stefania; Amenta, Francesco

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes on food hygiene in seafarers. The study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire presented to the workers of 7 tankers of an Italian shipping company (Finaval S.p.A.). As a reference, the analysis was extended to office employees of the same firm. Data were divided according to the rank of seafarers to assess possible differences in perceiving the risk. Overall knowledge on food safety concept was not high among seafarers. In general, galley and catering workers group provided a lower percentage of correct answers than other crew members. Foodservices staff revealed little awareness of the risks linked with handling food and their perception of risk of disease transmission through food was low. Answers about risk related to specific food (eggs and fish) showed that knowledge about these problems was less than satisfactory. Moreover, the percentage of 'I don't know' answers was high. These findings suggest that this personnel is aware of the right stepsof health protection in terms of food hygiene, but does not understand why it is necessary. Galley and catering group workers were not the most informed about food hygiene problems.This highlights the need to hire qualified personnel of the food industry on board ships. All those working inthe food service area should be properly trained on food hygiene. Seafarers should be the target of specificinformative campaigns about health risks linked with aliments, possible consequences of it and also oneson how to minimise the exposure to potentially dangerous agents/behaviours during travel/life at sea.

Early diagenesis in the Congo deep-sea fan sediments dominated by massive terrigenous deposits: Part I - Oxygen consumption and organic carbon mineralization using a micro-electrode approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pozzato, Lara; Cathalot, Cécile; Berrached, Chabha; Toussaint, Flora; Stetten, Elsa; Caprais, Jean-Claude; Pastor, Lucie; Olu, Karine; Rabouille, Christophe

2017-08-01

Organic matter (OM) transfer from the continent to the ocean occurs across margins which constitute a major area of OM recycling and burial. The lobe complex of the Congo deep-sea fan is connected to the river mouth by a canyon and alimented by recurrent turbidity currents, containing a large proportion of labile terrigenous OM and producing high sedimentation rates. These inputs support the development of ecosystems harboring rich assemblages of vesicomyid bivalves and bacterial mats, called Habitats. Here, we present O2 microprofiles and diffusive oxygen uptake rates (DOUs) obtained during the CONGOLOBE project at six sites of this active lobe complex by in situ and on-board methods based on micro-electrode profiling. The dataset is used to determine remineralization rates and study the biogeochemical dynamics of different ecosystems of the lobe area, in order to compare levee and background sediments to the Habitats developed on the flanks of the main turbiditic channel. Levee and background sediments are characterized by significantly higher DOUs than abyssal sediments at 5000 m meters depth (2-5 mmol O2 m-2 d-1versus 1.5-2.5 mmol O2 m-2 d-1) and the Habitats are hotspots of OM remineralization with DOU values ranging between 8 and 40 mmol O2 m-2 d-1. By comparing sites near the active channel to a site located 50 km away, we show that the lobe connection to the main turbiditic channel is vital to the dense benthic communities.

Modern proteomic methodologies for the characterization of lactosylation protein targets in milk.

PubMed

Arena, Simona; Renzone, Giovanni; Novi, Gianfranco; Paffetti, Alessandro; Bernardini, Giulia; Santucci, Annalisa; Scaloni, Andrea

2010-10-01

Heat treatment of milk induces the Maillard reaction between lactose and proteins; in this context, β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin adducts have been used as markers to monitor milk quality. Since some milk proteins have been reported as essential for the delivery of microelements and, being resistant against proteolysis in the gastrointestinal tract, also contributing to the acquired immune response against pathogens and the stimulation of cellular proliferation, it is crucial to systematically determine the milk subproteome affected by the Maillard reaction for a careful evaluation of aliment functional properties. This is more important when milk is the unique nutritional source, as in infant diet. To this purpose, a combination of proteomic procedures based on analyte capture by combinatorial peptide ligand libraries, selective trapping of lactosylated peptides by m-aminophenylboronic acid-agarose chromatography and collision-induced dissociation and electron transfer dissociation MS was used for systematic identification of the lactosylated proteins in milk samples subjected to different thermal treatments. An exhaustive modification of proteins was observed in milk powdered preparations for infant nutrition. Globally, this approach allowed the identification of 271 non-redundant modification sites in 33 milk proteins, which also included low-abundance components involved in nutrient delivery, defence response against virus/microorganisms and cellular proliferative events. A comparison of the modified peptide identification percentages resulting from electron transfer dissociation or collision-induced dissociation fragmentation spectra confirmed the first activation mode as most advantageous for the analysis of lactosylated proteins. Nutritional, biological and toxicological consequences of these findings are discussed on the basis of the recent literature on this subject, emphasizing their impact on newborn diet.

Social Representation of "Loud Music" in Young Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study.

PubMed

Manchaiah, Vinaya; Zhao, Fei; Widen, Stephen; Auzenne, Jasmin; Beukes, Eldré W; Ahmadi, Tayebeh; Tomé, David; Mahadeva, Deepthi; Krishna, Rajalakshmi; Germundsson, Per

2017-06-01

Exposure to recreational noise, particularly music exposure, is considered one of the biggest public health hazards of our time. Some important influencing factors such as socioeconomic status, educational background, and cross-cultural perspectives have previously been found to be associated with attitudes toward loud music and the use of hearing protection. Although culture seems to play an important role, there is relatively little known about how it influences perceptions regarding loud music exposure in young adults. The present study was aimed to explore cross-cultural perceptions of and reactions to loud music in young adults (18-25 yr) using the theory of social representations. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. The study sample included young adults (n = 534) from five different countries (India, Iran, Portugal, the United States, and the United Kingdom) who were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a content analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and also χ² analysis. Fairly equal numbers of positive and negative connotations (∼40%) were noted in all countries. However, the χ² analysis showed significant differences between the countries (most positive connotations were found in India and Iran, whereas the most negative connotations were found in the United Kingdom and Portugal) regarding the informants' perception of loud music. The co-occurrence analysis results generally indicate that the category "negative emotions and actions" occurred most frequently, immediately followed by the category "positive emotions and actions." The other most frequently occurring categories included "acoustics," "physical aliment," "location," and "ear and hearing problems." These six categories formed the central nodes of the social representation of loud music exposure in the global index. Although some similarities and differences were noted among the social representations toward loud music among countries, it is noteworthy that more similarities than differences were noted among countries. The study results suggest that "loud music" is perceived to have both positive and negative aspects within society and culture. We suggest that the health promotion strategies should focus on changing societal norms and regulations to be more effective in decreasing the noise- and/or music-induced auditory symptoms among young adults. American Academy of Audiology

[Evaluation of central parenteral alimentation in critically ill newborn infants at a provincial pediatric hospital].

PubMed

Yunes-Zárraga, J L; de la Garza-Garza, G; Velázquez-Quintana, N

1989-04-01

A revision was made on files of newborns whom received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Hospital Infantil de Tamaulipas during a two and a half years period. We try to correlate dosage and caloric intake with weight gain, survival and complications. We reviewed the principal indications that motivated the use of total parenteral nutrition. The average period of administration was 15 days and caloric intake average 75 cal. There was significance in weight gain in newborns older than 35 weeks (14.6 g/kg/day) compared with younger than 34 weeks (9.2 g/kg/day) (p less than 0.001). There was no relation between days and dosage in both groups. Only one case showed cholestatic jaundice. Hyperglycemia was present statistically more frequent in the group lesser gestational age. There were no important electrolytic disturbances. Necrotizing enterocolitis was present more frequent in the older group. Some comments are made in relation to sepsis and a discussion of possible causes that do no permit a better assimilation of nutrients in these babies.

[Ecology of health and nutrition in Ecuadorian Amazonia (province of Napo). I. The Siona-Secoya Indians of the Aguarico River].

PubMed

Bénéfice, E; Barral, H; Romo-Nunez, Z

1989-01-01

Are presented in this study results on the Sionas-Secoyas' subsistence pattern and health and nutrition status. Sionas-Secoyas still preserved a traditional way of life despite considerable demographic and environmental changes in the province. They are entirely self sufficient. The degree to which they meet their energy requirements appeared to be low but their intakes are obviously underestimated due to an important extra-household food consumption. Protein intakes are high; consumption of foods of animal origin is important. The quality of their alimentation is reasonably good. There are no cases of undernutrition; children growth is steady despite their smallness; they have a robust physical constitution. Parasitic burden is not heavy compared with other surveys in Amazonia. Infectious diseases are not frequent too. However this very propice situation is jeopardized by the process of agricultural development and the unceasing trespassing of the reservation boundaries. State officials should pay more attention to the preservation of Sionas-Secoyas' interests and must protect them from the covetousness of outsiders.

The microscopic (optical and SEM) examination of dental calculus deposits (DCD). Potential interest in forensic anthropology of a bio-archaeological method.

PubMed

Charlier, Philippe; Huynh-Charlier, Isabelle; Munoz, Olivia; Billard, Michel; Brun, Luc; de la Grandmaison, Geoffroy Lorin

2010-07-01

This article describes the potential interest in forensic anthropology of the microscopic analysis of dental calculus deposits (DCD), a calcified residue frequently found on the surface of teeth. Its sampling and analysis seem straightforward and relatively reproducible. Samples came from archaeological material (KHB-1 Ra's al-Khabbah and RH-5 Ra's al-Hamra, two Prehistoric graveyards located in the Sultanate of Oman, dated between the 5th and 4th millennium B.C.; Montenzio Vecchia, an Etruscan-Celtic necropolis from the north of Italy, dated between the 5th and 3rd century B.C.; body rests of Agnès Sorel, French royal mistress died in 1450 A.D.; skeleton of Pierre Hazard, French royal notary from the 15th century A.D.). Samples were studies by direct optical microscope (OM) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Many cytological, histological and elemental analyses were possible, producing precious data for the identification of these remains, the reconstitution of their alimentation and occupational habits, and propositions for manner of death. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unusual food allergy: Alioidea allergic reactions overview.

PubMed

Cantisani, Carmen; Visconti, Bianca; Paolino, Giovanni; Frascani, Federica; Tofani, Sonia; Fazia, Gilda; Calvieri, Stefano

2014-01-01

Allergic reactions can cause by several aliments and foods. Symptoms usually appear after ingestion, several hours after consumption or even almost immediately. Various food allergies can lead to serious diseases and in some cases to death, so the priority for people suffering from them should be prevention and completely avoiding foods that cause this kind of reactions. Allergy to Alioidea is one of the probable causes of contact dermatitis, gingival and oculonasal diseases and asthma. In this review, we will focus on the increasing incidence of allergy to foods of common use like onions and garlic. In the last ten years, the world production of onions and garlic has increased of at least 25%. People make large use of them, not only in cookery but also from a therapeutic point of view. Their growing use is producing more and more specific, insidious and sometimes serious medical conditions, which highly influence the quality of life of patients. Medical practitioners should be able to recognize immediately these disorders in order to diagnose them quickly and accurately, avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments. We will also describe new patents for detecting food allergens.

Primary tracheoesophageal puncture and cricopharyngeal myotomy in stapler-assisted total laryngectomy.

PubMed

Beswick, D M; Damrose, E J

2016-07-01

To evaluate the utility of the hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure in stapler-assisted laryngectomy. Patients who underwent total laryngectomy at a single institution from 2009 to 2015 were reviewed. The interventions assessed were surgical creation of a tracheoesophageal puncture and placement of a voice prosthesis. The outcomes measured included voicing ability and valve failure. Thirty-nine patients underwent total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy. Of these, nine underwent stapler-assisted laryngectomy; seven of the nine patients underwent concurrent stapler-assisted laryngectomy, cricopharyngeal myotomy and a hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure. These seven patients were the focus of this review. Successful voicing and oral alimentation was achieved in all patients. Mean time to phonation was 30 days (range, 7-77 days) and mean time to first valve change was 90 days (range, 35-117 days). Primary tracheoesophageal puncture with concurrent voice prosthesis placement and cricopharyngeal myotomy is easily performed with stapler-assisted laryngectomy. The hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure is a simple method that enables a single operator to achieve primary tracheoesophageal puncture and valve placement; in addition, it facilitates concurrent cricopharyngeal myotomy.

Brain death revisited: it is not 'complete death' according to Islamic sources.

PubMed

Bedir, Ahmet; Aksoy, Sahin

2011-05-01

Concepts, such as death, life and spirit cannot be known in their quintessential nature, but can be defined in accordance with their effects. In fact, those who think within the mode of pragmatism and Cartesian logic have ignored the metaphysical aspects of these terms. According to Islam, the entity that moves the body is named the soul. And the aliment of the soul is air. Cessation of breathing means leaving of the soul from the body. Those who agree on the diagnosis of brain death may not able to agree unanimously on the rules that lay down such diagnosis. That is to say, there are a heap of suspicions regarding the diagnosis of brain death, and these suspicions are on the increase. In fact, Islamic jurisprudence does not put provisions, decisions on suspicious grounds. By virtue of these facts, it can be asserted that brain death is not absolute death according to Islamic sources; for in the patients diagnosed with brain death the soul still has not abandoned the body. Therefore, these patients suffer in every operation performed on them.

The development of the friction coefficient inspection equipment for skin using a load cell.

PubMed

Song, Han Wook; Park, Yon Kyu; Lee, Sung Jun; Woo, Sam Yong; Kim, Sun Hyung; Kim, Dal Rae

2008-01-01

The skin is an indispensible organ for human because it contributes to the metabolism using its own biochemical functions as well as it protects the human body from the exterior stimuli. Recently, the friction coefficient have been used as the decision index of the progress for the bacterial aliments in the field of the skin physiology and the importance of friction coefficient have been increased in the skin care market because of the needs of the well being times. In addition, the usage of friction coefficient is known to have the big discrimination ability in classification of human constitutions, which is utilized in the alternative medicine. In this study, we designed a system which used the multi axes load cell and hemi-circular probe and tried to measure the friction coefficient of hand skins repeatedly. Using this system, the relative repeatability error for the measurement of the friction coefficient was below 4 %. The coefficient is not concerned in curvatures of tips. Using this system, we will try to establish the standard for classification of constitutions.

Methodes de caracterisation des proprietes thermomecaniques d'un acier martensitique =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ausseil, Lucas

Le but de l'etude est de developper des methodes permettant de mesurer les proprietes thermomecaniques d'un acier martensitique lors de chauffe rapide. Ces donnees permettent d'alimenter les modeles d'elements finis existant avec des donnees experimentales. Pour cela, l'acier 4340 est utilise. Cet acier est notamment utilise dans les roues d'engrenage, il a des proprietes mecaniques tres interessantes. Il est possible de modifier ses proprietes grâce a des traitements thermiques. Le simulateur thermomecanique Gleeble 3800 est utilise. Il permet de tester theoriquement toutes les conditions presentes dans les procedes de fabrication. Avec les tests de dilatation realises dans ce projet, les temperatures exactes de changement de phases austenitiques et martensitiques sont obtenues. Des tests de traction ont aussi permis de deduire la limite d'elasticite du materiau dans le domaine austenitique allant de 850 °C a 1100 °C. L'effet des deformations sur la temperature de debut de transformation est montre qualitativement. Une simulation numerique est aussi realisee pour comprendre les phenomenes intervenant pendant les essais.

Traces of natural radionuclides in animal food

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merli, Isabella Desan; da Silveira, Marcilei A. Guazzelli; Medina, Nilberto H.

2014-11-01

Naturally occurring radioactive materials are present everywhere, e.g., in soil, air, housing materials, food, etc. Therefore, human beings and animals receive internal exposure from radioactive elements inside their bodies through breathing and alimentation. Gamma radiation has enough energy to remove an electron from the atom and compromise the rearrangement of electrons in the search for a more stable configuration which can disturb molecule chemical bonding. Food ingestion is one of the most common forms of radioisotopes absorption. The goal of this work is the measurement of natural gamma radiation rates from natural radioisotopes present in animal food. To determine the concentration of natural radionuclides present in animal food gamma-ray spectrometry was applied. We have prepared animal food samples for poultry, fish, dogs, cats and cattle. The two highest total ingestion effective doses observed refers to a sample of mineral salt cattle, 95.3(15) μSv/year, rabbit chow, with a value of 48(5) μSv/year, and cattle mineral salt, with a value of 69(7) μSv/year, while the annual total dose value from terrestrial intake radionuclide is of the order of 290 μSv/year.

Calcium biogeochemical cycle at the beech tree-soil solution interface from the Strengbach CZO (NE France): insights from stable Ca and radiogenic Sr isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Anne-Désirée; Gangloff, Sophie; Labolle, François; Chabaux, François; Stille, Peter

2017-09-01

Calcium (Ca) is the fourth most abundant element in mineral nutrition and plays key physiological and structural roles in plant metabolism. At the soil-water-plant scale, stable Ca isotopes are a powerful tool for the identification of plant-mineral interactions and recycling via vegetation. Radiogenic Sr isotopes are often used as tracers of Ca sources and mixtures of different reservoirs. In this study, stable Ca and radiogenic Sr are combined and analysed in several organs from two beech trees that were collected in June and September in the Strengbach critical zone observatory (CZO) (NE France) and in corresponding soil solutions. At the beech-tree scale, this study confirms the field Ca adsorption (i.e., physico-chemical mechanism and not vital effects) on carboxyl acid groups of pectin in the apoplasm of small roots. The analysis of the xylem sap and corresponding organs shows that although the Strengbach CZO is nutrient-poor, Ca seems to be non-limiting for tree-growth. Different viscosities of xylem sap between the stemwood and branches or leaves can explain δ44/40Ca values in different tree-organs. The bark and phloem 40Ca-enrichments could be due to Ca-oxalate precipitation in the bark tissues and in the phloem. The results from this study regarding the combination of these two isotopic systems show that the isotopic signatures of the roots are dominated by Ca fractionation mechanisms and Sr, and thus Ca, source variations. In contrast, translocation mechanisms are only governed by Ca fractionation processes. This study showed that at the root-soil solution interface, litter degradation was not the main source of Ca and Sr and that the soil solutions are not the complement of uptake by roots for samples from the 2011/2013 period. The opposite is observed for older samples. These observations indicate the decreasing contribution of low radiogenic Sr fluxes, such as recycling, alimenting the soil solutions. Such reduced importance of nutrient uptake and biomass production by the trees could be because the Strengbach trees are ageing and probably weakened by repeated storm events and drought episodes.

Ethnoveterinary plants of Ankober District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Traditional herbal preparations for addressing veterinary problems have been applied in Ankober District, Ethiopia, for generations. However, the millennia-old ethnoveterinary knowledge of the community, and the plants are subjected to loss without being scientifically documented due to anthropogenic and environmental threats. Hence, this study aims at providing a comprehensive documentation on ethnoveterinary plant knowledge of the people in order to preserve the fast-eroding knowledge and resources of the area. Methods Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and walk-in-the-woods methods were used to gather ethnoveterinary data. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL) values were calculated using quantitative approaches so as to check the level of informants' agreement on plant use and healing potential of ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species, respectively. Indigenous knowledge on use of medicinal plants for ethnoveterinary purposes among different informant groups was compared using One-way ANOVA and t-tests. Results A total of 51 plant species representing 50 genera and 35 botanical families used in the treatment of 33 different ailments were identified. Medicinal plant species belonging to families Asteraceae, Asclepiadaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Ranunculaceae were reported to be of frequent use in the local ethnoveterinary medical system. Roots (65%, 33 species) were most often utilized for remedy preparation. Highest ICF values were recorded for gastro-intestinal (0.71) ailments depicting best agreement on knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat aliments in this category. Embelia schimperi Vatke showed highest fidelity level value (90%) to treat gastro-intestinal diseases showing conformity of knowledge on this species' healing potential. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in average number of therapeutic plants reported by senior members of the community than younger groups. Embelia schimperi Vatke and Rubus steudnerii Schweinf. were the most-preferred species to treat diarrhoea. Conclusion The study indicated that indigenous knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicinal plant use is still rich and active in the District. Species with recorded highest consensus for curative role are a useful pool for further phytochemical and pharmacological validation for better utilization. Declining wild medicinal flora of the area calls for implementation of a coordinated complementary in situ and ex situ conservation strategy. PMID:24517385

A case-control study of diet and gastric cancer in northern Italy.

PubMed

La Vecchia, C; Negri, E; Decarli, A; D'Avanzo, B; Franceschi, S

1987-10-15

Dietary factors in the aetiology of stomach cancer were investigated using data from a case-control study conducted in Northern Italy on 206 histologically confirmed carcinomas and 474 control subjects in hospital for acute, non-digestive conditions, unrelated to any of the potential risk factors for gastric cancer. Dietary histories concerned the frequency of consumption per week of 29 selected food items (including the major sources of starches, proteins, fats, fibres, vitamins A and C, nitrates and nitrites in the Italian diet) and subjective scores for condiments and salt intake. Pasta and rice (the major sources of starch), polenta (a porridge made of maize) and ham were positively related with gastric cancer risk, whereas green vegetables and fresh fruit as a whole (and specifically citrus fruit) and selected fibre-rich aliments (such as whole-grain bread or pasta) showed protective effects on gastric cancer risk. Allowance for major identified potential distorting factors (chiefly indicators of socio-economic status) reduced the positive association with pasta or rice consumption, but did not appreciably modify any of the other risk estimates. When a single logistic model was fitted including all food items significant in univariate analysis, the 3 items remaining statistically significant were green vegetables (relative risk, RR = 0.27 for upper vs. lower tertile), polenta (RR = 2.32) and ham (RR = 1.60). Indices of beta-carotene and ascorbate intake were negatively and strongly related with gastric cancer risk, but the association with these micronutrients was no longer evident after simultaneous allowance for various food items. An approximately 7-fold difference in risk was found between extreme quintiles of a scale measuring major positive and negative associations.

FLUORIDE: A REVIEW OF USE AND EFFECTS ON HEALTH.

PubMed

Kanduti, Domen; Sterbenk, Petra; Artnik, Barbara

2016-04-01

Appropriate oral health care is fundamental for any individual's health. Dental caries is still one of the major public health problems. The most effective way of caries prevention is the use of fluoride. The aim of our research was to review the literature about fluoride toxicity and to inform physicians, dentists and public health specialists whether fluoride use is expedient and safe. Data we used in our review were systematically searched and collected from web pages and documents published from different international institutions. Fluoride occurs naturally in our environment but we consume it in small amounts. Exposure can occur through dietary intake, respiration and fluoride supplements. The most important factor for fluoride presence in alimentation is fluoridated water. Methods, which led to greater fluoride exposure and lowered caries prevalence, are considered to be one of the greatest accomplishments in the 20th century`s public dental health. During pregnancy, the placenta acts as a barrier. The fluoride, therefore, crosses the placenta in low concentrations. Fluoride can be transmitted through the plasma into the mother's milk; however, the concentration is low. The most important action of fluoride is topical, when it is present in the saliva in the appropriate concentration. The most important effect of fluoride on caries incidence is through its role in the process of remineralization and demineralization of tooth enamel. Acute toxicity can occur after ingesting one or more doses of fluoride over a short time period which then leads to poisoning. Today, poisoning is mainly due to unsupervised ingestion of products for dental and oral hygiene and over-fluoridated water. Even though fluoride can be toxic in extremely high concentrations, it`s topical use is safe. The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) recommends a preventive topical use of fluoride supplements because of their cariostatic effect.

Modeling the Evolution of Riparian Woodlands Facing Climate Change in Three European Rivers with Contrasting Flow Regimes

PubMed Central

Rivaes, Rui P.; Rodríguez-González, Patricia M.; Ferreira, Maria Teresa; Pinheiro, António N.; Politti, Emilio; Egger, Gregory; García-Arias, Alicia; Francés, Felix

2014-01-01

Global circulation models forecasts indicate a future temperature and rainfall pattern modification worldwide. Such phenomena will become particularly evident in Europe where climate modifications could be more severe than the average change at the global level. As such, river flow regimes are expected to change, with resultant impacts on aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Riparian woodlands are among the most endangered ecosystems on earth and provide vital services to interconnected ecosystems and human societies. However, they have not been the object of many studies designed to spatially and temporally quantify how these ecosystems will react to climate change-induced flow regimes. Our goal was to assess the effects of climate-changed flow regimes on the existing riparian vegetation of three different European flow regimes. Cases studies were selected in the light of the most common watershed alimentation modes occurring across European regions, with the objective of appraising expected alterations in the riparian elements of fluvial systems due to climate change. Riparian vegetation modeling was performed using the CASiMiR-vegetation model, which bases its computation on the fluvial disturbance of the riparian patch mosaic. Modeling results show that riparian woodlands may undergo not only at least moderate changes for all flow regimes, but also some dramatic adjustments in specific areas of particular vegetation development stages. There are circumstances in which complete annihilation is feasible. Pluvial flow regimes, like the ones in southern European rivers, are those likely to experience more pronounced changes. Furthermore, regardless of the flow regime, younger and more water-dependent individuals are expected to be the most affected by climate change. PMID:25330151

Application of Bio-digestion for Capsule Gelatin-- From the Pharmaceutical Wastes to the Manure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, C.; Huang, S.; Chang, Y.; Wen, J.

2013-12-01

The purpose of this study was to bio-digest the capsule gelatin from the waste of pharmaceutical processes such as cutting and stamping for capsule shells producing. We screened soil bacterial flora for capsule gelatin biolysis, and found the most competent one named Yuntech-7. A 15% (w/w) of capsule gelatin could fully digested by Yuntech-7 for 3 days growth with an N-limited medium in a 37°C incubator. In order to recycle and reuse the gelatin waste, the different percentages of capsule gelatin were co-composted with the vegetable residues to produce manure in an anaerobic fermentation by an extra Yuntech-7 inoculation. After 14 days incubation, we collected the filtrate to examine the contents of N, P, and K. The data shows that the P and K keep the same value by roughly between the blank and the control sets, but the total N values were approximately a 5-fold increase in 20% and a 10-fold increase in 40% of capsule gelatin integrated. We suggested that the capsule gelatin was majorly decomposed by Yuntech-7, because the total N value was no observable change in the capsule gelatin and vegetable residues co-compost with a Yuntech-7-free condition. We also performed some field tests using the capsule gelatin generated liquid manure, and the preliminary test shows the plants got great benefits on culture size and in environmental resistance. In conclusion, the process in bio-digestion of waste capsule gelatin by soil bacteria, Yuntech-7, was produced a valuable manure not only aliment the plants but also complement the soil bacterial populations.

[Effects of calorie information and nutrition traffic light on alimentation behaviour in public catering].

PubMed

Bruder, A; Honekamp, W; Hackl, J M

2013-08-01

Due to the significant increase in overweight and obese people, action is needed to raise eating behaviour awareness. A significant main meal (lunch) is witnessing a growing trend in the catering (part of the out-of-home nutrition). The aim of this study is to determine whether the selection of lunch menus is affected through the display of nutritional information in the form of number of calories or a traffic light model. In this exploratory study, quantitative data were collected in a cross-sectional design. In addition to the established measurement instruments, socio-demographic and socio-economic information of the subjects based on the study were evaluated. The survey took place in 2008 in 2 passes (time t A/t B). The identical lunch menu of a catering company was applied twice respectively for 4 weeks. In the second run (t B) the lunch menu contained additional nutritional information (big 4 instructions) in the form of calories or a traffic light nutrition. The test of group differences was based on scientific statistical analysis in SPSS. The overall results for the illustration of kilocalories or traffic light do not have a unique significance in the direction of a low average number of calories at the time t B in comparison to the time t A. The food participants, on average, choose a lower calorie-containing menu, when a combination of traffic light and calories is given. The nutrition behaviour is accompanied by an oversupply of unhealthy foods. Lunch participants are sensitised for the selection of healthier lunch menus by a traffic light nutrition information or calories information. Nutrition labelling for lunch menus in the form of calories nutrition information or a coloured traffic light could trigger preventive effects. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Forecast of Frost Days Based on Monthly Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castellanos, M. T.; Tarquis, A. M.; Morató, M. C.; Saa-Requejo, A.

2009-04-01

Although frost can cause considerable crop damage and mitigation practices against forecasted frost exist, frost forecasting technologies have not changed for many years. The paper reports a new method to forecast the monthly number of frost days (FD) for several meteorological stations at Community of Madrid (Spain) based on successive application of two models. The first one is a stochastic model, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), that forecasts monthly minimum absolute temperature (tmin) and monthly average of minimum temperature (tminav) following Box-Jenkins methodology. The second model relates these monthly temperatures to minimum daily temperature distribution during one month. Three ARIMA models were identified for the time series analyzed with a stational period correspondent to one year. They present the same stational behavior (moving average differenced model) and different non-stational part: autoregressive model (Model 1), moving average differenced model (Model 2) and autoregressive and moving average model (Model 3). At the same time, the results point out that minimum daily temperature (tdmin), for the meteorological stations studied, followed a normal distribution each month with a very similar standard deviation through years. This standard deviation obtained for each station and each month could be used as a risk index for cold months. The application of Model 1 to predict minimum monthly temperatures showed the best FD forecast. This procedure provides a tool for crop managers and crop insurance companies to asses the risk of frost frequency and intensity, so that they can take steps to mitigate against frost damage and estimated the damage that frost would cost. This research was supported by Comunidad de Madrid Research Project 076/92. The cooperation of the Spanish National Meteorological Institute and the Spanish Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentation (MAPA) is gratefully acknowledged.

Lipid intake in children under 3 years of age in France. A position paper by the Committee on Nutrition of the French Society of Paediatrics.

PubMed

Briend, A; Legrand, P; Bocquet, A; Girardet, J-P; Bresson, J-L; Chouraqui, J-P; Darmaun, D; Dupont, C; Frelut, M L; Goulet, O; Hankard, R; Rieu, D; Simeoni, U; Turck, D; Vidailhet, M

2014-04-01

Lipids are an important source of energy for young children and play a major role in the development and functioning of nervous tissue. Essential fatty acids and their long-chain derivatives also fulfill multiple metabolic functions and play a role in the regulation of numerous genes. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail [ANSES]) have recently recommended a minimum daily intake in preformed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs): arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Mother's milk remains the only reference, but the large variability in its DHA content does not guarantee that breastfed children receive an optimal DHA intake if the mother's intake is insufficient. For children fed with infant formulas, ARA and DHA intake is often below the recommended intake because only one-third of infant formulas available on the market in France are enriched in LC-PUFAs. For all children, linoleic acid (LA) intake is on average higher than the minimal recommended values. The consequences of these differences between intake and recommended values are uncertain. A cautious attitude is to come close to the current recommendations and to advise sufficient consumption of DHA in breastfeeding women. For bottle-fed children, infant formulas enriched in LC-PUFAs and with moderate levels of LA should be preferred. LC-PUFA-rich fish should be consumed during breastfeeding, and adapted vegetable oils when complementary foods are introduced. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A review of myrmecophily in ant nest beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Paussinae): linking early observations with recent findings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geiselhardt, Stefanie F.; Peschke, Klaus; Nagel, Peter

2007-11-01

Myrmecophily provides various examples of how social structures can be overcome to exploit vast and well-protected resources. Ant nest beetles (Paussinae) are particularly well suited for ecological and evolutionary considerations in the context of association with ants because life habits within the subfamily range from free-living and predatory in basal taxa to obligatory myrmecophily in derived Paussini. Adult Paussini are accepted in the ant society, although parasitising the colony by preying on ant brood. Host species mainly belong to the ant families Myrmicinae and Formicinae, but at least several paussine genera are not host-specific. Morphological adaptations, such as special glands and associated tufts of hair (trichomes), characterise Paussini as typical myrmecophiles and lead to two different strategical types of body shape: while certain Paussini rely on the protective type with less exposed extremities, other genera access ant colonies using glandular secretions and trichomes (symphile type). We compare these adaptations with other taxonomic groups of insects by joining contemporary research and early sources and discuss the possibility of an attracting or appeasing effect of the secretion. Species that are ignored by their host ants might use chemical mimicry instead. Furthermore, vibrational signals may contribute to ant-beetle communication, and chemical signals have proven to play a role in host finding. The powerful defense chemistry of paussines as “bombardier beetles” is not used in contact with host ants. We attempt to trace the evolution of myrmecophily in paussines by reviewing important aspects of the association between paussine beetles and ants, i.e. morphological and potential chemical adaptations, life cycle, host specificity, alimentation, parasitism and sound production.

Patterns of Genetic Structure and Linkage Disequilibrium in a Large Collection of Pea Germplasm

PubMed Central

Siol, Mathieu; Jacquin, Françoise; Chabert-Martinello, Marianne; Smýkal, Petr; Le Paslier, Marie-Christine; Aubert, Grégoire; Burstin, Judith

2017-01-01

Pea (Pisum sativum, L.) is a major pulse crop used both for animal and human alimentation. Owing to its association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, it is also a valuable component for low-input cropping systems. To evaluate the genetic diversity and the scale of linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay in pea, we genotyped a collection of 917 accessions, gathering elite cultivars, landraces, and wild relatives using an array of ∼13,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Genetic diversity is broadly distributed across three groups corresponding to wild/landraces peas, winter types, and spring types. At a finer subdivision level, genetic groups relate to local breeding programs and type usage. LD decreases steeply as genetic distance increases. When considering subsets of the data, LD values can be higher, even if the steep decay remains. We looked for genomic regions exhibiting high level of differentiation between wild/landraces, winter, and spring pea, respectively. Two regions on linkage groups 5 and 6 containing 33 SNPs exhibit stronger differentiation between winter and spring peas than would be expected under neutrality. Interestingly, QTL for resistance to cold acclimation and frost resistance have been identified previously in the same regions. PMID:28611254

STEAM GENERATOR FOR GAS COOLED NUCLEAR REACTORS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1960-03-14

A steam generator for a gas-cooled nuclear reactor is disposed inside the same pressure vessel as the reactor and has a tube system heated by the gas circulating through the reactor; the pressure vessel is double-walled, and the interspace between these two walls is filled with concrete serving as radiation shielding. The steam generator has a cylindricaIly shaped vertical casing, through which the heating gas circulates, while the tubes are arranged in a plurality of parallel horizontal planes and each of them have the shape of an involute of a circle. The tubes are uniformly distributed over the available surfacemore » in the plane, all the tubes of the same plane being connected in parallel. The exterior extremities of these involute-shaped tubes are each connected with similar tubes disposed in the adjacent lower situated plane, while the interior extremities are connected with tubes in the adjacent higher situated plane. The alimentation of the tubes is performed over annular headers. The tube system is self-supporting, the tubes being joined together by welded spacers. The fluid flow in the tubes is performed by forced circulation. (NPO)« less

Periodontal Systemic Connections-Novel Associations-A Review of the Evidence with Implications for Medical Practitioners

PubMed Central

Kalakonda, Butchibabu; Koppolu, Pradeep; Baroudi, Kusai; Mishra, Ashank

2016-01-01

Periodontal diseases, considered as inflammatory diseases have proved to have a spectrum of systemic implications. Earliest research has associated periodontal disease with common systemic aliments such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. The evolution of advanced diagnostic aids let researchers make vast inroads in linking periodontal diseases to systemic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and even Schizophrenia. Our aim was to review and critically evaluate comprehensive literature and provide knowledge to medical practitioners on these associations so as to pave way for closer interactions between medical and dental practitioners in implementing better health care. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases were used as source of the data for relevant studies published from 2005 up to 2015 with the following keywords, “‘Periodontal disease”, “systemic conditions”, “periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s”, “Periodontal disease and Schizophrenia”, “Periodontal disease and Psoriasis” and “Periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction”. The evidence presented ascertains that a reasonable and modest association does exist between Periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, Erectile dysfunction, as well as Psoriasis and thus establishes periodontal disease as a potential risk factor. PMID:27103910

Traces of natural radionuclides in animal food

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Merli, Isabella Desan; Guazzelli da Silveira, Marcilei A.; Medina, Nilberto H.

Naturally occurring radioactive materials are present everywhere, e.g., in soil, air, housing materials, food, etc. Therefore, human beings and animals receive internal exposure from radioactive elements inside their bodies through breathing and alimentation. Gamma radiation has enough energy to remove an electron from the atom and compromise the rearrangement of electrons in the search for a more stable configuration which can disturb molecule chemical bonding. Food ingestion is one of the most common forms of radioisotopes absorption. The goal of this work is the measurement of natural gamma radiation rates from natural radioisotopes present in animal food. To determine themore » concentration of natural radionuclides present in animal food gamma-ray spectrometry was applied. We have prepared animal food samples for poultry, fish, dogs, cats and cattle. The two highest total ingestion effective doses observed refers to a sample of mineral salt cattle, 95.3(15) μSv/year, rabbit chow, with a value of 48(5) μSv/year, and cattle mineral salt, with a value of 69(7) μSv/year, while the annual total dose value from terrestrial intake radionuclide is of the order of 290 μSv/year.« less

Nutritional Concepts and Frequency of Foodstuffs Mentioned in the Holy Quran.

PubMed

Tarighat-Esfanjani, Ali; Namazi, Nazli

2016-06-01

The Holy Quran is a religious book of Muslims. In many verses of Quran, various foods are discussed. It seems that limited studies were performed on identification the nutritional verses and their frequencies in the Holy Quran. Therefore, the aims of present study were to establish a numerical model system for studying nutritional verses of Quran, determination of verses with nutritional concepts and frequency of foodstuffs in the Holy Quran. In this descriptive analytical study, "Ghamoos e Quran" and "Vazheyab" online softwares were used to determine the nutritional keywords in Quran. For searching, translating, and interpretation of verses, "Noor-e-Jami Tafasir version 2.1"; "Zekr" and "Pars Quran"softwares were applied. Sixty-four nutritional keywords and 257 nutritional verses were identified. Findings indicated that aliment/foods, eating, water/drinking words, and their derivatives are repeated 171, 109, and 131 times in the Holy Quran, respectively. According to the Holy Quran, except Haram foods (pork meat, wine, carrion meat, blood, and meat of animals not slaughtered properly in the Islamic manner), all foods are tayyeb (lawful). The Holy Quran contains many foodstuffs and verses with nutritional concepts and it recommends eating varied and balanced diet.

Periodontal Systemic Connections-Novel Associations-A Review of the Evidence with Implications for Medical Practitioners.

PubMed

Kalakonda, Butchibabu; Koppolu, Pradeep; Baroudi, Kusai; Mishra, Ashank

2016-04-01

Periodontal diseases, considered as inflammatory diseases have proved to have a spectrum of systemic implications. Earliest research has associated periodontal disease with common systemic aliments such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. The evolution of advanced diagnostic aids let researchers make vast inroads in linking periodontal diseases to systemic diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and even Schizophrenia. Our aim was to review and critically evaluate comprehensive literature and provide knowledge to medical practitioners on these associations so as to pave way for closer interactions between medical and dental practitioners in implementing better health care. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases were used as source of the data for relevant studies published from 2005 up to 2015 with the following keywords, "'Periodontal disease", "systemic conditions", "periodontal disease and Alzheimer's", "Periodontal disease and Schizophrenia", "Periodontal disease and Psoriasis" and "Periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction". The evidence presented ascertains that a reasonable and modest association does exist between Periodontal disease and Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia, Erectile dysfunction, as well as Psoriasis and thus establishes periodontal disease as a potential risk factor.

L’utilisation du prémélange de monensin chez les vaches laitières : un suivi simple et essentiel pour s’assurer d’une utilisation adéquate

PubMed Central

Dubuc, Jocelyn; Baril, Jean; DesCôteaux, Luc

2009-01-01

Le prémélange de monensin est utilisé fréquemment sur les fermes laitières canadiennes. L’ingrédient actif de ce produit est le monensin sodique. Bien que son utilisation chez les vaches laitières soit sécuritaire, des cas de surdose ont été rapportés à la suite de consommation de niveaux de monensin plus élevés que ceux recommandés. Un suivi hebdomadaire du pourcentage de matières grasses du réservoir de lait de la ferme devrait être fait de routine suite à la livraison d’aliment médicamenteux contenant du monensin pour détecter rapidement les situations de surdose. L’observation d’une baisse soudaine de la consommation volontaire de matière sèche et l’apparition de diarrhée dans un troupeau sont d’autres signes cliniques de surdose de monensin. Une détection rapide de ces cas permettra de corriger la situation. PMID:19721781

Surgical Technical Evidence Review of Hip Fracture Surgery Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery.

PubMed

Siletz, Anaar; Childers, Christopher P; Faltermeier, Claire; Singer, Emily S; Hu, Q Lina; Ko, Clifford Y; Kates, Stephen L; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda; Wick, Elizabeth

2018-01-01

Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have been shown to improve patient outcomes in a variety of contexts. This review summarizes the evidence and defines a protocol for perioperative care of patients with hip fracture and was conducted for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality safety program for improving surgical care and recovery. Perioperative care was divided into components or "bins." For each bin, a semisystematic review of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE with priority given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Observational studies were included when higher levels of evidence were not available. Existing guidelines for perioperative care were also incorporated. For convenience, the components of care that are under the auspices of anesthesia providers will be reported separately. Recommendations for an evidence-based protocol were synthesized based on review of this evidence. Eleven bins were identified. Preoperative risk factor bins included nutrition, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, and anemia. Perioperative management bins included thromboprophylaxis, timing of surgery, fluid management, drain placement, early mobilization, early alimentation, and discharge criteria/planning. This review provides the evidence basis for an ERP for perioperative care of patients with hip fracture.

Immunosuppression and temporary skin transplantation in the treatment of massive third degree burns.

PubMed Central

Burke, J F; Quinby, W C; Bondoc, C C; Cosimi, A B; Russell, P S; Szyfelbein, S K

1975-01-01

A method of burn treatment (immunosuppression and temporary skin transplantation) for patients suffering from massive third degree burns is evaluated. The method is based on the prompt excision of all dead tissue (burn eschar) and immediate closure of the wound by skin grafts. Total wound closure is achieved before bacterial infection or organ failure takes place by carrying out all initial excision and grafting procedures within the first ten days post burn and supplementing the limited amount of autograft with allograft. Continuous wound closure is maintained for up to 50 days through immunosuppression. Both azathioprine and ATG have been used but ATG is preferred. During the period of immunosuppression, allograft is stepwise excised and replaced with autograft donor sites regenerate for recropping. Bacterial complications are minimized by housing the patient in the protected environment of the Bacteria Controlled Nursing Unit. Intensive protein and calorie alimentation are provided, and 0.5% aqueous AgNO3 dressings are used. A swinging febrile illness has been associated with large areas of allograft rejection. Eleven children have been treated and seven have been returned to normal, productive schooling. Images Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4. PMID:809014

Les conditions d’hébergement favorables au rétablissement : perspective des usagers et usagères

PubMed Central

Piat, Myra; Boyer, Richard; Cloutier, Simon; Fleury, Marie-Josée; Lesage, Alain

2016-01-01

Cette recherche vise à mieux comprendre le rôle de l’hébergement dans le rétablissement des personnes vivant avec une maladie mentale grave. Quarante résidents et résidentes de différents types d’hébergement communautaire structuré ont été interrogés sur les conditions d’hébergement qui favorisent leur rétablissement. Les résultats indiquent qu’aux yeux des résidents et résidentes, les conditions matérielles d’existence ont une influence déterminante sur le rétablissement. Leurs préoccupations s’articulent autour des besoins de base tels que l’alimentation, le coût, les commodités et la qualité de leur hébergement. Les relations sociales avec leur entourage immédiat ont également une grande influence sur le rétablissement des personnes, lesquelles souhaitent d’abord conserver leurs modestes acquis, tant matériels que sociaux. Cette stabilité est prérequise à leur rétablissement. PMID:27099410

Patterns in groundwater chemistry resulting from groundwater flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuyfzand, Pieter J.

Groundwater flow influences hydrochemical patterns because flow reduces mixing by diffusion, carries the chemical imprints of biological and anthropogenic changes in the recharge area, and leaches the aquifer system. Global patterns are mainly dictated by differences in the flux of meteoric water passing through the subsoil. Within individual hydrosomes (water bodies with a specific origin), the following prograde evolution lines (facies sequence) normally develop in the direction of groundwater flow: from strong to no fluctuations in water quality, from polluted to unpolluted, from acidic to basic, from oxic to anoxic-methanogenic, from no to significant base exchange, and from fresh to brackish. This is demonstrated for fresh coastal-dune groundwater in the Netherlands. In this hydrosome, the leaching of calcium carbonate as much as 15m and of adsorbed marine cations (Na+, K+, and Mg2+) as much as 2500m in the flow direction is shown to correspond with about 5000yr of flushing since the beach barrier with dunes developed. Recharge focus areas in the dunes are evidenced by groundwater displaying a lower prograde quality evolution than the surrounding dune groundwater. Artificially recharged Rhine River water in the dunes provides distinct hydrochemical patterns, which display groundwater flow, mixing, and groundwater ages. Résumé Les écoulements souterrains influencent les différents types hydrochimiques, parce que l'écoulement réduit le mélange par diffusion, porte les marques chimiques de changements biologiques et anthropiques dans la zone d'alimentation et lessive le système aquifère. Ces types dans leur ensemble sont surtout déterminés par des différences dans le flux d'eau météorique traversant le sous-sol. Dans les "hydrosomes" (masses d'eau d'origine déterminée), les lignes marquant une évolution prograde (séquence de faciès) se développent normalement dans la direction de l'écoulement souterrain : depuis des fluctuations fortes de la qualité de l'eau vers une absence de fluctuations, de polluées vers non polluées, d'acides vers basiques, d'oxygénées vers anoxiques et méthanogènes, depuis des échanges de base inexistants vers des échanges significatifs, de l'eau douce vers l'eau saumâtre. Ceci est montré pour une nappe d'eau douce dans une dune côtière des Pays-Bas. Dans "l'hydrosome", on montre que la disparition du carbonate de calcium par lessivage à plus de 15m et celle de cations adsorbés d'origine marine (Na+, K+ et Mg2+) à plus de 2500m vers l'aval-gradient correspond à environ 5000 ans d'écoulement, depuis que la barrière de la plage avec les dunes s'est mise en place. Les zones d'alimentation ponctuelle dans les dunes sont mises en évidence par l'eau souterraine montrant une plus faible évolution prograde de sa qualité que l'eau souterraine de la dune alentour. L'eau du Rhin utilisée pour la réalimentation artificielle dans les dunes a fourni des types hydrochimiques distincts, qui marquent l'écoulement, le mélange et les âges de l'eau souterraine. Resumen El flujo subterráneo tiene una gran importancia sobre la hidroquímica de un sistema ya que reduce la mezcla por difusión, transporta las huellas químicas y biológicas de las acciones antrópicas en la zona de recarga y drena el sistema acuífero. Las tendencias globales vienen regidas por las diferencias en el flujo de agua meteórica que atraviesa el subsuelo. En un hidrosoma individual (cuerpo de agua de un origen específico), se suele desarrollar la siguiente línea de evolución (secuencia de facies) en la dirección del flujo: de gran a nula fluctuación en la calidad del agua, de agua contaminada a no contaminada, de ácida a básica, de óxica a anóxica-metanogénica, de nulo a importante cambio de base y de agua dulce a salobre. Esto puede verse, por ejemplo, en las aguas dulces presentes en las dunas costeras de Holanda. En este hidrosoma, el lixiviado de carbonato cálcico, hasta 15m, y de cationes de adsorción marina (Na+, K+ and Mg2+), hasta 2500m en la dirección del flujo corresponde a unos 5000 años de lavado desde que se desarrolló la barrera de dunas. Áreas de recarga concentrada en las dunas se evidencian porque el agua subterránea muestra un bajo estado de evolución dentro de la línea de evolución antes presentada, si se compara con el agua circundante. La recarga artificial en las dunas con agua del Río Rin proporciona características hidroquímicas diferenciadas, lo que permite caracterizar el flujo subterráneo, la mezcla y las edades de las aguas.

Révision systématique des effets de la fréquence des repas en famille sur les résultats psychosociaux chez les jeunes

PubMed Central

Harrison, Megan E.; Norris, Mark L.; Obeid, Nicole; Fu, Maeghan; Weinstangel, Hannah; Sampson, Margaret

2015-01-01

Résumé Objectif Effectuer une révision systématique des effets de repas en famille fréquents sur les résultats psychosociaux chez les enfants et les adolescents et examiner s’il existe des différences dans les résultats selon le sexe. Sources des données Des études ont été cernées à la suite d’une recherche dans MEDLINE (de 1948 à la dernière semaine de juin 2011) et dans PsycINFO (de 1806 à la première semaine de juillet 2011) à l’aide de l’interface Ovide. Les expressions et mots clés MeSH utilisés seuls ou en combinaisons étaient les suivants : family, meal, food intake, nutrition, diets, body weight, adolescent attitudes, eating behaviour, feeding behaviour et eating disorders. Les bibliographies des articles jugés pertinents ont aussi été passées en revus. Sélection des études La recherche initiale a produit 1783 articles. Pour être incluses dans l’analyse, les études devaient répondre aux critères suivants : être publiées en anglais dans une revue révisée par des pairs; porter sur des enfants ou des adolescents; traiter de l’influence des repas en famille sur les paramètres psychosociaux (p. ex. consommation de drogues et autres substances, troubles de l’alimentation, dépression) chez les enfants ou les adolescents; avoir une conception d’étude appropriée, notamment des méthodes statistiques acceptables pour l’analyse des paramètres. Quatorze articles satisfaisaient aux critères d’inclusion. Deux examinateurs indépendants ont étudié et analysé les articles. Synthèse Dans l’ensemble, les résultats font valoir que la fréquence des repas en famille est inversement proportionnelle aux troubles de l’alimentation, à la consommation d’alcool et de drogues, aux comportements violents, aux sentiments de dépression ou aux pensées suicidaires chez les adolescents. Il existe une relation positive entre de fréquents repas en famille, une bonne estime de soi et la réussite scolaire. Les études révèlent des différences considérables dans les résultats chez les enfants et adolescents masculins et féminins, les sujets féminins ayant des résultats plus positifs. Conclusion Cette révision systématique vient confirmer davantage qu’il convient de préconiser de fréquents repas en famille. Tous les professionnels de la santé devraient renseigner les familles concernant les bienfaits de prendre régulièrement ensemble des repas.

Ethnomedicinal plants used for digestive system disorders by the Karen of northern Thailand.

PubMed

Tangjitman, Kornkanok; Wongsawad, Chalobol; Kamwong, Kaweesin; Sukkho, Treetip; Trisonthi, Chusie

2015-04-09

Digestive system disorders have a substantial effect on worldwide morbidity and mortality rates, including in Thailand, where the majority of the rural areas have a lack of proper sanitation and awareness about disease prevention. This has led to the prevalence of different types of digestive diseases. Karen people in Thailand still use medicinal plants as first aid remedies in treating these diseases. Therefore, this study aimed at documenting the plants used to cure and prevent different types of digestive system disorders by Karen people of Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Ethnomedicinal data were collected from six key informants and 172 non-specialist informants regarding their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. Quantitative approaches were used to determine Use Value (UV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL) values. The study revealed that 36 medicinal plant species belonging to 31 genera and 24 families were used to treat digestive system disorders. The most prevalent plant families were Zingiberaceae (6 species), Euphorbiaceae (4 species) and Fabaceae (4 species). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part accounting for 32.6% of the plants, followed by the bark (18.6%). About 60% of the administrations were given orally by potion (60%) and consumption as food was also indicated (14%). The highest ICF values were recorded for carminative disorders, stomachaches, geographic tongue, constipation, appetite stimulants and food poisoning (1.00 each) indicating the best agreement among the informants knowledge of medicinal plants that were used to treat aliments in these categories. The highest fidelity level values were recorded for Punica granatum (100.00), Psidium guajava (95.45), and Gymnopetalum integrifolium (90.91) showing conformity of knowledge on species with the best healing potential. Medicinal plants still play an important role among Karen culture. The present information on these medicinal plants, which have high UV and FL values, may serve as the baseline data to initiate further research for the discovery of new compounds and the biological activities of these potential plant remedies. Further research on these plants may provide some important clues for the development of new drugs for the treatment of digestive system diseases.

Ethnomedicinal study of plants used for human ailments in Ankober District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Ankober District has long been inhabited by people who have a long tradition of using medicinal plants to treat human ailments. Overexploitation of medicinal plants coupled with an ever-increasing population growth, deforestation and agricultural land expansion threatens plants in the area. Hence, this study aimed at documenting and analyzing the plant-based ethnomedicinal knowledge of the people in order to preserve the dwindling indigenous knowledge. Methods Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and walk-in-the-woods. Quantitative approaches were used to determine Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL) values. Statistical tests were used to compare the indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants among different informant categories. Results A total of 135 medicinal plant species belonging to 128 genera and 71 botanical families were reported to treat human diseases in the District. Families Asteraceae (12 species, 9%) and Fabaceae (10, 7.4%) were found to be best represented in the area. About 44% of preparations were reported to be obtained from roots. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed on the mean number of medicinal plants reported by groups of respondents compared within age, literacy level and experience parameters. Highest ICF values were recorded for gastro-intestinal & parasitic and dermatological disease categories (0.70 each) indicating best agreement among informants knowledge on medicinal plants used to treat aliments in these categories. Highest fidelity level values were recorded for Zehneria scabra (95%) and Hagenia abyssinica (93.75%) showing conformity of knowledge on species of best healing potential. Podocarpus falcatus was ranked first in a direct matrix ranking exercise of multipurpose medicinal plants. The output of preference ranking exercise indicated that Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata was the most preferred species to treat atopic eczema. Conclusion The study revealed that Ankober District is rich in medicinal plant diversity and associated indigenous knowledge. However, anthropogenic factors coupled with acculturation and very poor conservation efforts threaten medicinal plant survival in the area. Promoting a complementary in situ and ex situ conservation strategy for medicinal plants of the District is highly recommended. PMID:23984919

Possibilité d'une nouvelle technologie de traitement des minerais de fer de l'Ouenza par radiométrie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Idres, A.; Bounouala, M.

2005-05-01

En l'absence d'une technologie fiable de traitement des haldes de minerais de fer, les caractéristiques minéralogiques et chimiques complexes et les effets néfastes des résidus miniers posent réellement un problème environnemental. A cet effet, une étude minéralogique et chimique du minerai de fer a été menée en utilisant des techniques multiples (microscopie optique, DRX, FX, MEB). En tenant compte de la nature des résidus, des échantillons représentatifs ont été testés par séparation radiométrique. Plusieurs paramètres ont été caractérisés tels que la vitesse de la bande transporteuse, le temps d'émission des rayons gamma et la granulométrie d'alimentation du procédé. Les résultats ainsi obtenus par cette méthode de séparation sont très significatifs en récupération et en teneur fer. Cependant, cette nouvelle technologie permet d'une part une meilleure valorisation des minerais de fer et d'autre part une réduction du tonnage stocké sur le carreau de la mine.

Surgical Technical Evidence Review of Hip Fracture Surgery Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery

PubMed Central

Siletz, Anaar; Faltermeier, Claire; Singer, Emily S.; Hu, Q. Lina; Ko, Clifford Y.; Kates, Stephen L.; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda; Wick, Elizabeth

2018-01-01

Background: Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have been shown to improve patient outcomes in a variety of contexts. This review summarizes the evidence and defines a protocol for perioperative care of patients with hip fracture and was conducted for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality safety program for improving surgical care and recovery. Study Design: Perioperative care was divided into components or “bins.” For each bin, a semisystematic review of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE with priority given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Observational studies were included when higher levels of evidence were not available. Existing guidelines for perioperative care were also incorporated. For convenience, the components of care that are under the auspices of anesthesia providers will be reported separately. Recommendations for an evidence-based protocol were synthesized based on review of this evidence. Results: Eleven bins were identified. Preoperative risk factor bins included nutrition, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, and anemia. Perioperative management bins included thromboprophylaxis, timing of surgery, fluid management, drain placement, early mobilization, early alimentation, and discharge criteria/planning. Conclusions: This review provides the evidence basis for an ERP for perioperative care of patients with hip fracture. PMID:29844947

Nutrition and protein energy homeostasis in elderly.

PubMed

Boirie, Yves; Morio, Béatrice; Caumon, Elodie; Cano, Noël J

2014-01-01

Protein-energy homeostasis is a major determinant of healthy aging. Inadequate nutritional intakes and physical activity, together with endocrine disturbances are associated with of sarcopenia and frailty. Guidelines from scientific societies mainly address the quantitative aspects of protein and energy nutrition in elderly. Besides these quantitative aspects of protein load, perspective strategies to promote muscle protein synthesis and prevent sarcopenia include pulse feeding, the use of fast proteins and the addition of leucine or citrulline to dietary protein. An integrated management of sarcopenia, taking into account the determinants of muscle wasting, i.e. nutrition, physical activity, anabolic factors such as androgens, vitamin D and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids status, needs to be tested in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. The importance of physical activity, specifically resistance training, is emphasized, not only in order to facilitate muscle protein anabolism but also to increase appetite and food intake in elderly people at risk of malnutrition. According to present data, healthy nutrition in elderly should respect the guidelines for protein and energy requirement, privilege a Mediterranean way of alimentation, and be associated with a regular physical activity. Further issues relate to the identification of the genetics determinants of protein energy wasting in elderly. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hygienic characteristics and microbiological hazard identification in horse and donkey raw milk.

PubMed

Colavita, Giampaolo; Amadoro, Carmela; Rossi, Franca; Fantuz, Francesco; Salimei, Elisabetta

2016-01-01

Today the interest toward horse (Equus caballus) and donkey (Equus asinus) milk for human consumption is receiving a renewed attention because of its particular composition, hypoallergenicity, and nutraceutical properties. The realistic perspective of global use of this aliment in balanced diets, especially for infancy and geriatrics, poses the need for a more in depth knowledge on milk hygiene and on the health status of dairy animals, as a prerequisite of consumers' safety. The aim of this paper was to review the available literature on the health and hygiene parameters as well as on the potential microbiological hazards in horse and donkey milk and the risks related to their consumption. Both microbial contamination and somatic cell count are reasonably low in equine milk and also the presence of pathogens, like Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp., Bacillus cereus, Cronobacter sakazakii, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Rhodococcus equi, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, Clostridium difficile and Burkholderia mallei is low. However, in those regions of the world where the prevalence of Brucella spp. and Rhodococcus equi is high, the alimentary risks could increase. Similarly, in areas with higher incidence of immunocompromised people, the increased risks should be warned not only for pathogens but also for opportunistic microbiota.

A Comprehensive Lifestyle Peer Group-Based Intervention on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: The Randomized Controlled Fifty-Fifty Program.

PubMed

Gómez-Pardo, Emilia; Fernández-Alvira, Juan Miguel; Vilanova, Marta; Haro, Domingo; Martínez, Ramona; Carvajal, Isabel; Carral, Vanesa; Rodríguez, Carla; de Miguel, Mercedes; Bodega, Patricia; Santos-Beneit, Gloria; Peñalvo, Jose Luis; Marina, Iñaki; Pérez-Farinós, Napoleón; Dal Re, Marian; Villar, Carmen; Robledo, Teresa; Vedanthan, Rajesh; Bansilal, Sameer; Fuster, Valentin

2016-02-09

Cardiovascular diseases stem from modifiable risk factors. Peer support is a proven strategy for many chronic illnesses. Randomized trials assessing the efficacy of this strategy for global cardiovascular risk factor modification are lacking. This study assessed the hypothesis that a peer group strategy would help improve healthy behaviors in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 543 adults 25 to 50 years of age with at least 1 risk factor were recruited; risk factors included hypertension (20%), overweight (82%), smoking (31%), and physical inactivity (81%). Subjects were randomized 1:1 to a peer group-based intervention group (IG) or a self-management control group (CG) for 12 months. Peer-elected leaders moderated monthly meetings involving role-play, brainstorming, and activities to address emotions, diet, and exercise. The primary outcome was mean change in a composite score related to blood pressure, exercise, weight, alimentation, and tobacco (Fuster-BEWAT score, 0 to 15). Multilevel models with municipality as a cluster variable were applied to assess differences between groups. Participants' mean age was 42 ± 6 years, 71% were female, and they had a mean baseline Fuster-BEWAT score of 8.42 ± 2.35. After 1 year, the mean scores were significantly higher in the IG (n = 277) than in the CG (n = 266) (IG mean score: 8.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.37 to 9.32; CG mean score: 8.17; 95% CI: 7.55 to 8.79; p = 0.02). The increase in the overall score was significantly larger in the IG compared with the CG (difference: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.18; p = 0.02). The mean improvement in the individual components was uniformly greater in the IG, with a significant difference for the tobacco component. The peer group intervention had beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, with significant improvements in the overall score and specifically on tobacco cessation. A follow-up assessment will be performed 1 year after the final assessment reported here to determine long-term sustainability of the improvements associated with peer group intervention. (Peer-Group-Based Intervention Program [Fifty-Fifty]; NCT02367963). Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of age on the occurrence of muscle fiber degeneration associated with myopathies in broiler chickens submitted to feed restriction.

PubMed

Radaelli, G; Piccirillo, A; Birolo, M; Bertotto, D; Gratta, F; Ballarin, C; Vascellari, M; Xiccato, G; Trocino, A

2017-02-01

To evaluate muscle fiber degeneration (MFD) associated with white striping and wooden breast, pectoralis major of 192 broilers differing for genotype (standard vs. high breast yield), gender, and feeding regime (ad libitum vs. restricted rate 80% from 13 to 21 d of age) were sampled at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 46 d of age for histological analyses by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to evaluate tissue morphology, Masson's trichrome to identify collagen presence, and Oil red and Nile blue for lipid presence. Microvessels (diameter ≤15 μm), nuclei positive to anti-cleaved lamin A and monoclonal proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antisera were counted to assess apoptotic and regenerative processes, respectively. Significant differences were found according to feeding system, age, and their interactions. The frequency of chickens with MFD was higher with ad libitum than restricted feeding (75.0% vs. 62.5%; P = 0.01) and increased with age (18.8%, 28.1%, 75.1%, 96.9%, and 96.9% at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 46 d). However, at 14 d a similar frequency (18.8%) was found in all broilers; at 21 d, MFD occurred more in broilers fed ad libitum than in those under restriction (50.0% vs. 6.3%; P < 0.01); at 28 d differences were reduced (87.5% vs. 62.5%; P  = 0.10) to disappear by 35 (100% and 93.8%) and 46 d (96.9% and 96.9%). The number of microvessels decreased with age (20.7 to 9.46; P < 0.001) and the number of nuclei positive to the anti-cleaved lamin A antibody increased. At histology, MFD at 46 d corresponded to loss of typical cross striations, massive necrotic process, degenerating fibers surrounded by inflammatory cells, scattered fibers in an abundant collagen-rich connective tissue, numerous adipose cells; necrotic fibers showed a high percentage of apoptotic nuclei, and regenerating fibers appeared positive to anti-PCNA antibody. In conclusion, MFD soon occurred after 2 wk of growth and increased dramatically within 28 d. Early feed restriction reduced MFD as long as animals were restricted, but no residual effect was recorded after re-alimentation. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Arsenic contamination of groundwater: Mitigation strategies and policies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alaerts, Guy J.; Khouri, Nadim

Contamination of groundwater by arsenic from natural geochemical sources is at present a most serious challenge in the planning of large-scale use of groundwater for drinking and other purposes. Recent improvements in detection limits of analytical instruments are allowing the correlation of health impacts such as cancer with large concentrations of arsenic in groundwater. However, there are at present no known large-scale technological solutions for the millions of people-mostly rural-who are potentially affected in developing countries. An overall framework of combating natural resource degradation is combined with case studies from Chile, Mexico, Bangladesh and elsewhere to arrive at a set of strategic recommendations for the global, national and local dimensions of the arsenic ``crisis''. The main recommendations include: the need for flexibility in the elaboration of any arsenic mitigation strategy, the improvement and large-scale use of low-cost and participatory groundwater quality testing techniques, the need to maintain consistent use of key lessons learned worldwide in water supply and sanitation and to integrate arsenic as just one other factor in providing a sustainable water supply, and the following of distinct but communicable tracks between arsenic-related developments and enhanced, long-term, sustainable water supplies. La contamination des eaux souterraines par l'arsenic provenant de sources naturelles est actuellement un sujet des plus graves dans l'organisation d'un recours à grande échelle des eaux souterraines pour la boisson et d'autres usages. De récentes améliorations dans les limites de détection des équipements analytiques permettent de corréler les effets sur la santé tels que le cancer à de fortes concentrations en arsenic dans les eaux souterraines. Toutefois, il n'existe pas actuellement de solutions technologiques à grande échelle connues pour des millions de personnes, surtout en zones rurales, qui sont potentiellement affectées dans les pays en développement. Un cadre d'ensemble pour lutter contre la dégradation naturelle des ressources est associé à des études de cas au Chili, au Mexique, au Bangladesh et ailleurs afin d'établir un ensemble de recommandations stratégiques pour les dimensions globale, nationale et locale de la «crise» de l'arsenic. Les principales recommandations sont les suivantes: le besoin d'une flexibilité pour élaborer une stratégie de diminution de l'arsenic, l'amélioration et l'utilisation à grande échelle de techniques peu coûteuses et associant les populations pour tester la qualité de l'eau souterraine, le besoin de maintenir un usage logique des leçons clés acquises de par le monde pour l'alimentation en eau et la santé publique, celui d'intégrer l'arsenic simplement comme un autre facteur pour assurer une alimentation durable en eau, et pour suivre des pistes distinctes mais communicables entre les développements liés à l'arsenic et les alimentations durables en eau mises en valeurs à long terme. La contaminación de las aguas subterráneas con arsénico procedente de fuentes geoquímicas naturales es actualmente uno de los retos principales de la planificación a gran escala de las aguas subterráneas para uso de boca y otros fines. Las recientes mejoras en los límites de detección del instrumental analítico permiten correlacionar impactos en la salud tales como el cáncer con concentraciones elevadas de arsénico en las aguas subterráneas. Sin embargo, a fecha de hoy no existen soluciones tecnológicas de gran escala para millones de personas-población principalmente rural-que están potencialmente afectadas en los países en vías de desarrollo. Se combina un enfoque general para combatir la degradación de los recursos naturales con estudios concretos de Chile, México, Bangladesh y cualquier otro lugar que permita obtener un conjunto de recomendaciones estratégicas para las dimensiones global, nacional y local de la ``crisis'' del arsénico. Las recomendaciones principales incluyen la necesidad de flexibilizar la elaboración de cualquier estrategia de mitigación del arsénico la mejora y uso a gran escala de técnicas de muestreo de las aguas subterráneas que sean económicas y participativas; la necesidad de mantener un uso coherente de las lecciones clave aprendidas a nivel mundial en el suministro y saneamiento del agua y de integrar el arsénico como otro factor más en la consecución de un suministro sustentable de agua; y el seguimiento de trazas distintas pero comunicables entre los desarrollos relacionados con el arsénico y los abastecimientos de agua sustentables a largo plazo.

An in vitro test bench reproducing coronary blood flow signals.

PubMed

Chodzyński, Kamil Jerzy; Boudjeltia, Karim Zouaoui; Lalmand, Jacques; Aminian, Adel; Vanhamme, Luc; de Sousa, Daniel Ribeiro; Gremmo, Simone; Bricteux, Laurent; Renotte, Christine; Courbebaisse, Guy; Coussement, Grégory

2015-08-07

It is a known fact that blood flow pattern and more specifically the pulsatile time variation of shear stress on the vascular wall play a key role in atherogenesis. The paper presents the conception, the building and the control of a new in vitro test bench that mimics the pulsatile flows behavior based on in vivo measurements. An in vitro cardiovascular simulator is alimented with in vivo constraints upstream and provided with further post-processing analysis downstream in order to mimic the pulsatile in vivo blood flow quantities. This real-time controlled system is designed to perform real pulsatile in vivo blood flow signals to study endothelial cells' behavior under near physiological environment. The system is based on an internal model controller and a proportional-integral controller that controls a linear motor with customized piston pump, two proportional-integral controllers that control the mean flow rate and temperature of the medium. This configuration enables to mimic any resulting blood flow rate patterns between 40 and 700 ml/min. In order to feed the system with reliable periodic flow quantities in vivo measurements were performed. Data from five patients (1 female, 4 males; ages 44-63) were filtered and post-processed using the Newtonian Womersley's solution. These resulting flow signals were compared with 2D axisymmetric, numerical simulation using a Carreau non-Newtonian model to validate the approximation of a Newtonian behavior. This in vitro test bench reproduces the measured flow rate time evolution and the complexity of in vivo hemodynamic signals within the accuracy of the relative error below 5%. This post-processing method is compatible with any real complex in vivo signal and demonstrates the heterogeneity of pulsatile patterns in coronary arteries among of different patients. The comparison between analytical and numerical solution demonstrate the fair quality of the Newtonian Womersley's approximation. Therefore, Womersley's solution was used to calculate input flow rate for the in vitro test bench.

PRISM, a Patient-Reported Outcome Instrument, Accurately Measures Symptom Change in Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

PubMed

Fuller, Garth; Bolus, Roger; Whitman, Cynthia; Talley, Jennifer; Erder, M Haim; Joseph, Alain; Silberg, Debra G; Spiegel, Brennan

2017-03-01

Most patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience relief following treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (Vakil et al. in Am J Gastroenterol 101:1900-1920, 2006; Everhart and Ruhl in Gastroenterology 136:376-386, 2009). As many as 17-44% of patients, however, exhibit only partial response to therapy. Most extant GERD patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments fail to meet development best practices as described by the FDA (Talley and Wiklund in Qual Life Res 14:21-33, 2005; Van Pinxteren et al. in Cochrane Database Syst Rev 18:CD002095, 2004; El-Serag et al. in Aliment Pharmacol Ther 32:720-737, 2010). To develop and validate a PRO instrument for clinical trials involving patients with GERD who are PPI partial responders. We prepared a systematic literature review, held patient focus groups, convened an expert panel, and conducted cognitive interviews to establish content validity. Eligible participants took PPI therapy for at least 8 weeks, had undergone an upper endoscopy, and scored at least 8 points on the GerdQ [6]. Qualitative data guided development of 26 draft items. Items were reviewed by expert panels and debriefed with patients. The resulting 21-item instrument underwent psychometric evaluation during a Phase IIB trial. During the trial, confirmatory factor analysis (n = 220) resulted in a four-factor model displaying the highest goodness of fit. All domains had a high inter-item correlation (Cronbach's α > 0.8). Test-retest reliability and convergent validity were strong, with highly significant (p < 0.01) correlations between average weekly PRISM scores and severity anchors and significant (p < 0.05) correlations with anchor subscales. Cumulative distribution functions revealed significant differences between responders and non-responders. Analysis in a clinical trial setting demonstrated strong psychometric properties suggesting validity of PRISM. Developed in line with FDA guidance on PROs, PRISM represents an important new outcome measure for patients with GERD with a partial response to PPI therapy.

Effect of water stage and tree stand composition on spatiotemporal differentiation of spring water chemistry draining Carpathian flysch slopes (Gorce Mts).

PubMed

Jasik, Michał; Małek, Stanisław; Żelazny, Mirosław

2017-12-01

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting spring water chemistry in different tree stands and to measure the influence of water stage on the physicochemical parameters of spring waters in a small Carpathian catchment. Water samples were collected three times per year at various stages of the water: after the spring thaw, after a period of heavy rain and after a dry period in 2011 and 2012. Water samples were left in the laboratory to reach room temperature (19-20°C) and analyzed for EC (reference T=25°C) and pH. After filtration through 0.45μm PTFE syringe filters, the water samples were analyzed by means of ion chromatography using a DIONEX ICS 5000 unit. The following ions were analyzed: Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + , K + , HCO 3 - , SO 4 2- , Cl - , and NO 3 - . Multivariate analysis (PCA) allowed the identification of two factors of spring water chemistry: factor 1, water stage and factor 2 tree stand composition. Seasonal variation of spring water chemistry showed that, higher pH values and mineralization as well as higher concentrations of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ were measured during low water stage periods while lower EC and pH values were noted after spring snowmelt and rainfall, when higher concentrations of NO 3 - and SO 4 2- were also found. Higher concentrations of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ and higher pH of spring waters located in beech-fir stands and in those mixed with a large proportion of beech as well as a lower concentration of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and HCO 3 - , pH, conductivity and mineralization of these spring waters, in which the alimentation areas were covered by upper subalpine spruce stands were noted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinical Features of Adult Patients Admitted to Pediatric Wards in Japan.

PubMed

Michihata, Nobuaki; Matsui, Hiroki; Fushimi, Kiyohide; Yasunaga, Hideo

2015-10-01

Pediatricians generally need to treat adult patients who require long-term care for pediatric diseases. However, little is known about the characteristics of adult patients in pediatric wards. Using a national inpatient database, the aim of this study was to determine the clinical details of adult patients admitted to pediatric wards in Japanese acute-care hospitals. We extracted all inpatients aged ≥19 years who were admitted to pediatric departments in Japan from April 2012 to March 2013. We examined the patients' main diagnoses and the use of life-supporting home medical devices. Of 417,352 patients admitted to pediatric wards during the study period, we identified 4,729 (1.1%) adult patients. The major diagnoses of the adult patients were malignancy, congenital heart disease, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. More than 35% of the patients with cerebral palsy had a tracheostomy tube, gastrostomy tube, home central venous alimentation, or home respirator. More than 20% of patients aged ≥40 years in pediatric wards had adult diseases, including ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and adult malignancy. Many adult patients in pediatric wards had adult diseases. It is essential to establish a disease-oriented support system for adults with chronic conditions that originated in their childhood. Copyright © 2015 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Products purchased from family farming for school meals in the cities of Rio Grande do Sul.

PubMed

Ferigollo, Daniele; Kirsten, Vanessa Ramos; Heckler, Dienifer; Figueredo, Oscar Agustín Torres; Perez-Cassarino, Julian; Triches, Rozane Márcia

2017-02-16

This study aims to verify the adequacy profile of the cities of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in relation to the purchase of products of family farming by the Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE - National Program of School Meals). This is a quantitative descriptive study, with secondary data analysis (public calls-to-bid). The sample consisted of approximately 10% (n = 52) of the cities in the State, establishing a representation by mesoregion and size of the population. We have assessed the percentage of food purchased from family farming, as well as the type of product, requirements of frequency, delivery points, and presence of prices in 114 notices of public calls-to-bid, in 2013. Of the cities analyzed, 71.2% (n = 37) reached 30% of food purchased from family farming. Most public calls-to-bid demanded both products of plant (90.4%; n = 103) and animal origin (79.8%; n = 91). Regarding the degree of processing, fresh products appeared in 92.1% (n = 105) of the public calls-to-bid. In relation to the delivery of products, centralized (49.1%; n = 56) and weekly deliveries (47.4%; n = 54) were the most described. Only 60% (n = 68) of the public calls-to-bid contained the price of products. Most of the cities analyzed have fulfilled what is determined by the legislation of the PNAE. We have found in the public calls-to-bid a wide variety of food, both of plant and animal origin, and most of it is fresh. In relation to the delivery of the products, the centralized and weekly options prevailed. Verificar o perfil de adequação dos municípios do Rio Grande do Sul no que tange à aquisição de produtos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo descritivo, com análise de dados secundários (chamadas públicas). A amostra foi composta por aproximadamente 10% (n = 52) dos municípios do estado, tomando-se o cuidado de estabelecer uma representatividade por mesorregião e tamanho da população. Foi avaliado o percentual destinado às compras de gêneros alimentícios da agricultura familiar, bem como o tipo de produto, exigências de periodicidade, pontos de entrega e presença de preços em 114 editais de chamadas públicas, no ano de 2013. Dos municípios analisados, 71,2% (n = 37) atingiram 30% de gêneros alimentícios oriundos de agricultura familiar. A maioria das chamadas públicas demandou tanto produtos de origem vegetal (90,4%; n = 103) como de origem animal (79,8%; n = 91). Quanto ao grau de processamento dos alimentos, os produtos in natura apareceram em 92,1% (n = 105) das chamadas públicas. Em relação à entrega dos produtos, a centralizada (49,1%; n = 56) e as entregas semanais (47,4%; n = 54) foram as mais descritas. Apenas 60% (n = 68) das chamadas públicas continham preço dos produtos. A maioria dos municípios analisados cumpriu o determinado pela legislação do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Encontrou-se nas chamadas públicas uma grande diversidade de alimentos, tanto de origem vegetal quanto de origem animal, sendo a maior parte deles in natura. Em relação à entrega dos produtos, prevaleceu a centralizada e a semanal.

Dimensionnement des actionneurs électriques alimentés à fréquence variable sous faible tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biedinger, J.-M.; Vilain, J.-P.

1999-09-01

In Part I we present a multidisciplinary analysis model for the prediction of functional connections between the design variables and the electromagnetical, electrical and thermal performances of a brushless permanent magnet motor. In this paper we have elaborated a design methodology for electrical motors supplied from a variable-frequency low-voltage source. The objective is to take into account the influence of the inverter's dynamics from the beginning of the design, for the same reasons as we do for electromechanical and thermal constraints. The procedure is based on a Sequential Quadratic Programming optimization method. Two techniques are used to take into account the influence of the inverter: the first one develops the performance analysis with the multidisciplinary model; the second one considers the inverter's current reference as a supplementary optimization variable for the control of the design. Optimization difficulties linked to the chopping of the converter are discuted in connection with a sensitivity analysis of the torque, with respect to the inverter's current reference; a method is proposed to enhance the performances of the algorithm. The method has been applied to the design of a permanent magnet brushless DC motor used in the propulsion system of an electrical scooter; evolution of the design with the complexity level of analysis model is evidenced. Dans une première partie nous avons développé un modèle d'analyse pluridisciplinaire qui établissait les dépendances fonctionnelles entre les variables de conception et les performances magnéto-électro-thermiques d'un moteur brushless à aimants permanents. Dans cet article nous décrivons une procédure de dimensionnement adaptée à la conception de la machine alimentée à fréquence variable sous faible tension. L'objectif est d'intégrer la dynamique du convertisseur électronique dès la phase initiale du dimensionnement, au même titre que les spécifications électromécaniques et thermiques. La procédure est gérée par une méthode d'optimisation déterministe de type Programmation Quadratique Séquentielle. Elle intègre l'influence du convertisseur au moyen de deux spécificités : la première consiste à évaluer les fonctions du problème d'optimisation sur la base du module d'analyse pluridisciplinaire ; la deuxième permet de contrôler l'évolution du dimensionnement au travers de variables d'optimisation dont la liste inclut les consignes de la commande en courant du convertisseur. Les difficultés d'optimisation liées au mode de fonctionnement discret du convertisseur sont discutées au regard du calcul de la sensibilité du couple électromagnétique envers la consigne de courant du convertisseur ; une méthode est proposée pour assurer la robustesse de la procédure en présence du convertisseur. L'application porte sur le dimensionnement d'un moteur à aimants permanents de type “brushless trapézoïdal" destiné à la traction d'un scooter électrique ; l'évolution de la structure optimale avec le degré de complexité du module d'analyse est mise en évidence.

A healthy diet with and without cereal grains and dairy products in patients with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a random-order cross-over pilot study - Alimentation and Diabetes in Lanzarote -ADILAN

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Research on the role of nutrition in type 2 diabetes has largely focused on macro/micronutrient composition and dietary fiber intake, while fewer studies have tested the effects of differing food choice. Some observational studies and short-term intervention studies suggest that a food pattern mimicking the diet with which humans evolved positively influences glucose control and associated endocrine systems. Such a food pattern mainly differs from other common healthy food patterns in its absence of cereal grains and dairy products. The primary aim of this pilot study is to determine the effect of two healthy diets with or without cereal grains and dairy products on glucose control, while keeping participants’ weight stable and other food parameters, such as macro/micronutrient composition, dietary fiber and glycemic load, the same in both diets. Methods/Design We intend to include 15 adult patients with a medical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without medication and with an increased waist circumference (≥ 80 cm for women and ≥ 94 cm for men) in a random-order cross-over diet intervention study during two periods of four-weeks separated by a six-week washout period. Patients will be instructed to eat two healthy diets according to official dietary guidelines with respect to macro/micronutrient composition and fiber content, but differing in the type of food included, with one diet being without cereal grains and dairy products. Lunch will be served in a hospital kitchen for control of nutrient intake, while the rest of the meals will be eaten at home according to specific directions. The energy content of the diets will be individually adjusted to maintain a stable body weight during the two four-week intervention periods. Primary outcomes will be change in fasting plasma glucagon and fructosamine, while secondary outcomes include change in fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin, glucose and glucagon response during oral glucose tolerance test, blood lipids, blood pressure, C-reactive protein, body composition, quality of life, subjective experience with the two diets, satiety scores and changes in medication. Discussion Using these results, we will assess the need to conduct larger and longer studies with similar design. Trial registration This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01891955 and Spanish Agency of Medication and Sanitary Products (AEMPS) registration code: MFV-ADI-2013-01. PMID:24383431

A healthy diet with and without cereal grains and dairy products in patients with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a random-order cross-over pilot study--Alimentation and Diabetes in Lanzarote--ADILAN.

PubMed

Fontes-Villalba, Maelán; Jönsson, Tommy; Granfeldt, Yvonne; Frassetto, Lynda A; Sundquist, Jan; Sundquist, Kristina; Carrera-Bastos, Pedro; Fika-Hernándo, María; Picazo, Óscar; Lindeberg, Staffan

2014-01-02

Research on the role of nutrition in type 2 diabetes has largely focused on macro/micronutrient composition and dietary fiber intake, while fewer studies have tested the effects of differing food choice. Some observational studies and short-term intervention studies suggest that a food pattern mimicking the diet with which humans evolved positively influences glucose control and associated endocrine systems. Such a food pattern mainly differs from other common healthy food patterns in its absence of cereal grains and dairy products. The primary aim of this pilot study is to determine the effect of two healthy diets with or without cereal grains and dairy products on glucose control, while keeping participants' weight stable and other food parameters, such as macro/micronutrient composition, dietary fiber and glycemic load, the same in both diets. We intend to include 15 adult patients with a medical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without medication and with an increased waist circumference (≥ 80 cm for women and ≥ 94 cm for men) in a random-order cross-over diet intervention study during two periods of four-weeks separated by a six-week washout period. Patients will be instructed to eat two healthy diets according to official dietary guidelines with respect to macro/micronutrient composition and fiber content, but differing in the type of food included, with one diet being without cereal grains and dairy products. Lunch will be served in a hospital kitchen for control of nutrient intake, while the rest of the meals will be eaten at home according to specific directions. The energy content of the diets will be individually adjusted to maintain a stable body weight during the two four-week intervention periods. Primary outcomes will be change in fasting plasma glucagon and fructosamine, while secondary outcomes include change in fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin, glucose and glucagon response during oral glucose tolerance test, blood lipids, blood pressure, C-reactive protein, body composition, quality of life, subjective experience with the two diets, satiety scores and changes in medication. Using these results, we will assess the need to conduct larger and longer studies with similar design. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01891955 and Spanish Agency of Medication and Sanitary Products (AEMPS) registration code: MFV-ADI-2013-01.

Where Does Nε-Trimethyllysine for the Carnitine Biosynthesis in Mammals Come from?

PubMed Central

Servillo, Luigi; Giovane, Alfonso; Cautela, Domenico; Castaldo, Domenico; Balestrieri, Maria Luisa

2014-01-01

Nε-trimethyllysine (TML) is a non-protein amino acid which takes part in the biosynthesis of carnitine. In mammals, the breakdown of endogenous proteins containing TML residues is recognized as starting point for the carnitine biosynthesis. Here, we document that one of the main sources of TML could be the vegetables which represent an important part of daily alimentation for most mammals. A HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method, which we previously developed for the analysis of NG-methylarginines, was utilized to quantitate TML in numerous vegetables. We report that TML, believed to be rather rare in plants as free amino acid, is, instead, ubiquitous in them and at not negligible levels. The occurrence of TML has been also confirmed in some vegetables by a HPLC method with fluorescence detection. Our results establish that TML can be introduced as free amino acid in conspicuous amounts from vegetables. The current opinion is that mammals utilize the breakdown of their endogenous proteins containing TML residues as starting point for carnitine biosynthesis. However, our finding raises the question of whether a tortuous and energy expensive route as the one of TML formation from the breakdown of endogenous proteins is really preferred when the substance is so easily available in vegetable foods. On the basis of this result, it must be taken into account that in mammals TML might be mainly introduced by diet. However, when the alimentary intake becomes insufficient, as during starvation, it might be supplied by endogenous protein breakdown. PMID:24454731

Rapid development of fasting-induced hepatic lipidosis in the American mink (Neovison vison): effects of food deprivation and re-alimentation on body fat depots, tissue fatty acid profiles, hematology and endocrinology.

PubMed

Rouvinen-Watt, Kirsti; Mustonen, Anne-Mari; Conway, Rebecca; Pal, Catherine; Harris, Lora; Saarela, Seppo; Strandberg, Ursula; Nieminen, Petteri

2010-02-01

Hepatic lipidosis is a common pathological finding in the American mink (Neovison vison) and can be caused by nutritional imbalance due to obesity or rapid body weight loss. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the timeline and characterize the development of hepatic lipidosis in mink in response to 0-7 days of food deprivation and liver recovery after 28 days of re-feeding. We report here the effects on hematological and endocrine variables, body fat mobilization, the development of hepatic lipidosis and the alterations in the liver lipid classes and tissue fatty acid (FA) sums. Food deprivation resulted in the rapid mobilization of body fat, most notably visceral, causing elevated hepatosomatic index and increased liver triacylglycerol content. The increased absolute amounts of liver total phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine suggested endoplasmic reticulum stress. The hepatic lipid infiltration and the altered liver lipid profiles were associated with a significantly reduced proportion of n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) in the livers and the decrease was more evident in the females. Likewise, re-feeding of the female mink resulted in a more pronounced recovery of the liver n-3 PUFA. The rapid decrease in the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio in response to food deprivation could trigger an inflammatory response in the liver. This could be a key contributor to the pathophysiology of fatty liver disease in mink influencing disease progression.

An Update on the Biological Activities of Euterpe edulis (Juçara).

PubMed

Cardoso, Alyne Lizane; de Liz, Sheyla; Rieger, Débora Kurrle; Farah, Ana Carolina Aguiar; Kunradi Vieira, Francilene Gracieli; Altenburg de Assis, Maria Alice; Di Pietro, Patricia Faria

2018-05-01

The palm tree Euterpe edulis , known as juçara, produces spherical and purple fruits, similar to those of the Euterpe oleracea and Euterpe precatoria palm trees, from which the common name açaí originates. Juçara fruit has been gaining prominence in the scientific world for its interesting nutritional composition, which is rich in antioxidants, and for its sustainable production model. Recently, relevant biological activities have been associated with the juçara fruit, and its use in alimentation has become an important nutritional, environmental, and economic alternative. The aim of this review is to compile recent scientific data about the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of E. edulis. A review of the literature was conducted in two electronic databases, Medline and Science Direct. The eligibility criteria were as follows: phytochemicals characterize of the E. edulis fruits and evaluate biological effects in vitro or in vivo with pulp, extract, juice, or product of juçara fruits. Investigations were excluded if they used other parts of the plant (seeds), did not assess biological activities, or have tested methodologies for compound extraction. From the identified reports, 25 articles were eligible for this study. The promotion of health benefits related to juçara fruits seems to have improved antioxidant activity in vivo, benefits to lipid and glycemic profiles, and modulation of inflammatory status in experimental studies in animals. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effect of ramadan fasting on acenocoumarol-induced antocoagulant effect.

PubMed

Mzoughi, Khadija; Zairi, Ihsen; Fennira, Sana; Kamoun, Sofien; Jnifene, Zouhayer; Ben Moussa, Fethia; Kraiem, Sondos

2017-10-01

Eating patterns, food intake and type of alimentation vary greatly during the month of ramadan. Furthermore, fasting, which practiced during the month of ramadan, can have an impact on drug's metabolism. These two factors, fasting and eating habits changes during the month of ramadan, may impact acenocoumarol anticoagulant effect, translated by variations of INR values. The aim of our study was to see ramadan fasting effects on INR variations in patients treated by acenocoumarol. A prospective monocentric study was conducted during the ramadan month on fasting outpatients that were treated by acenocoumarol. Baseline INR values (e.i. most recent available value before the month of ramadan) were compared to INR values obtained during the month of ramadan. All patients were monitored for signs of secondary haemorrhagic complications linked to treatment by anti-vitamin K (AVK). Thirty patients were included in the study with a sex ratio 1. Patients mean age was 65 years. Around two thirds of the patients were treated by AVK for atrial fibrillation. The majority of patients (94%) have been treated by AVK for more than a year. Mean INR was significantly higher during the month of ramadan than baseline (3.51 vs 2.52; p< 0.0001). There were also more overdoses during the month of ramadan than baseline (9 vs. 0; p=0.014). The increased INR values highlights the need of a close monitoring of INR values during the month of ramadan, particularly in patients with a high haemorrhagic risk.

Influence des conditions climatiques saisonnières sur quelques paramètres physiologiques dès boucs Créoles alimentés avec de l'ensilage de banane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauconneau, B.; Xande, A.

1986-06-01

Response of three groups of 12 male creole goats (weighing about 10 kg) to environmental variations was tested in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) respectively at three times in the year: end of humid season (October November), dry season (February March) and beginning of humid season (July August). Voluntary free intake of banana silage (silage of mixed green banana, bagassa, wheat bran and urea complemented with molasse) was not significantly affected by climatic variations. Three physiological parameters: rectal temperature, respiratory frequency and cardiac frequency were measured. These parameters were correlated with heat production dependent factors such as metabolic body weight, body weight gain and voluntary free intake. Rectal temperature increased all through the day until sunset and then decreased during the night. Both minimal rectal temperature and daily increase of rectal temperature were correlated with ambient temperature. Cardiac frequency increased during feeding. Generally cardiac frequency seemed to be correlated with activity of animals and so with behavioural response to environmental variations. Respiratory frequency was the most sensitive index of goat response to climate. The daily increase of respiratory frequency was important at the end of the humid season but was not observed in dry season. This increase was dependent on ambient temperature increase but also on air humidity characteristics and air velocity. These points are discussed according to integration of those physiological parameters in thermoregulation.

Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant and Anti-proliferative Capacities of Dried Leaf and Its Extract from Xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera).

PubMed

Nguyen, Van Tang; Sakoff, Jennette A; Scarlett, Christopher J

2017-06-01

Xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera) has been used for the treatment of cancer and cancer-like aliments. Among different parts of the P. trimera plant, leaf is considered as a residual part after harvesting of the root. This study aimed to determine the physiochemical properties and the antioxidant and anti-proliferative capacities of P. trimera leaf (PTL) using microwave drying for the preparation of dry sample; MeOH and microwave-assisted extraction for the preparation of crude extract; and freeze-drying for the preparation of powdered extract. The results showed that total phenolic, total flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, and saponin contents of PTL prepared by microwave drying at 450 W were 25.4 mg gallic acid equiv. (GAE), 86.3 mg rutin equiv. (RE), 5.6 mg catechin equiv. (CE), and 702.1 mg escin equiv. (EE) per gram dried sample, respectively. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, and quercetin were identified in the PTL MeOH extract. Dried PTL displayed potent antioxidant activity, while the powdered PTL extract exhibited great anti-proliferative capacity on various cancer cell lines including MiaPaCa-2 (pancreas), HT29 (colon), A2780 (ovarian), H460 (lung), A431 (skin), Du145 (prostate), BE2-C (neuroblastoma), MCF-7 (breast), MCF-10A (normal breast), and U87, SJ-G2, and SMA (glioblastoma). Anti-proliferative capacity on pancreatic cancer cells (MiaCaPa2, BxPc3, and CFPAC1) of PTL extract (200 μg/ml) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of ostruthin (20 μg/ml) and gemcitabine (50 nm), and to be comparable to the powdered P. trimera root extract and a saponin-enriched extract from quillajia bark (a commercial product). The findings from this study allow us to conclude that the PTL is a rich source of phytochemicals that possess promising antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities, therefore it shows potential as lead compounds for application in the nutraceutical, medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. © 2017 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

Effect of gender on the association between weight status and health-related quality of life in adolescents.

PubMed

Bonsergent, Emilie; Benie-Bi, Joseph; Baumann, Cédric; Agrinier, Nelly; Tessier, Sabrina; Thilly, Nathalie; Briançon, Serge

2012-11-18

Some studies have investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adolescents, but their results have been discrepant and few paid attention to the role of gender. The present investigation aimed to assess the relationship between weight status and HRQoL in adolescents and to verify whether it was similar in boys and girls. Five thousand two hundred and twenty six adolescents aged 14 to 18 years were included in the PRomotion de l'ALIMentation et de l'Activité Physique (PRALIMAP) trial, a 2x2x2 factorial cluster randomized trial performed in 24 high schools in France. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and HRQoL data were collected. BMI was categorized in four classes (thin, normal-weight, overweight, obese). Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between weight status and HRQoL, adjusting for confounders. The mean age of adolescents was 15.7±0.6 years and their mean BMI was 21.6 ±3.5 kg/m2; 55% were girls. Boys were more often overweight and obese than were girls (overweight: 15.6% vs 14.2%, obese: 4.8% vs 3.3%), and girls were more likely to be thin (5.5% vs 4.5%, p=0.0042). All HRQoL scores were higher for boys (p=<0.0001). Weight status was not associated with physical and social scores neither in boys nor in girls. Conversely, it was associated with mental score, but differently in girls than boys. As compared with normal-weight girls, thin girls had better mental HRQoL (β=+6.17, p=0.0010), and overweight and obese girls had lower mental HRQoL (β=-3.89 and β=-5.90, respectively, p<0.001). Mental HRQoL was lower for thin, overweight and obese boys than for normal-weight boys (β= -4.97, β= -1.68 and β= -3.17, respectively, p<0.0001). Gender can modify the association between weight status and HRQoL in adolescents. Body image could be an important target of public health programs to improve subjective health during adolescence.

Turbidity forecasting at a karst spring using combined machine learning and wavelet multiresolution analysis.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savary, M.; Massei, N.; Johannet, A.; Dupont, J. P.; Hauchard, E.

2016-12-01

25% of the world populations drink water extracted from karst aquifer. The comprehension and the protection of these aquifers appear as crucial due to an increase of drinking water needs. In Normandie(North-West of France), the principal exploited aquifer is the chalk aquifer. The chalk aquifer highly karstified is an important water resource, regionally speaking. Connections between surface and underground waters thanks to karstification imply turbidity that decreases water quality. Both numerous parameters and phenomenons, and the non-linearity of the rainfall/turbidity relation influence the turbidity causing difficulties to model and forecast turbidity peaks. In this context, the Yport pumping well provides half of Le Havreconurbation drinking water supply (236 000 inhabitants). The aim of this work is thus to perform prediction of the turbidity peaks in order to help pumping well managers to decrease the impact of turbidity on water treatment. Database consists in hourly rainfalls coming from six rain gauges located on the alimentation basin since 2009 and hourly turbidity since 1993. Because of the lack of accurate physical description of the karst system and its surface basin, the systemic paradigm is chosen and a black box model: a neural network model is chosen. In a first step, correlation analyses are used to design the original model architecture by identifying the relation between output and input. The following optimization phases bring us four different architectures. These models were experimented to forecast 12h ahead turbidity and threshold surpassing. The first model is a simple multilayer perceptron. The second is a two-branches model designed to better represent the fast (rainfall) and low (evapotranspiration) dynamics. Each kind of model is developed using both a recurrent and feed-forward architecture. This work highlights that feed-forward multilayer perceptron is better to predict turbidity peaks when feed-forward two-branches model is better to predict threshold surpassing. In a second step, the implementation of wavelet decomposition within the neural network model to better apprehend slow and fast dynamics is tested and discussed, which could also allows accounting for non-linearity of the turbid response to some extent. This second approach is still under realization so far.

[Intrauterine intestinal volvulus].

PubMed

Gawrych, Elzbieta; Chojnacka, Hanna; Wegrzynowski, Jerzy; Rajewska, Justyna

2009-07-01

Intrauterine intestinal volvulus is an extremely rare case of acute congenital intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis is usually possible in the third trimester of a pregnancy. Fetal midgut volvulus is most likely to be recognized by observing a typical clockwise whirlpool sign during color Doppler investigation. Multiple dilated intestinal loops with fluid levels are usually visible during the antenatal ultrasound as well. Physical and radiographic findings in the newborn indicate intestinal obstruction and an emergency surgery is required. The authors describe intrauterine volvulus in 3 female newborns in which surgical treatment was individualized. The decision about primary or delayed anastomosis after resection of the gangrenous part of the small bowel was made at the time of the surgery and depended on the general condition of the newborn, as well as presence or absence of meconium peritonitis. Double loop jejunostomy was performed in case of two newborns, followed by a delayed end-to-end anastomosis. In case of the third newborn, good blood supply of the small intestine after untwisting and 0.25% lignocaine injections into mesentery led to the assumption that the torsion was not complete and ischemia was reversible. In the two cases of incomplete rotation the cecum was sutured to the left abdominal wall to prevent further twisting. The postoperative course was uneventful and oral alimentation caused no problems. Physical development of all these children has been normal (current age: 1-2 years) and the parents have not observed any disorders or problems regarding passage of food through the alimentary canal. Prompt antenatal diagnosis of this surgical emergency and adequate choice of intervention may greatly reduce mortality due to intrauterine volvulus.

Mortality after nasogastric tube feeding initiation in long-term care elderly with oropharyngeal dysphagia--the contribution of refeeding syndrome.

PubMed

Lubart, Emilia; Leibovitz, Arthur; Dror, Yosef; Katz, Elena; Segal, Refael

2009-01-01

The refeeding syndrome (RS) is an underappreciated but clinically important entity characterized by acute electrolyte abnormalities, mainly hypophosphatemia, fluid retention and dysfunction of various organs and systems, which can result in significant morbidity and occasionally death. To examine the incidence of death cases and death causes following nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding initiation in frail elderly with particular reference to RS. Forty patients with feeding problems for at least 72 h before restarting of alimentation by NGT were included. Excluded were those in any critical clinical situation. Clinical parameters and nutritional assessment were recorded before and after refeeding. Blood samples were taken before, daily for the first 3 days and 1 week after refeeding initiation. During the 1st week of refeeding, 9 patients (22.5%) died and within 1 month 10 more, summing to 47.5%. Most deaths were due to infectious causes [15 out of 19, (79%)]; some were due to no obvious reason [4 out of 19, (21%)]. Significant electrolyte changes were observed in the 2-3 days following refeeding. Significant were the decreases in phosphorus and elevations in potassium and lymphocytes (day 7). We found no correlations between the severity of decreases in levels of phosphorus and mortality. Mortality after NGT feeding initiation was high, mainly due to infectious complications. However, in a considerable number of patients hypophosphatemia was noted, suggesting that RS could be a contributory factor of mortality. Since this is a treatable condition, more attention should be paid to detecting and coping with this problem. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Stable Isotopes and Zooarchaeology at Teotihuacan, Mexico Reveal Earliest Evidence of Wild Carnivore Management in Mesoamerica

PubMed Central

Sugiyama, Nawa; Somerville, Andrew D.; Schoeninger, Margaret J.

2015-01-01

From Roman gladiatorial combat to Egyptian animal mummies, the capture and manipulation of carnivores was instrumental in helping to shape social hierarchies throughout the ancient world. This paper investigates the historical inflection point when humans began to control animals not only as alimental resources but as ritual symbols and social actors in the New World. At Teotihuacan (A.D. 1–550), one of the largest pre-Hispanic cities, animal remains were integral components of ritual caches expressing state ideology and militarism during the construction of the Moon and the Sun Pyramids. The caches contain the remains of nearly 200 carnivorous animals, human sacrificial victims and other symbolic artifacts. This paper argues the presence of skeletal pathologies of infectious disease and injuries manifest on the carnivore remains show direct evidence of captivity. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of bones and teeth confirms that some of these carnivores were consuming high levels of C4 foods, likely reflecting a maize-based anthropocentric food chain. These results push back the antiquity of keeping captive carnivores for ritualistic purposes nearly 1000 years before the Spanish conquistadors described Moctezuma’s zoo at the Aztec capital. Mirroring these documents the results indicate a select group of carnivores at Teotihuacan may have been fed maize-eating omnivores, such as dogs and humans. Unlike historical records, the present study provides the earliest and direct archaeological evidence for this practice in Mesoamerica. It also represents the first systematic isotopic exploration of a population of archaeological eagles (n = 24) and felids (n = 29). PMID:26332042

Les psychoses de l’épileptique: approche clinique à propos d'un cas

PubMed Central

Charfi, Nada; Trigui, Dorsaf; Ben Thabet, Jihène; Zouari, Nasreddine; Zouari, Lobna; Maalej, Mohamed

2014-01-01

Pour discuter les liens entre épilepsie et psychose, les auteurs rapportent l'observation d'une fille âgée de 22 ans, traitée pour épilepsie fronto-temporale, adressée en psychiatrie pour des hallucinations sensorielles et cénesthésiques et un délire mystique et d'influence, apparus secondairement et non améliorés par le traitement antiépileptique. Les symptômes psychotiques, chez l’épileptique, peuvent entrer dans le cadre de psychoses intercritiques, post-critiques ou alternatives. Pour le cas rapporté, les symptômes psychotiques étaient intercritiques et chroniques. Il s'agissait vraisemblablement d'une psychose schizophréniforme. Dans ce type de psychose, une indifférence affective et une restriction des activités sont rarement rencontrés, alors que les fluctuations rapides de l'humeur sont fréquentes. Les thématiques délirantes sont assez souvent mystiques, alimentées par des hallucinations auditives et par des hallucinations visuelles inhabituelles. Les troubles négatifs sont rares. Les psychoses épileptiques n'ont pas été identifiées comme des entités nosographiques dans les systèmes de classification psychiatrique (DSM-IV et CIM-10), ce qui pose un problème de reconnaissance de ces troubles. Une collaboration entre psychiatre et neurologue devient ainsi nécessaire pour mieux comprendre cette comorbidité complexe, éviter les erreurs diagnostiques et optimiser la prise en charge. PMID:25309665

Les brulures electriques chez les voleurs de cuivre

PubMed Central

Belmir, R.; Fejjal, N.; Achbouk, H.; El Mazouz, S.; Gharib, N.; Abassi, A.; Belmahi, A.

2011-01-01

Summary Les vols de biens fabriqués avec le cuivre semblent en hausse depuis un certain temps du fait de son prix élevé de revente, ce qui est à l’origine d’une augmentation du nombre d’accidents électriques par haut voltage (AEHV) qui sont graves du fait des brûlures profondes qu’elles provoquent le long des axes vasculo-nerveux. Les Auteurs rapportent une série de neuf cas d’AEHV traités au service de chirurgie plastique et de brûlés de l’Hôpital Ibn Sina de Rabat, Maroc, à travers laquelle ils étudient les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques. La population intéressée était jeune et active. Les brûlures étaient secondaires à un contact avec des câbles à haute tension lors de tentatives de vol par arrachement de conducteurs en cuivre dans les transformateurs dans 67% des cas, et lors de tentatives de coupure de caténaires alimentant les trains électriques sur le réseau ferroviaire dans 33% des cas. Le traitement des lésions électrothermiques a nécessité des interventions itératives avec amputation et désarticulation des segments de membres nécrosés dans 66% des cas, dont les suites étaient marquées par des séquelles fonctionnelles invalidantes. La prévention de ce type d’AEHV reste fondamentale. PMID:22262961

Stable Isotopes and Zooarchaeology at Teotihuacan, Mexico Reveal Earliest Evidence of Wild Carnivore Management in Mesoamerica.

PubMed

Sugiyama, Nawa; Somerville, Andrew D; Schoeninger, Margaret J

2015-01-01

From Roman gladiatorial combat to Egyptian animal mummies, the capture and manipulation of carnivores was instrumental in helping to shape social hierarchies throughout the ancient world. This paper investigates the historical inflection point when humans began to control animals not only as alimental resources but as ritual symbols and social actors in the New World. At Teotihuacan (A.D. 1-550), one of the largest pre-Hispanic cities, animal remains were integral components of ritual caches expressing state ideology and militarism during the construction of the Moon and the Sun Pyramids. The caches contain the remains of nearly 200 carnivorous animals, human sacrificial victims and other symbolic artifacts. This paper argues the presence of skeletal pathologies of infectious disease and injuries manifest on the carnivore remains show direct evidence of captivity. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of bones and teeth confirms that some of these carnivores were consuming high levels of C4 foods, likely reflecting a maize-based anthropocentric food chain. These results push back the antiquity of keeping captive carnivores for ritualistic purposes nearly 1000 years before the Spanish conquistadors described Moctezuma's zoo at the Aztec capital. Mirroring these documents the results indicate a select group of carnivores at Teotihuacan may have been fed maize-eating omnivores, such as dogs and humans. Unlike historical records, the present study provides the earliest and direct archaeological evidence for this practice in Mesoamerica. It also represents the first systematic isotopic exploration of a population of archaeological eagles (n = 24) and felids (n = 29).

Amelioration de la qualite d'energie d'un systeme de conversion d'energie eolienne a base de machine asynchrone a double alimentation et connecte au reseau electrique =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abderrahim, Iheb

Wind power generation has grown strongly in the last decade. This results in the development of Wind Energy Conversion System WECS at the levels of modeling and electrical control. Modern WECS operate at varying wind speeds and are equipped with synchronous and asynchronous generators. Among these generators, the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) offers several advantages and capabilities of active and reactive power in four quadrants. WECS based DFIG also causes less conversion costs and minimum energy losses compared with a WECS based on a synchronous generator powered entirely by full scale of power converters. The connection of such a system to the electrical distribution network involves bidirectional operation of networks. This is clearly established in sub and super synchronous operating modes of DFIG. The grid provides the active power to the rotor of DFIG in sub synchronous operating mode and receives the active power of the rotor in super synchronous operating mode of DFIG. Energy quality is thus of major importance during the integration of wind power to the grid. Poor wave quality can affect network stability and could even cause major problems and consequences. This is even more critical where non-linear loads such as the switching power supplies and variable speed drives, are connected to the grid. The idea of this research work is how to mitigate the problems associated with the wave quality while ensuring better implementation of DFIG so that the whole of WECS remains insensitive to external disturbances and parametric variations. The Grid Side Converter (GSC) must be able to compensate harmonics, current unbalance and reactive power injected by a nonlinear three-phase unbalanced load connected to the grid. In addition to these innovative features to improve the conditions of operation of the grid, it provides also the power flow during different modes of operation of the DFIG. It is considered a simple, efficient and cost competitive solution by saving the use of other power equipment. At the same time, the energy efficiency of wind power conversion chain should be improved by extracting the MPPT. Searching allows us to select vector control and control in synchronous reference to achieve these objectives. WECS based DFIG is simulated in MATLAB SIMULINK in the presence of a non-linear balanced and unbalanced three-phase load.

Taste, Enjoyment, and Desire of Flavors Change After Sleeve Gastrectomy-Short Term Results.

PubMed

Van Vuuren, Michele A Janse; Strodl, Esben; White, Katherine M; Lockie, Philip David

2017-06-01

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) incidence continues to increase worldwide because of its efficacy and low surgical risks. This study aimed to investigate satisfaction with eating and the change in taste perception, desire, and enjoyment of flavor changes and associations with extent of percentage excess weight loss (%excess weight loss (EWL)) post-LSG. One hundred six participants completed an online questionnaire 4 to 6 weeks as well as 6 to 8 months post-LSG bariatric surgery. The questionnaire included study-specific questions about changes in taste, desire, and enjoyment of eight major categories of flavor, as well as the Suter Quality of Alimentation Questionnaire to measure satisfaction with eating. The majority of participants reported a post-surgery increase in the intensity of the flavor of sweet (60, 55%) and fatty (57, 70%) at both time points, respectively. Participants also reported a decreased enjoyment for sweet (77, 61%) and fatty (77, 83%) flavors and decreased desire for fatty (83, 84%) and sweet (82, 68%) flavors at both time periods. This study found an increase in intensity of flavor of all eight taste modalities and a decrease in desire and enjoyment of all taste modalities except salty and savory flavors following surgery. Participants reported an increased acuity of spicy flavors and fatty tastes over time, and the desire and enjoyment of sweet, bitter, and metallic flavors increased over time. Changes in savory enjoyment over a 6- to 8-month period post-LSG were weakly associated with extent of % EWL at 6 months post-surgery. The participants reported average (40, 37%), good (33, 42%), and excellent (15, 11%) satisfaction with eating at both time points. This preliminary study indicates that subjective changes in taste, desire, and enjoyment of flavors of eight taste modalities are very common after LSG.

Relationships between past and present pesticide applications and pollution at a watershed outlet: The case of a horticultural catchment in Martinique, French West Indies.

PubMed

Mottes, Charles; Lesueur Jannoyer, Magalie; Le Bail, Marianne; Guéné, Mathilde; Carles, Céline; Malézieux, Eric

2017-10-01

The understanding of factors affecting pesticide transfers to catchment outlet is still at a very early stage in tropical context, and especially on tropical volcanic context. We performed on-farm pesticide use surveys during 87 weeks and monitored pesticides in water weekly during 67 weeks at the outlet of a small catchment in Martinique. We identified three types of pollution. First, we showed long-term chronic pollution by chlordecone, diuron and metolachlor resulting from horticultural practices applied 5-20 years ago (quantification frequency higher than 80%). Second, we showed peak pollution. High amounts of propiconazole and fosthiazate applied at low frequencies caused river pollution peaks for weeks following a single application. Low amounts of diquat and diazinon applied at low frequencies also caused pollution peaks. The high amounts of glyphosate applied at high frequency resulted into pollution peaks by glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in 6 and 20% of the weeks. Any intensification of their uses will result in higher pollution levels. Third, relatively low amounts of glufosinate-ammonium, difenoconazol, spinosad and metaldehyde were applied at high frequencies. Unexpectedly, such pesticides remained barely detected (<1.5%) or undetected in water samples. We showed that AMPA, fosthiazate and propiconazole have serious leaching potential. They might result in future chronic pollution of shallow aquifers alimenting surface water. We prove that to avoid the past errors and decrease the risk of long-term pollution of water resources, it is urgent to reduce or stop the use of pesticides with leaching potential by changing agricultural practices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Capteur de CO{2} à fibres optiques par absorption moléculaire à 4,3 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendamardji, S.; Alayli, Y.; Huard, S.

1996-04-01

This paper describes a remote optical fibre sensor for the carbon dioxide detection by molecular absorption in the near infrared (4.3 μm) corresponding to fundamental mode ν3. To overcome the problem of the strong attenuation signal of optical fibre in the near infrared, we have used the opto-suppling technique which changes the working wavelength from 4.3 μm to 860 nm and permits the use of standard optical fibre 50/125. The simulation of absorption has been obtained by original modelisation of the absorption spectrum and the establishment of the calibration curves takes to the sensor to detect a partial pressures greater than 100 μbar with a minimal error margin of 100 μbar, which is acceptable considering the future use of the device. The sensor has been designed to monitor the CO{2} rate in enriched greenhouses. Cet article décrit un capteur à fibres optiques de gaz carbonique par absorption moléculaire dans l'infrarouge moyen (4,3 μm) correspondant au mode fondamental ν3. La liaison entre le site de mesure et le site de contrôle est assurée par un fibre optique standard 50/125 après une transposition de longueur d'onde de 4,3 μm à 860 nm par opto-alimentation. La simulation de l'absorption a été obtenue par modélisation originale du spectre d'absorption et l'établissement des courbes d'étalonnage prévoit une marge d'erreur minimale de 100 μbar, ce qui est suffisant pour l'application du dispositif à la régulation de taux CO{2} dans les serres agricoles enrichies par de gaz.

Development of Full Sweet, Umami, and Bitter Taste Responsiveness Requires Regulator of G protein Signaling-21 (RGS21).

PubMed

Schroer, Adam B; Gross, Joshua D; Kaski, Shane W; Wix, Kim; Siderovski, David P; Vandenbeuch, Aurelie; Setola, Vincent

2018-05-23

The mammalian tastes of sweet, umami, and bitter are initiated by activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) of the T1R and T2R families on taste receptor cells. GPCRs signal via nucleotide exchange and hydrolysis, the latter hastened by GTPase-accelerating proteins (GAPs) that include the Regulators of G protein Signaling (RGS) protein family. We previously reported that RGS21, uniquely expressed in Type II taste receptor cells, decreases the potency of bitter-stimulated T2R signaling in cultured cells, consistent with its in vitro GAP activity. However, the role of RGS21 in organismal responses to GPCR-mediated tastants was not established. Here, we characterized mice lacking the Rgs21 fifth exon. Eliminating Rgs21 expression had no effect on body mass accumulation (a measure of alimentation), fungiform papillae number and morphology, circumvallate papillae morphology, and taste bud number. Two-bottle preference tests, however, revealed that Rgs21-null mice have blunted aversion to quinine and denatonium, and blunted preference for monosodium glutamate, the sweeteners sucrose and SC45647, and (surprisingly) NaCl. Observed reductions in GPCR-mediated tastant responses upon Rgs21 loss are opposite to original expectations, given that loss of RGS21-a GPCR signaling negative regulator-should lead to increased responsiveness to tastant-mediated GPCR signaling (all else being equal). Yet, reduced organismal tastant responses are consistent with observations of reduced chorda tympani nerve recordings in Rgs21-null mice. Reduced tastant-mediated responses and behaviors exhibited by adult mice lacking Rgs21 expression since birth have thus revealed an underappreciated requirement for a GPCR GAP to establish the full character of tastant signaling.

Continuous measurements of bedload transport rates in a small glacial river catchment in the summer season (Spitsbergen)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kociuba, Waldemar; Janicki, Grzegorz

2014-05-01

The study on bedload transport was conducted on the gravel-bed Scott River catchment with a glacial alimentation regime, located in the NW part of the Wedel Jarlsberg Land (Spitsbergen) with subpolar climatic conditions. In the melt season of 2010, bedload transport rate was continuously monitored at 24-hour intervals by means of four River Bedload Trap devices aligned across the width of the channel. The maximum bedload transport rate varied strongly at portions of the cross section from 16 to 152 kg m- 1 d- 1 in cross-profile I (c-p I) and 4 to 125 kg m- 1 d- 1 in cross-profile II (c-p II). The maximum channel-mean bedload transport rate (qa) amounted to 54 kg m- 1 d- 1 (c-p I) and 35 kg m- 1 d- 1 (c-p II). Mean daily bedload discharge (Qb) was estimated at a level of 97 kg day- 1 (c-p I) and 35 kg m- 1 d- 1 (c-p II), and the total bedload yield was determined at approx. 4345 kg in the measurement period (2086 kg — c-p I; 2203 kg — c-p II from 13.07 to 10.08). The analysis of the relationship between channel-mean bedload transport rate and water velocity or shear stress revealed a significant value of the correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.6). Discharge and rate of bedload transport were dependent on the weather and number of days with flood discharge. Approx. 58% of the entire discharged bedload was transported during 3 violent ablation-precipitation floods. Bedload grain size distribution was right-skewed and showed moderate sorting.

Modification of IgE binding to αS1-casein by proteolytic activity of Enterococcus faecium isolated from Iranian camel milk samples.

PubMed

Kordesedehi, Reihane; Taheri-Kafrani, Asghar; Rabbani-Khorasgani, Mohammad; Kazemi, Rezvan; Mutangadura, Daniel; Haertle, Thomas

2018-06-20

Milk is a perfect source of nutrients for neonates. When breast feeding cannot be done, an infant's alimentation is usually initiated to cow's milk, among the primary foods. It has been reported that about 2.5% of juveniles under the age of 3 years manifest allergic reactions to cow's milk proteins. Among the cow's milk proteins, casein fractions are considered as the strongest allergenic proteins. The proteolytic enzymes of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), during fermentation of dairy products, can break down milk proteins especially caseins and subsequently reduce the immune reactivity of allergenic proteins. In this research, raw bovine and camel milk samples were screened for cocci LAB strains and after isolation, their proteolytic activity against bovine milk caseins were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. The potential of cocci LAB strains on α S1 -casein degradation and their potential to break down the principle allergenic epitopes of this protein was detected using indirect competitive ELISA. Molecular identification of the best proteolytic strain was fulfilled by 16S rDNA fragment sequencing with universal primers. The obtained results demonstrated that Enterococcus faecium isolated from raw camel milk samples was the most efficient isolate in hydrolyzing Na-caseinate and α S1 -casein. Hydrolysated α S1 -casein by Enterococcus faecium was also less recognized by IgE of bovine milk allergic patients' sera in comparison with native α S1 -casein. It has been proposed that Enterococcus faecium could be an efficient strain in allergenicity reduction of cow's milk proteins. So it could be an excellent candidate to be potentially used in dairy industries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Versatility of `hemorheologic fitness' according to exercise intensity: emphasis on the "healthy primitive lifestyle"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brun, Jean-Frédéric; Varlet-Marie, Emmanuelle; Chevance, Guillaume; Pollatz, Marion; Fedou, Christine; de Mauverger, Eric Raynaud

2014-05-01

We recently proposed a unifying hypothesis to reconcile unexpected findings in exercise hemorheology and the classical concepts of "hemorheologic fitness" and the "triphasic effects of exercise", based on the "healthy primitive lifestyle" paradigm. This paradigm assumes that evolution has selected genetic polymorphisms leading to insulin resistance as an adaptative strategy to cope with continuous low intensity physical activity and a special alimentation moderately high in protein, rich in low glycemic index carbohydrates, and poor in saturated fat. According to this protocol the true physiological picture would be that of an individual whose exercise and nutritional habits are close from this lifestyle, both sedentary subjects and trained athletes representing situations on the edge of this model. Unfortunately samples of people truly adhering to this ancestral lifestyle are hard to obtain. In order to address this picture we tried to compare databases obtained with our preceding published studies. As a model of the "healthy primitive lifestyle" we selected patients trained at low intensity (LI) and given an advice of protein intake around 1.2 g/kg/day. Results show a continuum for plasma viscosity which seems to be lower in athletes than LI-trained and even more sedentaries. When sedentary subjects become obese the most obvious characteristic is an increase in red blood cell (RBC) aggregation correlated to the size of fat stores. It is clear that 3 months of LI are not a perfect model of "healthy primitive lifestyle", but these data suggest that the most important effect of LI regular exercise is to decrease plasma viscosity and that sedentarity increases RBC aggregation mostly when it results in increased fat storage.

Gemcitabine in combination with EGF-Receptor antibody (Cetuximab) as a treatment of cholangiocarcinoma: a case report

PubMed Central

Sprinzl, Martin F; Schimanski, Carl C; Moehler, Markus; Schadmand-Fischer, Simin; Galle, Peter R; Kanzler, Stephan

2006-01-01

Background Extensive disease of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) determines the overall outcome and limits curative resection. Despite chemotherapy, which has been introduced to improve the outcome of biliary tract malignancies, the benefit in survival is still marginal. Case presentation We report a 69-year-old patient with non-resectable CC showing hepatic metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis. Diagnosis was based on computed tomography, mini-laparoscopy and bioptic specimens. Histology revealed an adenocarcinoma of the biliary tract with expression of epithelial growth factor receptor. After informed consent the patient received experimental gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) every other week and cetuximab (250 mg/m2) weekly for palliative chemotherapy. During the reported follow up (since time of first presentation) 20 cycles of chemotherapy were administered. Relevant chemotherapy-related toxicity was limited on gemcitabine-associated side effects. Predominantly, haematological toxicity (CTC, grade 3) and neutropenic fever (CTC, grade 3) promoted by catheter-related sepsis were observed. Cetuximab caused only mild skin toxicity (CTC, grade 1). Chemotherapy led to a partial response (> 30% reduction, according to RECIST) of the target lesions and disappearance of the peritoneal carcinomatosis as shown by computed tomography. Partial response occurred after 17 weeks of treatment and remained stable during the entire course of chemotherapy for 9.7 months. In parallel, Ca 19-9 serum levels, which were elevated 5-fold at time of diagnosis, returned to normal after 16 weeks of treatment. The performance status stabilized and intravenous alimentation could be discontinued. Conclusion Our experience from one patient with CC suggests, that a combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy together with cetuximab may show promising efficacy in respect to survival and quality of life. Therefore cetuximab, as a component of palliative chemotherapy in biliary tract cancer, needs further evaluation in prospective randomized trials. PMID:16846514

[Potential influence of nutrition with supplements on healthy and arthritic joints. II. Nutritional quantity, supplements, contamination].

PubMed

Wilhelmi, G

1993-01-01

A short period of fasting leads, in the mouse, to usually reversible damage to chondrocytes and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis often to a temporary improvement. Slight hypo-alimentation and a low-caloric diet reduce the spontaneous development of osteo-arthritis in the mouse, whereas a high-caloric diet promotes the disease. In man, mice, and, in particular, fattened animals, obesity is often associated with forms of osteo-arthritis. In such cases, it may be assumed that metabolic damage to cartilage is involved as well as damage due to weight-bearing forces. Elderly people, i.e., persons with a predisposition to osteo-arthritis, often suffer from a generalized vitamin deficiency. Vitamins E, B2, and C have been shown to exert an inhibitory effect on osteo-arthritis in animals, and it has been found that supplementation therapy, particularly with vitamin E and the combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12, can exert a beneficial effect on the symptomatology of human degenerative joint disease. Mineral deficits in calcium, zinc and selenium (Kashin-Beck disease; endemic osteo-arthritis deformans) can provoke skeletal damage in humans and animals. On the other hand, calcium, iron, and copper have been reported to give rise to storage diseases, in some cases with involvement of articular cartilage. There have been indications that chondrotoxic damage may result from food contaminants. So far very little is known about the influence of phytopharmacodynamic substances (other than derivatives of rutin and rhein) on osteo-arthritis. The large gaps in our knowledge of the chondrotropic properties of the constituents of food and common stimulants underline the need for further investigations.

Surgical Technical Evidence Review for Elective Total Joint Replacement Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery.

PubMed

Childers, Christopher P; Siletz, Anaar E; Singer, Emily S; Faltermeier, Claire; Hu, Q Lina; Ko, Clifford Y; Golladay, Gregory J; Kates, Stephen L; Wick, Elizabeth C; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda

2018-01-01

Use of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) can improve patient outcomes, yet national implementation of these pathways remains low. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ; funder), the American College of Surgeons, and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patent Safety and Quality have developed the Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery-a national effort to catalyze implementation of practices to improve perioperative care and enhance recovery of surgical patients. This review synthesizes evidence that can be used to develop a protocol for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). This review focuses on potential components of the protocol relevant to surgeons; anesthesia components are reported separately. Components were identified through review of existing pathways and from consultation with technical experts. For each, a structured review of MEDLINE identified systematic reviews, randomized trials, and observational studies that reported on these components in patients undergoing elective TKA/THA. This primary evidence review was combined with existing clinical guidelines in a narrative format. Sixteen components were reviewed. Of the 10 preoperative components, most were focused on risk factor assessment including anemia, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, obesity, nutrition, immune-modulating therapy, and opiates. Preoperative education, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, and bathing/ Staphylococcus aureus decolonization were also included. The routine use of drains was the only intraoperative component evaluated. The 5 postoperative components included early mobilization, continuous passive motion, extended duration VTE prophylaxis, early oral alimentation, and discharge planning. This review synthesizes the evidence supporting potential surgical components of an ERP for elective TKA/THA. The AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery aims to guide hospitals and surgeons in identifying the best practices to implement in the surgical care of TKA and THA patients.

Knowledge, use and management of native wild edible plants from a seasonal dry forest (NE, Brazil)

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Despite being an ancient practice that satisfies basic human needs, the use of wild edible plants tends to be forgotten along with associated knowledge in rural communities. The objective of this work is to analyze existing relationships between knowledge, use, and management of native wild edible plants and socioeconomic factors such as age, gender, family income, individual income, past occupation and current occupation. Methods The field work took place between 2009 and 2010 in the community of Carão, Altinho municipality, in the state of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 members of the community regarding knowledge, use and management of 14 native wild edible plants from the Caatinga region, corresponding to 12 vegetable species. In parallel, we documented the socioeconomic aspects of the interviewed population (age, gender, family income, individual income, past occupation and current occupation). Results Knowledge about edible plants was related to age but not to current occupation or use. Current use was not associated with age, gender or occupation. The association between age and past use may indicate abandonment of these resources. Conclusion Because conservation of the species is not endangered by their use but by deforestation of the ecosystems in which these plants grow, we suggest that the promotion and consumption of the plants by community members is convenient and thereby stimulates the appropriation and consequent protection of the ecosystem. To promote consumption of these plants, it is important to begin by teaching people about plant species that can be used for their alimentation, disproving existing myths about plant use, and encouraging diversification of use by motivating the invention of new preparation methods. An example of how this can be achieved is through events like the “Preserves Festival”. PMID:24279311

Analyse de l'effet des courants induits sur l'impédance d'un système électromagnétique alimenté en tension BF ou HF. Utilisation de la méthode des circuits couplés

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maouche, B.; Feliachi, M.

1997-10-01

In this paper, a study of the interaction between the inductor and the load of an axisymmetrical induction device is proposed. This interaction concerns the effect of the eddy current on both the excitation current and on the system impedance. A half analytical model, based on a numerical discretization of the electromagnetic solution domain, is used. In each cell of the numerical discretization, an analytical calculation using the Moment Method (MM) is considered. In the case of strong skin effect (High Frequency: HF), the formulation makes use of the Impedance Boundary Condition (IBC); in the contrary case (Low Frequency: LF), the interior domain is discretized. Dans cet article nous proposons l'étude de l'influence d'une charge (induit) conductrice sur la répartition du courant inducteur ainsi que sur l'impédance du système. L'inducteur est à géométrie axisymétrique de forme solénoïdale ou pancake destiné au chauffage par induction. Une méthode semi-analytique, basée sur une discrétisation du domaine en mailles élémentaires auxquelles s'applique une formulation intégrale (Méthode des Circuits Couplés : MCC) des grandeurs électromagnétiques, est utilisée. Dans le cas où l'effet de peau est important (Haute Fréquence:HF), la formulation associe la Condition d'Impédance de Surface; dans le cas contraire (Basse Fréquence : BF), un maillage du domaine interne est pratiqué.

Transfer of microorganisms, including Listeria monocytogenes, from various materials to beef.

PubMed

Midelet, Graziella; Carpentier, Brigitte

2002-08-01

The quantity of microorganisms that may be transferred to a food that comes into contact with a contaminated surface depends on the density of microorganisms on the surface and on the attachment strengths of the microorganisms on the materials. We made repeated contacts between pieces of meat and various surfaces (stainless steel and conveyor belt materials [polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane]), which were conditioned with meat exudate and then were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus sciuri, Pseudomonas putida, or Comamonas sp. Attachment strengths were assessed by the slopes of the two-phase curves obtained by plotting the logarithm of the number of microorganisms transferred against the order number of the contact. These curves were also used to estimate the microbial population on the surface by using the equation of A. Veulemans, E. Jacqmain, and D. Jacqmain (Rev. Ferment. Ind. Aliment. 25:58-65, 1970). The biofilms were characterized according to their physicochemical surface properties and structures. Their exopolysaccharide-producing capacities were assessed from biofilms grown on polystyrene. The L. monocytogenes biofilms attached more strongly to polymers than did the other strains, and attachment strength proved to be weaker on stainless steel than on the two polymers. However, in most cases, it was the population of the biofilms that had the strongest influence on the total number of CFU detached. Although attachment strengths were weaker on stainless steel, this material, carrying a smaller population of bacteria, had a weaker contaminating capacity. In most cases the equation of Veulemans et al. revealed more bacteria than did swabbing the biofilms, and it provided a better assessment of the contaminating potential of the polymeric materials studied here.

Knowledge, use and management of native wild edible plants from a seasonal dry forest (NE, Brazil).

PubMed

Cruz, Margarita Paloma; Peroni, Nivaldo; Albuquerque, Ulysses Paulino

2013-11-26

Despite being an ancient practice that satisfies basic human needs, the use of wild edible plants tends to be forgotten along with associated knowledge in rural communities. The objective of this work is to analyze existing relationships between knowledge, use, and management of native wild edible plants and socioeconomic factors such as age, gender, family income, individual income, past occupation and current occupation. The field work took place between 2009 and 2010 in the community of Carão, Altinho municipality, in the state of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 members of the community regarding knowledge, use and management of 14 native wild edible plants from the Caatinga region, corresponding to 12 vegetable species. In parallel, we documented the socioeconomic aspects of the interviewed population (age, gender, family income, individual income, past occupation and current occupation). Knowledge about edible plants was related to age but not to current occupation or use. Current use was not associated with age, gender or occupation. The association between age and past use may indicate abandonment of these resources. Because conservation of the species is not endangered by their use but by deforestation of the ecosystems in which these plants grow, we suggest that the promotion and consumption of the plants by community members is convenient and thereby stimulates the appropriation and consequent protection of the ecosystem. To promote consumption of these plants, it is important to begin by teaching people about plant species that can be used for their alimentation, disproving existing myths about plant use, and encouraging diversification of use by motivating the invention of new preparation methods. An example of how this can be achieved is through events like the "Preserves Festival".

Nutrition between sustainability and quality.

PubMed

Fara, G M

2015-01-01

This lecture describes the complex interrelations existing between human nutrition, quality of aliments, their safety and the sustainability of the feeding habits adopted by the different cultures in the World. At present, a significant part of the developing World is still affected by insufficient availability of nutricious and safe food, and these difficulties are due more to political events as wars and less to natural events as famine. It is equally true that in the developed World, where abundance reigns and international trade grants a large variety of foods everywere, the existing health problems arise from the excess of nutrition, worsened by sedentarity, because the fatigue due to manual work has disappeared and people maintain their feeding habits; but such problems depend also on the diet composition, which in some countries is too rich in meat and animal fats. As a consequence, chronic degenerative pathologies and a progressive dependance of people in their third age are becoming more and more common. But this situation could be overturned by corrective interventions driven by good epidemiological knowledge, as teach us the great international institutions as UNO and WHO. The goal is not to expand without limits the production of food, but to better distribute it socially and geographically, to minimize losses and wastes and also to change those diets based on foods which consume too many natural resources and, therefore, do not respect sustainability. Sustainability can be measured under different aspects: ecology (use of water, energy and soil), economy and health protection. Accurate analyses and evaluations have brought to the conclusion that the least sustainable diets are those, quite popular in the Anglosaxon countries and northern and eastern Europe, rich in meat and animal fats, while those based on cereals, legumes and fish - like the Japanese and the Mediterranean diets - respect much more the environment, consume less resources and improve health and longevity (or, better, longevity in good health). The Mediterranean diet has been identified, classified and scientifically documented as the one that can guarantee longevity in good health by the US physiologist Ancel Keys, who lived many years in the Italian area of Cilento, the Italian creadle of such a diet, and died at the age of 100. The Mediterranean diet has been recognized in 2010 as an intangible cultural patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO, and is practiced also in many areas of Spain, Portugal, Greece, Morocco and Cyprus. Good diets per se are not sufficient to improve health if they are not accompanied by a daily physical exercise, which is necessary to replace the physical fatigue, represented in the past by the manuality of almost all jobs, with new practices as swimming, bicycling or at least walking enough time every day Another aspect to be developed is the capacity of the Mediterranean Diet to safeguard the cultural aspects, like conviviality and sharing of food, which are good mechanisms for socialization and improving the life of families and communities.

Surgical Technical Evidence Review for Elective Total Joint Replacement Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery

PubMed Central

Siletz, Anaar E.; Singer, Emily S.; Faltermeier, Claire; Hu, Q. Lina; Ko, Clifford Y.; Golladay, Gregory J.; Kates, Stephen L.; Wick, Elizabeth C.; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda

2018-01-01

Background: Use of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) can improve patient outcomes, yet national implementation of these pathways remains low. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ; funder), the American College of Surgeons, and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patent Safety and Quality have developed the Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery—a national effort to catalyze implementation of practices to improve perioperative care and enhance recovery of surgical patients. This review synthesizes evidence that can be used to develop a protocol for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). Study Design: This review focuses on potential components of the protocol relevant to surgeons; anesthesia components are reported separately. Components were identified through review of existing pathways and from consultation with technical experts. For each, a structured review of MEDLINE identified systematic reviews, randomized trials, and observational studies that reported on these components in patients undergoing elective TKA/THA. This primary evidence review was combined with existing clinical guidelines in a narrative format. Results: Sixteen components were reviewed. Of the 10 preoperative components, most were focused on risk factor assessment including anemia, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, obesity, nutrition, immune-modulating therapy, and opiates. Preoperative education, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, and bathing/Staphylococcus aureus decolonization were also included. The routine use of drains was the only intraoperative component evaluated. The 5 postoperative components included early mobilization, continuous passive motion, extended duration VTE prophylaxis, early oral alimentation, and discharge planning. Conclusion: This review synthesizes the evidence supporting potential surgical components of an ERP for elective TKA/THA. The AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery aims to guide hospitals and surgeons in identifying the best practices to implement in the surgical care of TKA and THA patients. PMID:29468091

Design of a randomised controlled trial of adapted physical activity during adjuvant treatment for localised breast cancer: the PASAPAS feasibility study

PubMed Central

Touillaud, M; Foucaut, A-M; Berthouze, S E; Reynes, E; Kempf-Lépine, A-S; Carretier, J; Pérol, D; Guillemaut, S; Chabaud, S; Bourne-Branchu, V; Perrier, L; Trédan, O; Fervers, B; Bachmann, P

2013-01-01

Introduction After a diagnosis of localised breast cancer, overweight, obesity and weight gain are negatively associated with prognosis. In contrast, maintaining an optimal weight through a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity appears to be effective protective behaviour against comorbidity or mortality after a breast cancer diagnosis. The primary aim of the Programme pour une Alimentation Saine et une Activité Physique Adaptée pour les patientes atteintes d'un cancer du Sein (PASAPAS) randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an intervention of adapted physical activity (APA) for 6 months concomitant with the prescription of a first line of adjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary aims include assessing the acceptability of the intervention, compliance to the programme, process implementation, patients’ satisfaction, evolution of biological parameters and the medicoeconomic impact of the intervention. Methods and analysis The study population consists of 60 women eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy after a diagnosis of localised invasive breast cancer. They will be recruited during a 2-year inclusion period and randomly allocated between an APA intervention arm and a control arm following a 2:1 ratio. All participants should benefit from personalised dietetic counselling and patients allocated to the intervention arm will be offered an APA programme of two to three weekly sessions of Nordic walking and aerobic fitness. During the 6-month intervention and 6-month follow-up, four assessments will be performed including blood draw, anthropometrics and body composition measurements, and questionnaires about physical activity level, diet, lifestyle factors, psychological criteria, satisfaction with the intervention and medical data. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the French Ethics Committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud-Est IV) and the national agencies for biomedical studies and for privacy. All participants will give written informed consent. The study findings will be disseminated through the scientific public and serve as a foundation for future randomised controlled trials of efficacy. PMID:24165030

Energy and nutrient density of foods in relation to their carbon footprint.

PubMed

Drewnowski, Adam; Rehm, Colin D; Martin, Agnes; Verger, Eric O; Voinnesson, Marc; Imbert, Philippe

2015-01-01

A carbon footprint is the sum of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) associated with food production, processing, transporting, and retailing. We examined the relation between the energy and nutrient content of foods and associated GHGEs as expressed as g CO2 equivalents. GHGE values, which were calculated and provided by a French supermarket chain, were merged with the Composition Nutritionnelle des Aliments (French food-composition table) nutrient-composition data for 483 foods and beverages from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Foods were aggregated into 34 food categories and 5 major food groups as follows: meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, frozen and processed fruit and vegetables, grains, and sweets. Energy density was expressed as kcal/100 g. Nutrient density was determined by using 2 alternative nutrient-density scores, each based on the sum of the percentage of daily values for 6 or 15 nutrients, respectively. The energy and nutrient densities of foods were linked to log-transformed GHGE values expressed per 100 g or 100 kcal. Grains and sweets had lowest GHGEs (per 100 g and 100 kcal) but had high energy density and a low nutrient content. The more-nutrient-dense animal products, including meat and dairy, had higher GHGE values per 100 g but much lower values per 100 kcal. In general, a higher nutrient density of foods was associated with higher GHGEs per 100 kcal, although the slopes of fitted lines varied for meat and dairy compared with fats and sweets. Considerations of the environmental impact of foods need to be linked to concerns about nutrient density and health. The point at which the higher carbon footprint of some nutrient-dense foods is offset by their higher nutritional value is a priority area for additional research. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Séroprévalence de l’AgHBs chez la femme enceinte dans le centre du Maroc

PubMed Central

Sbiti, Mohammed; Khalki, Hanane; Benbella, Imane; louzi, Lhoussaine

2016-01-01

La transmission materno-fœtale du virus de l'hépatite B (VHB) est un problème qui préoccupe toujours les autorités sanitaires à travers le monde et suscite la mise en place de mesures préventives renforcées. Le statut réplicatif du virus chez la mère séropositive, évalué par la positivité de l'AgHbe et le taux de la charge virale, conditionne le risque de contamination qui est plus important en période péri-natale. Les mères porteuses chroniques du VHB constituent un véritable réservoir de la transmission verticale de cette infection. Nous avons étudié, à travers cette enquête sur 1120 femmes enceintes Marocaines, la séroprévalence de l'AgHBs qui était de 2,35%, dans le but d'alimenter les données nationales sur ce sujet. Parmi ces femmes séropositives pour l'AgHBs, 79,1% avaient un AgHBe négatif et ont bénéficié d'une recherche moléculaire qui s'est révélée positive dans 89,4% des cas. La vaccination de la femme en âge de procréer est l'un des piliers majeurs de la prévention de la transmission verticale du VHB, seulement 2,4% de nos patientes étaient vaccinées. Ceci relève l'intérêt du dépistage au cours de la grossesse, qui doit se focaliser sur la sensibilisation à la vaccination de femmes séronégatives, et le suivi par biologie moléculaire des mères séropositives dans le but d'instaurer un traitement prophylactique adéquat. PMID:27795784

Moderating Nutritious Habits in Psychiatric Patients Using Transtheoretical Model of Change and Counseling.

PubMed

Anastopoulou, Konstantina; Fradelos, Evangelos C; Misouridou, Evdokia; Kourakos, Michael; Berk, Aristea; Papathanasiou, Ioanna V; Kleisiaris, Christos; Zyga, Sofia

2017-01-01

Motivational Interviewing provides the opportunity to health professionals to have an effective strategy to increase the level of readiness to change health behaviors. Along with the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change Model) compose the theoretical base of intervention in psychiatry settings. This study was aimed to change nutritious behavior of psychiatric patients using a specific Model of Change and Counseling implementing a health education program. A quasi-experimental design was adopted on a random sample of 60 psychiatric patients at Military Hospital of Athens. Patients were divided into two groups as follows; (a) Intervention Group (four sessions of counseling and encouraging motivation for modification of their nutritious habits), and (b) Control Group (simple information sessions about the principles of healthy alimentation). The mean age of Intervention Group (IG) was 43.9 ± 9.5 and Control Group (CG) 46.1 ± 9.1, ranging from 40 to 55 years old. Also, 26.7% of the participants were female, 23.3% were married and, 10% divorced. Our analyses showed that IG patients were significantly loss weight post-intervention compared to CG patients. Specifically, IG patients were significantly moderated the intake of starchy foods in every meal (p < 0.001) and the intake of fruits and vegetables (p < 0.001). Similarly, IG patients were moderated the intake of low fat dairy foods while they changed the full fat dairy foods with low fat (p < 0.001). Also important, IG patients showed significant enhance (80%) regarding drugs compliance, suggesting that 34% of the CG patients often forgot to take their medication. Finally, IG patients reported a positive attitude towards moderating unhealthy nutritious behaviors (p = 0.032). Our results confirms that health educational and promotional Interventions may change behavior of psychiatric patients and thus may positively influence their nutritious habits.

Lait humain provenant d’une banque de dons ou acheté en ligne?

PubMed Central

St-Onge, Maude; Chaudhry, Shahnaz; Koren, Gideon

2015-01-01

Résumé Question Une de mes patientes m’a demandé si elle pourrait se procurer du lait humain par Internet pour allaiter son nourrisson s’il le fallait. L’usage de lait humain provenant d’une banque de dons est-il plus sécuritaire que son achat en ligne? Réponse L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé et l’American Academy of Pediatrics recommandent d’utiliser des dons de lait humain comme choix à privilégier lorsque le lait maternel n’est pas disponible. Cependant, la Société canadienne de pédiatrie n’approuve pas le partage de lait humain non traité. Le lait humain entreposé dans les banques de lait diffère de celui qu’on peut se procurer par Internet en raison du processus rigoureux de sélection des donneuses, des fréquentes inspections de la qualité, des procédés de transport règlementés et du processus de pasteurisation conforme aux directives établies par l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments. La plupart des échantillons achetés en ligne contiennent des bactéries à gram négatif ou comptent au total plus de 104 unités formant colonies de bactéries aérobiques par millilitre; ils renferment aussi en moyenne au décompte total plus de bactéries aérobiques, de bactéries à gram négatif, de coliformes et de Staphylococcus spp que les échantillons des banques de lait. La croissance de la plupart des espèces de bactéries est associée au nombre de jours en transit, ce qui porte à croire que les conditions de collecte, d’entreposage et de transport sont médiocres pour le lait acheté en ligne.

Reconstructing the Life of an Unknown (ca. 500 Years-Old South American Inca) Mummy – Multidisciplinary Study of a Peruvian Inca Mummy Suggests Severe Chagas Disease and Ritual Homicide

PubMed Central

Panzer, Stephanie; Peschel, Oliver; Haas-Gebhard, Brigitte; Bachmeier, Beatrice E.; Pusch, Carsten M.; Nerlich, Andreas G.

2014-01-01

The paleopathological, paleoradiological, histological, molecular and forensic investigation of a female mummy (radiocarbon dated 1451–1642 AD) provides circumstantial evidence for massive skull trauma affecting a young adult female individual shortly before death along with chronic infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease). The mummy (initially assumed to be a German bog body) was localized by stable isotope analysis to South America at/near the Peruvian/Northern Chilean coast line. This is further supported by New World camelid fibers attached to her plaits, typical Inca-type skull deformation and the type of Wormian bone at her occiput. Despite an only small transverse wound of the supraorbital region computed tomography scans show an almost complete destruction of face and frontal skull bones with terrace-like margins, but without evidence for tissue reaction. The type of destruction indicates massive blunt force applied to the center of the face. Stable isotope analysis indicates South American origin: Nitrogen and hydrogen isotope patterns indicate an extraordinarily high marine diet along with C4-plant alimentation which fits best to the coastal area of Pacific South America. A hair strand over the last ten months of her life indicates a shift to a more “terrestric” nutrition pattern suggesting either a move from the coast or a change in her nutrition. Paleoradiology further shows extensive hypertrophy of the heart muscle and a distended large bowel/rectum. Histologically, in the rectum wall massive fibrosis alternates with residual smooth muscle. The latter contains multiple inclusions of small intracellular parasites as confirmed by immunohistochemical and molecular ancient DNA analysis to represent a chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection. This case shows a unique paleopathological setting with massive blunt force trauma to the skull nurturing the hypothesis of a ritual homicide as previously described in South American mummies in an individual that suffered from severe chronic Chagas disease. PMID:24586848

Use and abuse of the urban groundwater resource: Implications for a new management strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drangert, J.-O.; Cronin, A. A.

Various human activities threaten the groundwater quality and resource under urban areas, and yet residents increasingly depend on it for their livelihood. The anticipated expansion of the world's urban population from 3 to 6 billion in the coming 50 years does not only pose a large water management threat but also provides an opportunity to conserve groundwater in a better way than up to now. The authors argue for a new way to manage urban activities in order to conserve the precious groundwater resource. The focus is on the quality of the discharged water after use in households. Restrictions on what is added to water while using it, e.g. detergents, excreta, paint residues, oils, and pharmaceuticals, are important to simplify the treatment and reuse of used water. Avoiding mixing different wastewater flows has the same positive effect. If increased volumes of wastewater can be treated and reused, the demand on the groundwater resource is reduced, as also occurs with demand management measures. Reduced discharge of polluted water to the environment from households and utilities also conserves the quality of groundwater and reduces sophisticated treatment costs. L'urbanisation conduit à une demande élevée et concentrée d'eau de qualité adéquate, accompagnée du rejet d'importants volumes correspondants d'eaux usées. La nourriture est importée dans les villes tandis que les micro-organismes et les nutriments provenant des excrétas humains sont rejetés dans les rivières, les lacs et aussi les eaux souterraines. De plus, une large gamme de biens de consommation est évacuée par les égouts. Les créances environnementales, c'est-à-dire l'appauvrissement des conditions environnementales qui demandera des apports humains et économiques pour la réhabilitation, sont habituelles dans toutes les villes, et pas seulement dans l'hémisphère sud, comme cela est indiqué dans le rapport sur l'alimentation en eau et la santé publique du monde (publié par l'OMS et UNICEF), établissant que la plupart des eaux résiduaires des zones urbaines reste non traitée (65% en Asie, 86% en Amérique latine et 100% en Afrique). La tâche à réaliser pour l'homme est de protéger les ressources en eau souterraine en sorte qu'elle reste disponible pour les habitants des villes dans le futur. Dans les prochaines 50 années, il faut s'attendre à ce que la population urbaine s'accroisse de 3 à 6 milliards de personnes selon les estimations des Nations Unies; aussi il est impératif de ne pas continuer à polluer les eaux souterraines sous les nouvelles zones urbaines en cours de construction. Dans cet article, nous analyserons la qualité des eaux souterraines et leur protection à la lumière des récents changements de politique de l'eau, c'est-à-dire de la gestion de l'alimentation en eau jusqu'à une gestion de la demande et en abordant éventuellement la période de gestion du recyclage. La urbanización lleva a una demanda elevada y concentrada de agua de calidad adecuada, acompañada por el vertido de volúmenes análogamente mayores de aguas residuales. Los alimentos se importan a ciudades donde los microorganismos y nutrientes de los excrementos humanos son descargados a ríos, lagos y, también, aguas subterráneas. Más aún, gran número de los bienes de consumo son eliminados vía las tuberías de las cloacas. Las deudas medioambientales, es decir, el empobrecimiento de las condiciones medioambientales, que requerirán de aportaciones humanas y económicas para rehabilitarlas, son comunes a todas las ciudades, sobretodo en el Hemisferio Sur, donde, según la Valoración Global de Suministro de Agua y Saneamiento (OMS y UNICEF), la mayor parte de las aguas residuales urbanas no son tratadas (65% en Asia, 86% en Latinoamérica, 100% en África). La tarea pendiente consiste en proteger los recursos de aguas subterráneas para que estén disponibles de forma rápida para los habitantes urbanos también el futuro. En los próximos 50 años, se espera que la población urbana aumente de 3,000 a 6,000 millones de personas, según estimaciones de las Naciones Unidas, por lo que es imperativo dejar de contaminar las aguas subterráneas existentes bajo las nuevas áreas urbanas en construcción. En este artículo, se escudriña la calidad de las aguas subterráneas y su protección a la luz de los cambios recientemente introducidos en las políticas del agua, esto es, desde la gestión de los abastecimientos de agua a la gestión de la demanda y, eventualmente, hastaa la gestión de la reutilitzación.

The effect of abandoned mining ponds on trace elements dynamics in the soil-plant system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabarrón, María; Faz, Ángel; Zornoza, Raúl; Acosta, Jose A.

2017-04-01

In semiarid climate regions lack of vegetation and dryer climate contribute to erosion of abandoned mining surface areas making them up important potential sources of metal pollution into the environment. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of mine ponds in agriculture and forest soils, and identify the dynamic of metals in the soil-plant system for native plant species (Ballota hirsuta) and crop species (Hordeum vulgare) in two ancient mining districts: La Unión and Mazarrón. To achieve these objectives, wastes samples from mine ponds and soil samples (rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils) from natural and agricultural lands were collected. In addition, six plants (Ballota hirsuta) from natural area and 3 plants (Hordeum vulgare) from crops were collected. Physicochemical properties and total, water soluble and bioavailable metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and arsenic were measured in waste/soil samples. The chemical speciation of metals in soil was estimated by a sequential extraction procedure. For plants analyses, each plant were divided in roots, stem and leaves and metal content measured by ICP-MS. Results indicated that mine, natural and agricultural soils were contaminated by As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Chemical partitioning revealed higher mobility of metals in mine ponds than natural and agriculture soils while only Fe and As are completely bound to the soil matrix due to the mineralogical compositions of soils. The accumulation of metals in Ballota hirsuta in La Union decrease as Fe>As>Cr>Ni>Cu>Zn>Cd>Mn>Co>Pb while in Mazarrón did as As>Fe>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni>Co>Mn>Zn>Cd. Ballota hirsuta showed high ability to bio-accumulate Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, and As, transferring a large amount to edible parts without exceeding the toxicity limits for animals. Results for barley plants (Hordeum vulgare) showed the ability to absorb and accumulate As, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn, although the transfer ability of As, Cd and Pb was lower. Although the behavior of metals reflects a root barrier effect, the amount of Pb in grain overreached the permissible limit in aliments.

Development of a qualitative indirect ELISA for the measurement of rabies virus-specific antibodies from vaccinated dogs and cats.

PubMed

Cliquet, F; McElhinney, L M; Servat, A; Boucher, J M; Lowings, J P; Goddard, T; Mansfield, K L; Fooks, A R

2004-04-01

A protocol suitable for the detection of rabies virus-specific antibodies in serum samples from companion animals using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described. This method has been used successfully for the qualitative assessment of rabies virus-specific antibodies in serum samples from a cohort of vaccinated dogs and cats. In two initial field studies, a variable population of field samples from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), United Kingdom were tested. In the first study (n = 1000), the number of false-positive and false-negative results was 11 samples (1.1%) and 67 samples (6.7%), respectively. In the second study (n = 920), the number of false-positive and false-negative results was 7 samples (0.8%) and 52 samples (5.7%). In a third study, undertaken at l'Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments (AFSSA), Nancy, France (n = 440), 1 false-positive sample (0.23%) and 91 (20.7%) false-negative samples were identified. Data generated using this prototype ELISA indicate a strong correlation for specificity when compared to the gold standard fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test. Although the ELISA has a lower sensitivity than the FAVN test, it is a useful tool for rapidly screening serum samples from vaccinated companion animals. Using a cut-off value of 0.6 EU/ml, the sensitivity (R = % from VLA and 79% from AFSSA) and specificity (R = 97.3%) indices between the ELISA compared favourably with data generated using the FAVN test. The major advantages of the ELISA test are that it is a qualitative tool that can be completed in four hours, does not require the use of live virus and can be performed without the need for specialised laboratory containment. This contrasts with 4 days using conventional rabies antibody virus neutralisation assays. Using the current format, the ELISA assay described would be a valuable screening tool for the detection of rabies antibodies from vaccinated domestic animals in combination with other Office International des Epizooties (OIE) accepted serological tests.

Evaluation des Connaissances-Attitudes-Pratiques des populations des districts sanitaires de Benoye, Laoukassy, Moundou et N’Djaména Sud sur la rage canine au Tchad

PubMed Central

Mindekem, Rolande; Lechenne, Monique; Alfaroukh, Idriss Oumar; Moto, Daugla Doumagoum; Zinsstag, Jakob; Ouedraogo, Laurent Tinoaga; Salifou, Sahidou

2017-01-01

Introduction La rage canine demeure une préoccupation en Afrique comme au Tchad. La présente étude vise à évaluer les Connaissances-Attitudes-Pratiques des populations pour la prise en charge appropriée des personnes exposées et une lutte efficace. Méthodes C’était une étude transversale descriptive réalisée en juillet et septembre dans quatre districts sanitaires au Tchad en 2015. Les données ont été collectées à l’aide d’un questionnaire auprès des ménages recrutés suivant un sondage aléatoire à 3 degrés. Résultats C’était 2428 personnes enquêtées avec un niveau maximum primaire (54,12%). L’âge moyen était de 36 ± 13,50 ans. Ils étaient cultivateurs (35,17%), commerçants (18,04%), ménagères (12,81%). La rage était définie comme une maladie transmise du chien à l’homme (41,43%), une altération du cerveau (41,27%), une sous-alimentation (10,26%). Le chat était faiblement connu réservoir (13,84%) et vecteur (19,77%) ainsi que la griffure comme moyen de transmission (4,61%) et la vaccination du chat comme mesure préventive (0,49%). Les premiers soins en cas de morsure à domicile étaient les pratiques traditionnelles (47,69%), le lavage des plaies (19,48%) ou aucune action entreprise (20,43%). Les ménages consultaient la santé humaine (78,50%), la santé animale (5,35%) et les guérisseurs traditionnels (27%). Conclusion La communication en rapport avec des premiers soins à la maison en cas de morsure, la connaissance du chat comme réservoir et vecteur, celle de la griffure comme moyen de transmission et la promotion de la consultation des services vétérinaires en cas de morsure sont nécessaires. PMID:28761600

Prospective, randomized, comparative study of Misgav Ladach versus traditional cesarean section at Nazareth Hospital, Kenya.

PubMed

Ansaloni, L; Brundisini, R; Morino, G; Kiura, A

2001-09-01

Cesarean section (CS) is the commonest major operation carried out in many low income countries. A new technique for CS, called the Misgav Ladach procedure, was evaluated in a randomized trial in Nazareth Hospital (Kiambu District, Kenya). A total of 160 patients were assigned to the Misgav Ladach procedure (n = 80) or to the traditional CS as performed in most rural hospitals in low income countries (n = 80). The two groups were analyzed by operating time, presence of infection and febrile morbidity, grade of postoperative pain, starting of fluid and solid alimentation, and development of incisional hernia and hypertrophic scar. The operating time of the Misgav Ladach procedure was significantly shorter. 20.4 (SD 6.1) minutes versus 30.4 (SD 6.1) minutes (p < 0.001). A total of 5 wound infections (6.2%) were seen with the Misgav Ladach procedure versus 16 (20.0%) in the control group (p = 0.01). The number of analgesic doses required during the postoperative period were significantly less in the Misgav Ladach group: 1.3 (SD 0.6) versus 1.9 (SD 0.7) ampuls of pethidine (p < 0.001) and 15.1 (SD 2.0) versus 16.4 (SD 1.8) tablets of ibuprofen (p < 0.001). Incisional pain was significantly less in the Misgav Ladach group: Visual Analogue Scale score 3.0 (SD 1.5) versus 4.9 (SD 2.0), p < 0.01. The patients in the Misgav Ladach group began drinking fluids voluntarily [19.1 (SD 4.5) hours versus 20.6 (SD 4.0) hours; p = 0.01] and eating solid food [41.2 (SD 9.3) hours versus 46.1 (SD 9.0) hours; p < 0.01] significantly before than those in the control group. At the 6-week follow-up, the presence of hypertrophic scar was significantly associated with the traditional procedure (2.1% vs. 48.8%; p < 0.001). We conclude that the Misgav Ladach operation should become the standard method for performing CS in low income countries, particularly in rural hospitals.

Effects of probiotic administration on zebrafish development and reproduction.

PubMed

Carnevali, O; Avella, M A; Gioacchini, G

2013-07-01

As the consumption of probiotics increases worldwide, scientists focus on identifying bacterial strains able to improve human life quality and evidence the biological pathways affected by probiotic treatment. In this review, some recent observations on the effects of changes of microbiota on zebrafish metabolism were discussed. In addition, the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus - a component of the human gut microflora - as a diet supplement on Danio rerio were presented. When administered chronically, L. rhamnosus may affect larval development and the physiology of reproductive system in the zebrafish model. It was hypothesized exogenous L. rhamnosus accelerates larval growth and backbone development by acting on insulin-like growth factors-I (igfI) and -II (igfII), peroxisome proliferator activated receptors-α and -β, (pparα,β) vitamin D receptor-α (vdrα) and retinoic acid receptor-γ (rarγ). Gonadal differentiation was anticipated at 6weeks together with a higher expression of gnrh3 at the larval stage when L. rhamnosus was administered throughout development. Moreover, brood stock alimented with a L. rhamnosus-supplemented diet showed better reproductive performances as per follicles development, ovulated oocytes quantification and embryos quality. A plausible involvement of factors such as leptin, and kiss1 and 2 in the improvements was concluded. The observations made on the physiology of female reproduction were correlated with the gene expression of a gigantic number of factors as the aromatase cytochrome p 19 (cyp19a), the vitellogenin (vtg) and the α isoform of the E2 receptor (erα), luteinizing hormone receptor (lhr), 20-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-hsd), membrane progesterone receptors α and β, cyclin B, activinβA1, smad2, transforming growth factor β1 (tgfβ1), growth differentiation factor9 (gdf9) and bone morphogenetic protein15 (bmp15.) A model in which the exogenous L. rhamnosus in the digestive tract of zebrafish from the first days of life through sexual maturation positively influences the physiological performances of zebrafish was evidenced and a number of pathways that might be influenced by the presence of this human probiotic strain were proposed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Étude théorique et expérimentale du transfert du dioctyl phtalate à partir d'un disque de PVC plastifié plongé dans une huile comestible

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djilani, S.-E.; Toubal, A. A.; Messadi, D.

1998-10-01

When polymer and liquid are contacted with each other, as in packaging, some mass exchanges may occur, which constitute a major drawback when the liquid is a foodstuff or blood. However, these mass transfers in the polymers can appear as very interesting from the industrial point of view, if one is able to use and control them. It is then necessary to have a good knowledge of these transfer processes which are controlled by diffusion. Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) migration into an edible oil was studied under worst conditions: high plasticization level (50% by weight) and temperature(30 circC). The quantitative analysis of DOP in a such complex liquid medium and in the PVC itself was made easy by the use of the radioactive tracer technique. A simplified mathematical model, obtained by neglecting the oil transport in the PVC, was evaluated. This model based on the research of a finite differences explicit solution allows to reproduce for the DOP, the concentration profiles in the polymer and the kinetics of transfer in the oil, with a P-value ≥ 0.001. La mise en contact polymère-liquide se traduit généralement par des échanges de matière entre les 2 milieux considérés, ce qui constitue un inconvénient majeur lorsque le liquide est un aliment ou le sang. Cependant, ces transferts de matière dans les polymères peuvent apparaître comme très intéressants sur le plan industriel, si l'on est capable de les utiliser et de les contrôler. Il est donc nécessaire d'avoir une bonne connaissance de ces processus de transfert qui sont contrôlés par diffusion. Nous avons étudié la migration du dioctyl phtalate (DOP) dans une huile comestible en nous plaçant dans les conditions les plus défavorables: taux de plastification (50% en poids) et température (30°C) élevés. L'analyse quantitative du DOP dans un milieu liquide aussi complexe et dans le PVC lui- même a été facilitée par l'utilisation de la technique des traceurs radioactifs. Un modèle mathématique simplifié en négligeant le transport de l'huile dans la masse de PVC a été testé. Ce modèle basé sur la recherche d'une solution aux différence finies explicite permet au seuil de 0,1% de reproduire pour le DOP, les profils de concentration dans le polymère et les cinétiques de transfert dans l'huile.

The evolution of groundwater rights and groundwater management in New Mexico and the western United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DuMars, Charles T.; Minier, Jeffrie D.

Historically, rights in water originated as public property and only later became individualized rights to utilize the public resource, in a manner consistent with the public welfare needs of society, but protected by principles of property law. Five basic regulatory systems for rights in groundwater in the United States have evolved to date. The problems raised by the hydrologic differences between groundwater hydraulically connected to stream systems and groundwater in non-replenished aquifers have been resolved to some extent by a couple of leading court cases. Numerical modeling and other technical methodologies have also evolved to evaluate the scientific issues raised by the different hydrologic conditions, but these are not immune from criticism. The current role of aquifers is evolving into that of storage facilities for recycled water, and their utilization in this manner may be expanded even further in the future. The policy implications of the choices relating to joint management of ground and surface water cannot be overstated. As this paper demonstrates, proactive administration of future groundwater depletions that affect stream systems is essential to the ultimate ability to plan for exploitation, management and utilization of water resources in a rational way that coordinates present and future demand with the reality of scarcity of supply. The examples utilized in this paper demonstrate the need for capacity building, not just to develop good measurement techniques, or to train talented lawyers and judges to write good laws, but also for practical professional water managers to keep the process on a rational course, avoiding limitless exploitation of the resource as well as conservative protectionism that forever precludes its use. Historiquement, les droits d'eau étaient à l'origine un bien public; ils sont devenus plus tard des droits individualisés pour utiliser la ressource publique conformément aux besoins de salut public de la société, mais protégés par des principes de lois de propriété. Cinq systèmes de réglementation de base pour les droits sur les eaux souterraines aux États-Unis ont évolué jusqu'à aujourd'hui. Les problèmes posés par les différences hydrologiques entre les eaux souterraines hydrauliquement connectées aux cours d'eau et celles d'aquifères non réalimentés ont été résolus jusqu'à un certain point par quelques cas de jugement. La modélisation numérique et d'autres méthodologies techniques ont également évolué pour évaluer les résultats scientifiques apportés dans différentes conditions hydrologiques, mais ne sont pas à l'abri de critiques. Le rôle courant des aquifères évolue entre celui des possibilités de stockage pour l'eau recyclée et leur utilisation dans ce but peut être même étendue plus loin dans le futur. Les implications politiques des choix relatifs à la gestion simultanée des eaux souterraines et de surface ne doivent pas être exagérées. Comme le montre cet article, la gestion active de l'épuisement futur des nappes qui affecte les systèmes fluviaux est essentielle pour la capacité finale à planifier l'exploitation, la gestion et l'utilisation des ressources en eau d'une manière rationnelle qui coordonne la demande actuelle et future à la réalité de la rareté de l'alimentation. Les exemples utilisés dans cet article démontrent le besoin d'une capacité d'élaboration, non seulement pour développer de bonnes techniques de mesure, ou pour former d'excellents avocats et juges pour écrire de bonnes lois, mais aussi pour que des praticiens gestionnaires de l'eau maintiennent le processus dans un cours rationnel pour éviter une exploitation sans limite des ressources aussi bien qu'un protectionnisme conservateur qui empêche son usage à jamais. Históricamente, los derechos del agua se originaron como un bien público que se transformaron después en derechos individualizados para usar los recursos públicos, de forma coherente con las necesidades de bienestar social, pero protegidos por los principios de la ley de propiedad. Hasta el momento, cinco sistemas reguladores básicos han evolucionado en los Estados Unidos de América en relación a los derechos en las aguas subterráneas. Los problemas surgidos por las diferencias hidrológicas entre las aguas subterráneas conectadas a corrientes superficiales y las aguas subterráneas en acuíferos sobreexplotados han sido resueltos hasta cierto punto por un par de casos judiciales notables. La modelación numérica y otras metodologías técnicas han evolucionado también para evaluar aspectos científicos asociados a diversas circunstancias hidrológicas, pero no son inmunes a las críticas. El papel actual de los acuíferos está evolucionando hacia el de instalaciones de almacenamiento de agua reciclada y su utilización de esta forma puede expandirse incluso más en el futuro. Las implicaciones políticas de las decisiones relativas a la gestión conjunta de las aguas superficiales y subterráneas no pueden ser exageradas. Como este artículo demuestra, una administración proactiva de las extracciones futuras de aguas subterráneas con efectos en los ecosistemas superficiales es esencial para la capacidad final de planificar la explotación, gestión y utilización de los recursos hídricos de forma racional, coordinando las demandas presentes y futuras con la realidad de la escasez de suministro. Los ejemplos empleados en este artículo demuestran la necesidad de construir capacidad y no únicamente de desarrollar buenas técnicas de medida, o la de educar reguladores y jueces de talento que redacten buenas leyes, pero también de gestores profesionales y aplicados del agua que mantengan el proceso en un compromiso entre evitar la explotación ilimitada del recurso y ejercer un proteccionismo conservador que impida su uso para siempre.

[Lipids, depression and suicide].

PubMed

Colin, A; Reggers, J; Castronovo, V; Ansseau, M

2003-01-01

Polyunsatured fatty acids are made out of a hydrocarbonated chain of variable length with several double bonds. The position of the first double bond (omega) differentiates polyunsatured omega 3 fatty acids (for example: alpha-linolenic acid or alpha-LNA) and polyunsatured omega 6 fatty acids (for example: linoleic acid or LA). These two classes of fatty acids are said to be essential because they cannot be synthetised by the organism and have to be taken from alimentation. The omega 3 are present in linseed oil, nuts, soya beans, wheat and cold water fish whereas omega 6 are present in maize, sunflower and sesame oil. Fatty acids are part of phospholipids and, consequently, of all biological membranes. The membrane fluidity, of crucial importance for its functioning, depends on its lipidic components. Phospholipids composed of chains of polyunsatured fatty acids increase the membrane fluidity because, by bending some chains, double bonds prevent them from compacting themselves perfectly. Membrane fluidity is also determined by the phospholipids/free cholesterol ratio, as cholesterol increases membrane viscosity. A diet based on a high proportion of essential polyunsatured fatty acids (fluid) would allow a higher incorporation of cholesterol (rigid) in the membranes to balance their fluidity, which would contribute to lower blood cholesterol levels. Brain membranes have a very high content in essential polyunsatured fatty acids for which they depend on alimentation. Any dietary lack of essential polyunsatured fatty acids has consequences on cerebral development, modifying the activity of enzymes of the cerebral membranes and decreasing efficiency in learning tasks. The prevalence of depression seems to increase continuously since the beginning of the century. Though different factors most probably contribute to this evolution, it has been suggested that it could be related to an evolution of alimentary patterns in the Western world, in which polyunsatured omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish, game and vegetables have been largely replaced by polyunsatured omega 6 fatty acids of cereal oils. Some epidemiological data support the hypothesis of a relation between lower depression and/or suicide rates and a higher consumption of fish. These data do not however prove a relation of causality. Several cohort studies (on nondepressed subjects) have assessed the relationship between plasma cholesterol and depressive symptoms with contradictory results. Though some results found a significant relationship between a decrease of total cholesterol and high scores of depression, some other did not. Studies among patients suffering from major depression signalled more constantly an association between low cholesterol and major depression. Besides, some trials showed that clinical recovery may be associated with a significant increase of total cholesterol. The hypothesis that a low cholesterol level may represent a suicidal risk factor was discovered accidentally following a series of epidemiological studies which revealed an increase of the suicidal risk among subjects with a low cholesterol level. Though some contradictory studies do exist, this relationship has been confirmed by several subsequent cohort studies. These findings have challenged the vast public health programs aimed at promoting the decrease of cholesterol, and even suggested to suspend the administration of lipid lowering drugs. Recent clinical studies on populations treated with lipid lowering drugs showed nevertheless a lack of significant increase of mortality, either by suicide or accident. In addition, several controlled studies among psychiatric patients revealed a decrease of the concentrations of plasma cholesterol among patients who had attempted suicide in comparison with other patients. In major depression, all studies revealed a significant decrease of the polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids and/or an increase of the omega 6/omega 3 ratio in plasma and/or in the membranes of the red cells. In addition, two studies found a higher severity of depression when the level of polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids or the ratio omega 3/omega 6 was low. Parallel to these modifications, other biochemical perturbations have been reported in major depression, particularly an activation of the inflammatory response system, resulting in an increase of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins: IL-1b, IL-6 and interferon g) and eicosanoids (among others, prostaglandin E2) in the blood and the CSF of depressed patients. These substances cause a peroxidation and, consequently a catabolism of membrane phospholipids, among others those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. The cytokines and eicosanoids derive from polyunsaturated fatty acids and have opposite physiological functions according to their omega 3 or omega 6 precursor. Arachidonic acid (omega 6) is, among others, precursor of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), whereas polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids inhibit the formation of PGE2. It has been shown that a dietary increase of polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids reduced strongly the production of IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha). In contrast, diets with a higher supply of linoleic acid (omega 6) increased significantly the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like TNF-alpha. Therefore, polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids could be associated at different levels in the pathophysiology of major depression, on the one hand through their role in the membrane fluidity which influences diverse steps of neurotransmission and, on the other hand, through their function as precursor of pro-inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids disturbing neurotransmission. In addition, antidepressants could exhibit an immunoregulating effect by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, by increasing the release of endogenous antagonists of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and, finally, by acting like inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase. Data available concerning the administration of supplements of DHA (docosahexanoic acid) or other polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 3 are limited. In a double blind placebo-controlled study on 30 patients with bipolar disorder, the addition of polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids was associated with a longer period of remission. Moreover, nearly all the other prognosis measures were better in the omega 3 group. Very recently, a controlled trial showed the benefits of adding an omega 3 fatty acid, eicosopentanoic acid, among depressed patients. After 4 weeks, six of the 10 patients receiving the fatty acid were considered as responders in comparison with only one of the ten patients receiving placebo. Some epidemiological, experimental and clinical data favour the hypothesis that polyunsaturated fatty acids could play a role in the pathogenesis and/or the treatment of depression. More studies however are needed in order to better precise the actual implication of those biochemical factors among the various aspects of depressive illness.

PRALIMAP: study protocol for a high school-based, factorial cluster randomised interventional trial of three overweight and obesity prevention strategies

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Given the increase in overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents in the last decade, effective prevention strategies for these conditions in adolescents are urgently needed. The PRALIMAP (Promotion de l'ALImentation et de l'Activité Physique) trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness for these conditions of 3 health promotion strategies -- educational, screening and environmental -- applied singly or in combination in high schools over a 2-year intervention period. Methods PRALIMAP is a stratified 2 × 2 × 2 factorial cluster randomised controlled trial including 24 state high schools in Lorraine, northeastern France, in 2 waves: 8 schools in 2006 (wave 1) and 16 in 2007 (wave 2). Students entering the selected high schools in the 4 academic years from 2006 to 2009 are eligible for data collection. Interventional strategies are organized over 2 academic years. The follow-up consists of 3 visits: at the entry of grade 10 (T0), grade 11 (T1) and grade 12 (T2). At T0, 5,458 (85.7%) adolescents participated. The educational strategy consists of nutritional lessons, working groups and a final party. The screening strategy consists in detecting overweight/obesity and eating disorders in adolescents and proposing, if necessary, an adapted care management program of 7 group educational sessions. The environmental strategy consists in improving dietary and physical activity offerings in high schools and facilities, especially catering. The main outcomes are body size evolution over time, nutritional behaviour and knowledge, health and quality of life. An evaluation process documents how each intervention strategy is implemented in the schools and estimates the dose of the intervention, allowing for a per protocol analysis after the main intention-to-treat analysis. Discussion PRALIMAP aims at improving the prevention and management of overweight and obesity in adolescents by translating current evidence into public health practice. Particular attention is paid to clustering, multiple factorials and long-term duration to address common pitfalls in health promotion trials. The results should inform how best to implement, in a school environment, effective nutrition prevention programs targeting adolescents who are at a point their lives when they develop responsibilities and empowerment for health attitude behaviours. Trial registration This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT00814554. PMID:21134278

Prise en charge hospitalière de la malnutrition aigue sévère chez l'enfant avec des préparations locales alternatives aux F-75 et F-100: résultats et défis

PubMed Central

Nguefack, Félicitée; Adjahoung, Chritoph Akazong; Keugoung, Basile; Kamgaing, Nelly; Dongmo, Roger

2015-01-01

Introduction La mise en œuvre des directives de l'OMS permettrait de réduire significativement la mortalité hospitalière due à la malnutrition sévère. Cependant, elle n'est pas effective et la pénurie en aliments thérapeutiques est l'une des principales causes. L’étude décrit notre expérience sur la prise en charge hospitalière de la malnutrition aigue sévère avec des laits alternatifs aux F75 et F100 composés localement. Méthodes Il s'agissait d'un essai clinique non randomisé. La prise en charge des patients utilisait les laits composés localement et une évaluation quotidienne du gain pondéral était faite. Résultats L’étude a porté sur 41 sujets âgés de 6 à 59 mois. Au total, 73,2% avaient le kwashiorkor-marasmique, 17,0% le kwashiorkor, 9,8% le marasme et 41,5% étaient infectés par le VIH. Nous avons noté une prise progressive du poids d'environ 10 g/kg/jour vers le 7ème jour et de 15 à 20 g/kg/jour en fin d'hospitalisation. Le taux de mortalité était de 21,9% soit une réduction de 8,4% des chiffres antérieurs. Conclusion Malgré les obstacles financiers liés au coût des ingrédients, les préparations lactées alternatives aux standards F75 et F100, sont adaptables dans notre contexte. En l'absence des formules standards de l'OMS et lorsque la référence vers une structure qui en disposent n'est pas possible, les préparations locales permettraient de réhabiliter efficacement les patients. D'autres recherches pointues permettraient de tirer les ingrédients uniquement de notre environnement. Elles contribueraient ainsi à minimiser les couts des préparations et de favoriser la pérennisation des laits thérapeutiques locaux. PMID:26587175

New treatment options for inflammatory bowel diseases.

PubMed

Verstockt, Bram; Ferrante, Marc; Vermeire, Séverine; Van Assche, Gert

2018-05-01

The advent of anti-TNF agents has dramatically changed the treatment algorithms for IBD in the last 15 years, but primarily and more importantly secondary loss of response is often observed. Fortunately , new treatment options have been actively explored and some have already entered our clinical practice. In the class of anti-cytokine agents, the anti-IL12/IL23 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have entered clinical practice with the anti-p40 mAb ustekinumab in Crohn's disease (CD). Also, more selective anti-IL23 agents (anti-p19) have shown efficacy and are being further developed, in contrast to agents inhibiting IL-17 downstream which have failed in clinical trials despite their clear efficacy in psoriasis (Verstockt et al. in Expert Opin Biol Ther 17(1):31-47, 2017; Verstockt et al. in Expert Opin Drug Saf 16(7):809-821, 2017). Following up on the efficacy of the anti-adhesion molecule vedolizumab, etrolizumab (anti-beta-7 integrin) and PF-00547659, an anti-MadCam mAb, are being developed (Lobaton et al. in Aliment Pharmacol Ther 39(6):579-594, 2014). Oral anti-trafficking agents, such as ozanimod, targeting the S1P receptor responsible for the efflux of T-cells from the lymph nodes, have also shown efficacy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (Sandborn et al. in N Engl J Med 374(18):1754-1762, 2016). Oral agents inhibiting cell signaling have been explored successfully in IBD. Tofacitinib, a non-selective oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, is effective in patients with UC and several other more or less selective Jak1, 2 and 3 inhibitors are being developed for the treatment of CD and UC (Sandborn et al. in N Engl J Med 376(18):1723-1736, 2017; Vermeire et al. in Lancet 389(10066):266-275, 2017; De Vries et al. in J Crohns Colitis 11(7):885-93, 2017). Finally, despite initial disappointing results with systemic administration of mesenchymal stem cells, Alofisel, adipose tissue derived, allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells, locally injected in perianal fistula tracts, induce long-lasting beneficial effects and the drug has been approved in Europe (Panes et al. in Gastroenterology, 2017). In summary, the quest for new treatment options in IBD is very active and justified by the high medical need and unresolved problems patients are facing.

Effects of dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid or gamma-linolenic acid on neutrophil phospholipid fatty acid composition and activation responses.

PubMed

Fletcher, M P; Ziboh, V A

1990-10-01

Previous data that alimentation with fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:n-3) or vegetable oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6) can reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin disorders lead us to determine the effects of dietary supplements of oils rich in EPA or GLA on guinea pig (GP) neutrophil (PMN) membrane potential (delta gamma), secretion, and superoxide (O2-) responses. Weanling GPs were initially fed diets supplemented with olive oil (less than 0.1% EPA; less than 0.1% GLA) for 2 weeks, followed by a crossover by two sets of animals to diets supplemented with fish oil (19% EPA) or borage oil (25% GLA). At 4-week intervals, 12% sterile casein-elicited peritoneal neutrophils (PMN) were assessed for membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profiles and FMLP-, LTB4-, and PMA-stimulated delta gamma changes, changes in flow cytometrically measured forward scatter (FWD-SC) (shape change), 90 degrees scatter (90 degrees -SC) in cytochalasin B-pretreated-PMN (secretion response), and superoxide responses, GP incorporated EPA and GLA (as the elongation product, dihomo-GLA or DGLA) into their PMN phospholipids by 4 weeks. The peritoneal PMN of all groups demonstrated broad resting FWD-SC and poor activation-related FWD-SC increases, suggesting in vivo activation. While secretion was comparable in the three groups in response to FMLP, there was a trend toward inhibition of LTB4-stimulated 90 degrees -SC loss in both fish and borage oil groups. This was significant only with borage oil (21.7 +/- 2.1 vs 15.3 +/- 1.2% loss of baseline 90 degrees -SC, olive vs borage: P = 0.03). PMN from borage- and fish oil-fed GPs showed a progressively lower O2- response to FMLP than the olive oil group (73.9 +/- 3.9 and 42.9 +/- 6.8% of olive oil response for borage and fish oils, respectively; P less than 0.005 and P less than 0.01, respectively, at 12 weeks), while PMA-stimulated O2- was inhibited only in the fish oil-fed group and only at 12 weeks (62.0 +/- 2.7% of control; P less than 0.025). We conclude that dietary supplementation with oils rich in PUFAs can modify PMN activation responses.

Etude de la qualité bactériologique de l’eau utilisée dans l’industrie agroalimentaire dans le Nord du Maroc

PubMed Central

Haijoubi, El Houcine; Benyahya, Fatiha; Bendahou, Abdrezzak; Essadqui, Faima Zahra; Behhari, Mohammed El; El Mamoune, Ahmed Fouad; Ghailani, Naima Nourouti; Mechita, Mohcine Bennani; Barakat, Amina

2017-01-01

Introduction L'eau est utilisée d'une façon primordiale dans tout le processus de la fabrication des produits alimentaires. Les industries agroalimentaires du Nord du Maroc utilisent différentes sources d'eaux mais l'eau de réseau public et l'eau de puits sont les principales sources d'eau utilisée. Cette eau peut s'avérer la source principale des éventuelles contaminations et altérations des aliments. Notre but est d'évaluer la qualité bactériologique de l'eau utilisée par les industries agroalimentaires dans la région du Nord du Maroc, d'identifier les différents germes responsables de la pollution de ces eaux et de définir les principales causes de cette pollution. Méthodes Des échantillons d'eau prélevés aux robinets ou des puits ont été analysés pour la recherche des germes indicateurs de la pollution (coliformes totaux (CT), coliformes fécaux (CF), entérocoques intestinaux (E), microorganismes revivifiables (MOR), anaérobies sulfitoréducteurs) et les germes pathogènes (Salmonelles, Staphylocoques, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Le dénombrement des bactéries a été fait par la technique de filtration et par incorporation en milieu solide en surfusion. Résultats Les résultats ont montré que les eaux du réseau public ont été de qualité bactériologique satisfaisante tandis que 40% des eaux des puits ont été non conformes aux normes à cause de la présence des indicateurs de pollution CT, CF, E et MOR. En revanche, les germes pathogènes, en particulier les Salmonelles, ont été absents dans les eaux de tous les puits analysés. Conclusion La pollution de ces puits a été généralement liée au non-respect des conditions de puisage hygiéniques. La qualité bactériologique des eaux de ces puits peut être améliorée par une protection adéquate. PMID:28450992

The contribution of european projects in the cross-border management of drinking water: between hydrodynamics and vulnerability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calligaris, Chiara; Cucchi, Franco; Turpaud, Philippe; Ravbar, Nataša; Petrič, Metka; Urbanc, Janko; Zini, Luca

2017-04-01

The Classical Karst Region represents an evolved binary karst hydrostructure located across NE Italy and SW Slovenia. Its deeply karstified limestones and dolomitic limestones swallow rainfall in a network of caves and fractures through the epikarst and vadose zones. In the phreatic zone, horizontal or sub-horizontal conduits quickly convey water to the springs. The aquifer is also recharged by the input of three rivers. Along its SE edge in Slovenia, the Reka River sinks entirely into the Škocjan caves. Along its NW edge, the Isonzo/Soča and Vipacco/Vipava rivers recharge the aquifer in a more diffuse manner as the input is supplied by porous aquifers alimented by riverbed leakages. The hydrostructure is drained by numerous springs situated NW of the plateau along its SE facing edge, between Monfalcone and Duino. The common average discharge of the Timavo spring is about 35.5 m3/s. The Reka-Timavo aquifer has attracted the attention of researchers for the last 200 years due to the increasing need for good quality drinking water. Water withdrawn in this area is guaranteed drinking water for the inhabitants of the Classical Karst. This water is supplied by AcegasApsAmga and Kra\\vski Vodovod delivering to more than 250.000 inhabitants. Since World War II, the Classical Karst Region has been politically divided. Consequently this area has been studied and managed separately for almost 70 years. Only recently has a collaboration between researchers of both countries begun. Within this framework is the 3-year Hydrokarst Project funded by the European Union which focussed on the joint protection and management of the cross border aquifer through the analysis of groundwater dynamics. The structuring and implementation of a shared geodatabase has allowed for the hydrochemical, hydrogeological and hydrodynamic characterisation of the aquifer. A second step consisted of the elaboration of a joint hydrogeological map. Thirdly, vulnerability mapping has allowed for the identification of areas which require the highest level of protection in order to guarantee good quality freshwater. Effective cooperation between the authorities of both countries is the only way to overcome the difficulties in protecting such a large cross border aquifer.

Effects of cooling and freezing storage on the stability of bioactive factors in human colostrum.

PubMed

Ramírez-Santana, C; Pérez-Cano, F J; Audí, C; Castell, M; Moretones, M G; López-Sabater, M C; Castellote, C; Franch, A

2012-05-01

Breast milk constitutes the best form of newborn alimentation because of its nutritional and immunological properties. Banked human milk is stored at low temperature, which may produce losses of some bioactive milk components. During lactation, colostrum provides the requirements of the newborn during the first days of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cooling storage at 4°C and freezing storage at -20°C and -80°C on bioactive factors in human colostrum. For this purpose, the content of IgA, growth factors such as epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β2, and some cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and its type I receptor TNF-RI, were quantified. Some colostrum samples were stored for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h at 4°C and others were frozen at -20°C or -80°C for 6 and 12 mo. We quantified IgA, epidermal growth factor, TGF-β1, and TGF-β2 by indirect ELISA. Concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α cytokines, IL-8 chemokine, and TNF-RI were measured using the BD Cytometric Bead Array (BD Biosciences, Erembodegem, Belgium). Bioactive immunological factors measured in this study were retained in colostrum after cooling storage at 4°C for at least 48h, with the exception of IL-10. None of the initial bioactive factor concentrations was modified after 6 mo of freezing storage at either -20°C or -80°C. However, freezing storage of colostrum at -20°C and -80°C for 12 mo produced a decrease in the concentrations of IgA, IL-8, and TGF-β1. In summary, colostrum can be stored at 4°C for up to 48 h or at -20°C or -80°C for at least 6 mo without losing its immunological properties. Future studies are necessary to develop quality assurance guidelines for the storage of colostrum in human milk banks, and to focus not only on the microbiological safety but also on the maintenance of the immunological properties of colostrum. Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Near-Real-Time Sismo-acoustic Submarine Station for offshore monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Anna, Giuseppe; D'Alessandro, Antonino; Fertitta, Gioacchino; Fraticelli, Nicola; Calore, Daniele

2016-04-01

From the early 1980's, Italian seismicity is monitored by the National Seismic Network (NSN). The network has been considerably enhanced by INGV since 2005 by 24-bit digital stations equipped with broad-band sensors. The NSN is nowadays constituted by about 300 on-land seismic station able to detect and locate also small magnitude earthquake in the whole Italian peninsula. However, the lack of offshore seismic stations does not allow the accurate estimation of hypocentral and focal parameters of small magnitude earthquakes occurring in offshore areas. As in the Mediterranean area there is an intense offshore seismic activity, an extension of the seismic monitoring to the sea would be beneficial. There are two types of stations that could be used to extend the network towards the sea: the first type is connected to the coast though a cable, the second type is isolated (or stand alone) and works autonomously. Both solutions have serious limitations: the first one, for several technical and economic problems, linked to the indispensable transmission/alimentation cable, cannot be installed far from the coast; the second one, allows access to the recorded data, only after they are recovered from the seabed. It is clear that these technical solutions are not suitable for the real time monitoring of the offshore seismicity or for the realization of a tsunami warning system. For this reason, in early 2010, the OBSLab of Gibilmanna begins the design of a submarine station able to overcome the limitations of the two systems above. The station isbuilt under the project EMSO-MedIT. The two stations built have already been tested in dock and ready for installation. One of this station will be installed, in few time, in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, near the epicentre of the Palermo 2002 main shock. The sea bottom station will be equipped with 2 very broadband 3C seismometers, a broad band hydrophone, a differential and an absolute pressure gauge. The station includes a submarine module, which houses the sensors. The submarine module is connected via an electromechanical cable to a stopper buoy, which acts as tensioning device, and a "tethered" cable, to a surface buoy, which supply power to the underwater part. The surface buoy handles the communication with the submarine module and the transmission of real-time/near-real-time data to the monitoring centre to the ground.

Evaluation du niveau de connaissance des patients sur la gestion du traitement par les antis vitamines K dans le service de cardiologie de Ouagadougou

PubMed Central

Samadoulougou, André; Temoua Naibe, Dangwé; Mandi, Germain; Yameogo, Relwendé Aristide; Kabore, Elisé; Millogo, Georges; Yameogo, Nobila Valentin; Kologo, Jonas Koudougou; Thiam/Tall, Anna; Toguyeni, Boubacar Jean Yves; Zabsonre, Patrice

2014-01-01

Introduction Les antivitamines K (AVK), traitement anticoagulant oral le plus largement prescrit, posent un réel problème de santé publique du fait de leur risque iatrogène. L'objectif de cette étude était de préciser le niveau de connaissance des patients sur la gestion de leur traitement par les AVK. Méthodes Il s'est agi d'une enquête transversale descriptive réalisée au CHU-Yalgado Ouédraogo, sur une période de 03 mois : du 1er mars au 31 mai 2012. Un questionnaire a été administré aux patients bénéficiant d'un traitement AVK depuis au moins un mois. Résultats Soixante-dix patients ont été inclus dans l'étude dont 30 hommes. L'âge moyen était de 49 ans ± 16 ans. Les cardiopathies et la maladie thromboembolique veineuse justifiant l'institution du traitement AVK étaient retrouvées respectivement dans 58,6% et 41,4% des cas. Le nom de l'AVK et la raison exacte du traitement étaient connus respectivement dans 91,4% et 67,1% des cas. Plus de la moitié des patients (68,6%) savaient que les AVK rendaient le sang plus fluide. Quarante-six patients (65,7%) citaient l'INR comme examen biologique de surveillance du traitement et seulement 28 patients (40%) connaissaient les valeurs cibles. La majorité des patients ne connaissait pas les risques encourus en cas de surdosage (72,8%) et de sous-dosage (71,4%). Une automédication par anti-inflammatoire non stéroïdien était signalée par 18 patients (25,7%). Les choux (74,3%) et la laitue (62,9%), aliments à consommer avec modération, étaient les plus cités. Conclusion Les connaissances des patients sur la gestion des AVK étaient fragmentaires et insuffisantes pour assurer la sécurité et l'efficacité du traitement. La création d'un programme d'éducation thérapeutique sur les AVK s'avère alors nécessaire. PMID:25870741

Effects of a novel palatinose based enteral formula (MHN-01) carbohydrate-adjusted fluid diet in improving the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in patients with esophageal cancer complicated by diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Toshiya; Naomoto, Yoshio; Motoki, Takayuki; Shigemitsu, Kaori; Shirakawa, Yasuhiro; Yamatsuji, Tomoki; Kataoka, Masafumi; Haisa, Minoru; Fujiwara, Toshiyoshi; Egi, Maritoki; Morimatsu, Hiroshi; Hanazaki, Motohiko; Katayama, Hiroshi; Morita, Kiyoshi; Mizumoto, Kenji; Asou, Takanobu; Arima, Hirofumi; Sasaki, Hajime; Matsuura, Motoi; Gunduz, Mehmet; Tanaka, Noriaki

2007-04-01

During perioperative management of patients with gastrointestinal cancer complicated by diabetes mellitus, adequate alimentation is required, but we often face difficulties associated with hyperglycemia and other accompanying complications. Recently, we investigated the effects of a novel palatinose based enteral formula (MHN-01) in suppressing post-prandial hyperglycemia and improving lipid metabolism in experimental animals and perioperative management of patients with esophageal cancer complicated by diabetes mellitus. We gave normal rats and rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus a single oral dose of fluid diet, and analyzed comparatively the time course of blood glucose level in each group until 3 h after the dose. In both the normal rat group and the type 2 diabetes group, peak blood glucose level after the MHN-01 dose was significantly lower than after a dose of ordinary fluid diet and was comparable to the peak level after a dose of a fluid diet rich in MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acid). We allowed normal mice free access to fluid diet for 43 days, and measured their body fat levels. Fat accumulation was significantly lower in mice given MHN-01 than in mice given ordinary fluid diet. We also analyzed the respiratory quotient and resting energy expenditure of normal Sprague-Dawley rats fed by MHN-01 or an ordinary fluid diet. The respiratory quotient of the MHN-01 group was significantly lower than the ordinary fluid group, although the resting energy expenditure of both groups was almost the same level. The effect of MHN-01 was estimated to be based on improvement of lipid metabolism. Between 2003 and 2005, among 164 patients who underwent radical thoracic esophagectomy and/or reconstruction for esophageal carcinoma at Okayama University Hospital, nine patients (5.5%) were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in pre-operative screening and were treated with MHN-01. Clinical courses of two cases with severe status of diabetes mellitus were presented as successful case reports of MHN-01. MHN-01 was very useful in perioperative management of patients complicated by diabetes mellitus, unable to ingest food p.o. such as esophageal cancer or other diseases.

Phytochemical characterization and biological activity evaluation of ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

PubMed

Husain, Ishrat; Ahmad, Rumana; Chandra, Anu; Raza, Syed Tasleem; Shukla, Yogeshwer; Mahdi, Farzana

2018-06-12

India being a multicultural nation, every region of the country offers a distinct culinary flavor and taste. These flavors are attributed to spices and condiments which form the mainstay of Indian cuisine. Most of these spices and condiments are derived from various biodiversity hotspots in India and form the crux of India's multidiverse and multicultural cuisine. Apart from their varying aromas, flavors and tastes, these spices and condiments are known to possess several medicinal properties also. Most of these spices find considerable mention in Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine, as panaceas for several aliments. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ), belonging to family Lauraceae and commonly known as cinnamon is one such spice known to have diverse medicinal properties since time immemorial. In the present study, apoptotic and anti-microbial activity of ethanolic extract of CZ was evaluated against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and compared for its effect on normal kidney epithelial cell line Vero. Ethanolic extract of tree bark of CZ was used to determine the cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 using Trypan blue dye exclusion method and cytometry. The tested dose of the extract was 10-100 µg/mL. Antibacterial activity was determined using disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in the range 2-10 mg/mL. Apoptotic activity was determined using DNA fragmentation assay. Ethanolic extract of CZ was found to have an IC 50 value of 25 µg/mL against MDA cell line. On the other hand, CZ extract did not have any significant effect on Vero cells even at 100 µg/mL (IC 50 > 100 µg/mL). The ethanolic extract of CZ bark showed significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus at 10 mg/mL while no appreciable activity was detected against E. coli. DNA isolated from extract treated cancer cells showed a fragmentation pattern characteristic of apoptosis. However, no DNA fragmentation was observed in DNA isolated from extract treated Vero cells. Ethanolic bark extract of CZ could be potentially beneficial in treating breast cancer and may be of interest for future studies in developing integrative cancer therapy against proliferation, metastasis, and migration of breast cancer cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nutrition chez le brûlé

PubMed Central

Perro, G.

2016-01-01

Summary La nutrition est un challenge chez le brûlé, paradigme de l’agressé. Les points importants sont les apports entéraux précoces par sonde gastrique voire post pyloriques, la position proclive > 30°, la surveillance du transit et sa régulation par gastro ou entéro-kinétiques, la surveillance du poids, la quantification des apports avec supplémentation parentérale en cas de retard protéino énergétique. Chez l’enfant, l’adhésion à l’alimentation est difficile, de même que chez le senior, où une évaluation nutritionnelle initiale dépiste souvent une dénutrition préexistante. Les compléments alimentaires seront largement prescrits chez les patients de gravité intermédiaire. Les obèses bénéficieront d’un régime hypocalorique et hyperprotidique. Chez l’insuffisant rénal non dialysé il convient de limiter les apports en potassium. En cas brûlure périnéale, on peut proposer soit une constipation de courte durée, soit la mise en place d’un entéro-collecteur, les indications de colostomie étant devenues rares. Les apports entéraux sont difficiles à gérer en cas de décubitus ventral pour SDRA. Chez le brûlé grave de réanimation, l’accent doit plus être mis sur la qualité des nutriments que sur leur quantité. Les anciennes formules d’estimation calorique conduisaient à une surnutrition difficile à administrer et en général mal tolérée; la quantification mesurée par calorimétrie indirecte ou estimée par la formule de Toronto est bien plus adaptée. Plus récemment, l’instauration d’une immunonutrition (supplémentation en vitamines et oligo-éléments, glutamine, arginine, acide Ω 3 et contrôle raisonné de la glycémie) a été proposée pour réduire le stress oxydatif et l’inflammation provoqués par l’accident. PMID:27857647

[Assessment of betahistine dihydrochloride effectiveness in the treatment of disturbance of balance system, based on analysis of doctors and patients questionnaires results].

PubMed

Jurkiewicz, Dariusz; Kantor, Ireneusz; Usowski, Jacek

2006-01-01

In balance system assessment there is no single set of tests applicable for all patients. A comprehensive medical history plays a main role in balance assessment. Patients often describe the same disorders in different ways. The aim of our work was to analyze effectiveness of betahistine hydrochloride (Betaserc) treatment on vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus and progressive hearing loss basing on the medical assessment (interview) performed by doctors and patient's personal questionnaires as well as to collect and accumulate data about balance system disorders. We prepared questionnaires for both doctors and patients. The doctor's questionnaire was divided into three sections. In the first section we included questions about direct cause of visit at the doctor's office. Questions were covering problems regarding balance system disorders (difficulty to keep erect position), vertigo, tinnitus, hearing impairment and other problems. The second section of the questionnaire included assessment of treatment effectiveness through the first 14 days and on the 28th day (a control visit). A third section of the questionnaire was focused on estimation of intensity of balance system disturbances. Patient's questionnaire included everyday self observations of intensity of disturbances within the 14 days observation period. We analyzed data of 980 patients, of the age between 16 and 96 years (mean age--54.1). There were 57.8% females and 42.2% males. From the group of 980 patients we separated a group of patients under 40 and over 60 years of age for additional analysis. Having analyzed doctors questionnaires we noted that the most frequent cause of patients' visits were: vertigo--in 770 people (78.57%), tinnitus--in 708 people (72.24%), disturbance of balance system--in 612 people (62.45%), hearing loss--in 607 people (61.94%) and other problems--in 72 people (7.35%). Patients over 60 years of age described vertigo as rolling and falling (38.92%). Patients under 40 years of age described vertigo as a body rotation and they were able to indicate direction of rotating movement (53.78%) in this group balance disturbances were intensified by moving of the head (56.49%). Both doctors and patients noticed higher percentage of answers "none" and "minimal difficulty in everyday life" on 14th and 28th day of observation in all analyzed groups, especially in people under 40 years of age. Properly prepared questionnaire for doctors and patients is very helpful not only at initial interview but also at reviewing the current condition of patient as well as at monitoring effects of treatment. Aliments and symptoms self noticed by patients are more serious and troublesome than those noticed by doctors. Ailments linked to disturbances of balance system noticed by group of patients under 40 years of age are usually sudden and shorter in duration and more intensive than in group of patients over 60 years of age. Betaserc used in treatment of balance system disorders lessens the insensitivity of vertigo, gait disturbances and nausea/vomiting. It does not affect hearing loss or tinnitus. The first therapeutic goals are achieved (especially in patients under 40 years of age) after 14 days of treatment.

Repeated applications of compost and manure mainly affect the size and chemical nature of particulate organic matter in a loamy soil after 8 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peltre, Clement; Dignac, Marie-France; Doublet, Jeremy; Plante, Alain; Houot, Sabine

2013-04-01

Land application of exogenous organic matter (EOM) of residual origin can help to maintain or increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. However, it remains necessary to quantify and predict the soil C accumulation and to determine under which form the C accumulates. Changes to the chemical composition of soil organic matter (SOM) after repeated applications of composts and farmyard manure were investigated in a field experiment (Qualiagro experiment, Ile-de-France) after 8 years of applications of green waste and sludge compost (GWS), municipal solid waste compost (MSW), biowaste compost (BIOW) or farmyard manure (FYM). The soil was fractionated into particulate organic matter >50 µm (POM), a heavy fraction >50 µm and a 0-50 µm fraction demineralized with hydrofluoric acid (HF). Repeated EOM applications significantly increased total SOC stocks, the C amount in the POM fraction and to a less extent in the 0-50 µm fraction compared to the reference treatment. Compost applications accumulated C preferentially under the form of coarse organic matter of size >50 µm, whereas the FYM accumulated similar C proportions of size >50 µm and 0-50 µm, which was attributed to the presence in the FYM of a fraction of labile C stimulating microbial activity and producing humified by-products together with a fraction of stabilized C directly alimenting the humified fraction of SOC. Pyrolysis-GC/MS and DRIFT spectroscopy revealed enrichment in lignin in the POM fractions of amended soils with GWS, BIOW and FYM. In the soil receiving MSW compost, the pyrolysate of the POM fraction revealed the presence of plastics originating from the MSW compost. A lower C mineralization during laboratory incubation was found for the POM fractions of amended soils compared with the POM from reference soil. This feature was related to a lower ratio of (furfural+acetic acid) / pyrole pyrolysis products in POM of amended vs. reference plots, indicating a higher degree of recalcitrance.. The POM from amended soils also featured greater thermal stability during thermal analysis compared with POM from reference soil. Higher proportions of N-containing pyrolysis compounds in the POM fraction, and of benzene pyrolysis products in the 0-50 µm fraction, were found in the soil amended with BIOW compost, probably originating from the humified OM of the compost. DRIFT spectroscopy showed relative enrichment in aliphatic compounds of the 0-50 µm fractions from amended plots when compared to reference plots.

Recharge areas and hydrochemistry of carbonate springs issuing from Semmering Massif, Austria, based on long-term oxygen-18 and hydrochemical data evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yehdegho, Beyene; Reichl, Peter

2002-10-01

Résumé. Les teneurs en oxygène-18 et l'hydrochimie des sources émergeant du massif de Semmering ont été suivies de manière intensive dans le but de caractériser les zones de recharge et l'évolution hydrochimique. L'effet d'altitude sur le δ18O a été déterminé grâce aux données isotopiques et hydrogéologiques de petites sources de référence, principalement en terrains cristallins; cet effet est d'environ -0,27 et -0,21‰ par 100 m pour les versants respectivement nord et sud du massif. En appliquant ces valeurs, l'altitude moyenne de recharge des sources a été calculée. Pour les sources à fort débit issues des carbonates, elle est comprise entre 1,100 et 1,400 m, compatible avec le cadre topographique et hydrogéologique des calcaires et des dolomies de l'Austro-alpin inférieur alimentant ces sources. La composition chimique des sources des carbonates est dominée par les ions Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3- et SO42-. Les sources sont presque toutes proches de la saturation par rapport à la calcite, mais sont sous-saturées en dolomite (sauf quelques sources proches de la saturation). Comme cela est habituel en ce qui concerne le dioxyde de carbone fourni par les sols en régions montagneuses, la pCO2 équilibrante moyenne est faible, comprise entre 10-3.0 et 10-2.5 atm (0,1 à 0,3% en volume). En ce qui concerne les variations à long terme, le pH, SIc, Sid et la pCO2 équilibrante sont soumis à des variations saisonnières, alors que les concentrations en Ca2+, Mg2+ et HCO3- ne varient pratiquement pas. En intégrant les résultats de δ18O et les données hydrochimiques, la variabilité altitudinale du chimisme des eaux souterraines des carbonates est démontrée. Reflétant les variations d'activité biologique et des conditions de recharge dans les zones d'alimentation, une covariation négative résulte de l'altitude de recharge et de la pCO2 et la concentration en HCO3- n'est pas modifiée par aucun des termes source ou puits, ce qui fait varier la chimie des carbonates. La pCO2 et la concentration en HCO3- diminuent respectivement d'environ 0,22 unité log (atm) et 38,6 mg/l pour un accroissement de 100 m de l'altitude de recharge. Resumen. Se ha muestreado exhaustivamente el contenido en oxígeno-18 y la hidroquímica de los manantiales existentes en el macizo de Semmering (Austria) con el fin de caracterizar las áreas de recarga y su evolución hidroquímica. Se ha determinado el efecto altitudinal del δ18O con datos isotópicos e hidrogeológicos obtenidos en pequeños manantiales originados en rocas cristalinas que sirven como nivel de referencia; los resultados han sido de -0,27‰ por cada 100 m en la zona Morte del macizo, y de -0,21‰/100 m hacia el Sur. Aplicando estos valores, se ha calculado la altitud promedio a la que se produce su recarga. Para los manantiales de caudal elevado en materiales carbonatados, la altitud de recarga varía entre 1.100 y 1.410 m, cosa que es compatible con el marco topográfico e hidrogeológico de las rocas calizas y dolomíticas Mesozoicas propias del Austroalpino Bajo que los alimenta. La composición hidroquímica de los manantiales carbonatados está dominada por los iones calcio, magnesio, bicarbonato y sulfato. Los manantiales están casi saturados en calcita, pero subsaturados en dolomita, excepto en algunos que parecen hallarse cerca de la saturación. Como caracteriza a los suelos en regiones montañosas, la presión parcial de equilibrio del dióxido de carbono (PCO2) es baja, con valores comprendidos entre 10-3,0 y 10-2,5 atm. A largo plazo, el pH y los valores calculados de los índices de saturación en calcita (SIc) y en dolomita (SId), junto con la PCO2 en equilibrio, evidencian una fuerte estacionalidad; en cambio, las concentraciones de calcio, magnesio y bicarbonato prácticamente no varían. Integrando los resultados de δ18O y de la hidroquímica, se demuestra la variabilidad de la química de aguas subterráneas carbonatadas con respecto a la altitud. Reflejando el cambio sistemático de la actividad biótica y de las condiciones de recarga en la cuenca, se obtiene una correlación negativa entre la altitud de la recarga y la PCO2, mientras que la concentración de bicarbonato no es modificada por términos fuente/sumidero, lo cual atribuye el cambio a la química de los carbonatos. La PCO2 y el bicarbonato disminuyen aproximadamente 0,22 unidades logarítimicas (en atmósferas) y 38,6 mg/l, respectivamente, por cada 100 m de incremento en la altitud de recarga.

Modeled Changes in Potential Grassland Productivity and in Grass-Fed Ruminant Livestock Density in Europe over 1961-2010.

PubMed

Chang, Jinfeng; Viovy, Nicolas; Vuichard, Nicolas; Ciais, Philippe; Campioli, Matteo; Klumpp, Katja; Martin, Raphaël; Leip, Adrian; Soussana, Jean-François

2015-01-01

About 25% of European livestock intake is based on permanent and sown grasslands. To fulfill rising demand for animal products, an intensification of livestock production may lead to an increased consumption of crop and compound feeds. In order to preserve an economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture, a more forage based livestock alimentation may be an advantage. However, besides management, grassland productivity is highly vulnerable to climate (i.e., temperature, precipitation, CO2 concentration), and spatial information about European grassland productivity in response to climate change is scarce. The process-based vegetation model ORCHIDEE-GM, containing an explicit representation of grassland management (i.e., herbage mowing and grazing), is used here to estimate changes in potential productivity and potential grass-fed ruminant livestock density across European grasslands over the period 1961-2010. Here "potential grass-fed ruminant livestock density" denotes the maximum density of livestock that can be supported by grassland productivity in each 25 km × 25 km grid cell. In reality, livestock density could be higher than potential (e.g., if additional feed is supplied to animals) or lower (e.g., in response to economic factors, pedo-climatic and biotic conditions ignored by the model, or policy decisions that can for instance reduce livestock numbers). When compared to agricultural statistics (Eurostat and FAOstat), ORCHIDEE-GM gave a good reproduction of the regional gradients of annual grassland productivity and ruminant livestock density. The model however tends to systematically overestimate the absolute values of productivity in most regions, suggesting that most grid cells remain below their potential grassland productivity due to possible nutrient and biotic limitations on plant growth. When ORCHIDEE-GM was run for the period 1961-2010 with variable climate and rising CO2, an increase of potential annual production (over 3%) per decade was found: 97% of this increase was attributed to the rise in CO2, -3% to climate trends and 15% to trends in nitrogen fertilization and deposition. When compared with statistical data, ORCHIDEE-GM captures well the observed phase of climate-driven interannual variability in grassland production well, whereas the magnitude of the interannual variability in modeled productivity is larger than the statistical data. Regional grass-fed livestock numbers can be reproduced by ORCHIDEE-GM based on its simple assumptions and parameterization about productivity being the only limiting factor to define the sustainable number of animals per unit area. Causes for regional model-data misfits are discussed, including uncertainties in farming practices (e.g., nitrogen fertilizer application, and mowing and grazing intensity) and in ruminant diet composition, as well as uncertainties in the statistical data and in model parameter values.

Approche au diagnostic de la maladie cœliaque chez les patients ayant une faible densité minérale osseuse ou des fractures de fragilité

PubMed Central

Rios, Lorena P.; Khan, Aliya; Sultan, Muhammad; McAssey, Karen; Fouda, Mona A.; Armstrong, David

2013-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter aux cliniciens une mise à jour sur le diagnostic de la maladie cœliaque (MC), ainsi que des recommandations sur les indications de procéder au dépistage de la MC chez les patients présentant une faible densité minérale osseuse (DMO) ou des fractures de fragilité. Qualité des données Un groupe de travail multidisciplinaire a élaboré des questions cliniquement pertinentes relativement au diagnostic de la MC servant de fondement à une recherche documentaire dans les bases de données MEDLINE, EMBASE et CENTRAL (de janvier 2000 à janvier 2009) à l’aide des mots clés en anglais celiac disease, osteoporosis, osteopenia, low bone mass et fracture. Les ouvrages scientifiques existants comportent des études de niveaux I et II. Message principal La prévalence estimée de la MC asymptomatique est de 2 % à 3 % chez les personnes qui ont une faible DMO. Par ailleurs, un dépistage ciblé est recommandé pour les patients qui ont des T-scores de −1,0 ou moins à la colonne vertébrale ou aux hanches ou des antécédents de fractures de fragilité associées à des symptômes ou à des problèmes reliés à la MC, des antécédents familiaux de MC ou de bas niveaux de calcium urinaire, une insuffisance en vitamine D et des niveaux à la hausse d’hormones parathyroïdiennes en dépit d’un apport suffisant en calcium et en vitamine D. Le dépistage de la MC devrait se faire pendant que le sujet consomme un régime alimentaire contenant du gluten. On procède au dépistage initial par le dosage d’immunoglobuline (Ig) A antitransglutaminase en utilisant la transglutaminase tissulaire humaine recombinante ou une autre transglutaminase tissulaire, en association avec l’immunofluorescence des IgA anti-endomysium. Une biopsie du duodénum est nécessaire pour confirmer le diagnostic de la MC. Le typage des antigènes des leucocytes humains peut aider à confirmer ou à exclure le diagnostic de la MC dans les cas où la sérologie et l’histologie ne concordent pas. Le diagnostic définitif se fonde sur les caractéristiques cliniques, sérologiques et histologiques combinées à une réponse positive à une alimentation sans gluten.

Modeled Changes in Potential Grassland Productivity and in Grass-Fed Ruminant Livestock Density in Europe over 1961–2010

PubMed Central

Chang, Jinfeng; Viovy, Nicolas; Vuichard, Nicolas; Ciais, Philippe; Campioli, Matteo; Klumpp, Katja; Martin, Raphaël; Leip, Adrian; Soussana, Jean-François

2015-01-01

About 25% of European livestock intake is based on permanent and sown grasslands. To fulfill rising demand for animal products, an intensification of livestock production may lead to an increased consumption of crop and compound feeds. In order to preserve an economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture, a more forage based livestock alimentation may be an advantage. However, besides management, grassland productivity is highly vulnerable to climate (i.e., temperature, precipitation, CO2 concentration), and spatial information about European grassland productivity in response to climate change is scarce. The process-based vegetation model ORCHIDEE-GM, containing an explicit representation of grassland management (i.e., herbage mowing and grazing), is used here to estimate changes in potential productivity and potential grass-fed ruminant livestock density across European grasslands over the period 1961–2010. Here “potential grass-fed ruminant livestock density” denotes the maximum density of livestock that can be supported by grassland productivity in each 25 km × 25 km grid cell. In reality, livestock density could be higher than potential (e.g., if additional feed is supplied to animals) or lower (e.g., in response to economic factors, pedo-climatic and biotic conditions ignored by the model, or policy decisions that can for instance reduce livestock numbers). When compared to agricultural statistics (Eurostat and FAOstat), ORCHIDEE-GM gave a good reproduction of the regional gradients of annual grassland productivity and ruminant livestock density. The model however tends to systematically overestimate the absolute values of productivity in most regions, suggesting that most grid cells remain below their potential grassland productivity due to possible nutrient and biotic limitations on plant growth. When ORCHIDEE-GM was run for the period 1961–2010 with variable climate and rising CO2, an increase of potential annual production (over 3%) per decade was found: 97% of this increase was attributed to the rise in CO2, -3% to climate trends and 15% to trends in nitrogen fertilization and deposition. When compared with statistical data, ORCHIDEE-GM captures well the observed phase of climate-driven interannual variability in grassland production well, whereas the magnitude of the interannual variability in modeled productivity is larger than the statistical data. Regional grass-fed livestock numbers can be reproduced by ORCHIDEE-GM based on its simple assumptions and parameterization about productivity being the only limiting factor to define the sustainable number of animals per unit area. Causes for regional model-data misfits are discussed, including uncertainties in farming practices (e.g., nitrogen fertilizer application, and mowing and grazing intensity) and in ruminant diet composition, as well as uncertainties in the statistical data and in model parameter values. PMID:26018186

Does growth path influence beef lipid deposition and fatty acid composition?

PubMed Central

Costa, Ana S. H.; Alves, Susana P.; Alfaia, Cristina M.; Prates, José A. M.; Vleck, Veronica; Cassar-Malek, Isabelle; Hocquette, Jean-François; Bessa, Rui J. B.

2018-01-01

Despite the recent advances in transcriptomics, gene expression studies addressing cattle´s skeletal muscle adaptations in response to compensatory growth are warranted, particularly regarding lipid metabolism due to its impact in meat sensory and nutritional traits. In the present study, in comparison to ad libitum feeding, a period of feed restriction was used in order to understand the changes in bull´s lipid metabolism and gene expression of the adipogenic and lipogenic pathways after re-alimentation. Thus, 40 young Alentejana bulls were either fed ad libitum (CG group) from 9 to 18 months of age or subjected to food restriction from 9 to 15 months of age, and fed ad libitum until 24 months of age (DG group). The intramuscular fat (IMF) and total fatty acids (FA) contents were similar between groups. The major FA (>2%) contents were similar (16:0, 16:1c9, 18:1c9 and 18:2n-6) between treatments with the exception of 18:0 content that was 15% lower in DG than in CG and 20:4n-6 that tended to be greater on DG bulls. Regarding minor FA (<2%), the DG group presented greater proportions (P<0.01) of 17:1c9, 18:1t9, 18:1t10 (, 18:1c11), 18:1c13, 18:3n-6, 22:0, 22:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 and lower (P<0.05) proportions of 20:0, 18:1t16+c14, and branched chain FA (iso-15:0, anteiso-15:0, iso-16:0 and anteiso-17:0) than the CG group. Delta-9 desaturase activity indices were consistently greater (P<0.05) in DG, when compared to the CG group. Regarding microarray analysis, differentially expressed genes between CG and DG bulls were grouped in 5 main biological functions: lipid and nucleic acid metabolisms, small molecule biochemistry, molecular transport and translational modification. Discontinuous growth down-regulated the expression of ACACB (FC (fold-change) = 1.32), FABP3 (FC = 1.45), HADHA (FC = 1.41) and SLC37A4 (FC = 1.40) genes, when compared to the CG system (FDR<0.05). In contrast, in the CG bulls, the expression of ELOVL5 (FC = 1.58) and FASN (FC = 1.71) was down-regulated when compared to DG bulls. These results were confirmed to be significant (P<0.05) in the case of ELOVL5, FASN and SLC37A4, and almost significant for FABP3 by qRT-PCR analysis. The SCD1 and SCD5 gene expressions were not found to be affected by growth path. These results contribute to the still scarce knowledge about the mechanisms involved in fatty acid metabolism during compensatory growth which have decisive role on meat quality produced in Mediterranean areas. PMID:29614102

Entropy of Egypt's virtual water trade gravity field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karakatsanis, Georgios; Bierbach, Sandra

2016-04-01

The study investigates the entropy of Egypt's virtual water trade gravity distribution, in order to provide a chart of Egypt's embodied water balance in agricultural trade, in relation to distances with its major counterparties. Moreover, our calculations on the amount of the embodied water traded between Egypt and each of its partners take place according to a combination of available data on the blue, green and grey water footprints as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) database of traded amounts per crop type. A study on the virtual water trade gravity, enables us to enrich former related studies (Fracasso 2014; Fracasso, Sartori and Schiavo 2014) via examining Egypt's water supply dependence on the Nile River and if comparative advantages -purely from the side of water quantities- can be identified via recognizing which water footprint categories are particularly high. Additionally, this methodology can comprise -from a fundamental level- a guide for revealing the importance of water footprint types for Egypt's agricultural sector; hence, Egypt's potential comparative advantages, as far as quantitative water endowments are exclusively concerned (without consideration of water or crop prices). Although it is pointed out very correctly by various authors (Antonelli and Sartori 2014) that the virtual water trade concept does not incorporate many important aspects of water supply -such as heavy water price subsidizing- to be used accurately for the identification of comparative advantages, we consider that the purely quantitative examination can provide strong fundamental indications -especially for green and grey water footprints, which are hypothesized to be less sensitive to subsidizing. In overall, this effect can very well provide a primary indication on the organization of the global alimentation trade network (Yang et al. 2006). The gravity equation used contains water footprint data for the 15 top traded crops and the distances for Egypt's 20 trading partner countries, for a time frame from 1995 to 2013. The calculations -implemented for each country and each crop- display a network that illustrates the gravity of virtual water trade. It is then possible for us to model the entropy of Egypt's virtual water trade gravity field, via the statistical examination of its spatial fragmentation or continuity for each traded crop and for each water footprint type. Hence, with the distribution's entropy we may conduct a targeted analysis on the comparative advantages of the Egyptian agriculture. Keywords: entropy, virtual water trade, gravity model, agricultural trade, water footprint, water subsidies, comparative advantage References 1. Antonelli, Marta and Martina Sartori (2014), Unfolding the potential of the Virtual Water concept. What is still under debate?, MPRA Paper No. 60501, http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/60501/ 2. Fracasso, Andrea (2014), A gravity model of virtual water trade, Ecological Economics, Vol. 108, p. 215-228 3. Fracasso, Andrea; Martina Sartori and Stefano Schiavo (2014), Determinants of virtual water flows in the Mediterranean, MPRA Paper No. 60500, https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/60500/ 4. Yang, H. et al. (2006), Virtual water trade: An assessment of water use efficiency in the international food trade, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 10, p. 443-454

Developpement d'un catalyseur nickel-alumine efficace pour le reformage de diesel a la vapeur d'eau et etude du systeme reactionnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauteux-Lefebvre, Clemence

Le developpement de sources d'energie alternatives fiables et efficaces est aujourd'hui une necessite. L' interet dans le reformage d'hydrocarbures liquides est ainsi croissant puisqu'il s'agit d'une voie pour l'alimentation des piles a combustible. Les piles a combustible ont une efficacite pour la conversion d'energie en electricite plus grande que celle des moteurs a combustion et font ainsi partie de la recherche de solution en efficacite energetique. Ces piles consomment de l'hydrogene comme combustible pour produire de l'electricite, d'ou l'interet pour le reformage. En effet, cette reaction permet de produire de l'hydrogene et du monoxyde de carbone (un autre combustible des piles a combustible a electrolyte solide) a partir d'hydrocarbure liquide, notamment le diesel. Les piles pourraient donc etre integrees avec une unite de reformage leur fournissant directement le combustible necessaire a partir de diesel. Dans ce projet de recherche, un nouveau catalyseur de nickel sous forme de spinelle nickel-alumine (spinelle NiAl2O4 sur support d'alumine et de zircone stabilisee avec yttria) a ete developpe et teste en laboratoire pour du reformage de propane, d'hydrocarbures liquides et de diesel, a la vapeur d'eau. Par ailleurs, une methode d'ajout des reactifs novatrice a ete utilisee afin de diminuer la pyrolyse precedant le reformage, en utilisant une emulsion. Les resultats de reformage d'hydrocarbures purs ont montre des concentrations tres pres de l'equilibre thermodynamique et une activite constante sans desactivation du catalyseur ni formation de carbone, et ce avec des ratios H2O/C de moins de 2.5 et des temperatures d'operation variant entre 630 °C et 750 °C. Lors de tests effectues en utilisant du diesel fossile, a 705°C, avec un debit volumique des reactifs de plus de 50 000 cm3gcat-1h-1 et un ratio H2O/C de moins de 2.5, l'activite a ete maintenue pendant plus de 15 heures, malgre une operation en cycles. L'analyse du catalyseur apres cette utilisation n'a montre aucun carbone significatif sur la surface.- En comparaison, un catalyseur de nickel metallique sur support d'Al2O3 et YSZ a ete utilise dans des conditions similaires. Il y a eu desactivation du catalyseur et obstruction du reacteur par du carbone apres trois heures d'operation. L'analyse de ce catalyseur a permis de verifier qu'il etait recouvert de carbone en filament. L'analyse du systeme reactionnel a montre que la reaction est controlee par la reaction de. surface et non par le transfert de masse. Par ailleurs, les analyses des catalyseurs de spinelle ont demontre qu'il n'y avait pas de modification de sa forme chimique ni de reduction du spinelle en nickel metallique apres l'utilisation. Mots cles : Reformage a la vapeur, diesel, hydrocarbure liquide, catalyseur, spinelle nickel-alumine, equilibre thermodynamique

Eco-environmental problems and effective utilization of water resources in the Kashi Plain, western Terim Basin, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Nian-Feng; Tang, Jie; Han, Feng-Xiang

2001-02-01

Since ancient times, water resources, mainly from melting snow in the high mountains, have nourished a large area of an oasis in the Kashi Plain in the western Terim Basin, China. In the last half-century, however, the rapid growth of population and the overexploitation of water, soil, and biological resources have led to drought, salinization, and desertification in the area, and consequently have hindered the development of sustainable agriculture. In this study, groundwater reservoirs with sustainable water supplies equivalent to 44.65×108 m3/year were identified, which has made it possible to implement several projects in the area to improve the ecological and agricultural environment. Three strategies are proposed for the integrated development and management of both surface-water and groundwater resources in the area. Résumé. Depuis des temps anciens, les ressources en eaux, provenant surtout de la fonte des neiges en montagne, ont alimenté une large part d'une oasis de la plaine de Kashi, dans le bassin occidental de Terim (Chine). Au cours des derniers cinquante ans, toutefois, l'accroissement rapide de la population et la surexploitation de l'eau, des sols et des ressources biologiques ont provoqué la sécheresse, la salinisation et la désertification de la région cela a eu pour conséquence d'entraver le développement d'une agriculture durable. Cette étude identifie les réserves en eau souterraine, susceptibles de fournir durablement 44,65×108 m3/an, ce qui a permis de réaliser plusieurs projets dans cette région pour améliorer l'environnement écologique et agricole. Trois stratégies sont proposées pour le développement intégré et la gestion simultanée des ressources en eau de surface et en eau souterraine de cette région. Resumen. Los recursos hídricos, procedentes fundamentalmente del deshielo en alta montaña, han nutrido desde tiempo inmemorial una gran área de un oasis situado en las llanuras de Kashi, en la cuenca occidental de Terim (China). Sin embargo, en la última mitad de siglo, el rápido aumento de población y la sobreexplotación de los recursos hídricos, pedológicos y biológicos han producido la sequía, salinización y desertificación en la zona, y, por consiguiente, han obstaculizado el desarrollo de una agricultura sostenible. En este estudio, se identificaron reservorios de agua subterránea con unos recursos equivalentes a 44,65×108 m3/a, hecho que ha permitido establecer varios proyectos en el área para mejorar el medio ambiente ecológico y agrícola. Se proponen tres estrategias para el desarrollo integrado y la gestión en la zona, tanto de los recursos superficiales como de los subterráneos.

Cardiovascular responses to millet pounding activity among women in a rural community in Northeastern Nigeria.

PubMed

Oyeyemi, Adetoyeje Y; Jajimaji, Fati; Oyeyemi, Adewale L; Jabbo, Abdul-Hameed A

2017-01-01

Pounding food items in a wooden mortal is a common home chore in many communities in African and Asian countries. However, no empirical data exist on energy expenditure during this activity, and whether the activity can be considered a light, moderate, or vigorous intensity physical activity is unknown. This study was aimed at gaining insights into energy expenditure during millet pounding through cardiovascular responses to millet pounding activity, and to explore possible differences in response between women who pound millet as their occupation (habitual millet pounders) and those who pound millet only for their own home cooking but not as a job (nonhabitual pounders). A total of forty apparently healthy women performed millet pounding activity in standing position for 15 min durations, and their cardiovascular parameters including heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBPs), and rated perceived exertion (RPE) at rest, and immediately after pounding activity were assessed. Significant increases in the subjects' cardiovascular parameters in the range of 7-12, 1-5, and 19-21 point values above the resting levels for SBP, DBP, and HR, respectively, were observed. Significantly higher SBP was also observed for the habitual pounders than the values for the nonhabitual pounders, whereas RPE was significantly higher for the nonhabitual pounders than for the habitual pounders in response to pounding. This study suggests that millet pounding substantially stresses the cardiovascular system sufficiently to place the activity within the moderate intensity category. Further studies on energy cost of this house chore, using instrumentation that is capable of direct measure of oxygen consumption, is warranted. Résumé Contexte: Le fait de battre des aliments dans un mortier en bois est une corvée à domicile fréquente dans de nombreuses communautés des pays d'Afrique et d'Asie. cependant, Il n'existe pas de données empiriques sur la dépense énergétique au cours de cette activité et si l'activité peut être considérée comme une activité légère, modérée ou vigoureuse Intensité est inconnue. Objectif: La présente étude visait à mieux comprendre les dépenses énergétiques au cours de la Les réponses cardiovasculaires à l'activité battue du mil, et d'explorer les différences possibles dans la réponse entre les femmes qui pound millet comme leur (Millet pounders habituels) et ceux qui pound millet seulement pour leur propre cuisine à la maison, mais pas comme un emploi (pounders nonhabituel). Méthodes: Un total de quarante femmes apparemment saines ont effectué une activité de pilage du mil en position debout pendant 15 min de durée, et leurs Les paramètres cardiovasculaires, y compris la fréquence cardiaque (FC), la pression artérielle systolique (PAS) et les pressions artérielles diastoliques (PAD) (RPE) au repos, et immédiatement après l'activité de pilonnage ont été évalués. Résultats: Augmentation significative des taux de On a observé des paramètres situés dans la plage des valeurs de 7-12, 1-5 et 19-21 points au-dessus des niveaux de repos pour la PAS, la PAD et la HR respectivement. On a également observé une PAS significativement plus élevée pour les pounders habituels que pour les pounders non habituels, alors que la PPE était Significativement plus élevé pour les pounders non habituels que pour les pounders habituels en réponse à pounding. Cette étude suggère Que le broyage du millet souligne sensiblement suffisamment le système cardiovasculaire pour placer l'activité dans la catégorie d'intensité modérée. D'autres études sur le coût de l'énergie de cette corvée maison, en utilisant une instrumentation qui est capable de mesure directe de la consommation d'oxygène, est justifiée.

Etude de facteurs de risque de la transmission du VIH de la mère à l'enfant dans la stratégie « option A » à Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo

PubMed Central

Ngwej, Dieudonné Tshikwej; Mukuku, Olivier; Mudekereza, Rachel; Karaj, Eugénie; Odimba, Etienne Bwana Fwamba; Luboya, Oscar Numbi; Kakoma, Jean-Baptiste Sakatolo; Wembonyama, Stanis Okitotshio

2015-01-01

Introduction L'infection à VIH chez la femme enceinte a pour principal risque la contamination du nouveau-né. L'objectif est de déterminer le taux de transmission du VIH de la mère à l'enfant (TME) dans la ville de Lubumbashi et en évaluer les facteurs de risque. Méthodes Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective transversale à visée analytique de 157 accouchées séropositives au VIH et de leurs enfants dans 12 structures sanitaires de Lubumbashi (RDCongo) du 1er octobre 2012 au 31 décembre 2013. Les paramètres sociodémographiques, cliniques et les données relatives aux activités de PTME du VIH ont été étudiés. Les statistiques usuelles ont été utilisées pour analyser les résultats. Le seuil de significativité a été fixé à une valeur de p < 0,05. Résultats Le taux de transmission verticale du VIH était de 12,7% (20/157). Il n'y avait pas d'association significative entre les caractéristiques sociodémographiques maternelles telles que l’âge, la parité, le niveau d’étude, la profession et l’état-civil et la TME (p>0,05). La transmission verticale du VIH était significativement associée aux facteurs suivants: le stade clinique 3 de l'OMS (OR=5,18 (1,5-18,1)), la présence d'infection opportuniste (OR=8,7 (2,7-27,8)), le dépistage lors de l'accouchement (OR=6,3 (1,0-39,0)) ou au cours de l'allaitement (OR=7,1 (1,1-76,7)), au taux de CD4 maternel <350/mm3 (OR=2,9 (1,1-7,7)), l'absence de thérapie antirétrovirale chez la mère (OR=19,9 (4,8-81,9)), la naissance avant terme (OR=4,7 (1,4-16,0)), la rupture prématurée de membranes (OR=45,0 (7,4-454,6)), le faible poids de naissance (OR=5,6 (1,9-16,7)), la notion de réanimation néonatale (OR=12,4 (3,8-40,1)), la non administration de la névirapine à la naissance (OR=26,4 (7,6-92,3)) et l'alimentation mixte (OR=12,6 (1,3-115,9)). Le sexe du nourrisson et le mode d'accouchement n’étaient pas non plus associés à la transmission verticale du VIH (p>0,05). Conclusion Le taux de TME du VIH demeure fort élevé à Lubumbashi comme dans la plupart de pays en développement où les nouveau-nés continuent d’être infectés par le VIH de manière verticale alors que certains facteurs de transmission sont tout à fait souvent évitables. La réduction de cette transmission passe par une amélioration du système de suivi des grossesses dans notre milieu. PMID:26600917

Benefit of a topical slimming cream in conjunction with dietary advice

PubMed Central

Escudier, B; Fanchon, C; Labrousse, E; Pellae, M

2011-01-01

Synopsis The aim of this study was to determine how worthwhile it would be to combine a newly developed topical slimming product with customized dietary habits not based on calorie restriction, so as to improve the cellulite appearance of the skin. At the beginning of the study, a nutritionist recorded the dietary habits of each participant and gave recommendations to each of them according to their food consumption. The chosen methodology was a right/left comparison, one thigh and hip being treated with the new topical slimming product and the other one left untreated to serve as a random control. Objective evaluations were performed by blind assessors. Control of food intake improved the cellulite score after 4 weeks when compared with the base value, but this reduction was significantly greater and earlier on the treated side than on the untreated side, indicating an objective additional benefit derived from the new slimming cream. This result corroborated the slimming effect assessed by measurement in centimetres of the circumference of the upper thighs and the reconstructed volume of the thigh between two fixed horizontal slices. Furthermore, skin tonicity, a major component of cellulite visibility, was also significantly improved on the treated side after only 2 weeks. This new topical cream thus enhances the benefit of a dietetic control for the treatment of the visible aspect of cellulite on the skin. Résumé Cette étude avait pour objectif d’étudier l'intérêt éventuel d'associer une nouvelle crème amincissante à des conseils nutritionnels personnalisés, non basés sur la restriction calorique mais sur un meilleur équilibre alimentaire afin d'améliorer l'aspect cellulitique de la peau. Au début de l’étude un médecin nutritionniste a enregistré les habitudes alimentaires de chaque sujet et a donné des recommandations à chacun en fonction de leur consommation alimentaire. La méthodologie contrôlée en hémi corps, gauche/droite a été choisie, une cuisse, une fesse ayant été traités par le produit à l’étude, l'autre partie du corps étant restée sans traitement selon la randomisation. Les évaluations objectives ont été réalisées par des investigateurs en aveugle. Le contrôle des aliments a permis une réduction du score de cellulite après 4 semaines mais cette réduction est statistiquement plus importante et plus rapide du côté traité avec le produit topique que du côté non traité, ce qui correspond à un effet additionnel objectivé du produit topique. Ce résultat est conforté par l'effet amincissant évalué par la mesure centimétrique de la circonférence de la partie supérieure de la cuisse et l’évolution du volume reconstruit de la cuisse entre deux niveaux. De plus la tonicité de la peau, composante importante de la visibilité de la cellulite, est améliorée significativement dès 2 semaines du coté traité; Cette nouvelle crème apporte donc un bénéfice complémentaire au contrôle diététique pour le traitement de la cellulite. PMID:21284660

Parallel assessment of the effects of bisphenol A and several of its analogs on the adult human testis.

PubMed

Desdoits-Lethimonier, C; Lesné, L; Gaudriault, P; Zalko, D; Antignac, J P; Deceuninck, Y; Platel, C; Dejucq-Rainsford, N; Mazaud-Guittot, S; Jégou, B

2017-07-01

Are bisphenol A (BPA) and BPA analogs (BPA-A) safe for male human reproductive function? The endocrine function of human testes explants [assessed by measuring testosterone and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3)] was impacted by exposure of the human adult testis explants to BPA/BPA-A. The few epidemiologic studies performed suggest that bisphenols have potential endocrine disruptive properties, but they did not identify clear and direct patterns of endocrine disruption. Adult human testis explants in culture were exposed to BPA and the analogs bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol B (BPB) and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) at 10-9-10-5 M for 24 or 48 h. Human adult testes were obtained from prostate cancer patients who had no hormone therapy, or from multiorgan donors. After ex vivo exposure to the investigated bisphenols, the measured outcomes were related to histopathology (gross morphology and germ cell viability determined by anti-caspase three immunohistochemistry), and the levels of testosterone, INSL3 and inhibin B were measured using immunoassays. The levels of mRNA encoding key enzymes of bisphenol biotransformation were investigated by quantitative PCR: UGT2B15 UDP (glucuronosyltransferase two family, polypeptide B15), GUSB (glucuronidase beta), SULT1A1 and 3 (sulfotransferase family 1 A member 1 and 3) and STS (steroid sulfatase). A significant dose-dependent inhibition was found between testosterone levels measured in the culture medium and concentrations of BPA (P = 0.00778 at 24 h and P = 0.0291 at 48 h), BPE (P = 0.039) and BPF (P = 0.00663). The observed BPA and BPA-A-induced inhibition of testosterone production varied according to duration of exposure and BPA/BPA-A concentrations. BPA (10-9 M; P < 0.05), BPB (10-9 M; P < 0.05), BPS (10-9 and 10-8 M; P < 0.05) and BADGE (10-5 M; P < 0.05) increased Leydig cell INSL3 production. By contrast, BPE dose dependently inhibited INSL3 (P = 0.0372). Conversely, Sertoli cell function (inhibin B) and germ cell viability were not significantly affected by either bisphenols. N/A. Environmental compounds cannot be deliberately administered to men, justifying the use of an ex vivo approach. A relatively low number of testes samples were available for analysis (n = 3, except for testosterone secretion with n = 5). The active concentrations of BPA and BPA-A used in the study were higher than those found in human biological fluids. Under our experimental conditions, direct exposure to BPA or BPA-A can result in endocrine disturbance in the adult human testis. This study was funded by Inserm (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale), EHESP-School of Public Health, University of Rennes1, by grants from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR; grant#ANR-13-CESA-0012-03 NEWPLAST) and Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail (ANSES; grant#EST-2010/2/046 (BPATESTIS)). All authors declare they have no current or potential competing financial interests. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

A comparison between two permanent broad band ocean bottom seismometers in the western Mediterranean Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frontera, T.; Deschamps, A.; Ugalde, A.; Jara, J. A.; Hello, Y.; Goula, X.; Olivera, C.

2009-04-01

The aim of this work is to compare two permanent broad band ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) in terms of noise conditions by taking to account their similar instrumentation types, but their very different site characteristics. Both OBS stations have Güralp CMG-3T three component broad band sensors and differential pressure gauges (DPG). The first sensor operates since August 2005 under the framework of a research project that aims to improve the knowledge of the seismicity and seismic risk in the Tarragona region (north eastern Spain). This pioneering project in Spain is being carried out by the Institut Geològic de Catalunya (IGC) and the Observatori de l'Ebre, in collaboration with the Spanish oil company Repsol Investigaciones Petrolíferas, and is being financed by the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (CASABLANCA REN2003-06577), FEDER funding, the IGC and the Institut Cartogràfic de Catalunya. The OBS is installed inside the security perimeter of the Casablanca oil platform, which is located 40 km offshore Tarragona. The sensors are submerged at about 400 m to the SW of the oil platform at about 150 m in depth. Data are digitized on-site and are transmitted through a submarine cable to the platform, where they are recorded. In July 2007 some improvements were made: i) the OBS was completely buried and the DPG was moved about 10 m away from the OBS; and ii) via satellite signal transmission was implemented, which allowed to have continuous and real time data in Barcelona so that the OBS could be integrated into the Catalan Seismic Network. The second seismometer operates in the frame of the Antares neutrino telescope project developed in Liguria Sea. Geoazur is carrying out the project of deployment of a broad band seismological instrument in the aim of developing the permanent sea floor observation knowledge necessary to characterize Ligurian Sea seismicity and seismic risk along French Riviera coast (SE France). The operation was facilitated by the deployment of an opto-electrical cable to provide power and data transmission from the coast to a recording point at 2550 m in depth and 15km south to Porquerolles Island in the frame of the Antares neutrino telescope project. The program was founded in the 2002-2006 CPER (State-Region Research plan) by PACA region and CNRS/INSU and in the Antares collaboration which is responsible of all the marine operations on the site. The OBS and the DPG were set up by the ROV "Victor" from Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea) and partially buried; levelling and orientation were performed directly on the site. The instrument was running from April 2005 to April 2007. In April 2006 the sensor was completely buried. Data transmitted in quasi real time to Geoazur were integrated to the regional data center. In April 2007 the sensor was retrieved and reinstalled with data transmission protocol modification in October 2008. A water leak detected in December forced to cut the alimentation in January 2009. Because both sensors have not operated over the same time period, two different periods have been analysed: 2006 for the Antares OBS and 2008 for the Casablanca's one. In this way we are able to make a comparison of the noise behaviour by observing also the seasonal evolution. As observed on most of the ocean floor observatories, the noise is quite large on all components for both OBS. In general, the Antares OBS shows a better behaviour than the Casablanca OBS, due to the more favourable site conditions. Both OBS have been reinstalled to ameliorate some site condition deficiencies, which has basically affected the low frequency band, between 0.008 and 0.07 Hz. After the reinstallations, the noise conditions have improved at least 10 dB. A comparison of the power spectral density (PSD) curves for both stations concerning the periods after the reinstallations of the OBS show that, at low frequencies, the vertical component PSD curve for the Casablanca OBS is about 20 dB higher than the Antares PSD curve. However, both fall in between Peterson's new high (NHNM) and low (NLNM) noise models. The PSD of the horizontal components for the Casablanca OBS in the same frequency band is higher than that of the vertical component and is also higher than the NHNM. For the Antares OBS the PSD curves of the horizontal components are higher than the Antares vertical component PSD curve, but they lie inside the margins marked by Peterson's models. On the microseismic band, between 0.07 and 2 Hz, quieter PSD curves for the Antares OBS than for the Casablanca's one are observed. Nevertheless, the primary microseismic peak is not seen on the Antares PSD curves, whereas it can be observed on the vertical component PSD curve for the Casablanca OBS. As for the secondary microseimic peak, it is much better defined on the Antares PSD curves than for the Casablanca case for all components. Finally, at high frequencies between 2 and 50 Hz, high noise levels are observed for all components and both OBS.

Le surpoids, l’obésité et le contrôle glycémique chez les diabétiques du centre de référence provincial de diabète (CRD), Kénitra, Maroc

PubMed Central

Lotfi, Zeghari; Aboussaleh, Youssef; Sbaibi, Rachid; Achouri, Imane; Benguedour, Rachid

2017-01-01

Introduction Le diabète est définit comme un trouble de l'assimilation, de l'utilisation et du stockage des sucres apportés par l'alimentation, sa prise en charge est assurée par le suivi du surpoids et l'obésité et le contrôle glycémique régulier. L'objectif de ce travail était l'étude du surpoids, l'obésité et le contrôle glycémique chez 2227 diabétiques de différent type (type 1, 2 et gestationnel), consultants le centre de référence provincial de diabète (CRD), Kénitra-Maroc. Méthodes L'étude s'est déroulée sur une période d'une année du mois janvier au mois décembre 2015, L'évaluation du surpoids et l'obésité a été effectuée par le calcul de l'Indice de Masse Corporelle (IMC=Poids/Taille2 (Kg/m2)), elles sont définit respectivement par IMC > 25 Kg/m2, et IMC > 30 Kg/m2, le poids et la taille ont été mesurés selon les recommandations de l'organisation mondiale de santé (OMS), Le contrôle glycémique a été effectué par l'analyse sanguine de l'Hémoglobine glycosylée et de la Glycémie à jeun. Les normes sont 7% pour l'Hémoglobine glycosylée et 0,70g/l à 1,10g/l pour la Glycémie à jeun. Résultats L'intervalle d'âges des patients est compris entre 8 mois et 80 ans, avec une dominance des diabétiques provenant du milieu urbain (74%) par rapport à ceux provenant du milieu rural (26%). Le surpoids touche l'ensemble de cette population. L'IMC moyen des femmes tends vers l'obésité (IMC≈30): (29,21 Kg/m2 ± 3,1) pour le diabète gestationnel et (29,15 Kg/m2 ± 3,2) pour le diabète de type 2. Les valeurs du contrôle glycémique sont supérieures aux normes: avec 8,5% ± 2,6 > 7% pour l'hémoglobine glycosylée et 1,5 g/l ± 1,3 > 1,10g/l pour la Glycémie à jeun. La différence entre les valeurs de l'hémoglobine glycosylée entre les hommes (8,5 7% ± 2,6) et les femmes (8,1% ± 2,3) n'est pas significative (P > 0,05), même chose pour la Glycémie capillaire à jeun: pour les hommes (1,44 g/l ± 1,1) et les femmes (1,43 g/l ± 1,2). Les coefficients de corrélation de Pearson sont hautement significatifs (P<0,005); d'une part entre IMC et la Glycémie à jeun (r = 0,5) et d'autre part entre IMC et les valeurs de l'Hémoglobine glycosylée (r = 0,4). Conclusion L'ensemble des diabétiques présente des valeurs de l'IMC et du contrôle glycémique, supérieures aux normes. Des recherches approfondies sont nécessaires sur ces diabétiques afin de dresser un programme urgent de remédiation. PMID:28904714

Consommation des produits lactés chez l’enfant et l’adolescent marocain de 2 à 16 ans: une étude monocentrique Consumption of milk products among Moroccan children and adolescents aged 2-16 years: a monocentric study

PubMed Central

Berrani, Hajar; Alaoui, Asmae Mdaghri; Ettair, Said; Mouane, Nezha; Izgua, Amal Thimou

2017-01-01

Introduction Evaluer la consommation quotidienne des produits laitiers dans une population d’enfants marocains et déterminer les facteurs associés pouvant influencer cette consommation. Méthodes Etude prospective du 1er octobre 2013 au 31 avril 2014. Les enfants âgés entre 2 et 16 ans ont été inclus. Le recrutement a eu lieu dans la ville de Fès. Le recueil des données s’est fait à l’aide d’un questionnaire fréquentiel. Les parents et les enfants inclus ont été interrogés sur la consommation des produits laitiers et les facteurs socio-démographiques avec une évaluation anthropométrique des enfants. L’association des variables à la consommation des produits laitiers a été analysée en analyse univariée et multivariée par un modèle de régression logistique. Résultats L’enquête alimentaire avait intéressé 286 enfants dont 151 filles (52,8 %) et 131 garçons (45,8%). Les enfants âgés de 2 à 3 ans représentaient 26,4 %, ceux âgés de 4 à 7 ans 28,9 %, ceux âgés de 7 à 9 ans 18,3 % et les adolescents âgés de 10 à 16 ans 26,4 %. Les enfants consommaient en moyenne 2.5±1 produits laitiers par jour. Les enfants consommaient au moins 3 produits laitiers par jour dans 57,8% chez les enfants âgés de 2 à 3 ans, 53,6% chez les enfants âgés de 4 à 6 ans, 40% chez les enfants âgés de 7 à 9 ans et 41.2% chez les enfants âgés de 10 à 16 ans. Les facteurs associés à la consommation de trois produits laitiers minimum par jour en analyse univariée étaient le niveau d’instruction maternel analphabète p < 0.001 OR = 0.1 et primaire p = 0.002 OR = 0.1, le niveau socioéconomique familial moyen p < 0.001 OR = 3, l’âge p= 0.01 OR = 0.9 et l’indice de masse corporelle normal p = 0.01 OR = 2.5 et > 90° percentiles p < 0.001 OR = 6. Il existe un lien positif entre l’indice de masse corporelle > 90° percentiles p = 0.01 OR = 3.9 est et la quantité consommée des produits laitiers et négatif avec le faible niveau de scolarité maternel analphabète p = 0.008 OR = 0.1 et primaire p = 0.009 OR = 0.1. Conclusion La consommation du lait et des autres produits laitiers était inappropriée en particulier chez l’enfant âgé de 7 à 9 ans et l’adolescent de 10 à 16 ans. Le faible niveau d’éducation maternel et un indice de masse corporelle supérieur au 90° percentiles était des facteurs indépendamment associés à la consommation de moins de 3 produits laitiers par jour. La sensibilisation des parents et des enfants sur l’intérêt du lait et de ses dérivés dans l’alimentation de l’enfant est indispensable. PMID:29515743

Managing for sustainability in an arid climate: lessons learned from 20 years of groundwater management in Arizona, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Katharine L.; Holway, James M.

Substantial progress has been made within central Arizona in moving towards a more sustainable water future, particularly in transitioning the urban demand from a primarily nonrenewable groundwater-based supply to increasing dependence on the Colorado River, Salt River and effluent. Management efforts include a wide range of regulatory and voluntary programs which have had mixed success. The Department of Water Resources has learned a number of key lessons throughout the years, and this paper attempts to establish the water management context and identify those lessons for the benefit of others who may want to evaluate alternative approaches to groundwater management. Themes to be discussed include evaluating water management approaches in a public policy context, the effectiveness of alternative management approaches and the relative merits of regulatory vs. nonregulatory efforts, and the importance of high-quality data in making management decisions. De nets progrès ont été faits dans le centre de l'Arizona pour aller vers une gestion plus durable de l'eau, en particulier en reportant la demande urbaine d'une alimentation basée sur l'eau souterraine primitivement non renouvelable sur une dépendance croissante des rivières Colorado et Salt et des effluents. Les efforts de gestion portent sur une large gamme de programmes de réglementation et d'actions volontaires qui ont réussi. Le Département des Ressources en Eau a appris un certain nombre de leçons clés au cours des années cet article tente d'établir le contexte de gestion de l'eau et d'identifier ces leçons pour le bénéfice de ceux qui cherchent à évaluer des approches alternatives de gestion de l'eau souterraine. Les thèmes à discuter portent sur l'évaluation des approches de gestion de l'eau dans un contexte de politique publique, l'efficacité d'approches alternatives de gestion et les mérites relatifs d'efforts de réglementation par rapport à une absence de réglementation, et l'importance de données de haute qualité dans la prise de décisions de gestion. Resumen Se ha logrado un progreso substancial en el centro de Arizona para conseguir un futuro más sustentable del agua, particularmente al trasladar la demanda urbana desde un suministro basado principalmente en aguas subterráneas no renovables hacia una mayor dependencia de las aguas superficiales de los ríos Colorado y Salado y de los efluentes de aguas depuradas. Los esfuerzos de gestión incluyen un amplio rango de programas legales y voluntarios que han tenido un éxito combinado. El Departamento de Recursos Hídricos ha aprendido diversas lecciones clave a lo largo de los años, y este artículo intenta establecer el contexto de la gestión del agua e identificar lo averiguado para beneficio de terceros que quieran evaluar enfoques alternativos para gestionar las aguas subterráneas. Entre los temas tratados, destaca la evaluación de los enfoques de gestión del agua en un contexto político público, la efectividad de enfoques alternativos de gestión y los méritos relativos de los esfuerzos regulativos y no regulativos, y la importancia de los datos de alta calidad para la toma de decisiones de gestión. Groundwater use in many areas of Arizona greatly exceeds the natural replenishment of the aquifer, so although a portion of the groundwater use is renewable, the majority is not.

Relevé postnatal Rourke 2014

PubMed Central

Riverin, Bruno; Li, Patricia; Rourke, Leslie; Leduc, Denis; Rourke, James

2015-01-01

Résumé Objectif Mettre à jour la version de 2011 du Relevé postnatal Rourke (RPR) à la suite d’une révision des meilleures données probantes récentes sur le suivi de la santé des nourrissons et des enfants de la naissance jusqu’à l’âge de 5 ans. Qualité des données La qualité des données a été cotée en fonction de l’ancien système de classification du Groupe d’étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (jusqu’à 2006) et l’approche de détermination, d’élaboration et d’évaluation des recommandations (GRADE). Message principal De nouveaux faits scientifiques ont été pris en compte dans les recommandations du RPR 2014 en ce qui a trait au suivi de la croissance, à la nutrition, à l’éducation et aux conseils, au développement, à l’examen physique et à l’immunisation. La croissance est surveillée à l’aide des courbes de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé qui ont été révisées en 2014. On devrait introduire les aliments solides en fonction de l’état de préparation du nourrisson et ces produits devraient contenir du fer. Il n’est actuellement plus recommandé de retarder l’introduction des allergènes alimentaires courants pour prévenir les allergies. Il faut promouvoir l’utilisation d’une tasse sans couvercle au lieu d’une tasse à bec dès l’âge de 12 mois. La section sur l’éducation et les conseils porte sur les blessures causées par du mobilier instable, ainsi que l’utilisation d’un siège d’auto orienté vers l’arrière jusqu’à 2 ans. Elle comporte aussi de l’information sur les saines habitudes de sommeil, la prévention de la maltraitance des enfants, la vie saine et active et la sédentarité de la famille, de même que l’hygiène buccale. On a aussi ajouté à cette section une nouvelle catégorie consacrée à la santé environnementale pour tenir compte des effets des dangers environnementaux sur la santé des enfants. Le RPR a recours à une surveillance développementale globale pour reconnaître les enfants qui pourraient être à risque de retards de développement. La vérification de la mobilité de la langue et de la perméabilité de l’anus est incluse dans l’examen physique du premier bilan de santé du bébé. Le RPR présente aussi les mises à jour concernant le vaccin contre la rougeole, les oreillons et la rubéole, le vaccin atténué vivant contre la grippe et celui contre le virus du papillome humain. Conclusion Le RPR 2014 représente la mise à jour de l’outil d’application pratique des connaissances, fondé depuis longtemps sur des données probantes, accompagné de ses ressources connexes dans le web, à l’intention des professionnels de la santé et des parents pour les soins de santé préventifs durant la petite enfance. La Société canadienne de pédiatrie, le Collège des médecins de famille du Canada et Les diététistes du Canada ont donné leur aval au RPR 2014. Des versions nationales et adaptées à l’Ontario du RPR sont accessibles en français et en anglais.

Exploration of an alluvial aquifer in Oman by time-domain electromagnetic sounding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, M. E.; de Bruijn, R. G. M.; Al-Ismaily, A. Salim

One-third of the population of Oman depends upon groundwater extracted from the alluvium of the Batinah Plain, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Deep geophysical exploration techniques were used to determine the depth and nature of the alluvium and the boundaries of the aquifer. The base and structural controls of the alluvial basin at its contact with Tertiary marine sediments and Cretaceous ophiolite were mapped with seismic reflection data, recorded originally for oil exploration. The base of the alluvium dips northward from the foothills of the Northern Oman Mountains, reaching a maximum depth of 2000m at the coast. The varying facies of the alluvium are grossly characterised by different, overlapping ranges of electrical resistivity, depending largely on the clay content and degree of cementation. Resistivities near the coast are reduced by saline intrusion. These variations of resistivity were mapped with time-domain electromagnetic sounding along 400km of profile, to distinguish among the three zones of the alluvial aquifer. The wedge of saline intrusion was also delineated, up to 10km from the coast. The thickness of the saturated gravel aquifer ranges from 20-160m in an area greater than 600km2. Résumé Un tiers de la population d'Oman est alimenté par de l'eau souterraine pompée dans les alluvions de la plaine de Batinah, sur la côte du golfe d'Oman. Des techniques d'exploration géophysique profonde ont été mises en oeuvre pour déterminer la profondeur et la nature des alluvions et les limites de l'aquifère. La base et les contrôles structuraux du bassin alluvial au contact des sédiments marins tertiaires et des ophiolites crétacées ont été cartographiés à partir des données de sismique réflexion obtenues à l'origine pour la recherche pétrolière. La base des alluvions plonge vers le nord à partir du piémont du massif septentrional d'Oman, pour atteindre une profondeur maximale de 2000m sur la côte. Les divers faciès alluviaux sont grossièrement caractérisés par des différentes gammes de résistivitéélectrique se recouvrant, dépendant surtout de la teneur en argiles et du degré de cimentation. Les résistivités près de la côte diminuent du fait de l'intrusion marine. Ces variations de résistivité ont été cartographiées à partir de 400km de profils électromagnétiques, dans le domaine temporel ; trois zones ont été distinguées dans l'aquifère alluvial. Le biseau salé a aussi été délimité, jusqu'à 10km de la côte. L'épaisseur de la partie saturée des graviers va de 20-160m sur une étendue supérieure à 600km2. Resumen Un tercio de la población de Omán depende de las aguas subterráneas extraídas del aluvial de la Llanura de Batinah, en la costa del Golfo de Omán. Para determinar la profundidad y naturaleza del aluvial, así como los límites del acuífero, se han usado técnicas de exploración geofísica profunda. El basamento y los límites estructurales del aluvial en su contacto con los sedimentos marinos del Terciario y la ofiolita cretácica se obtuvieron mediante sísmica de reflexión, registrada previamente en campañas de exploración petrolífera. La base del aluvial buza hacia el norte desde el pie de las Montañas del Norte de Omán, alcanzando una profundidad máxima de 2000m en la costa. Las distintas facies del aluvial están caracterizadas por rangos distintos, pero superpuestos, de resistividad eléctrica, dependiendo del contenido en arcillas y del grado de cementación. Las resistividades cerca de la costa se reducen por la intrusión salina. Estas variaciones de resistividad se obtuvieron con registros electromagnéticos a lo largo de un perfil de 400km, con el objetivo de distinguir las tres zonas del acuífero aluvial. También se pudo obtener la geometría de la cuña de intrusión, que llega hasta 10km de la costa. El espesor de las gravas saturadas que forman el acuífero oscila entre los 20-160m en un área superior a 600km2.

Le transfert de connaissances entre les mathematiques et les sciences. Une etude exploratoire aupres d'eleves de 4e secondaire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samson, Ghislain

2003-06-01

Au moment ou dans plusieurs pays on travaille a refondre les programmes d'etudes, tant au primaire qu'au secondaire, l'interet pour le transfert renait. Un des concepts fondamentaux en apprentissage consiste en l'habilete a reutiliser de facon consciente et efficace un acquis d'une situation a une autre situation. Cette recherche emane de preoccupations professionnelles au moment ou le chercheur etait enseignant au secondaire. Au cours de ces annees, il lui a ete possible de constater que plusieurs eleves percevaient difficilement les liens presents entre les disciplines mathematiques et scientifiques. Des travaux en psychologie cognitive et plus particulierement selon une perspective du traitement de l'information ont servi de cadre de reference pour evaluer et analyser les capacites de transfert aupres d'eleves de 4e secondaire. Ce cadre de reference permet de formuler le principal objectif qui est de mieux comprendre le processus de transfert chez des eleves en situation de resolution de problemes scientifiques. Cette these s'interesse donc au transfert en tant que phenomene important du processus d'apprentissage au sens de l'integration. La methode de recherche choisie, de nature qualitative, est principalement axee sur l'evaluation de la capacite a transferer des connaissances lors d'une epreuve et d'un entretien. Pour evaluer ce potentiel de transfert, nous avons elabore deux outils: une epreuve en mathematiques et en sciences et un guide d'entretien. Pour la passation de l'epreuve, le chercheur a pu compter sur la collaboration de 130 sujets provenant de deux ecoles. L'entretien complete la prise de donnees avec 13 sujets ayant accepte de poursuivre l'etude. Les donnees recueillies par ces instruments font ensuite l'objet d'une analyse de contenu. En premier lieu, les verbatims de l'epreuve et de l'entretien ont ete transcrits, puis codifies. La correction des reponses fournies pour les problemes resolus s'est faite a partir d'une grille d'analyse qualitative et adaptee de la litterature (Thouin, 1995). Une seconde serie d'analyses permettant de categoriser les reponses selon la typologie des connaissances declaratives, procedurales et conditionnelles complete la prise de donnees. Nos resultats indiquent que les sujets sont tres influences par des elements de surface, principalement lorsqu'il s'agit de problemes auxquels ils ne sont pas habitues. En l'absence de connaissances de base, plusieurs sujets vont tendre vers des propositions de solution "pratico-pratique" provenant de leur vecu: cela nous apparait d'importance d'un point de vue didactique et en matiere de transfert. Lors des entretiens realises un mois plus tard, les sujets ont eprouve de la difficulte a se rappeler le contenu de l'epreuve. Et lorsqu'il y avait un rappel, celui-ci etait superficiel et surtout axe sur le contenu ou le contexte d'un probleme. La plupart des sujets ne pouvait nommer que deux ou trois elements (des problemes en mathematiques, en sciences physiques, le probleme de la fenetre, le probleme du laser, etc.). Nos resultats confirment ce que plusieurs chercheurs (Julo, 1995, Jonnaert et Vander Borght, 1999; Richard et al., 1990) qui s'interessent aux questions de l'apprentissage admettent aujourd'hui: l'eleve ne travaille jamais sur la situation proposee par l'enseignant, mais bien sur la representation qu'il s'en est construite. Au plan methodologique, cette recherche est interessante par la variete des sources de collecte de donnees utilisees, par l'application d'outils methodologiques et d'analyses originaux tires de la recherche et de la pratique. Du cote theorique, il resulte de cette etude une meilleure comprehension du processus de transfert des connaissances mathematiques vers les sciences physiques. Finalement, aux plans didactique et pedagogique, cette recherche alimente la reflexion sur l'apprentissage et l'enseignement des sciences au secondaire. Elle fait ressortir que les mathematiques sont importantes dans la mobilisation de certaines connaissances scientifiques et que l'enseignant peut et devrait jouer un role pour favoriser le transfert.

Equilibrium Line Altitudes and paleotemperature reconstructions from Nevado Hualcán (9°S) and Nevado Coropuna (15°S), Tropical Andes (Peru).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Úbeda, J.; Giráldez, C.; Palacios, D.

2012-04-01

We have reconstructed the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) in seven valleys on the SW slope of Nevado Hualcán (9°S, 77°W; 6122 m asl) and on the SE slope of Nevado Coropuna (15°S, 72°W; 6377masl) using the Area x Altitude Balance Ratio method (Osmaston 2005). We have also deduced the paleotemperatures using the following equation: ΔT=ATLR•ΔELA; being ΔT (°C) the paleotemperature depression; ATLR (°C/m) the Atmospheric Temperature Lapse Rate; and ΔELA (m) the ELA depression. The ATLR for Coropuna was deduced through the use of data loggers. For Hualcán we used the value ATLR =0.0065°C/m, valid for the tropics (Kaser and Osmaston, 2002). We obtained the following results: 1) Hualcán: a) ELAs: 5124m (2003); 5018m (1962); 4994m during the Little Ice Age (LIA); and 4652m during the last studied maximum advance considered to be the Younger Dryas (YD, ~13-11ka) by correlation with nearby mountains (Glasser et al., 2009). b) ΔELAs: 106m (1962); 130m (LIA); and 199m (YD). c) ΔT: -0.69°C (1962); -0.85°C (LIA); -3.07°C (YD). 2) Coropuna: a) ELAs: 5862m (2007); 5853m (1986); 5787m (1955); 5776 (LIA); and 4951m in the 13-1136Cl ka phase (Ubeda, 2011). b) ΔELA: 9m (1986); 66m (1955); 86m (LIA); and 911m in 13-1136Cl ka. C) ΔT: -0.20°C (1986); -0.71°C (1955); and -7.65°C (13-1136Cl ka). The values ΔT during LIA in Hualcán and Coropuna (0.85 and 0.72°C) are consistent with the global warming considered to be 0,74°C between 1906 and 2005 (IPCC, 2007). During the mid XXth century and the LIA, ΔT is higher in Hualcán (0.69°C and 0.85°C) than in Coropuna (0.55°C and 0.72°C), with a regional gradient of -0.02°C per degree of latitude (°C/°). However, during the YD (13-1136Cl ka), ΔT was higher in Coropuna (7.65°C) than in Hualcán (3.07°C), with a gradient of 0.76°C/°. Although other evidences exist of a pantropical cooling of >5°C during the last glaciation, in Coropuna this cooling was strengthened by the retro-alimentation of its glacial system which in 13-1136Cl ka had a surface of >400 km2 (Ubeda, 2011). Glasser, N.F., Clemmens, S., Schnabel, C., Fenton, C.R. and McHargue, L., 2009. Tropical glacier fluctuations in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru between 12.5 and 7.6 ka from cosmogenic 10Be dating. Quaternary Science Reviews, 28: 3448-3458. IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, Pachauri, R.K and Reisinger, A. (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 104 pp. Kaser, G. and Osmaston, H., 2002. Tropical Glaciers. International Hydrology Series. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (U.K.), 207 pp. Osmaston, H., 2005. Estimates of glacier equilibrium line altitudes by the Area x Altitude, the Area x Altitude Balance Ratio and the Area x Altitude Balance Index methods and their validation. Quaternary International, 22-31: 138-139. Úbeda, J., 2011. El impacto del cambio climático en los glaciares del complejo volcánico Nevado Coropuna (cordillera occidental de los Andes, Sur del Perú). PhD Thesis. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, (Spain), 558 pp. Available online: http://eprints.ucm.es/12076/ Research funded by CGL2009-7343 project, Government of Spain.

Distribution of stable isotopes in arid storms . I. Relation between the distribution of isotopic composition in rainfall and in the consequent runoff

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adar, E. M.; Dody, A.; Geyh, M. A.; Yair, A.; Yakirevich, A.; Issar, A. S.

Temporal distributions of the isotopic composition in arid rain storms and in the associated runoff were investigated in a small arid rocky basin in Israel. Customized rain and runoff samplers provided sequential water samples hermetically sealed in high-density PVC bags. In several storms where the runoff was isotopically depleted, compared with the rainfall, the difference could not be explained by fractionation effects occurring during overland flow. A water-balance study relating the runoff discharge to rainfall over a rocky watershed showed that the entire discharge is produced by a very small segment (1-2mm) of the rain storm. The major objective, therefore, was to provide quantitative relations between segments of rainfall (rain showers and rain spells) and runoff. The time distribution of the composition of stable isotopes (oxygen and hydrogen) was used to quantify the correlation between the rain spell's amount and the consequent runoff. The aim of this work was to (a) utilize the dynamic variations in the isotopic composition in rainfall and runoff and model the magnitude of surface-storage capacity associated with runoff processes of overland flow, and (b) characterize the isotopic composition of the percolating water with respect to the isotopic distribution in rainfall and runoff events. The conceptual model postulates an isotopic mixing of overland flow with water within the depression storage. A transport model was then formulated in order to estimate the physical watershed parameters that control the development of overland flow from a certain rainfall period. Part I (this paper) presents the results and the assessment of the relative depression storage obtained from oxygen-18 and deuterium analyses that lead to the physical and mathematical formulation of a double-component model of kinematic-wave flow and transport, which is presented in Part II (accompanying paper). Résumé Les variations temporelles, en zone aride, de la composition isotopique des précipitations et du ruissellement associé ont étéétudiées dans un petit bassin rocheux aride en Israël. Des préleveurs spécialement adaptés pour la pluie et le ruissellement ont fourni des échantillons séquentiels dans des sacs en PVC haute densité hermétiquement fermés. Au cours de plusieurs épisodes pluvieux où le ruissellement était isotopiquement appauvri par rapport à la pluie, la différence ne pouvait pas être expliquée par des effets de fractionnement intervenant au cours de l'écoulement en surface. Un bilan hydrologique rapportant l'écoulement de surface à la pluie sur un bassin versant rocheux montre que l'écoulement dans sa totalité est alimenté par une très petite partie (1-2mm) de l'averse. C'est pourquoi l'objectif essentiel a été de rechercher des relations quantitatives entre des parties de la pluie (averses et épisodes pluvieux) et le ruissellement. La répartition temporelle de la composition en isotopes stables (oxygène et hydrogène) a été utilisée pour quantifier la corrélation entre la hauteur tombée pendant l'épisode pluvieux et le ruissellement produit. Le but de ce travail était (a) d'utiliser les variations dynamiques de la composition isotopique dans la pluie et dans le ruissellement pour modéliser l'ordre de grandeur de la capacité de stockage de surface associée aux processus de ruissellement de l'écoulement de surface, et (a) de caractériser la composition isotopique de l'eau d'infiltration par rapport à la variation isotopique observée dans les pluies et dans les écoulements correspondants. Resumen La distribución temporal de la composición isotópica de las tormentas en zonas áridas y la correspondiente escorrentía se analizó en una pequeña cuenca rocosa en Israel. Los medidores de lluvia y escorrentía proporcionaron muestras de agua secuenciales, selladas herméticamente en bolsas de PVC de alta densidad. En muchas tormentas en las que la escorrentía tenía una composición isotópica distinta de la lluvia, la diferencia no podía explicarse por efectos de fraccionamiento isotópico. Un balance de agua relacionando los términos de lluvia y escorrentía en una cuenca rocosa mostraron que la totalidad de la descarga se produce por un segmento muy pequeño de la lluvia (1-2mm). El principal objetivo, por tanto, era proporcionar relaciones cuantitativas entre los distintos segmentos de la lluvia (tormentas aisladas y periodos lluviosos) y la escorrentía, para lo cual se utilizó la distribución temporal de la composición de los isótopos estables (oxígeno e hidrógeno). El objetivo del estudio era (a) utilizar las variaciones dinámicas en la composición isotópica de lluvia y escorrentía para modelar la magnitud de la capacidad de almacenamiento en superficie asociada con los procesos de escorrentía, y (b) caracterizar la composición isotópica del agua de percolación respecto a la correspondientes a lluvia y escorrentía.

Hydrogeologic uncertainties and policy implications: The Water Consumer Protection Act of Tucson, Arizona, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, L. G.; Matlock, W. G.; Jacobs, K. L.

The 1995 Water Consumer Protection Act of Tucson, Arizona, USA (hereafter known as the Act) was passed following complaints from Tucson Water customers receiving treated Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. Consequences of the Act demonstrate the uncertainties and difficulties that arise when the public is asked to vote on a highly technical issue. The recharge requirements of the Act neglect hydrogeological uncertainties because of confusion between "infiltration" and "recharge." Thus, the Act implies that infiltration in stream channels along the Central Wellfield will promote recharge in the Central Wellfield. In fact, permeability differences between channel alluvium and underlying basin-fill deposits may lead to subjacent outflow. Additionally, even if recharge of Colorado River water occurs in the Central Wellfield, groundwater will become gradually salinized. The Act's restrictions on the use of CAP water affect the four regulatory mechanisms in Arizona's 1980 Groundwater Code as they relate to the Tucson Active Management Area: (a) supply augmentation; (b) requirements for groundwater withdrawals and permitting; (c) Management Plan requirements, particularly mandatory conservation and water-quality issues; and (d) the requirement that all new subdivisions use renewable water supplies in lieu of groundwater. Political fallout includes disruption of normal governmental activities because of the demands in implementing the Act. Résumé La loi de 1995 sur la protection des consommateurs d'eau de Tucson (Arizona, États-Unis) a été promulguée à la suite des réclamations des consommateurs d'eau de Tucson alimentés en eau traitée à partir à la station centrale d'Arizona (CAP). Les conséquences de cette loi montrent les incertitudes et les difficultés qui apparaissent lorsque le public est appeléà voter sur un problème très technique. Les exigences de la loi en matière de recharge négligent les incertitudes hydrogéologiques du fait de la confusion entre "infiltration" et "recharge". C'est ainsi que la loi laisse entendre que l'infiltration à partir des lits de rivières le long du champ captant central favorise la recharge de cette zone. En réalité, les différences de perméabilité entre les alluvions du lit et les dépôts sous-jacents remplissant le bassin peuvent provoquer un écoulement sous-jacent. En outre, même si une recharge par l'eau de la rivière Colorado se produit dans cette zone, la nappe sera progressivement salifiée. Les restrictions imposées par la loi quant à l'utilisation de l'eau de la station centrale d'Arizona affectent les quatre outils réglementaires du Code des eaux souterraines de l'Arizona de 1980, en ce qu'ils concernent la zone de gestion active de Tucson: (a) l'augmentation de l'approvisionnement (b) les conditions requises pour les prélèvements d'eau souterraine et les autorisations; (c) les conditions requises pour le plan de gestion, en particulier la pérennité du concessionnaire et les résultats en matière de qualité de l'eau et (d) la condition que tous les nouveaux districts aient recours à des ressources en eau renouvelables à la place de l'eau souterraine. Les demandes concernant la mise en oeuvre de la loi ont conduit jusqu'à l'arrêt des activités normales des instances politiques. Resumen El Acta de Protección de los Usuarios de Agua de Tucson, Arizona (EE.UU.) de 1995 (el Acta) se aprobó a raíz de las quejas de los usuarios de agua de Tucson que recibían agua tratada por el Proyecto de Arizona Central (CAP). Las consecuencias del Acta demuestran las incertidumbres y dificultades que se producen cuando se le pide al público que vote sobre temas muy técnicos. Los requerimientos de recarga del Acta desprecian incertidumbres hidrogeológicas al confundir entre "infiltración" y "recarga". Así, el Acta dice que la infiltración en los canales de los arroyos a lo largo del Campo de Producción Central aumentará la recarga a dicho campo. De hecho, la diferencia de permeabilidad entre el canal aluvial y los depósitos de relleno subyacentes puede provocar descarga subyacente. Además, incluso si el Río Colorado recargase este Campo Central, el agua subterránea se salinizaría progresivamente. Las restricciones del Acta sobre el uso del agua del CAP afectan los cuatro mecanismos legales del Código de Aguas Subterráneas de Arizona de 1980 relacionados con el Área de Gestión Activa de Tucson: (a) aumento del suministro; (b) requisitos y permisos para la extracción de aguas subterráneas (c) necesidades del Plan de Gestión, particularmente la conservación obligatoria y temas de calidad de aguas; y (d) la obligación de que todas las nuevas subdivisiones usen agua con suministro renovable en lugar de subterránea. Como problemas adicionales se incluye la perturbación de las actividades políticas normales como consecuencia de las demandas para aprobar y poner en marcha el Acta.

Scheme for development of monitoring networks for springs in Bavaria, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bender, Steffen; Einsiedl, Florian; Wohnlich, Stefan

2001-03-01

The present groundwater monitoring network in Bavaria consists mostly of wells and only a small number of natural groundwater springs, all of which are analyzed for mainly the common physical and chemical constituents in groundwater. In order to develop a long-term groundwater management plan for all the groundwater resources of Bavaria, the Bavarian State Office for Water Management intends to establish a separate spring-monitoring network throughout the 11 groundwater provinces of the state. As a first step, significant physicochemical parameters that show considerable annual fluctuation (after monitoring 1-3 years) were determined at 21 springs or spring systems to create a basic data set to guide future monitoring. A selection procedure was developed around four parameters: (1) geological units, which includes the principal aquifers; (2) rate of spring discharge; (3) land utilization within a catchment; and (4) approximate size of the subterranean catchment. However, in the initial phase of the study, only the first three parameters were investigated. These parameters established a matrix for evaluating each groundwater region of Bavaria to aid in the selection of additional springs for the proposed monitoring network. Résumé. Le réseau actuel de surveillance des eaux souterraines en Bavière consiste surtout en des puits avec seulement un petit nombre de sources, tous analysés pour l'essentiel pour les composants courants physiques et chimiques des eaux souterraines. Afin de développer un plan de gestion à long terme des eaux souterraines de la Bavière, l'Office bavarois pour la gestion de l'eau cherche à mettre en place un réseau séparé de surveillance des sources dans les onze provinces hydrogéologiques du lander. Dans un premier temps, les paramètres physico-chimiques significatifs qui présentent des variations annuelles considérables, après 1 à 3 ans de surveillance, ont été déterminés à 21 sources ou groupes de sources pour constituer un jeu de données de base pour guider la future surveillance. Une procédure de sélection a été développée autour de quatre paramètres: (1) les unités géologiques, comprenant les principaux aquifères, (2) le débit des sources, (3) l'occupation du sol dans le bassin, et (4) la dimension approximative du bassin d'alimentation souterrain. Toutefois, dans la phase initiale de l'étude, seuls les trois premiers paramètres ont été étudiés. Ces paramètres constituent une matrice d'évaluation de chaque région hydrogéologique de Bavière pour aider à la sélection de sources supplémentaires destinées au réseau de surveillance proposé. Resumen. La red de muestreo actual de aguas subterráneas en Bavaria (Alemania) está formada sobre todo por pozos, mientras que apenas hay unos pocos manantiales naturales. Los análisis incluyen, principalmente, los parámetros físico-químicos habituales. Con el objeto de desarrollar un plan de gestión de las aguas subterráneas en Bavaria a largo plazo, el Consejo del Estado para la Gestión del Agua pretende establecer una red de muestreo de manantiales diferenciada en las once regiones en que se divide el estado desde el punto de vista de las aguas subterráneas. Como primer paso, se determinaron los parámetros físico-químicos significativos que mostraban una fluctuación anual considerable (tras un muestreo de 1 a 3 años), con la finalidad de crear una base de datos elemental que canalizara los muestreos futuros. Se desarrolló un procedimiento de selección con base en cuatro parámetros: (1) unidades geológicas y acuíferos principales; (2) caudal del manantial; (3) uso del suelo dentro de la cuenca; y (4) tamaño aproximado de la zona de captación subterránea. Sin embargo, sólo se investigaron los tres primeros parámetros durante la fase inicial del estudio. Con ellos, se estableció una matriz para evaluar cada zona acuífera dentro de Bavaria y ayudar en la inclusión de otros manantiales en la red de muestro propuesta.

Analysis of the maximum discharge of karst springs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonacci, Ognjen

2001-07-01

Analyses are presented of the conditions that limit the discharge of some karst springs. The large number of springs studied show that, under conditions of extremely intense precipitation, a maximum value exists for the discharge of the main springs in a catchment, independent of catchment size and the amount of precipitation. Outflow modelling of karst-spring discharge is not easily generalized and schematized due to numerous specific characteristics of karst-flow systems. A detailed examination of the published data on four karst springs identified the possible reasons for the limitation on the maximum flow rate: (1) limited size of the karst conduit; (2) pressure flow; (3) intercatchment overflow; (4) overflow from the main spring-flow system to intermittent springs within the same catchment; (5) water storage in the zone above the karst aquifer or epikarstic zone of the catchment; and (6) factors such as climate, soil and vegetation cover, and altitude and geology of the catchment area. The phenomenon of limited maximum-discharge capacity of karst springs is not included in rainfall-runoff process modelling, which is probably one of the main reasons for the present poor quality of karst hydrological modelling. Résumé. Les conditions qui limitent le débit de certaines sources karstiques sont présentées. Un grand nombre de sources étudiées montrent que, sous certaines conditions de précipitations extrêmement intenses, il existe une valeur maximale pour le débit des sources principales d'un bassin, indépendante des dimensions de ce bassin et de la hauteur de précipitation. La modélisation des débits d'exhaure d'une source karstique n'est pas facilement généralisable, ni schématisable, à cause des nombreuses caractéristiques spécifiques des écoulements souterrains karstiques. Un examen détaillé des données publiées concernant quatre sources karstiques permet d'identifier les raisons possibles de la limitation de l'écoulement maximal: (1) la dimension limitée du conduit karstique, (2) l'écoulement en charge, (3) le débordement dans un autre bassin, (4) le débordement du réseau s'écoulant vers la source principale par des sources temporaires dans le même bassin, (5) le stockage d'eau dans la zone surmontant l'aquifère karstique ou la zone épikarstique du bassin, et (6) des facteurs tels que le climat, le sol et le couvert végétal, l'altitude et la géologie du bassin d'alimentation. Le phénomène de capacité limitée du débit maximal des sources karstiques n'est pas pris en compte dans la modélisation des processus de précipitation-ruissellement, ce qui est probablement une des principales raisons de l'actuelle médiocre qualité de la modélisation hydrologique du karst. Resumen. Se presenta un análisis de las condiciones que limitan la descarga de algunos manantiales kársticos. Un elevado número de los manantiales estudiados muestra que, bajo condiciones de precipitación extremadamente intensa, hay un valor máximo para la descarga de los manantiales principales de la cuenca, independientemente del tamaño de ésta y del volumen de precipitación. La modelación de la descarga de manantiales kársticos no es fácil de generalizar y esquematizar debido a la existencia de numerosas características que son inherentes a los sistemas kársticos de flujo. A partir del estudio detallado de los datos publicados sobre cuatro manantiales kársticos, se identificó las posibles causas de la existencia de un caudal máximo de descarga: (1) el tamaño limitado del conducto kárstico, (2) el caudal surgente, (3) la descarga a otras cuencas, (4) el desbordamiento del sistema de flujo principal hacia manantiales intermitentes dentro de la misma cuenca, (5) el almacenamiento de agua en la zona superior del acuífero kárstico o zona epikárstica de la cuenca, y (6) factores tales como el clima, suelo y cubierta vegetal, y la altitud y geología de la zona de captación. La limitación de la descarga máxima de los manantiales kársticos no ha sido incluida en la modelación del proceso lluvia-escorrentía, hecho que probablemente es esencial para explicar los resultados poco satisfactorios de la modelación hidrológica de sistemas kársticos.

Geomorphic aspects of groundwater flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaFleur, Robert G.

The many roles that groundwater plays in landscape evolution are becoming more widely appreciated. In this overview, three major categories of groundwater processes and resulting landforms are considered: (1) Dissolution creates various karst geometries, mainly in carbonate rocks, in response to conditions of recharge, geologic setting, lithology, and groundwater circulation. Denudation and cave formation rates can be estimated from kinetic and hydraulic parameters. (2) Groundwater weathering generates regoliths of residual alteration products at weathering fronts, and subsequent exhumation exposes corestones, flared slopes, balanced rocks, domed inselbergs, and etchplains of regional importance. Groundwater relocation of dissolved salts creates duricrusts of various compositions, which become landforms. (3) Soil and rock erosion by groundwater processes include piping, seepage erosion, and sapping, important agents in slope retreat and headward gully migration. Thresholds and limits are important in many chemical and mechanical groundwater actions. A quantitative, morphometric approach to groundwater landforms and processes is exemplified by selected studies in carbonate and clastic terrains of ancient and recent origins. Résumé Les rôles variés joués par les eaux souterraines dans l'évolution des paysages deviennent nettement mieux connus. La revue faite ici prend en considération trois grandes catégories de processus liés aux eaux souterraines et les formes associées: (1) La dissolution crée des formes karstiques variées, surtout dans les roches carbonatées, en fonction des conditions d'alimentation, du cadre géologique, de la lithologie et de la circulation des eaux souterraines. Les taux d'érosion et de formation des grottes peuvent être estimés à partir de paramètres cinétiques et hydrauliques. (2) L'érosion par les eaux souterraines donne naissance à des régolites, résidus d'altération sur des fronts d'altération, et l'exhumation résultante fait apparaître des rognons, des pentes qui s'évasent, des roches en équilibre, des inselbergs et des plaines de corrosion d'extension régionale. La migration des sels dissous des eaux souterraines crée des croûtes de compositions variées, qui constituent des paysages particuliers. (3) Les processus d'érosion des sols et des roches par les eaux souterraines comprennent les phénomènes suivants: la chenalisation, l'érosion par suintement, le sapement, qui tous sont des agents notables du recul des versants et d'érosion régressive vers l'amont. Les seuils et les limites sont importants dans de nombreuses actions chimiques et mécaniques des eaux souterraines. Une approche morphométrique quantitative des formes et des processus liés aux eaux souterraines est donnée en exemple à partir d'études choisies dans les terrains carbonatés et détritiques d'origine aussi bien ancienne que récente. Resumen Las aguas subterráneas tienen una importancia fundamental en la evolución de los paisajes geomorfológicos. En este artículo se consideran tres grandes categorías de procesos ligados al agua subterránea y sus correspondientes paisajes resultantes: (1) La disolución crea distintas geometrías kársticas, fundamentalmente en rocas carbonatadas, como respuesta a las condiciones de recarga, condicionantes geológicos, litologías y al propio flujo de agua subterránea. La velocidad de denudación y formación de cavernas se puede estimar a partir de los parámetros cinéticos e hidráulicos. (2) La erosión producida por las aguas subterráneas genera regolitas de alteración residual en los frentes de erosión, con los subsiguientes afloramientos de rocas inalteradas, inselbergs, rocas oscilantes o llanuras de corrosión de carácter regional. La recolocación de las sales disueltas crea costras superficiales de diferente composición. (3) La erosión de rocas y suelos por procesos ligados al agua subterránea, como filtración y arrastre de finos da lugar a un movimiento de retroceso de taludes y barrancos. La existencia de umbrales y límites de actuación es muy importante en muchas acciones químicas y mecánicas. Una metodología para el estudio de relieves y procesos, basada en aspectos cuantitativos y morfométricos se ejemplifica mediante estudios realizados en rocas carbonatadas y en terrenos clásticos de diferentes edades.

Cholecystokinin like immunoreactivity in the brains of young Meishan and Duroc pigs(4).

PubMed

Elmquist, J K; Ross, L R; Hsu, W; Rothschild, M F; Jacobson, C D

1993-01-12

Cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide found in both the gastrointestinal tract and brain, has been shown to be involved in the control of feed intake in a variety of animals including the pig. Chinese breeds of pigs such as the Meishan are noted for slow growth and heavy adipose deposition. In this study we have described the regional cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity (CCK-IR) concentrations in the brain of young Duroc and Meishan pigs utilizing radioimmunoassay. Brains of days 1, 10, and 20 postnatal pigs from each breed were examined. The CCK-IR increased with age in all three areas examined (cortex, medulla, and hypothalamus). The cortical concentrations rose significantly from days 1 to 10 and from days 10 to 20. The levels in the hypothalamus and medulla increased significantly between days 1 and 20. There were no statistically significant differences in CCK-IR between the breeds at any of the three ages examined. Our results indicate that a rise in CCK-IR in the regions of the brain involved in the control of feed intake may parallel the ability of the young pigs to assimilate nutrients from a solid diet. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Cholecystokinin-ähnliche Immunreaktivität in den Gehirnen junger Meishan- und Durocschweine Das Peptid Cholecystokinin (CCK) wird im Gastrointestinaltrakt und im Gehirn gefunden und beeinflußt Futteraufnahme in einer Reihe von Tieren einschließlich Schwein. Chinesische Rassen wie Meishan sind wegen ihres langsamen Wachstums und der starken Fettablagerung bekannt. In dieser Studie beschreiben wir regionale Cholecystokinin-ähnliche Immunreaktivitäts-(CCK-IR)Konzentrationen im Gehirn junger Duroc- und Meishantiere, mittels Radioimmunassay bestimmt. Gehirne von 1, 10 und 20 Tage alten Ferkeln jeder Rasse wurden untersucht. CCK-IR nahm mit dem Alter in allen drei untersuchten Organen zu (Kortex, Medulla und Hypothalamus). Die kortikalen Spiegel stiegen vom Tag 1 bis 10 und vom Tag 10 bis 20 signifikant, die des Hypothalamus und der Medulla zwischen Tag 1 und 20. Zwischen Rassen waren keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede in CCK-IR. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen einen Anstieg in CCK-IR in Gehirnregionen, die bei Futteraufnahme involviert sind, und könnten der Fähigkeit junger Schweine zur Assimilation von Nährstoffen aus festen Rationen parallel sein. RÉSUMÉ: Immunoréactivité de type cholécyctokinine dans le cerveau de jeunes porcs Meishan et Duroc La cholécystokinine (CCK) est peptide présent à la fois dans le tractus gastro-intestinal et le cerveau. Son influence sur le contrôle de la consommation alimentaire a été mise en évidence dans plusieurs espèces d'animaux dont le porc. Les races porcines chinoises comme la Meishan présentent une faible croissance et un dépôt de gras important. Cette étude décrit les concentrations régionales des composés présentant une réactivité immunologique similaire à la cholécystokinine (CCK-IR), déterminés par dosage radio-immunologique, dans le cerveau de porcelets Duroc et Meishan. Des cerveaux de porcelets de chacune des deux races ont été examinés à 1, 10 et 20 jours après la naissance. La CCK-IR augmente avec l'âge dans les trois zones du cerveau examinées (cortex, moelle et hypothalamus). Les concentrations corticales augmentent significativement etre 1 et 10 jours d'â ainsi qu'entre 10 et 20 jours d'âge. Les concentrations dans l'hypothalamus et la moelle croissent significativement entre 1 et 20 jours d'âge. Les différences de CCK-IR entre races ne sont statistiquement significatives pour aucun des trois âges étudiés. Nos résultats montrent qu'un accroissement de CCK-IR dans les régions du cerveau impliquées dans le contrôle de la consommation alimentaire peutètre mis en parallèle avec la capacité de porcelets à assimiler les éléments nutritifs d'un régime alimentaire solide. RESUMEN: Immunoreactividad similar a la de la colecistoquinina en los cerebros de lechones jovenes Meishan y Duroc La colecistoquinina (CCK), un péptido que se encuentra en el sistema digestivo y el cerebro, esta rela-cionado con el control del apetito en varias especies, incluido el cerdo. Las razas chinas como la Meishan se distinguen por su crecimiento lento y deposición de tejido adiposo. En este estudio hemos descrito las concentraciones de sustancias immunoló-gicamente similares a la colecistoquinina (CCK-IR) en tres regiones del cerebro de lechones Duroc y Meishan utilizando radioimmunoensayo. Los cerebros de cerdos de 1, 10 y 20 días de edad de cada raza fueron examinados. La CCK-IR aumentó con la edad en las tres áreas examinadas (córtex, médula e hipotálamo). Las concentraciones en el córtex aumentaron significativamente de 1 a 10 y de 10 a 20 dias de edad. Las concentraciones en el hipotálamo y médula aumentaron significativamente entre los días 1 y 20. No hubo diferencias significativas en CCK-IR entre las razas en ninguna de las edades estudiadas. Nuestros resultados indican que un aumento en CCK-IR en las regiones del cerebro que participan en el control del consumo de alimente podrían ir paralelas a la habilidad de los lechones para asimilar nutrientes de una dieta sólida. 1993 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The Dammam aquifer in Bahrain - Hydrochemical characterization and alternatives for management of groundwater quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zubari, Waleed K.

Over-ion of the Dammam aquifer, the principal aquifer in Bahrain, by the agricultural and domestic sectors, has led to its salinization by adjacent brackish and saline water bodies. A hydrochemical study identified the locations of the sources of aquifer salinization and delineated their areas of influence. The investigation indicates that the aquifer water quality is significantly modified as groundwater flows from the northwestern parts of Bahrain, where the aquifer receives its water by lateral underflow from eastern Saudi Arabia, to the southern and southeastern parts. Four types of salinization of the aquifer are identified: brackish-water up-flow from the underlying brackish-water zones in north-central, western, and eastern regions; seawater intrusion in the eastern region; intrusion of sabkha water in the southwestern region; and irrigation return flow in a local area in the western region. Four alternatives for the management of groundwater quality that are available to the water authorities in Bahrain are discussed and their priority areas are proposed, based on the type and extent of each salinization source, in addition to groundwater use in that area. The effectiveness of the proposed management options in controlling the degradation of water quality in the Dammam aquifer should be evaluated using simulation modeling. Résumé La surexploitation de l'aquifère de Damman, principal aquifère de Bahreïn, du fait des besoins agricoles et domestiques, a conduit à sa salinisation à partir d'eaux voisines saumâtres et salées. Une étude hydrochimique a identifié les origines de la salinisation de l'aquifère et a délimité leurs zones d'influence. Les recherches montrent que la qualité de l'eau souterraine est modifiée de façon significative pour les écoulements souterrains dirigés vers les secteurs sud et sud-est et provenant de la région nord-ouest de Bahreïn, là où l'aquifère est alimenté latéralement à partir de l'Arabie Saoudite orientale. Quatre types de salinisation de l'eau souterraine ont été identifiés : une drainance verticale en provenance d'eaux saumâtres sous-jacentes dans les régions nord-centrales, ouest et est, une intrusion marine dans la région est, une intrusion d'eau de sebkha dans la région sud-ouest, et le retour d'irrigation dans un secteur localisé de la région sud-ouest. Quatre démarches alternatives de gestion de la qualité des eaux souterraines, acceptables par les services chargés de l'eau à Bahreïn, sont discutées et des zones d'action prioritaire sont proposées, selon le type et l'étendue de chacune des sources de salinisation et en fonction des usages de les eaux souterraines dans chaque secteur. L'efficacité des options de gestion proposées pour le contrôle de la dégradation de la qualité de l'aquifère de Damman devrait être ensuite évaluée au moyen d'un modèle de simulation. Resumen El acuífero de Damman, el más importante de Bahrein, se explota para usos agrícolas y domésticos. La sobreexplotación del mismo ha provocado su salinización por cuerpos de agua salada y salobre cercanos. Un estudio hidroquímico identificó las fuentes de salinización y ayudó a dibujar sus áreas de influencia. La calidad del agua subterránea se modifica significativamente en la dirección del flujo, desde el noroeste del país, donde las entradas son laterales y procedentes de Arabia Saudí, hacia el sur y el sudeste. Se han identificado cuatro tipos de salinización: flujo ascendente de agua salobre en las regiones norte-central, este y oeste; intrusión de agua marina en la región este; intrusión de agua salobre al sudoeste y, finalmente, retorno de riego en un área local de la región oeste. Se discuten cuatro alternativas para la gestión del agua y se proponen áreas prioritarias basadas en el tipo y la extensión de cada fuente de salinización y en los usos de agua subterránea en cada zona. La efectividad de las opciones de gestión propuestas para controlar la degradación de la calidad del agua en el acuífero Damman deberá evaluarse mediante simulaciones realizadas con un modelo numérico

Rainforest Pharmacopeia in Madagascar Provides High Value for Current Local and Prospective Global Uses

PubMed Central

Golden, Christopher D.; Rasolofoniaina, B. J. Rodolph; Anjaranirina, E. J. Gasta; Nicolas, Lilien; Ravaoliny, Laurent; Kremen, Claire

2012-01-01

Botanical diversity provides value to humans through carbon sequestration, air and water purification, and the provisioning of wild foods and ethnomedicines. Here we calculate the value of botanical ethnomedicines in a rainforest region of Madagascar, the Makira Protected Area, using a substitution method that combines replacement costs and choice modeling. The Makira watershed may comprise approximately 0.8% of global botanical diversity and possesses enormous value both in its ability to provision botanical ethnomedicines to local people and as a source of potentially novel pharmaceutical drugs for society as a whole. Approximately 241 locally-recognized species are used as ethnomedicines, including 113 agricultural or weed species. We equated each ethnomedicinal treatment to the monetary value of a comparable pharmaceutical treatment adjusted by personal preferences in perceived efficacy (rather than from known or assumed medicinal equivalency). The benefit value of these botanical ethnomedicines per individual is $5.40–7.90 per year when using the value of highly subsidized Malagasy pharmaceuticals and $100.60–287.40 when using the value of American pharmaceuticals. Using local pharmaceuticals as substitutes, the value per household is $30.24–44.30 per year, equivalent to 43–63% of median annual household income, demonstrating their local importance. Using the value of American pharmaceuticals, the amount is equivalent to 22–63% of the median annual health care expenditures for American adults under 45 in 2006. The potential for developing novel biomedicines from the Makira watershed’s unique flora ranges in untapped benefit value from $0.3–5.7 billion for American pharmaceutical companies, non-inclusive of the importance of providing novel medicines and improved healthcare to society. This study provides evidence of the tremendous current local and prospective global value of botanical ethnomedicines and furthers arguments for the conservation of tropical forests for sustainable use. Botanique de la diversité apporte de la valeur à l’homme par la séquestration du carbone, de l’air et de purification de l’eau, et le provisionnement des aliments sauvages et ethnomedicines. Ici, nous calculons la valeur de ethnomedicines botaniques dans une région de forêt de Madagascar, la zone protégée de Makira, en utilisant une méthode de substitution qui combine les coûts de remplacement et la modélisation des choix. Le bassin versant de Makira peut comprendre environ 0,8% de la diversité botanique mondiale et possède une valeur énorme à la fois dans sa capacité à fournir ethnomedicines botaniques à la population locale et en tant que source de nouveaux médicaments potentiellement pharmaceutiques pour la société dans son ensemble. Environ 241 espèces localement reconnus sont utilisés comme ethnomedicines, y compris 113 espèces d’agricoles ou de mauvaises herbes. Nous assimilé chaque traitement ethnomédicales à la valeur monétaire d’un traitement comparable pharmaceutique ajusté en fonction des préférences personnelles en matière d’efficacité perçue (plutôt que de l’équivalence médicament connu ou supposé). La valeur de l’avantage de ces ethnomedicines botaniques par individu est de $5,40 à 7.90 par année lors de l’utilisation de la valeur des produits pharmaceutiques malgaches fortement subventionnés et de $100,60 à 287,40 lors de l’utilisation de la valeur des produits pharmaceutiques américains. Utilisation de produits pharmaceutiques locales comme des substituts, la valeur par ménage est de $30.24 à 44.30 par an, équivalent à 43–63% du revenu médian des ménages annuelle, ce qui démontre leur importance locale. Utilisation de la valeur des produits pharmaceutiques américaines, le montant est équivalent à 22–63% de la médiane des dépenses annuelles de soins de santé pour les adultes américains de moins de 45 en 2006. Le potentiel de développement de nouveaux biomédicaments des fourneaux dans le bassin versant de la flore Makira unqiue de la valeur des avantages inexploité de $0,3 à 5,7 milliards pour les sociétés pharmaceutiques américaines, non compris l’importance de fournir de nouveaux médicaments et de soins de santé amélioré à la société. Cette étude fournit une preuve de l’énorme valeur actuelle globale locale et prospective de ethnomedicines botaniques et des arguments fait avancer pour la conservation des forêts tropicales pour l’utilisation durable. PMID:22848447

A review of eating disorders research in Mexico.

PubMed

Unikel, Claudia; Bojorquez, Ietza

2007-02-01

The objective of this paper is to summarize research findings on eating disorders and the current state of the field in Mexico. Papers published in indexed journals and graduate dissertations were retrieved, using "eating disorders," "anorexia nervosa," "bulimia nervosa," "body image," "binge eating," "restrained eating," "weight and shape concern," and "dieting" as keywords. These were combined with the Boolean operator "AND" with "Mexico" and "Latin America." Findings are presented for epidemiology, the validity of assessment instruments, comorbidity, and risk factors. A national representative survey found a prevalence of 1.8% for bulimia nervosa, and no cases of anorexia nervosa. However, the lack of studies with confirmatory clinical interview and other national or regional representative samples makes it difficult to reach conclusions about the actual prevalence. A number of instruments for the detection of eating disorders and disordered eating have been validated for the Mexican population. The comorbidity of eating disorders in Mexico includes drug and alcohol abuse, obesity, and borderline personality disorder. Risk factors found included body weight and cultural pressure to be thin. Future lines of research should include epidemiological studies with representative samples and diagnosis confirmation, longitudinal studies, and the exploration of protective and risk factors specific to this population. We want to acknowledge Dr Richard A. Gordon's encouragement to write this manuscript and his accurate comments on its preliminary and final versions. We also want to thank the participants of the seminar on publications held at the Office of Epidemiological and Psychosocial Studies of the National Institute of Psychiatry for the comments they made to this article. El objetivo de este trabajo es el de resumir los hallazgos de investigación sobre los trastornos alimentarios y el estado actual del campo en México. Se recuperó la obra publicada en revistas indizadas y tesis de grado, mediante los descriptores "trastorno alimentario," anorexia nervosa," bulimia nervosa," "imagen corporal," "atracones," "restricción alimentaria," "preocupación por el peso y la figura," y "conducta de dieta." Éstos se combinaron con el operador Booleano "AND" con "México" y "América Latina." Se presentan los hallazgos para la epidemiología, la validez de los instrumentos de medición, comorbilidad, y factores de riesgo. Una encuesta nacional representativa encontró una prevalencia de 1.8% para la bulimia nervosa, y ningún caso de anorexia nervosa. No obstante, la carencia de estudios con una entrevista clínica confirmatoria y de otras muestras nacionales o regionales dificulta el arribo a conclusiones acerca de la prevalencia real. Varios instrumentos para la detección de los trastornos alimentarios y de la alimentación desordenada se han validado en población mexicana. La comorbilidad de los trastornos alimentarios en México incluye el uso y abuso de alcohol, la obesidad y el trastorno de personalidad limítrofe. Los factores de riesgo referidos incluyen el peso corporal y la presión cultural para estar delgado. Las líneas de investigación futuras deberán incluir estudios epidemiológicos con muestras representativas y la confirmación del diagnóstico, estudios longitudinales, y la exploración de factores de riesgo y protectores específicos a esta población. L'objectif de cet article est de résumer les résultats de recherche et l'état actuel des connaissances sur les troubles alimentaires au Mexique. Les articles publiés dans des revues indexées et les thèses de doctorat ont été recensés en utilisant les mots-clés « eating disorders », « anorexia nervosa », « bulimia nervosa », « body image », « binge eating », « restrained eating », « weight and shape concern » et « dieting ». Ceux-ci furent combinés, en utilisant la conjonction « AND », avec les termes « Mexico » et « Latin America ». Les résultats sont présentés de façon à décrire l'épidémiologie, la validité des instruments d'évaluation, la comorbidité et les facteurs de risque. Une enquête normative nationale a indiqué un taux de prévalence de 1,8% pour la névrose boulimique et aucun cas de névrose anorexique. Cependant, le manque d'études utilisant des entrevues cliniques confirmatoires et d'autres échantillons normatifs nationaux et régionaux limite les conclusions sur la prévalence actuelle. Un nombre important d'instruments pour dépister les troubles alimentaires et l'alimentation inadéquate ont été validés auprès de la population mexicaine. Les principaux problèmes de comorbidité avec les troubles alimentaires au Mexique incluent l'abus de drogue ou d'alcool, l'obésité et le trouble de personnalité état-limite. Les facteurs de risque incluent le poids corporel et la pression culturelle à être mince. Les avenues de recherche futures devraient inclure des études épidémiologiques auprès d'échantillons représentatifs, de la confirmation de diagnostic, des études longitudinales et de l'exploration de facteurs de protection et de facteurs de risque spécifiques à cette population.

Environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, and 87Sr/86Sr) as a tool in groundwater investigations in the Keta Basin, Ghana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jørgensen, Niels; Banoeng-Yakubo, Bruce

2001-03-01

Analyses of environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, and 87Sr/86Sr) are applied to groundwater studies with emphasis on saline groundwater in aquifers in the Keta Basin, Ghana. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of groundwater and surface water of the Keta Basin primarily reflect the geology and the mineralogical composition of the formations in the catchments and recharge areas. The isotopic compositions of 18O and 2H of deep groundwater have small variations and plot close to the global meteoric water line. Shallow groundwater and surface water have considerably larger variations in isotopic compositions, which reflect evaporation and preservation of seasonal fluctuations. A significant excess of chloride in shallow groundwater in comparison to the calculated evaporation loss is the result of a combination of evaporation and marine sources. Groundwaters from deep wells and dug wells in near-coastal aquifers are characterized by relatively high chloride contents, and the significance of marine influence is evidenced by well-defined mixing lines for strontium isotopes, and hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes, with isotopic compositions of seawater as one end member. The results derived from environmental isotopes in this study demonstrate that a multi-isotope approach is a useful tool to identify the origin and sources of saline groundwater. Résumé. L'analyse des isotopes du milieu (18O, 2H, et 87Sr/86Sr) a été mise en œuvre pour des études hydrogéologiques portant sur des eaux souterraines salées des aquifères du bassin de Keta (Ghana). Les rapports isotopiques 87Sr/86Sr de l'eau souterraine et de l'eau de surface du bassin de Keta reflètent principalement la géologie et la composition minéralogique des formations des bassins d'alimentation et des zones de recharge. Les compositions isotopiques en 18O et en 2H des eaux souterraines profondes présentent de faibles variations et se placent près de la droite des eaux météoriques mondiales. Les eaux des nappes peu profondes et les eaux de surface subissent des variations beaucoup plus fortes de leurs compositions isotopiques, dues à l'évaporation et aux fluctuations saisonnières. Un excès significatif en chlorures dans les eaux souterraines peu profondes, compte tenu de l'évaporation calculée, résulte à la fois de l'évaporation et d'apports marins. Les eaux souterraines de forages profonds et de puits dans les aquifères proches de la côte sont caractérisées par des concentrations relativement élevées en chlorure; une influence marine significative est mise en évidence par des droites de mélange bien définies pour les isotopes du strontium et les isotopes stables de l'oxygène et de l'hydrogène, avec les compositions de l'eau de mer pour l'un des termes du mélange. Les résultats fournis par les isotopes du milieu dans cette étude montrent qu'une approche multi-isotopique est un outil pertinent pour identifier l'origine et les sources d'eaux souterraines salées. Resumen. Se ha aplicado el análisis de los isótopos ambientales (18O, 2H y 87Sr/86Sr) al estudio de las aguas subterráneas en la Cuenca de Keta (Ghana), haciendo énfasis en acuíferos salinizados. Las proporciones de 87Sr/86Sr en las aguas subterráneas y superficiales de la Cuenca de Keta reflejan, fundamentalmente, la geología y la composición mineralógica de las formaciones dominantes en las zonas de captación y de recarga. La composición isotópica de las aguas subterráneas profundas presenta variaciones pequeñas en 18O y 2H y se acerca a la línea meteórica mundial. Las aguas subterráneas someras y las superficiales presentan variaciones considerablemente mayores en la composición isotópica, hecho que refleja la evaporación y las fluctuaciones estacionales. Como resultado de la combinación entre evaporación e influencia marina, se observa un exceso significativo de cloruros en las aguas subterráneas someras en comparación con las pérdidas por evaporación. Las aguas subterráneas de pozos profundos y de pozos excavados en acuíferos cercanos a la costa se caracterizan por sus contenidos relativamente altos de cloruros. La influencia marina se evidencia por las líneas de mezcla bien definidas por los isótopos del estroncio y los isótopos estables del hidrógeno y oxígeno, mientras que la composición isotópica del agua marina se comporta como punto extremo de dichas líneas. Los resultados obtenidos en este trabajo a partir de los isótopos ambientales demuestran que el enfoque multi-isotópico es una herramienta útil para identificar el origen y las fuentes de aguas subterráneas salinas.

Geostatistical mapping of leakance in a regional aquitard, Oak Ridges Moraine area, Ontario, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desbarats, A. J.; Hinton, M. J.; Logan, C. E.; Sharpe, D. R.

2001-01-01

The Newmarket Till forms a regionally extensive aquitard separating two major aquifer systems in the Greater Toronto area, Canada. The till is incised, and sometimes eroded entirely, by a network of sand- and gravel-filled channels forming productive aquifers and, locally, high-conductivity windows between aquifer systems. Leakage through the till may also be substantial in places. This study investigates the spatial variability of aquitard leakance in order to assess the relative importance of recharge processes to the lower aquifers. With a large database derived from water-well records and containing both hard and soft information, the Sequential Indicator Simulation method is used to generate maps of aquitard thickness and window probability. These can be used for targeting channel aquifers and for identifying potential areas of recharge to the lower aquifers. Conductivities are modeled from sparse data assuming that their correlation range is much smaller than the grid spacing. Block-scale leakances are obtained by upscaling nodal values based on simulated conductivity and thickness fields. Under the "aquifer-flow'' assumption, upscaling is performed by arithmetic spatial averaging. Histograms and maps of upscaled leakances show that heterogeneities associated with aquitard windows have the largest effect on regional groundwater flow patterns. Résumé. La moraine glaciaire de Newmarket constitue un imperméable d'extension régionale séparant deux systèmes aquifères dans la région du Grand Toronto (Canada). La moraine est entaillée, et parfois entièrement érodée, par un réseau de chenaux comblés de sables et de graviers formant des aquifères productifs et, localement, des «fenêtres», zones à forte conductivité hydraulique reliant les systèmes aquifères. Une drainance au travers de la moraine peut également être significative par endroits. Cette étude s'intéresse à la variabilité spatiale de la drainance au travers de l'imperméable, dans le but d'évaluer l'importance relative des processus d'alimentation des aquifères inférieurs. À partir d'une vaste base de données constituée par les mesures faites dans les puits et contenant des informations à la fois certaines et incertaines, la méthode de simulation par indicateur séquentiel est utilisée pour créer des cartes d'épaisseur de l'imperméable et de probabilité d'existence des fenêtres. Ces cartes peuvent être utilisées pour mettre en évidence les aquifères de chenaux et pour identifier les zones potentielles de recharge des aquifères inférieurs. Les conductivités hydrauliques sont modélisées à partir de données clairsemées en supposant que leur gamme de corrélation est beaucoup plus faible que le pas de la grille. La drainance à l'échelle des blocs est obtenue par accroissement du niveau d'échelle des valeurs nodales basé sur les champs de conductivité simulée et des épaisseurs. À partir de l'hypothèse d'écoulement dans l'aquifère, l'accroissement d'échelle est réalisé en faisant une moyenne arithmétique spatiale. Des histogrammes et des cartes de drainance avec accroissement d'échelle montrent que les hétérogénéités associées aux fenêtres dans l'imperméable constituent l'effet le plus important dans l'organisation des écoulements souterrains régionaux. Resumen. El Till de Newmarket forma un acuitardo de extensión regional que separa dos sistemas acuíferos principales en la zona de Greater Toronto (Canadá). El till está horadado, y a veces completamente erosionado, por una red de canales rellenos de arena y grava. Estos constituyen acuíferos productivos y, localmente, conexiones de alta permeabilidad entre sistemas acuíferos. El goteo a través del till puede ser fundamental en ciertos lugares. Este estudio investiga la variabilidad espacial del goteo desde el acuitardo con el fin de establecer la importancia relativa de los procesos de recarga hacia los acuíferos inferiores. Se ha utilizado el método de la Simulación Indicadora Secuencial, soportado por una gran base de datos que contiene registros de sondeos e incluye información blanda y dura, para generar mapas de espesor del acuitardo y mapas de probabilidad de discontinuidades laterales en el acuitardo. Estos resultados se pueden emplear para identificar canales y las zonas de recarga potencial a los acuíferos inferiores. Se han modelado las conductividades a partir de datos dispersos, suponiendo que la distancia de correlación es mucho menor que el espaciado de la malla. Se han calculado valores de goteo a escala de bloque por medio del escalado de los valores nodales, basándose en los campos simulados de conductividad y espesor. El escalado se calcula mediante un promedio aritmético espacial, bajo la hipótesis de "flujo en el acuífero". Los histogramas y mapas de goteos escalados muestran que las heterogeneidades asociadas a las discontinuidades en el acuitardo producen el efecto más notable en la distribución regional del flujo de aguas subterráneas.

Groundwater flow in a volcanic-sedimentary coastal aquifer: Telde area, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabrera, M. C.; Custodio, E.

Groundwater conditions in a 75- km2 coastal area around the town of Telde in eastern Gran Canaria island have been studied. Pliocene to Recent volcanic materials are found, with an intercalated detrital formation (LPDF), which is a characteristic of the area. Groundwater development has become intensive since the 1950s, mostly for intensive agricultural irrigation and municipal water supply. The LPDF is one order of magnitude more transmissive and permeable than the underlying Phonolitic Formation when median values are compared (150 and 15 m2 day-1 5 and 0.5 m day-1, respectively). These two formations are highly heterogeneous and the ranges of expected well productivities partly overlap. The overlying recent basalts constituted a good aquifer several decades ago but now are mostly drained, except in the southern areas. Average values of drainable porosity (specific yield) seem to be about 0.03 to 0.04, or higher. Groundwater development has produced a conspicuous strip where the watertable has been drawn down as much as 40 m in 20 years, although the inland watertable elevation is much less affected. Groundwater reserve depletion contributes only about 5% of ed water, and more than 60% of this is transmitted from inland areas. Groundwater discharge into the sea may still be significant, perhaps 30% of total inflow to the area is discharged to the sea although this value is very uncertain. Les conditions de gisement de l'eau souterraine d'une région de 75 km2 de la côte Est de l'île de la Grande Canarie (archipel des Canaries), dans le secteur de Telde, ont été étudiées, en utilisant seulement les données fournies par les puits d'exploitation existants. Les matériaux volcaniques, d'âge Pliocène à sub-actuel, sont séparés par une formation détritique (FDLP), qui constitue la principale singularité de cette région. L'exploitation de l'eau souterraine est devenue intensive à partir de 1950, principalement pour des besoins d'irrigation (agriculture intensive) et d'alimentation en eau des zones urbaines. La comparaison des valeurs médianes montre que la FDLP est d'un ordre de grandeur plus transmissive et perméable que les formations volcaniques phonolitiques au-dessous (respectivement 150 et 15 m2/jour 5 et 0,5 m/jour). Néanmoins, ces deux formations sont très hétérogènes et les deux gammes de valeurs de productivité des puits se recouvrent. Les Basaltes récents au-dessus qui constituaient, il y a encore quelques décades, un bon aquifère, sont presque entièrement desaturés à l'heure actuelle, a exception faite de la partie sud. Les valeurs moyennes de porosité drainable (efficace) sont de l'ordre de 0,03 à 0,04, voire localement plus élevées. L'exploitation des eaux souterraines a induit de forts rebattements au long d'une zone littorale (d'environ 40 m au cours des 20 dernières années), alors que la surface piézométrique est moins affectée en amont vers le centre de l'île. La diminution de la réserve des eaux souterraines dans la zone étudiée représente seulement 5% des volumes d'eau extraits. Plus de 60% proviennent du centre de l'île. Les écoulements vers la mer peuvent être significatifs, (environ 30% des entrées totales) bien que cette estimation soit sujeté à une très forte incertitude. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio detallado de una zona costera de 75 km2 situada en la costa del Municipio de Telde, al Este de la isla de Gran Canaria, en el Archipiélago Canario. En ella se encuentran materiales volcánicos de edad Pliocena a Reciente, con una formación detrítica intercalada (FDLP), que constituye la máxima singularidad del área. La explotación de las aguas subterráneas ha sido intensiva a partir de la década de 1950, fundamentalmente para el riego de cultivos intensivos y para el suministro a la población. Comparando las medianas de los valores de transmisividad y permeabilidad entre la FDLP y la Formación Fonolítica que está debajo (140 a 15 m2/día y 5 a 0,5 m/día respectivamente) se comprueba que la primera es un orden de magnitud más transmisiva y permeable que la segunda, aunque ambas formaciones son muy heterogéneas y los rangos de productividad esperables en los pozos se solapan entre sí. Los Basaltos Recientes que están encima fueron un buen acuífero hace algunas décadas, pero en la actualidad han sido drenados casi en su totalidad, excepto en el sector Sur. Los valores medios de la porosidad drenable (eficaz) parecen estar alrededor de 0,03 a 0,04, o más. La explotación de las aguas subterráneas ha producido una franja con un destacado descenso de los niveles piezométricos, que alcanza los 40 m en 20 años, aunque la superficie piezométrica hacia el centro de la isla está menos afectada. El descenso calculado en la reserva de aguas subterráneas alcanza solamente un 5% del agua extraída y más de un 60% se transmite desde las cumbres de la isla. La descarga al mar puede ser aún significativa, quizás el 30% de las entradas totales, aunque esta cifra es muy incierta.

Extraterrestrial hydrogeology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Victor R.; Dohm, James M.; Fairén, Alberto G.; Ferré, Ty P. A.; Ferris, Justin C.; Miyamoto, Hideaki; Schulze-Makuch, Dirk

2005-03-01

Subsurface water processes are common for planetary bodies in the solar system and are highly probable for exoplanets (planets outside the solar system). For many solar system objects, the subsurface water exists as ice. For Earth and Mars, subsurface saturated zones have occurred throughout their planetary histories. Earth is mostly clement with the recharge of most groundwater reservoirs from ample precipitation during transient ice- and hot-house conditions, as recorded through the geologic and fossilized records. On the other hand, Mars is mostly in an ice-house stage, which is interrupted by endogenic-driven activity. This activity catastrophically drives short-lived hydrological cycling and associated climatic perturbations. Regional aquifers in the Martian highlands that developed during past, more Earth-like conditions delivered water to the northern plains. Water was also cycled to the South Polar Region during changes in climate induced by endogenic activity and/or by changes in Mars' orbital parameters. Venus very likely had a warm hydrosphere for hundreds of millions of years, before the development of its current extremely hot atmosphere and surface. Subsequently, Venus lost its hydrosphere as solar luminosity increased and a run-away moist greenhouse took effect. Subsurface oceans of water or ammonia-water composition, induced by tidal forces and radiogenic heating, probably occur on the larger satellites Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, Titan, and Triton. Tidal forces operating between some of the small bodies of the outer solar system could also promote the fusion of ice and the stability of inner liquid-water oceans. Les processus de subsurface impliquant l'eau sont communs pour les corps planétaires du système solaire et sont très probables sur les exoplanètes (planètes en dehors du système solaire). Pour plusieurs objets du systèmes solaire, l'eau de subsurface est présente sous forme de glace. Pour la Terre et Mars, les zones saturées de subsurface apparaissent à travers toute leur histoire planétaire. La Terre est particulièrement clémente avec la recharge des réservoirs, avec de amples précipitations, des conditions glaciaires et de fortes chaleurs, comme l'atteste les enregistrements géologiques et paléontologiques. D'un autre côté, Mars se trouve dans une phase essentiellement glaciaire, qui est interrompue par des activités contraintes par les phénomènes endogéniques. Cette activité conduit de manière catastrophique à des cycles hydrologiques et à des perturbations climatiques brutaux. Les aquifères régionaux dans les haute terres martiennes qui se sont formés dans des conditions similaires aux conditions terrestres, alimentent les plaines du Nord. L'eau a également été déplacée vers le Pôle Sud martien durant des changements marqués par une forte activité endogénique et une modification des paramètres de l'orbite de Mars. Venus possèdait vrais emblablement une hydrosphère chaude durant des millions d'année, avant le développement de son atmosphère et sa surface particulièrement chaude. Par après Venus a perdit son hydrosphère alors que la luminosité solaire augmentait et qu'une humidité liée à un effet de serre s'installait. Les océans de subsurface d'eau ou d'eau ammoniacale, induits par les forces de marée et le chauffage radiogénique, apparaissent probablement sur les satellites les plus importants (Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, Titan, Triton). Les forces de marée entre les petits corps externes du système solaire peuvent également occasionner la fusion de glace et la stabilité des océans internes d'eau liquide. Los procesos hídricos subsuperficiales son comunes en cuerpos planetarios del sistema solar y son altamente probables para exoplanetas (planetas fuera del sistema solar). Para muchos cuerpos del sistema solar, el agua subsuperficial existe como hielo. Para la Tierra y Marte han ocurrido zonas saturadas subsuperficiales a través de sus historias planetarias. La Tierra es principalmente generosa con la recarga de la mayoría de reservorios de aguas subterráneas a partir de amplia precipitación reconocida en condiciones transitorias calientes y heladas, tal y como aparece en los registros fósiles y geológicos. Por otro lado, Marte se encuentra principalmente en una etapade cámara de hielo la cual es interrumpida por actividad de tipo endogénico. Esta actividad pone en funcionamiento catastróficamente ciclos hidrológicos de vida corta y perturbaciones climáticas asociadas. Acuíferos regionales en las montañas de Marte que se desarrollaron en el pasado en condiciones similares a la Tierra distribuyen agua a las planicies del norte. El agua ha sido transportada hacia el sur de la región polar durante cambios en el clima inducidos por actividad endogénica y/o cambios en los parámetros orbitales de Marte. Venus muy probablemente tuvo una hidrósfera caliente durante cientos de millones de años, antes de que se desarrollara su atmósfera y superficie actual extremadamente caliente. Subsecuentemente, Venus perdió su hidrósfera a medida que la luminosidad solar aumentó y un efecto de invernadero húmedo escapatorio se llevó a cabo. Océanos subsuperficiales de composición agua o amoniaco-agua, inducidos por fuerzas de marea y calentamiento radiogénico, probablemente ocurren en los satélites más grandes como Europa, Ganimeda, Callisto, Titan y Triton. Las fuerzas de marea que operan entre los cuerpos pequeños del sistema solar externo podrían también promover la fusión de hielo y la estabilidad de líquido interno-aguas de los océanos.

Clones in the Classroom: A Daily Diary Study of the Nonshared Environmental Relationship Between Monozygotic Twin Differences in School Experience and Achievement

PubMed Central

Asbury, Kathryn; Almeida, David; Hibel, Jacob; Harlaar, Nicole; Plomin, Robert

2010-01-01

Do genetically identical children experience the same classroom differently? Are nonshared classroom experiences associated with differences in achievement? We designed a telephone diary measure which we administered every school day for 2 weeks to 122 10-year-olds in 61 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs. Each pair shared genes, a classroom, peers and a teacher. We found that MZ twins did experience their classrooms differently (rMZ < 0.65 for all measures of classroom experience). Furthermore, MZ differences in peer problems were significantly associated with MZ differences in Mathematics achievement (ES = 8%); differences in positivity about school were significantly associated with differences in Mathematics (ES = 15%) and Science (ES = 8%) achievement; and differences in ‘flow’ in Science lessons were associated with differences in Science achievement (ES = 12%). In a multiple regression analysis, MZ differences in positivity about school significantly predicted MZ differences in Mathematics achievement (R2 = 0.16, p < .01) and MZ differences in ‘flow’ in Science significantly predicted MZ differences in Science achievement (R2 = 0.10, p < .05). These results indicate that MZ twins experience the classroom differently and that differences in their experience are associated with differences in their achievement. PMID:19016614

Different preferences or different opportunities? Explaining race differentials in the academic achievement of friends

PubMed Central

Flashman, Jennifer

2015-01-01

A popular explanation for race and ethnic disparities in academic achievement is that minorities are exposed to different peers and have different opportunities to make friends with high-achievers. Although we know that adolescents from different race and ethnic groups attend different schools and that they choose different friends, we do not know how these different opportunities affect the friends they make. This paper fills this gap by studying how the opportunities within adolescents’ schools affect race and ethnic differences in the academic characteristics of friends. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and the conditional logit and opportunities framework, I account for adolescents’ different opportunities to make friends both within and across schools. Ignoring their different opportunities, Black and Latino adolescents’ nominated friends have significantly lower levels of achievement than white adolescents. After accounting for their different opportunities to make friends within and between schools, race and ethnic differences in the achievement characteristics of friends disappear. If Black and Latino adolescents’ opportunity structures were identical to white adolescents’, their probabilities of nominating high-achieving friends would not differ. PMID:23017858

Advance directives in english and French law: different concepts, different values, different societies.

PubMed

Horn, Ruth Judith

2014-03-01

In Western societies advance directives are widely recognised as important means to extend patient self-determination under circumstances of incapacity. Following other countries, England and France have adopted legislation aiming to clarify the legal status of advance directives. In this paper, I will explore similarities and differences in both sets of legislation, the arguments employed in the respective debates and the socio-political structures on which these differences are based. The comparison highlights how different legislations express different concepts emphasising different values accorded to the duty to respect autonomy and to protect life, and how these differences are informed by different socio-political contexts. Furthermore each country associates different ethical concerns with ADs which raise doubts about whether these directives are a theoretical idea which is hardly applicable in practice.

Modelling individual difference in visual categorization.

PubMed

Shen, Jianhong; Palmeri, Thomas J

Recent years has seen growing interest in understanding, characterizing, and explaining individual differences in visual cognition. We focus here on individual differences in visual categorization. Categorization is the fundamental visual ability to group different objects together as the same kind of thing. Research on visual categorization and category learning has been significantly informed by computational modeling, so our review will focus both on how formal models of visual categorization have captured individual differences and how individual difference have informed the development of formal models. We first examine the potential sources of individual differences in leading models of visual categorization, providing a brief review of a range of different models. We then describe several examples of how computational models have captured individual differences in visual categorization. This review also provides a bit of an historical perspective, starting with models that predicted no individual differences, to those that captured group differences, to those that predict true individual differences, and to more recent hierarchical approaches that can simultaneously capture both group and individual differences in visual categorization. Via this selective review, we see how considerations of individual differences can lead to important theoretical insights into how people visually categorize objects in the world around them. We also consider new directions for work examining individual differences in visual categorization.

Modelling individual difference in visual categorization

PubMed Central

Shen, Jianhong; Palmeri, Thomas J.

2016-01-01

Recent years has seen growing interest in understanding, characterizing, and explaining individual differences in visual cognition. We focus here on individual differences in visual categorization. Categorization is the fundamental visual ability to group different objects together as the same kind of thing. Research on visual categorization and category learning has been significantly informed by computational modeling, so our review will focus both on how formal models of visual categorization have captured individual differences and how individual difference have informed the development of formal models. We first examine the potential sources of individual differences in leading models of visual categorization, providing a brief review of a range of different models. We then describe several examples of how computational models have captured individual differences in visual categorization. This review also provides a bit of an historical perspective, starting with models that predicted no individual differences, to those that captured group differences, to those that predict true individual differences, and to more recent hierarchical approaches that can simultaneously capture both group and individual differences in visual categorization. Via this selective review, we see how considerations of individual differences can lead to important theoretical insights into how people visually categorize objects in the world around them. We also consider new directions for work examining individual differences in visual categorization. PMID:28154496

What makes siblings different? The development of sibling differences in academic achievement and interests.

PubMed

Jensen, Alexander C; McHale, Susan M

2015-06-01

To illuminate processes that contribute to the development of sibling differences, this study examined cross-lagged links between parents' beliefs about sibling differences in academic ability and differences between siblings' grade point averages (GPAs), and cross-lagged links between differences in siblings' GPAs and sibling differences in academic interests. Data were collected from mothers, fathers, firstborn youth (M age at Time 1 = 15.71, SD = 1.07), and secondborn youth (M age at Time 1 = 13.18, SD = 1.29) from 388 European American families on 3 annual occasions. Findings revealed that, after controlling for siblings' average grades and prior differences in performance, parents' beliefs about sibling differences in academic ability predicted differences in performance such that youth rated by parents as relatively more competent than their sibling earned relatively higher grades the following year. Siblings' relative school performance, however, did not predict parents' beliefs about differences between siblings' competencies. Further, after controlling for average interests and grades, sibling differences in GPA predicted differences in siblings' interests such that youth who had better grades than their siblings reported relatively stronger academic interests the following year. Differences in interest, however, did not predict sibling differences in GPA. Findings are discussed in terms the role of sibling dynamics in family socialization. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

What Makes Siblings Different? The Development of Sibling Differences in Academic Achievement and Interests

PubMed Central

Jensen, Alexander C.; McHale, Susan M.

2015-01-01

To illuminate processes that contribute to the development of sibling differences, this study examined cross lagged links between parents’ beliefs about sibling differences in academic ability and differences between siblings’ grade point averages (GPAs), and cross lagged links between differences in siblings’ GPAs and sibling differences in academic interests. Data were collected from mothers, fathers, firstborn (M age at Time 1 = 15.71, SD = 1.07) and secondborn (M age at Time 1 = 13.18, SD = 1.29) youth from 388 European American Families on three annual occasions. Findings revealed that, after controlling for siblings’ average grades and prior differences in performance, parents’ beliefs about sibling differences in academic ability predicted differences in performance such that youth rated by parents as relatively more competent than their sibling earned relatively higher grades the following year. Siblings’ relative school performance, however, did not predict parents’ beliefs about differences between siblings’ competencies. Further, after controlling for average interests and grades, sibling differences in GPA predicted differences in siblings’ interests such that youth who had better grades than their siblings reported relatively stronger academic interests the following year. Differences in interest, however, did not predict sibling differences in GPA. Findings are discussed in terms the role of sibling dynamics in family socialization. PMID:26053351

Kinds of access: different methods for report reveal different kinds of metacognitive access

PubMed Central

Overgaard, Morten; Sandberg, Kristian

2012-01-01

In experimental investigations of consciousness, participants are asked to reflect upon their own experiences by issuing reports about them in different ways. For this reason, a participant needs some access to the content of her own conscious experience in order to report. In such experiments, the reports typically consist of some variety of ratings of confidence or direct descriptions of one's own experiences. Whereas different methods of reporting are typically used interchangeably, recent experiments indicate that different results are obtained with different kinds of reporting. We argue that there is not only a theoretical, but also an empirical difference between different methods of reporting. We hypothesize that differences in the sensitivity of different scales may reveal that different types of access are used to issue direct reports about experiences and metacognitive reports about the classification process. PMID:22492747

Multi-cultural Aspects of Spatial Knowledge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Andrew U.

It is trivial to observe differences between cultures: people use different languages, have different modes of building houses and organize their cities differently, to mention only a few. Differences in the culture of different people were and still are one of the main reasons for travel to foreign countries. The question whether cultural differences are relevant for the construction of Geographic Information Systems is longstanding (Burrough et al. 1995) and is of increasing interest since geographic information is widely accessible using the web and users volunteer information to be included in the system (Goodchild 2007). The review of how the question of cultural differences was posed at different times reveals a great deal about the conceptualization of GIS at different times and makes a critical review interesting.

[Sex differences and anesthesiology: preface and comments].

PubMed

Nishno, Takashi

2009-01-01

In this special issue, the topic of sex difference in the field of anesthesiology is featured. Eight subtopics are discussed including 1) sex differences in cardiovascular medicine, 2) perioperative cardiovascular management, 3) sex differences in the respiratory functions of the upper airway, 4) sex differences in the anesthetic management, 5) sex differences in pain, 6) sex differences in laboratory medicine, 7) sex differences in pharmacokinetics of anesthetics, and 8) postoperative nausea and vomiting. Although recent clinical and experimental studies have shown the existence of sex and/or gender differences in many fields of medicine, our knowledge of sex differences in anesthesiology is apparently insufficient. I believe that anesthesiologists should pay more attention to this topic to improve our daily practice of anesthesia.

Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Investigation of Water Dynamics in Different Ginger Cultivars.

PubMed

Huang, Chongyang; Zhou, Qi; Gao, Shan; Bao, Qingjia; Chen, Fang; Liu, Chaoyang

2016-01-20

Different ginger cultivars may contain different nutritional and medicinal values. In this study, a time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance method was employed to study water dynamics in different ginger cultivars. Significant differences in transverse relaxation time T2 values assigned to the distribution of water in different parts of the plant were observed between Henan ginger and four other ginger cultivars. Ion concentration and metabolic analysis showed similar differences in Mn ion concentrations and organic solutes among the different ginger cultivars, respectively. On the basis of Pearson's correlation analysis, many organic solutes and 6-gingerol, the main active substance of ginger, exhibited significant correlations with water distribution as determined by NMR T2 relaxation, suggesting that the organic solute differences may impact water distribution. Our work demonstrates that low-field NMR relaxometry provides useful information about water dynamics in different ginger cultivars as affected by the presence of different organic solutes.

Race Differences and Type II Errors: A Comment on Borkowski and Krause.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jensen, Arthur R.

1985-01-01

Borkowski and Krause (1983) concluded that the locus of black-white intelligence differences lies in metaprocesses not elementary cognitive processes. However, some variables were difference scores with unacceptably low reliability. Magnitude comparisons of racial differences give a different picture of results; comparable differences in measures…

Simulated Critical Differences for Speech Reception Thresholds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pedersen, Ellen Raben; Juhl, Peter Møller

2017-01-01

Purpose: Critical differences state by how much 2 test results have to differ in order to be significantly different. Critical differences for discrimination scores have been available for several decades, but they do not exist for speech reception thresholds (SRTs). This study presents and discusses how critical differences for SRTs can be…

Chapter 11. Vegetative manipulation with prescribed burning

Treesearch

Steven G. Whisenant

2004-01-01

Plant responses to fire differ because of phenological variations at the time of burning, inherently different susceptibilities to heat damage, differing regenerative abilities, and different responses to the postfire environment. Individual plants of the same or different species may have different responses to fire because of local variations in fire temperature or...

College Student Samples Are Not Always Equivalent: The Magnitude of Personality Differences Across Colleges and Universities.

PubMed

Corker, Katherine S; Donnellan, M Brent; Kim, Su Yeong; Schwartz, Seth J; Zamboanga, Byron L

2017-04-01

This research examined the magnitude of personality differences across different colleges and universities to understand (a) how much students at different colleges vary from one another and (b) whether there are site-level variables that can explain observed differences. Nearly 8,600 students at 30 colleges and universities completed a Big Five personality trait measure. Site-level information was obtained from the Integrated Postsecondary Education System database (U.S. Department of Education). Multilevel models revealed that each of the Big Five traits showed significant between-site variability, even after accounting for individual-level demographic differences. Some site-level variables (e.g., enrollment size, requiring letters of recommendation) explained between-site differences in traits, but many tests were not statistically significant. Student samples at different universities differed in terms of average levels of Big Five personality domains. This raises the possibility that personality differences may explain differences in research results obtained when studying students at different colleges and universities. Furthermore, results suggest that research that compares findings for only a few sites (e.g., much cross-cultural research) runs the risk of overgeneralizing differences between specific samples to broader group differences. These results underscore the value of multisite collaborative research efforts to enhance psychological research. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Multiple Correlation versus Multiple Regression.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huberty, Carl J.

2003-01-01

Describes differences between multiple correlation analysis (MCA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA), showing how these approaches involve different research questions and study designs, different inferential approaches, different analysis strategies, and different reported information. (SLD)

Thinking Differently about Difference. Think Global Thinkpiece 2012 Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Fran

2012-01-01

In this thinkpiece Fran Martin looks at cultural similarity and difference within the context of global learning. The use of the words similarity and difference are often heard in the context of global learning. Drawing on academic theory, Martin, explores three different ways of thinking about cultural similarity and difference followed by a…

Eye Movements when Looking at Unusual/Weird Scenes: Are There Cultural Differences?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rayner, Keith; Castelhano, Monica S.; Yang, Jinmian

2009-01-01

Recent studies have suggested that eye movement patterns while viewing scenes differ for people from different cultural backgrounds and that these differences in how scenes are viewed are due to differences in the prioritization of information (background or foreground). The current study examined whether there are cultural differences in how…

The Different Benefits from Different Gestures in Understanding a Concept

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kang, Seokmin; Hallman, Gregory L.; Son, Lisa K.; Black, John B.

2013-01-01

Explanations are typically accompanied by hand gestures. While research has shown that gestures can help learners understand a particular concept, different learning effects in different types of gesture have been less understood. To address the issues above, the current study focused on whether different types of gestures lead to different levels…

Color-quality control using color-difference formulas: progress and problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melgosa, M.; Gómez-Robledo, L.; García, P. A.; Morillas, S.; Fernández-Maloigne, C.; Richard, N.; Huang, M.; Li, C.; Cui, G.

2017-08-01

We report on some recent advances in industrial color-difference evaluation focused in three main fields: Development of reliable experimental visual datasets; proposal of new color spaces and color-difference formulas; tools to evaluate the merits of color-difference formulas. The use of fuzzy techniques to assign consistency degrees to color pairs in combined visual datasets is described. The CIE/ISO joint proposal of the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula as a standard will facilitate the communication among companies and users. The CIE recommendation of the STRESS index to assess observers' variability and relative merits of different color-difference formulas is reported. Power functions are an efficient method to improve the performance of modern color-difference formulas. We need of advanced color-difference formulas accounting for new materials with different kind of textures and gonioapparent effects.

Detection of Nonverbal Synchronization through Phase Difference in Human Communication

PubMed Central

Kwon, Jinhwan; Ogawa, Ken-ichiro; Ono, Eisuke; Miyake, Yoshihiro

2015-01-01

Nonverbal communication is an important factor in human communication, and body movement synchronization in particular is an important part of nonverbal communication. Some researchers have analyzed body movement synchronization by focusing on changes in the amplitude of body movements. However, the definition of “body movement synchronization” is still unclear. From a theoretical viewpoint, phase difference is the most important factor in synchronization analysis. Therefore, there is a need to measure the synchronization of body movements using phase difference. The purpose of this study was to provide a quantitative definition of the phase difference distribution for detecting body movement synchronization in human communication. The phase difference distribution was characterized using four statistical measurements: density, mean phase difference, standard deviation (SD) and kurtosis. To confirm the effectiveness of our definition, we applied it to human communication in which the roles of speaker and listener were defined. Specifically, we examined the difference in the phase difference distribution between two different communication situations: face-to-face communication with visual interaction and remote communication with unidirectional visual perception. Participant pairs performed a task supposing lecture in the face-to-face communication condition and in the remote communication condition via television. Throughout the lecture task, we extracted a set of phase differences from the time-series data of the acceleration norm of head nodding motions between two participants. Statistical analyses of the phase difference distribution revealed the characteristics of head nodding synchronization. Although the mean phase differences in synchronized head nods did not differ significantly between the conditions, there were significant differences in the densities, the SDs and the kurtoses of the phase difference distributions of synchronized head nods. These results show the difference in nonverbal synchronization between different communication types. Our study indicates that the phase difference distribution is useful in detecting nonverbal synchronization in various human communication situations. PMID:26208100

Detection of Nonverbal Synchronization through Phase Difference in Human Communication.

PubMed

Kwon, Jinhwan; Ogawa, Ken-ichiro; Ono, Eisuke; Miyake, Yoshihiro

2015-01-01

Nonverbal communication is an important factor in human communication, and body movement synchronization in particular is an important part of nonverbal communication. Some researchers have analyzed body movement synchronization by focusing on changes in the amplitude of body movements. However, the definition of "body movement synchronization" is still unclear. From a theoretical viewpoint, phase difference is the most important factor in synchronization analysis. Therefore, there is a need to measure the synchronization of body movements using phase difference. The purpose of this study was to provide a quantitative definition of the phase difference distribution for detecting body movement synchronization in human communication. The phase difference distribution was characterized using four statistical measurements: density, mean phase difference, standard deviation (SD) and kurtosis. To confirm the effectiveness of our definition, we applied it to human communication in which the roles of speaker and listener were defined. Specifically, we examined the difference in the phase difference distribution between two different communication situations: face-to-face communication with visual interaction and remote communication with unidirectional visual perception. Participant pairs performed a task supposing lecture in the face-to-face communication condition and in the remote communication condition via television. Throughout the lecture task, we extracted a set of phase differences from the time-series data of the acceleration norm of head nodding motions between two participants. Statistical analyses of the phase difference distribution revealed the characteristics of head nodding synchronization. Although the mean phase differences in synchronized head nods did not differ significantly between the conditions, there were significant differences in the densities, the SDs and the kurtoses of the phase difference distributions of synchronized head nods. These results show the difference in nonverbal synchronization between different communication types. Our study indicates that the phase difference distribution is useful in detecting nonverbal synchronization in various human communication situations.

Sex differences and sexual orientation differences in personality: findings from the BBC Internet survey.

PubMed

Lippa, Richard A

2008-02-01

Analyzing a large international data set generated by a BBC Internet survey, I examined sex differences and sexual orientation differences in six personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, disagreeable assertiveness, masculine versus feminine occupational preferences (MF-Occ), and self-ascribed masculinity-femininity (Self-MF). Consistent with previous research, sex differences and sexual orientation differences were largest for MF-Occ and for Self-MF. In general, heterosexual-homosexual differences mirrored sex differences in personality, with gay men shifted in female-typical and lesbians in male-typical directions. Bisexual men scored intermediate between heterosexual and gay men on MF-Occ; however, they were slightly more feminine than gay men on Self-MF. Bisexual women scored intermediate between heterosexual women and lesbians on both MF-Occ and Self-MF. Sex differences and sexual orientation differences in MF-Occ, Self-MF, and other personality traits were consistent across five nations/world regions (the UK, USA, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and Western Europe), thereby suggesting a biological component to these differences.

Argonne model analyzes water footprint of biofuels | Argonne National

Science.gov Websites

more information, please visit science.energy.gov. Different types of biofuels have different researchers analyze those differences. Different types of biofuels have different environmental and water

The Effect of Different Feedback on Writing Quality of College Students with Different Cognitive Styles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wahyuni, Sri

2017-01-01

Feedback provision in the process of writing has been believed that it is beneficial. However, different strategies of providing feedback may affect differently on writing quality of students. This study aimed at investigating the effect of different feedback provision on the writing quality of students having different cognitive styles. By…

Syndrome or Difference: A Critical Review of Medical Conceptualisations of Asperger's Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wheeler, Marc

2011-01-01

We live in a world of vast social differences. People of different ages, cultures, religions, gender and sexual orientation have, and indeed are expected to have, distinct differences in their behaviour, and in the way that they see the world. Asperger's syndrome (AS) is no different. People with AS have different personality types and have…

Different reference frames can lead to different hand transplantation decisions by patients and physicians.

PubMed

Edgell, S E; McCabe, S J; Breidenbach, W C; Neace, W P; LaJoie, A S; Abell, T D

2001-03-01

Different frames of reference can affect one's assessment of the value of hand transplantation. This can result in different yet rational decisions by different groups of individuals, especially patients and physicians. In addition, factors other than frames of reference can affect one's evaluation of hand transplantation, which can result in different decisions.

The effect of electronic health record implementation on community emergency department operational measures of performance.

PubMed

Ward, Michael J; Landman, Adam B; Case, Karen; Berthelot, Jessica; Pilgrim, Randy L; Pines, Jesse M

2014-06-01

We study the effect of an emergency department (ED) electronic health record implementation on the operational metrics of a diverse group of community EDs. We performed a retrospective before/after analysis of 23 EDs from a single management group that experienced ED electronic health record implementation (with the majority of electronic health records optimized specifically for ED use). We obtained electronic data for 4 length of stay measures (arrival to provider, admitted, discharged, and overall length of stay) and 4 measures of operational characteristics (left before treatment complete, significant returns, overall patient satisfaction, and provider efficiency). We compared the 6-month "baseline" period immediately before implementation with a "steady-state" period commencing 6 months after implementation for all 8 metrics. For the length of stay measures, there were no differences in the arrival-to-provider interval (difference of -0.02 hours; 95% confidence interval [CI] of difference -0.12 to 0.08), admitted length of stay (difference of 0.10 hours; 95% CI of difference -0.17 to 0.37), discharged length of stay (difference of 0.07 hours; 95% CI of difference -0.07 to 0.22), and overall length of stay (difference of 0.11 hours; 95% CI of difference -0.04 to 0.27). For operational characteristics, there were no differences in the percentage who left before treatment was complete (difference of 0.24%; 95% CI of difference -0.47% to 0.95%), significant returns (difference of -0.04%; 95% CI of difference -0.48% to 0.39%), overall percentile patient satisfaction (difference of -0.02%; 95% CI of difference -2.35% to 2.30%), and provider efficiency (difference of -0.05 patients/hour; 95% CI of difference -0.11 to 0.02). There is no meaningful difference in 8 measures of operational performance for community EDs experiencing optimized ED electronic health record implementation between a baseline and steady-state period. Copyright © 2014 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of diagnosis on treatment recommendations in chronic insomnia--a report from the APA/NIMH DSM-IV field trial.

PubMed

Buysse, D J; Reynolds, C F; Kupfer, D J; Thorpy, M J; Bixler, E; Kales, A; Manfredi, R; Vgontzas, A; Stepanski, E; Roth, T; Hauri, P; Stapf, D

1997-07-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether sleep specialists and nonspecialists recommend different treatments for different insomnia diagnoses according to two different diagnostic classifications. Two hundred sixteen patients with chronic insomnia at five sites were each interviewed by two clinicians: one sleep specialist and one nonsleep specialist. All interviewers indicated diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV); sleep specialists also indicated diagnoses according to the International Classification for Sleep Disorders (ICSD). Interviewers then indicated how strongly they would recommend each item in a standard list of treatment and diagnostic interventions for each patient. We examined differences in treatment recommendations among the six most common DSM-IV diagnoses assigned by sleep specialists at different sites (n = 192), among the six most common ICSD diagnoses assigned by sleep specialists at different sites (n = 153), and among the six most common DSM-IV diagnoses assigned by nonspecialists at different sites (n = 186). In each analysis, specific treatment and polysomnography recommendations differed significantly for different diagnoses, using either DSM-IV or ICSD criteria. Conversely, different diagnoses were associated with different rank orderings of specific treatment and diagnostic recommendations. Sleep specialist and nonspecialist interviewers each distinguished treatment recommendations among different diagnoses, but in general, nonspecialists more strongly recommended medications and relaxation treatments. Significant site-related differences in treatment recommendations also emerged. Differences in treatment recommendations support the distinction between different DSM-IV and ICSD diagnoses, although they do not provide formal validation. Site-related differences suggest a lack of consensus in how these disorders are conceptualized and treated.

Dental Age Difference in Children with ADHD.

PubMed

Wadhwa, Puneet; Yu, Qingzhao; Zhu, Han; Townsend, Janice A

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in dental development are associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or ADHD medications. This retrospective chart review evaluated the dental age of 128 patients between 6 and 16 years of age using the Demirjian method from the following two groups a) children with ADHD b) unaffected children. The ADHD group was further stratified into four groups according to the medication type. The impact of ADHD on dental age difference (the difference between dental age and chronologic age) was analyzed using T-test and the association between medication type and dental age difference was analyzed through one way ANOVA. The mean difference between estimated dental age and chronologic age (dental age difference) for all subjects was 0.80 years. There was no significant dental age difference in subjects with ADHD and the control group (0.78±1.28vs. 0.84 ±1.09 years respectively; P=0.75) and there was no significant difference in dental age difference and type of medication (P=0.84). No significant difference was found between children with ADHD and unaffected children with respect to dental age difference. No significant differences were found in dental age difference in the four medication groups.

Dissociating Normal Aging from Alzheimer’s Disease: A View from Cognitive Neuroscience

PubMed Central

Toepper, Max

2017-01-01

Both normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are associated with changes in cognition, grey and white matter volume, white matter integrity, neural activation, functional connectivity, and neurotransmission. Obviously, all of these changes are more pronounced in AD and proceed faster providing the basis for an AD diagnosis. Since these differences are quantitative, however, it was hypothesized that AD might simply reflect an accelerated aging process. The present article highlights the different neurocognitive changes associated with normal aging and AD and shows that, next to quantitative differences, there are multiple qualitative differences as well. These differences comprise different neurocognitive dissociations as different cognitive deficit profiles, different weights of grey and white matter atrophy, and different gradients of structural decline. These qualitative differences clearly indicate that AD cannot be simply described as accelerated aging process but on the contrary represents a solid entity. PMID:28269778

System and method employing a minimum distance and a load feature database to identify electric load types of different electric loads

DOEpatents

Lu, Bin; Yang, Yi; Sharma, Santosh K; Zambare, Prachi; Madane, Mayura A

2014-12-23

A method identifies electric load types of a plurality of different electric loads. The method includes providing a load feature database of a plurality of different electric load types, each of the different electric load types including a first load feature vector having at least four different load features; sensing a voltage signal and a current signal for each of the different electric loads; determining a second load feature vector comprising at least four different load features from the sensed voltage signal and the sensed current signal for a corresponding one of the different electric loads; and identifying by a processor one of the different electric load types by determining a minimum distance of the second load feature vector to the first load feature vector of the different electric load types of the load feature database.

Within-Cohort Age-Related Differences in Cognitive Functioning

PubMed Central

Salthouse, Timothy A.

2013-01-01

It is widely accepted that the level of cognitive functioning can be influenced by characteristics of the environment that change over time. Many developmental researchers have referred to these influences as cohort effects, and have used year of birth as the basis for determining cohort membership. Furthermore, age-related differences in cognitive functioning are sometimes assumed to be primarily attributable to cohort differences, which implies that differences between birth cohorts should be much larger than differences within birth cohorts. Comparisons of composite scores for five cognitive abilities in different people tested at different ages in different years revealed that within-cohort differences across ages were often as large as between-cohort differences across ages. These results lead to questions about the practice of relying on birth cohort to represent influences on cognitive functioning associated with temporal shifts in characteristics of the environment. PMID:23319401

Sex differences in human epilepsy.

PubMed

Savic, Ivanka

2014-09-01

In the majority of neuropsychiatric conditions, marked gender-based differences have been found in the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and therapy of disease. Emerging data suggest that gender differences exist also in the epidemiology, and pathophysiology of epilepsy. The present review summarizes the current information regarding gender and epilepsy. These differences are regarded from the perspective of innate sex differences in cerebral morphology, structural and functional connections, and assuming that these differences may render men and women differently vulnerable to epileptogenicity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solar Energy Innovation Network Video (Text Version) | Solar Research |

Science.gov Websites

country for many, many different locations. Kristen Ardani: The U.S. is a very diverse energy market and different areas of expertise, different backgrounds, different insights, and just different information that what a completely different system could look like. Chris Castro: I'm most excited about connecting

Differences in the ability of vegetation models to predict small mammal abundance in different aged Douglas-fir forests

Treesearch

Cathy A. Taylor; C. John Ralph; Arlene T. Doyle

1988-01-01

Three trapping techniques for small mammals were used in 47 study stands in northern California and southern Oregon and resulted in different capture frequencies by the different techniques. In addition, the abundances of mammals derived from the different techniques produced vegetation association models which were often quite different. Only the California redbacked...

Threat bias, not negativity bias, underpins differences in political ideology.

PubMed

Lilienfeld, Scott O; Latzman, Robert D

2014-06-01

Although disparities in political ideology are rooted partly in dispositional differences, Hibbing et al.'s analysis paints with an overly broad brush. Research on the personality correlates of liberal-conservative differences points not to global differences in negativity bias, but to differences in threat bias, probably emanating from differences in fearfulness. This distinction bears implications for etiological research and persuasion efforts.

Women's Health and Lung Development and Disease.

PubMed

Kocurek, Emily G; Hemnes, Anna R

2016-06-01

Although the lung is not traditionally thought of as an organ affected by sex-based differences, emerging literature elucidates major differences between men and women in the development, physiology, and predilection to and outcomes in lung diseases. These differences are driven by both differences in sex hormones and differences in environmental exposures. However, in many cases the underlying etiology of these sex- and gender-based differences is unknown. This article outlines the state-of-the-art knowledge on the etiology of sex differences in lung disease, including differences in lung development and physiology, and reviews therapy recommendations that are sex based. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Size Matters: Cerebral Volume Influences Sex Differences in Neuroanatomy

PubMed Central

Towler, Stephen; Welcome, Suzanne; Halderman, Laura K.; Otto, Ron; Eckert, Mark A.; Chiarello, Christine

2008-01-01

Biological and behavioral differences between the sexes range from obvious to subtle or nonexistent. Neuroanatomical differences are particularly controversial, perhaps due to the implication that they might account for behavioral differences. In this sample of 200 men and women, large effect sizes (Cohen's d > 0.8) were found for sex differences in total cerebral gray and white matter, cerebellum, and gray matter proportion (women had a higher proportion of gray matter). The only one of these sex differences that survived adjustment for the effect of cerebral volume was gray matter proportion. Individual differences in cerebral volume accounted for 21% of the difference in gray matter proportion, while sex accounted for an additional 4%. The relative size of the corpus callosum was 5% larger in women, but this difference was completely explained by a negative relationship between relative callosal size and cerebral volume. In agreement with Jancke et al., individuals with higher cerebral volume tended to have smaller corpora callosa. There were few sex differences in the size of structures in Broca's and Wernicke's area. We conclude that individual differences in brain volume, in both men and women, account for apparent sex differences in relative size. PMID:18440950

[Potential Carbon Fixation Capability of Non-photosynthetic Microbial Community at Different Depth of the South China Sea and Its Response to Different Electron Donors].

PubMed

Fang, Feng; Wang, Lei; Xi, Xue-fei; Hu, Jia-jun; Fu, Xiao-hua; Lu, Bing; Xu, Dian-sheng

2015-05-01

The seawater samples collected from many different areas with different depth in the South China Sea were cultivated using different electron donors respectively. And the variation in the potential carbon fixation capability ( PCFC ) of non-photosynthetic microbial community (NPMC) in seawater with different depth was determined after a cycle of cultivation through the statistic analysis. In addition, the cause for the variation was clarified through analyzing key gene abundance regarding CO2 fixation and characteristics of seawater with different depth. The result showed that the PCFCs of NPMC in seawater with different depth were generally low and had no significant difference when using NaNO2 as the electron donor. The PCFC of NPMC in surface seawater was higher than that in deep seawater when using H2 as the electron donor, on the contrary, the PCFC of NPMC in deep seawater was higher than that in surface seawater when using Na2S2O3 as the electron donor. The abundance of the main CO2 fixation gene cbbL in surface seawater was higher than that in deep seawater while the cbbM gene abundance in deep seawater was higher than that in surface seawater. Most hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria had the cbbL gene, and most sulfur bacteria had the cbbM gene. The tendency of seawater cbbL/cbbM gene abundance with the change of depth revealed that there were different kinds of bacteria accounting for the majority in NPMC fixing CO2 at different depth of ocean, which led to different response of PCFC of NPMC at different depth of the sea to different electron donors. The distributions of dissolved oxygen and inorganic carbon concentration with the change of the depth of the sea might be an important reason leading to the difference of NPMC structure and even the difference of PCFC at different depth of the sea.

[Paying attention to different health needs of different ethnic groups in process health for all program].

PubMed

Li, T G; Wang, M

2017-06-10

In recent years, great effort has been made in the promotion of health for all in China. Articles on column on chronic and non-communicable disease risk factors in Uighur population, analysis based on the investigation results of Uygur population health status in the Kashi area of Xinjiang of China and similar domestic and foreign studies showed that the health data in different countries are different. The differences in health related data exist in different ethnic groups even in same country or same ethnic group in different areas. Only by fully understanding the differences in disease and related factors among different ethnic groups, developing individualized health indicators and conducting targeted intervention, the goal of health for all can be achieved.

Diversity effect of capsaicin on different types of skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Zhou, Gan; Wang, Lina; Xu, Yaqiong; Yang, Kelin; Luo, Lv; Wang, Leshan; Li, Yongxiang; Wang, Jiawen; Shu, Gang; Wang, Songbo; Gao, Ping; Zhu, Xiaotong; Xi, Qianyun; Sun, Jiajie; Zhang, Yongliang; Jiang, Qingyan

2018-06-01

Capsaicin is a major pungent content in green and red peppers which are widely used as spice, and capsaicin may activate different receptors. To determine whether capsaicin has different effects on different types of skeletal muscle, we applied different concentrations (0, 0.01, and 0.02%) of capsaicin in the normal diet and conducted a four-week experiment on Sprague-Dawley rats. The fiber type composition, glucose metabolism enzyme activity, and different signaling molecules' expressions of receptors were detected. Our results suggested that capsaicin reduced the body fat deposition, while promoting the slow muscle-related gene expression and increasing the enzyme activity in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. However, fatty acid metabolism was significantly increased only in the soleus muscle. The study of intracellular signaling suggested that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and cannabinoid receptors in the soleus muscle were more sensitive to capsaicin. In conclusion, the distribution of TRPV1 and cannabinoid receptors differs in different types of muscle, and the different roles of capsaicin in different types of muscle may be related to the different degrees of activation of receptors.

How different data sources and definitions of neighbourhood influence the association between food outlet availability and body mass index: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Hobbs, Matthew; Green, Mark; Griffiths, Claire; Jordan, Hannah; Saunders, Joanna; McKenna, Jim

2017-05-01

Inconsistencies in methodologies continue to inhibit understanding of the impact of the environment on body mass index (BMI). To estimate the effect of these differences, we assessed the impact of using different definitions of neighbourhood and data sets on associations between food outlet availability within the environment and BMI. Previous research has not extended this to show any differences in the strength of associations between food outlet availability and BMI across both different definitions of neighbourhood and data sets. Descriptive statistics showed differences in the number of food outlets, particularly other food retail outlets between different data sets and definitions of neighbourhood. Despite these differences, our key finding was that across both different definitions of neighbourhood and data sets, there was very little difference in size of associations between food outlets and BMI. Researchers should consider and transparently report the impact of methodological choices such as the definition of neighbourhood and acknowledge any differences in associations between the food environment and BMI.

Difference in blood pressure measurements between arms: methodological and clinical implications.

PubMed

Clark, Christopher E

2015-01-01

Differences in blood pressure measurements between arms are commonly encountered in clinical practice. If such differences are not excluded they can delay the diagnosis of hypertension and can lead to poorer control of blood pressure levels. Differences in blood pressure measurements between arms are associated cross sectionally with other signs of vascular disease such as peripheral arterial disease or cerebrovascular disease. Differences are also associated prospectively with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and all cause mortality. Numbers of publications on inter-arm difference are rising year on year, indicating a growing interest in the phenomenon. The prevalence of an inter-arm difference varies widely between reports, and is correlated with the underlying cardiovascular risk of the population studied. Prevalence is also sensitive to the method of measurement used. This review discusses the prevalence of an inter-arm difference in different populations and addresses current best practice for the detection and the measurement of a difference. The evidence for clinical and for vascular associations of an inter-arm difference is presented in considering the emerging role of an inter-arm blood pressure difference as a novel risk factor for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Competing aetiological explanations for an inter-arm difference are explored, and gaps in our current understanding of this sign, along with areas in need of further research, are considered.

Understanding Differences in the Response to Composition Change as Simulated by CCMVal Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Douglass, Anne R.; Strahan, Susan E.; Oman, Luke D.

2012-01-01

Chemistry climate models (CCMs) have a common conceptual basis. Differences in implementation lead to differences in the stratospheric ozone response to changes in composition and climate. Although evaluation by CCMVal-2 identified strengths and weaknesses of participant models, the evaluation results were not used to discriminate among projections for future ozone evolution, at least in part because the overall diagnostic evaluation did not cleanly relate to the differences in CCM response. Here we use a subset of CCMVal diagnostics and additional analysis to understand the differences in response. In the upper stratosphere, differences in simulated temperature and total odd nitrogen prior to increases in chlorine loading explain the large differences in CCM sensitivity. In the lower atmosphere, there are two principle contributions to differences in CCM sensitivity to chlorine and climate change. First, differences in the lower stratospheric ClO affect simulated sensitivity to chlorine. CCMs with best transport performance match NDACC column HCl measurements at a broad range of latitudes. Other CCMs disagree with observations due to differences in total inorganic chlorine, partitioning between HCl and ClONO2, or both. Differences in ClONO2 are directly related to differences in simulated ClO. Second, although all CCMs predict increased tropical upwelling, the rate of increase varies and contributes to differences in tropical ozone and the 60N-60S column average.

Assessing the Impact of Educational Differences in HCI Design Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Antunes, Pedro; Xiao, Lu; Pino, Jose A.

2014-01-01

Human-computer interaction (HCI) design generally involves collaboration from professionals in different disciplines. Trained in different design education systems, these professionals can have different conceptual understandings about design. Recognizing and identifying these differences are key issues for establishing shared design practices…

Classification Systems for Individual Differences in Multiple-task Performance and Subjective Estimates of Workload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Damos, D. L.

1984-01-01

Human factors practitioners often are concerned with mental workload in multiple-task situations. Investigations of these situations have demonstrated repeatedly that individuals differ in their subjective estimates of workload. These differences may be attributed in part to individual differences in definitions of workload. However, after allowing for differences in the definition of workload, there are still unexplained individual differences in workload ratings. The relation between individual differences in multiple-task performance, subjective estimates of workload, information processing abilities, and the Type A personality trait were examined.

Methods of scaling threshold color difference using printed samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Min; Cui, Guihua; Liu, Haoxue; Luo, M. Ronnier

2012-01-01

A series of printed samples on substrate of semi-gloss paper and with the magnitude of threshold color difference were prepared for scaling the visual color difference and to evaluate the performance of different method. The probabilities of perceptibly was used to normalized to Z-score and different color differences were scaled to the Z-score. The visual color difference was got, and checked with the STRESS factor. The results indicated that only the scales have been changed but the relative scales between pairs in the data are preserved.

Contributions of groundwater conditions to soil and water salinization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salama, Ramsis B.; Otto, Claus J.; Fitzpatrick, Robert W.

Salinization is the process whereby the concentration of dissolved salts in water and soil is increased due to natural or human-induced processes. Water is lost through one or any combination of four main mechanisms: evaporation, evapotranspiration, hydrolysis, and leakage between aquifers. Salinity increases from catchment divides to the valley floors and in the direction of groundwater flow. Salinization is explained by two main chemical models developed by the authors: weathering and deposition. These models are in agreement with the weathering and depositional geological processes that have formed soils and overburden in the catchments. Five soil-change processes in arid and semi-arid climates are associated with waterlogging and water. In all represented cases, groundwater is the main geological agent for transmitting, accumulating, and discharging salt. At a small catchment scale in South and Western Australia, water is lost through evapotranspiration and hydrolysis. Saline groundwater flows along the beds of the streams and is accumulated in paleochannels, which act as a salt repository, and finally discharges in lakes, where most of the saline groundwater is concentrated. In the hummocky terrains of the Northern Great Plains Region, Canada and USA, the localized recharge and discharge scenarios cause salinization to occur mainly in depressions, in conjunction with the formation of saline soils and seepages. On a regional scale within closed basins, this process can create playas or saline lakes. In the continental aquifers of the rift basins of Sudan, salinity increases along the groundwater flow path and forms a saline zone at the distal end. The saline zone in each rift forms a closed ridge, which coincides with the closed trough of the groundwater-level map. The saline body or bodies were formed by evaporation coupled with alkaline-earth carbonate precipitation and dissolution of capillary salts. Résumé La salinisation est le processus par lequel la concentration des sels dissous dans l'eau et les sols s'accroît sous l'effet de processus naturels ou anthropiques. L'eau est perdue par l'une ou l'autre combinaison de quatre principaux mécanismes : l'évaporation, l'évapotranspiration, l'hydrolyse et la drainance entre aquifères. La salinité augmente depuis les limites des bassins jusqu'au fond des vallées et le long des axes d'écoulement souterrain. La salinisation est expliquée au moyen de deux principaux modèles chimiques développés par les auteurs : l'altération et le dépôt. Ces modèles sont en accord avec les processus géologiques d'altération et de dépôt qui ont formé les sols et qui recouvrent les bassins versants. Cinq processus d'évolution de sols sous climats aride et semi-aride sont associés à l'eau et à des formations aquifères. Dans tous les cas présentés, l'eau souterraine est le principal agent géologique qui transporte, accumule et dépose les sels. A l'échelle de petits bassins versants dans le sud et dans l'ouest de l'Australie, l'eau est consommée par évapotranspiration et par hydrolyse. L'eau souterraine salée coule le long des berges de rivières et s'accumule dans des paléochenaux, qui fonctionnent comme des zones de stockage de sels, et finalement s'écoule dans des lacs, où la plupart des eaux salées se concentrent. Dans les formations bosselées des grandes plaines du nord du Canada et des États-Unis, des scénarios d'alimentation et de décharge localisées conduisent la salinisation à se produire surtout dans les dépressions, en association avec la formation de sols et d'infiltrations salins. A l'échelle régionale dans les bassins fermés, ce processus peut être à l'origine de playas ou de lacs salés. Dans les aquifères continentaux des bassins de rift du Soudan, la salinité augmente le long des axes d'écoulement souterrain et forme ainsi une zone saline à leur extrémité. La zone saline de chaque rift constitue une crête, qui coïncide avec le creux piézométrique. Le ou les ensembles salins se sont formés par évaporation couplée à la précipitation d'un carbonate alcalino-terreux et à la dissolution de sels par capillarité. Resumen La salinización es el proceso por el cual la concentración de sales disueltas en el agua o el suelo aumenta por causas naturales o antrópicas. El contenido de agua se reduce por uno o una combinación de los siguientes mecanismos: evaporación, evapotranspiración, hidrólisis y goteo entre acuíferos. La salinidad aumenta en la dirección del flujo subterráneo, desde los puntos de recarga hacia los de descarga. La salinización se puede explicar por dos modelos químicos que se pueden definir como erosión y deposición y que están de acuerdo con los clásicos procesos geológicos que tienen los mismos nombres. Se conocen cinco procesos de salinización de suelos ligados al agua o a la extracción de la misma en climas áridos o semiáridos. En todos los casos que se presentan el agua subterránea es el principal agente geológico de transmisión, acumulación y descarga de sales. A escala de pequeña cuenca, en Australia Occidental y del Sur, el agua se pierde mediante evapotranspiración e hidrólisis. El agua subterránea salina fluye a lo largo de los cauces de los arroyos y se acumula en los paleocanales, que actúan como depósitos, hasta que finalmente descarga en los lagos, donde se acumula la mayor parte de la salinidad. En los hummocks de la Zona Norte de los Grandes Llanos de Canadá y EEUU, la recarga localizada y el tipo de descarga provocan que la salinización tenga lugar fundamentalmente en las depresiones. A escala regional y en cuencas cerradas este mismo mecanismo provoca playas o lagos salinos. En los acuíferos continentales de los rift del Sudán, la salinidad se incrementa a lo largo de las líneas de flujo subterráneo y se concentra en el límite distal. La zona salina en cada rift forma una cresta cerrada que se manifiesta en los mapas piezométricos. El cuerpo o cuerpos salinos se formaron por evaporación, acoplada con la precipitación de carbonatos y la disolución de sales capilares.

[The research of Valeriana amurensis seed germination characteristics].

PubMed

Liu, Juan; Yang, Chun-Rong; Jiang, Bo; Fang, Min; Du, Juan

2011-10-01

To study the effect of different treatments on the Valeriana amurensis seed germination rate. Used different chemical reagents and seed soakings on the routine germination test and the orthogonal test of the Valeriana amurensis seed, calculated the germination rate under different germination condition. Valeriana amurensis treated with different chemical reagends had different germination rate. The suitable immersion time could enhance Valeriana amurensis seed germination rate. Different treatment time, different disposal temperature, different germination temperature would have an impact on the Valeriana amurensis seed germination rate. In order to raise the Valeriana amurensis seed germination rate, use appropriate treatment on the seed before plant seeds; The seed growing must under suitable time and temperature.

Gender differences in sexuality: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Oliver, M B; Hyde, J S

1993-07-01

This meta-analysis surveyed 177 usable sources that reported data on gender differences on 21 different measures of sexual attitudes and behaviors. The largest gender difference was in incidence of masturbation: Men had the greater incidence (d = .96). There was also a large gender difference in attitudes toward casual sex: Males had considerably more permissive attitudes (d = .81). There were no gender differences in attitudes toward homosexuality or in sexual satisfaction. Most other gender differences were in the small-to-moderate range. Gender differences narrowed from the 1960s to the 1980s for many variables. Chodorow's neoanalytic theory, sociobiology, social learning theory, social role theory, and script theory are discussed in relation to these findings.

FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NATURAL ANTIBODIES AND POLYREACTIVE IMMUNOGLOBULINS.

PubMed

Bobrovnik, S A; Demchenko, M A; Komisarenko, S V

2015-01-01

A problem of similarity and differences between so-called polyreactive immunoglobulins (PRIGs) and natural antibodies (NAbs), capable of cross-reacting with some structurally dissimilar antigens, has been considered. The analysis of mechanisms of an unspecific interaction between PRIGs or NAbs and antigens evidences for the fact that essential differences exist between these substances. These differences permit classifying the abovementioned substances as different types of immunoglobulin molecules. The major difference between PRIGs and NAbs may include both the mechanisms of the above mentioned immunoglobulin molecules binding to antigens and their interaction affinity, as well as an absolutely different influence of some low-molecular substances on the efficiency of the interaction with antigens. Relying on the obtained data it can be assumed that, since PRIGs and NAbs have fundamental differences, they may perform not only similar but also different functions of the immune system.

MECHANISMS BY WHICH ULTRAFINE, FINE, AND COARSE PARTICLES CAUSE ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS

EPA Science Inventory

A small number of recent studies suggest that different size particles may cause different health effects. There are clearly differences in the chemical makeup of coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles, and this different chemistry may well drive different health responses. The ...

Origin and Processing Methods Slightly Affect Allergenic Characteristics of Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale).

PubMed

Reitsma, Marit; Bastiaan-Net, Shanna; Sijbrandij, Lutske; de Weert, Evelien; Sforza, Stefano; Gerth van Wijk, Roy; Savelkoul, Huub F J; de Jong, Nicolette W; Wichers, Harry J

2018-04-01

The protein content and allergen composition was studied of cashews from 8 different origins (Benin, Brazil, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Tanzania, Vietnam), subjected to different in-shell heat treatments (steamed, fried, drum-roasted). On 2D electrophoresis, 9 isoforms of Ana o 1, 29 isoforms of Ana o 2 (11 of the acidic subunit, 18 of the basic subunit), and 8 isoforms of the large subunit of Ana o 3 were tentatively identified. Based on 1D and 2D electrophoresis, no difference in allergen content (Ana o 1, 2, 3) was detected between the cashews of different origins (P > 0.5), some small but significant differences were detected in allergen solubility between differently heated cashews. No major differences in N- and C-terminal microheterogeneity of Ana o 3 were detected between cashews of different origins. Between the different heat treatments, no difference was detected in glycation, pepsin digestibility, or IgE binding of the cashew proteins. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Method and system employing graphical electric load categorization to identify one of a plurality of different electric load types

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Yi; Du, Liang

A system for different electric loads includes sensors structured to sense voltage and current signals for each of the different electric loads; a hierarchical load feature database having a plurality of layers, with one of the layers including a plurality of different load categories; and a processor. The processor acquires voltage and current waveforms from the sensors for a corresponding one of the different electric loads; maps a voltage-current trajectory to a grid including a plurality of cells, each of which is assigned a binary value of zero or one; extracts a plurality of different features from the mapped gridmore » of cells as a graphical signature of the corresponding one of the different electric loads; derives a category of the corresponding one of the different electric loads from the database; and identifies one of a plurality of different electric load types for the corresponding one of the different electric loads.« less

Sex differences and hormonal effects on gut microbiota composition in mice.

PubMed

Org, Elin; Mehrabian, Margarete; Parks, Brian W; Shipkova, Petia; Liu, Xiaoqin; Drake, Thomas A; Lusis, Aldons J

2016-07-03

We previously reported quantitation of gut microbiota in a panel of 89 different inbred strains of mice, and we now examine the question of sex differences in microbiota composition. When the total population of 689 mice was examined together, several taxa exhibited significant differences in abundance between sexes but a larger number of differences were observed at the single strain level, suggesting that sex differences can be obscured by host genetics and environmental factors. We also examined a subset of mice on chow and high fat diets and observed sex-by-diet interactions. We further investigated the sex differences using gonadectomized and hormone treated mice from 3 different inbred strains. Principal coordinate analysis with unweighted UniFrac distances revealed very clear effects of gonadectomy and hormone replacement on microbiota composition in all 3 strains. Moreover, bile acid analyses showed gender-specific differences as well as effects of gonodectomy, providing one possible mechanism mediating sex differences in microbiota composition.

In Search of the Loci for Sex Differences in Throwing: The Effects of Physical Size and Differential Recruitment Rates on High Levels of Dart Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duffy, Linda J.; Ericsson, K. Anders; Baluch, Bahman

2007-01-01

Contemporary accounts of sex differences in perceptual-motor performance differ in their emphasis on nature and nurture. Study 1 examined the effect of extensive training on one of the largest sex differences, namely accuracy in dart throwing, and found that physical differences in height and reach could not explain sex differences in…

A new perspective on trait differences between native and invasive exotic plants.

PubMed

Leffler, A Joshua; James, Jeremy J; Monaco, Thomas A; Sheley, Roger L

2014-02-01

Functional differences between native and exotic species potentially constitute one factor responsible for plant invasion. Differences in trait values between native and exotic invasive species, however, should not be considered fixed and may depend on the context of the comparison. Furthermore, the magnitude of difference between native and exotic species necessary to trigger invasion is unknown. We propose a criterion that differences in trait values between a native and exotic invasive species must be greater than differences between co-occurring natives for this difference to be ecologically meaningful and a contributing factor to plant invasion. We used a meta-analysis to quantify the difference between native and exotic invasive species for various traits examined in previous studies and compared this value to differences among native species reported in the same studies. The effect size between native and exotic invasive species was similar to the effect size between co-occurring natives except for studies conducted in the field; in most instances, our criterion was not met although overall differences between native and exotic invasive species were slightly larger than differences between natives. Consequently, trait differences may be important in certain contexts, but other mechanisms of invasion are likely more important in most cases. We suggest that using trait values as predictors of invasion will be challenging.

The clinician perspective on sex differences in autism spectrum disorders.

PubMed

Jamison, Rene; Bishop, Somer L; Huerta, Marisela; Halladay, Alycia K

2017-08-01

Research studies using existing samples of individuals with autism spectrum disorders have identified differences in symptoms between males and females. Differences are typically reported in school age and adolescence, with similarities in symptom presentation at earlier ages. However, existing studies on sex differences are significantly limited, making it challenging to discern if, how, and at what point in development females with autism spectrum disorder actually exhibit a different behavioral presentation than males. The purpose of this study was to gather impressions from a large group of clinicians to isolate specific areas for future study of sex differences. Clinicians were surveyed about their opinions and perceptions of symptom severity in females, as compared to males, at different points during development. They were also asked to provide open-ended responses about female symptom presentation. Consistent with previous literature, clinicians noted more sex-related differences in restricted and repetitive behaviors and fewer differences for social communication features. Differences were most commonly observed in school age and adolescence, suggesting this time period as a critical and particularly vulnerable window for females with autism spectrum disorder. The results are discussed in the context of other male/female differences across development so that more targeted investigations of autism spectrum disorder sex differences across development.

[Spectrum Variance Analysis of Tree Leaves Under the Condition of Different Leaf water Content].

PubMed

Wu, Jian; Chen, Tai-sheng; Pan, Li-xin

2015-07-01

Leaf water content is an important factor affecting tree spectral characteristics. So Exploring the leaf spectral characteristics change rule of the same tree under the condition of different leaf water content and the spectral differences of different tree leaves under the condition of the same leaf water content are not only the keys of hyperspectral vegetation remote sensing information identification but also the theoretical support of research on vegetation spectrum change as the differences in leaf water content. The spectrometer was used to observe six species of tree leaves, and the reflectivity and first order differential spectrum of different leaf water content were obtained. Then, the spectral characteristics of each tree species leaves under the condition of different leaf water content were analyzed, and the spectral differences of different tree species leaves under the condition of the same leaf water content were compared to explore possible bands of the leaf water content identification by hyperspectral remote sensing. Results show that the spectra of each tree leaf have changed a lot with the change of the leaf water content, but the change laws are different. Leaf spectral of different tree species has lager differences in some wavelength range under the condition of same leaf water content, and it provides some possibility for high precision identification of tree species.

Cigarette Smoking in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Unions: The Role of Socioeconomic and Psychological Factors

PubMed Central

Liu, Hui; Brown, Dustin

2014-01-01

Cigarette smoking has long been a target of public health intervention because it substantially contributes to morbidity and mortality. Individuals in different-sex marriages have lower smoking risk (i.e., prevalence and frequency) than different-sex cohabiters. However, little is known about the smoking risk of individuals in same-sex cohabiting unions. We compare the smoking risk of individuals in different-sex marriages, same-sex cohabiting unions, and different-sex cohabiting unions using pooled cross-sectional data from the 1997–2010 National Health Interview Surveys (N = 168,514). We further examine the role of socioeconomic status (SES) and psychological distress in the relationship between union status and smoking. Estimates from multinomial logistic regression models reveal that same-sex and different-sex cohabiters experience similar smoking risk when compared to one another, and higher smoking risk when compared to the different-sex married. Results suggest that SES and psychological distress factors cannot fully explain smoking differences between the different-sex married and same-sex and different-sex cohabiting groups. Moreover, without same-sex cohabiter’s education advantage, same-sex cohabiters would experience even greater smoking risk relative to the different-sex married. Policy recommendations to reduce smoking disparities among same-sex and different-sex cohabiters are discussed. PMID:25346559

Metallicity Differences in Type Ia Supernova Progenitors Inferred from Ultraviolet Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, Ryan J.; Kirshner, Robert P.

2013-05-01

Two "twin" Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), SNe 2011by and 2011fe, have extremely similar optical light-curve shapes, colors, and spectra, yet have different ultraviolet (UV) continua as measured in Hubble Space Telescope spectra and measurably different peak luminosities. We attribute the difference in the UV continua to significantly different progenitor metallicities. This is the first robust detection of different metallicities for SN Ia progenitors. Theoretical reasoning suggests that differences in metallicity also lead to differences in luminosity. SNe Ia with higher progenitor metallicities have lower 56Ni yields and lower luminosities for the same light-curve shape. SNe 2011by and 2011fe have different peak luminosities (ΔMV ≈ 0.6 mag), which correspond to different 56Ni yields: M_11fe(^{56}Ni) / M_11by(^{56}Ni) = 1.7^{+0.7}_{-0.5}. From theoretical models that account for different neutron-to-proton ratios in progenitors, the differences in 56Ni yields for SNe 2011by and 2011fe imply that their progenitor stars were above and below solar metallicity, respectively. Although we can distinguish progenitor metallicities in a qualitative way from UV data, the quantitative interpretation in terms of abundances is limited by the present state of theoretical models.

Mathematical methods to analysis of topology, functional variability and evolution of metabolic systems based on different decomposition concepts.

PubMed

Mrabet, Yassine; Semmar, Nabil

2010-05-01

Complexity of metabolic systems can be undertaken at different scales (metabolites, metabolic pathways, metabolic network map, biological population) and under different aspects (structural, functional, evolutive). To analyse such a complexity, metabolic systems need to be decomposed into different components according to different concepts. Four concepts are presented here consisting in considering metabolic systems as sets of metabolites, chemical reactions, metabolic pathways or successive processes. From a metabolomic dataset, such decompositions are performed using different mathematical methods including correlation, stiochiometric, ordination, classification, combinatorial and kinetic analyses. Correlation analysis detects and quantifies affinities/oppositions between metabolites. Stoichiometric analysis aims to identify the organisation of a metabolic network into different metabolic pathways on the hand, and to quantify/optimize the metabolic flux distribution through the different chemical reactions of the system. Ordination and classification analyses help to identify different metabolic trends and their associated metabolites in order to highlight chemical polymorphism representing different variability poles of the metabolic system. Then, metabolic processes/correlations responsible for such a polymorphism can be extracted in silico by combining metabolic profiles representative of different metabolic trends according to a weighting bootstrap approach. Finally evolution of metabolic processes in time can be analysed by different kinetic/dynamic modelling approaches.

Is Self-Regulation "All in the family"? Testing Environmental Effects using Within-Family Quasi-Experiments.

PubMed

Deater-Deckard, Kirby

2016-05-01

Most of the individual difference variance in the population is found within families, yet studying the processes causing this variation is difficult due to confounds between genetic and nongenetic influences. Quasi-experiments can be used to test hypotheses regarding environment exposure (e.g., timing, duration) while controlling for genetic confounds. To illustrate, two studies of cognitive self-regulation in childhood (i.e., working memory [WM], effortful control [EC], attention span/persistence [A/P]) are presented. Study 1 utilized an identical twin differences design ( N = 85 to 98 pairs) to control for genetic differences while using relative twin birth weight difference to predict relative twin difference in WM and EC. Larger relative twin difference in WM and EF was predicted by the combination of shorter gestation and larger relative birth weight difference. Study 2 utilized an adoptive sibling relative difference design ( N = 123 same-sex pairs) to control for genetic similarity while using relative sibling difference in the age at time of adoption to predict relative sibling difference in A/P. Larger relative sibling difference in A/P was predicted by the combination of larger relative difference in time in the adoptive home and age at adoption. Within-family quasi-experimental designs allow stronger inferences about hypothesized environmental influences than between-family designs permit.

A systematic literature review of sex differences in childhood language and brain development.

PubMed

Etchell, Andrew; Adhikari, Aditi; Weinberg, Lauren S; Choo, Ai Leen; Garnett, Emily O; Chow, Ho Ming; Chang, Soo-Eun

2018-06-01

The extent of sex differences in childhood language development is unclear. We conducted a systematic literature review synthesizing results from studies examining sex differences in brain structure and function relevant to language development during childhood. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases, and this returned a total of 46 published studies meeting criteria for inclusion that directly examined sex differences in brain development relevant to language function in children. The results indicate that: (a) sex differences in brain structure or function do not necessarily lead to differences in language task performance; (b) evidence for sex differences in brain and language development are limited; (c) when present, sex differences often interact with a variety of factors such as age and task. Overall, the magnitude of sexual dimorphism of brain developmental trajectories associated with language is not as significant as previously thought. Sex differences were found, however, in studies employing tighter age ranges. This suggests that sex differences may be more prominent during certain developmental stages but are negligible in other stages, likely due to different rates of maturation between the sexes. More research is needed to improve our understanding of how sex differences may arise due to the influence of sex hormones and developmental stages, and how these differences may lead to differences in various language task performance. These studies are expected to provide normative information that may be used in studies examining neurodevelopmental disorders that frequently affect more males than females, and also often affect language development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigations of suprathreshold color-difference tolerances with different visual scales and different perceptual correlates using CRT colors.

PubMed

Wang, Zhehong; Xu, Haisong

2008-12-01

In order to investigate the performance of suprathreshold color-difference tolerances with different visual scales and different perceptual correlates, a psychophysical experiment was carried out by the method of constant stimuli using CRT colors. Five hue circles at three lightness (L*=30, 50, and 70) and chroma (C*ab=10, 20, and 30) levels were selected to ensure that the color-difference tolerances did not exceed the color gamut of the CRT display. Twelve color centers distributed evenly every 30 degrees along each hue circle were assessed by a panel of eight observers, and the corresponding color-difference tolerances were obtained. The hue circle with L*=50 and C*ab=20 was assessed with three different visual scales (DeltaV=3.06, 5.92, and 8.87 CIELAB units), which ranged from small to large visual scales, while the remaining hue circles were observed only with the small visual scale. The lightness tolerances had no significant correlation with the hue angles, while chroma and hue tolerances showed considerable hue angle dependences. The color-difference tolerances were linearly proportional to the visual scales but with different slopes. The lightness tolerances with different lightness levels but the same chroma showed the crispening effect to some extent, while the chroma and hue tolerances decreased with the increment of the lightness. For the color-difference tolerances with different chroma levels but the same lightness, there was no correlation between the lightness tolerances and the chroma levels, while the chroma and hue tolerances were nearly linearly proportional to the chroma levels.

Sex Differences in Mathematics and Reading Achievement Are Inversely Related: Within- and Across-Nation Assessment of 10 Years of PISA Data

PubMed Central

Stoet, Gijsbert; Geary, David C.

2013-01-01

We analyzed one decade of data collected by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), including the mathematics and reading performance of nearly 1.5 million 15 year olds in 75 countries. Across nations, boys scored higher than girls in mathematics, but lower than girls in reading. The sex difference in reading was three times as large as in mathematics. There was considerable variation in the extent of the sex differences between nations. There are countries without a sex difference in mathematics performance, and in some countries girls scored higher than boys. Boys scored lower in reading in all nations in all four PISA assessments (2000, 2003, 2006, 2009). Contrary to several previous studies, we found no evidence that the sex differences were related to nations’ gender equality indicators. Further, paradoxically, sex differences in mathematics were consistently and strongly inversely correlated with sex differences in reading: Countries with a smaller sex difference in mathematics had a larger sex difference in reading and vice versa. We demonstrate that this was not merely a between-nation, but also a within-nation effect. This effect is related to relative changes in these sex differences across the performance continuum: We did not find a sex difference in mathematics among the lowest performing students, but this is where the sex difference in reading was largest. In contrast, the sex difference in mathematics was largest among the higher performing students, and this is where the sex difference in reading was smallest. The implication is that if policy makers decide that changes in these sex differences are desired, different approaches will be needed to achieve this for reading and mathematics. Interventions that focus on high-achieving girls in mathematics and on low achieving boys in reading are likely to yield the strongest educational benefits. PMID:23516422

Sex differences in mathematics and reading achievement are inversely related: within- and across-nation assessment of 10 years of PISA data.

PubMed

Stoet, Gijsbert; Geary, David C

2013-01-01

We analyzed one decade of data collected by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), including the mathematics and reading performance of nearly 1.5 million 15 year olds in 75 countries. Across nations, boys scored higher than girls in mathematics, but lower than girls in reading. The sex difference in reading was three times as large as in mathematics. There was considerable variation in the extent of the sex differences between nations. There are countries without a sex difference in mathematics performance, and in some countries girls scored higher than boys. Boys scored lower in reading in all nations in all four PISA assessments (2000, 2003, 2006, 2009). Contrary to several previous studies, we found no evidence that the sex differences were related to nations' gender equality indicators. Further, paradoxically, sex differences in mathematics were consistently and strongly inversely correlated with sex differences in reading: Countries with a smaller sex difference in mathematics had a larger sex difference in reading and vice versa. We demonstrate that this was not merely a between-nation, but also a within-nation effect. This effect is related to relative changes in these sex differences across the performance continuum: We did not find a sex difference in mathematics among the lowest performing students, but this is where the sex difference in reading was largest. In contrast, the sex difference in mathematics was largest among the higher performing students, and this is where the sex difference in reading was smallest. The implication is that if policy makers decide that changes in these sex differences are desired, different approaches will be needed to achieve this for reading and mathematics. Interventions that focus on high-achieving girls in mathematics and on low achieving boys in reading are likely to yield the strongest educational benefits.

10 CFR 74.59 - Quality assurance and accounting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... occurs which has the potential to affect a measurement result or when program data, generated by tests.../receiver differences, inventory differences, and process differences. (4) Utilize the data generated during... difference (SEID) and the standard error of the process differences. Calibration and measurement error data...

10 CFR 74.59 - Quality assurance and accounting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... occurs which has the potential to affect a measurement result or when program data, generated by tests.../receiver differences, inventory differences, and process differences. (4) Utilize the data generated during... difference (SEID) and the standard error of the process differences. Calibration and measurement error data...

37 CFR 1.84 - Standards for drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... sheet. However, the relationship between the different parts must be clear and unambiguous. (3... hatching of juxtaposed different elements must be angled in a different way. In the case of large areas... hatched. Different types of hatching should have different conventional meanings as regards the nature of...

37 CFR 1.84 - Standards for drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... sheet. However, the relationship between the different parts must be clear and unambiguous. (3... hatching of juxtaposed different elements must be angled in a different way. In the case of large areas... hatched. Different types of hatching should have different conventional meanings as regards the nature of...

Three Educational Values for a Multicultural Society: Difference Recognition, National Cohesion and Equality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blum, Lawrence

2014-01-01

Educational aims for societies comprising multiple ethnic, cultural and racial groups should involve three different values--recognizing difference, national cohesion and equality. Recognition of difference acknowledges and respects ethnocultural identities and in educational contexts also encourages mutual engagement across difference. National…

Sex Differences in Mental and Behavioral Traits.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garai, Josef E.; Scheinfeld, Amram

1968-01-01

This review of research conducted on sex differences attempts to answer the following questions: (1) Do the sexes differ in their basic capacities for specific types of mental performance and occupational achievement? (2) If such differences exist, to what extent are they genetically determined? (3) Are sex differences in abilities, interests, and…

Do Personality Scale Items Function Differently in People with High and Low IQ?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waiyavutti, Chakadee; Johnson, Wendy; Deary, Ian J.

2012-01-01

Intelligence differences might contribute to true differences in personality traits. It is also possible that intelligence might contribute to differences in understanding and interpreting personality items. Previous studies have not distinguished clearly between these possibilities. Before it can be accepted that scale score differences actually…

Chilly Environments, Stratification, and Productivity Differences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monk-Turner, Elizabeth; Fogerty, Rebecca

2010-01-01

Productivity differences between sociology PhD's were examined controlling for both human capital and life style differences. Productivity was defined in two ways. First, we looked at differences in article productivity to date. Next, differences in the average productivity of faculty (defined as total articles to date divided by years of…

Assessing Student Theses: Differences and Similarities between Examiners from Different Academic Disciplines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lundström, Mats; Åström, Maria; Stolpe, Karin; Björklund, Lasse

2016-01-01

The writing of student theses is an important activity at universities and is expected to demonstrate the students' academic skills. In the teacher-education programme, examiners from different academic disciplines are involved in supervising and examining student theses. Moreover, different subject disciplines have different traditions concerning…

Protocol Analysis of Aptitude Differences in Figural Analogy Problem Representation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schiano, Diane J.

Individual differences in performance on figural analogy tests are usually attributed to quantitative differences in processing parameters rather than to qualitative differences in the formation and use of representations. Yet aptitude-related differences in categorizing standardized figural analogy problems between high and low scorers have been…

Children's Effort/Ability Reasoning: Individual Differences and Motivational Consequences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leggett, Ellen L.; Dweck, Carol S.

Individual differences in same-aged children's reasoning about effort and ability, as well as the consequences of different forms of reasoning in actual achievement situations, were investigated. It was hypothesized that different forms of children's reasoning would be related to different (helpless versus mastery-oriented) motivational patterns.…

From differential to difference equations for first order ODEs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freed, Alan D.; Walker, Kevin P.

1991-01-01

When constructing an algorithm for the numerical integration of a differential equation, one should first convert the known ordinary differential equation (ODE) into an ordinary difference equation. Given this difference equation, one can develop an appropriate numerical algorithm. This technical note describes the derivation of two such ordinary difference equations applicable to a first order ODE. The implicit ordinary difference equation has the same asymptotic expansion as the ODE itself, whereas the explicit ordinary difference equation has an asymptotic that is similar in structure but different in value when compared with that of the ODE.

Sex differences in jealousy: the (lack of) influence of researcher theoretical perspective.

PubMed

Edlund, John; Heider, Jeremy D; Nichols, Austin Lee; McCarthy, Randy J; Wood, Sarah E; Scherer, Cory R; Hartnett, Jessica L; Walker, Richard

2017-09-01

The sex difference in jealousy is an effect that has generated significant controversy in the academic literature (resulting in two meta-analyses that reached different conclusions on the presence or absence of the effect). In this study, we had a team of researchers from different theoretical perspectives use identical protocols to test whether the sex difference in jealousy would occur across many different samples (while testing whether mate value would moderate the effect). In our samples, we found the sex difference in jealousy to occur using both forced choice and continuous measures, this effect appeared in several different settings, and, we found that mate value moderated participant responses. The results are discussed in light of the controversy surrounding the presence of the effect.

Individual differences in metacontrast masking regarding sensitivity and response bias.

PubMed

Albrecht, Thorsten; Mattler, Uwe

2012-09-01

In metacontrast masking target visibility is modulated by the time until a masking stimulus appears. The effect of this temporal delay differs across participants in such a way that individual human observers' performance shows distinguishable types of masking functions which remain largely unchanged for months. Here we examined whether individual differences in masking functions depend on different response criteria in addition to differences in discrimination sensitivity. To this end we reanalyzed previously published data and conducted a new experiment for further data analyses. Our analyses demonstrate that a distinction of masking functions based on the type of masking stimulus is superior to a distinction based on the target-mask congruency. Individually different masking functions are based on individual differences in discrimination sensitivities and in response criteria. Results suggest that individual differences in metacontrast masking result from individually different criterion contents. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Contributions of temperament to buffering and sensitization processes in children's development.

PubMed

Wachs, Theodore D

2006-12-01

Temperament refers to relatively stable, early appearing, biologically rooted individual differences in behavioral traits. Individual differences in temperament are multidetermined encompassing both biological and experiential influences. Evidence indicates that certain temperament traits, such as impulsivity, inhibition, and negative emotionality, can serve as developmental risk factors. Evidence also indicates that other temperament traits, such as flexible self-regulation, sociability, and task orientation, can serve to increase children's resilience. Five potential mechanisms through which individual differences in temperament can increase vulnerability or facilitate resilience are presented: (1) Differential treatment of children with different temperaments by caregivers or teachers (reactive covariance). (2) Children with different temperament styles seeking out environments that may increase risk or promote resilience (active covariance). (3) Goodness or poorness of fit between child temperament characteristics and environmental demands. (4) Children with different temperaments reacting to similar levels or types of stress in different ways. (5) Different coping strategies used by children with different temperaments.

Dissociating Medial Temporal and Striatal Memory Systems With a Same/Different Matching Task: Evidence for Two Neural Systems in Human Recognition.

PubMed

Sinha, Neha; Glass, Arnold Lewis

2017-01-01

The medial temporal lobe and striatum have both been implicated as brain substrates of memory and learning. Here, we show dissociation between these two memory systems using a same/different matching task, in which subjects judged whether four-letter strings were the same or different. Different RT was determined by the left-to-right location of the first letter different between the study and test string, consistent with a left-to-right comparison of the study and test strings, terminating when a difference was found. This comparison process results in same responses being slower than different responses. Nevertheless, same responses were faster than different responses. Same responses were associated with hippocampus activation. Different responses were associated with both caudate and hippocampus activation. These findings are consistent with the dual-system hypothesis of mammalian memory and extend the model to human visual recognition.

Explaining the sex difference in dyslexia.

PubMed

Arnett, Anne B; Pennington, Bruce F; Peterson, Robin L; Willcutt, Erik G; DeFries, John C; Olson, Richard K

2017-06-01

Males are diagnosed with dyslexia more frequently than females, even in epidemiological samples. This may be explained by greater variance in males' reading performance. We expand on previous research by rigorously testing the variance difference theory, and testing for mediation of the sex difference by cognitive correlates. We developed an analytic framework that can be applied to group differences in any psychiatric disorder. Males' overrepresentation in the low performance tail of the reading distribution was accounted for by mean and variance differences across sex. There was no sex difference at the high performance tail. Processing speed (PS) and inhibitory control partially mediated the sex difference. Verbal reasoning emerged as a strength in males. Our results complement a previous finding that PS partially mediates the sex difference in symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and helps explain the sex difference in both dyslexia and ADHD and their comorbidity. © 2017 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Explaining sex differences in reactions to relationship infidelities: comparisons of the roles of sex, gender, beliefs, attachment, and sociosexual orientation.

PubMed

Brase, Gary L; Adair, Lora; Monk, Kale

2014-02-04

To the extent that sex differences are mediated by mechanisms such as sex-roles and beliefs, individual differences in these more proximate traits should account for significant portions of relevant sex differences. Differences between women and men in reactions to sexual and emotional infidelity were assessed in a large sample of participants (n = 477), and these target reactions were evaluated as a function of many potential proximate mediators (infidelity implications beliefs, gender-role beliefs, interpersonal trust, attachment style, sociosexuality, and culture of honor beliefs) and as a function of participant sex. Results found a consistent sex difference that was not mediated by any other variables, although a handful of other variables were related to male, but not female, individual differences. These findings suggest particularly promising directions for future research on integrating evolutionarily based sex differences and proximate individual differences.

THE SEX DIFFERENCE IN ROD BALANCING: CONFIRMATION OF THE DIFFERENCE AND A TEST OF THREE HYPOTHETICAL EXPLANATIONS.

PubMed

Porras, Ileana C; Hiscock, Merrill; Layne, Charles S

2015-12-01

Previous studies have shown that men can balance a dowel rod on the index finger for a longer time than women can. The factors that account for the difference are unknown, but the difference may be attributable either to a difference in whole-body agility or a difference in the use of visual cues. Three experiments involving a total of 62 adult women with a mean age of 21.2 yr. (SD=3.8) and 62 adult men with a mean age of 21.9 yr. (SD=6.6) tested these potential explanations. Experiment 1 replicated the sex difference and assessed the relevance of whole-body agility by comparing standing and seated conditions. Experiments 2 and 3 explored the role of rod length and visual fixation point, respectively. Each experiment yielded a significant sex difference, but the difference was not affected by the participant's posture, the length of the rod, or the fixation point. Possible alternative explanations for the difference include differences in (1) the speed of processing degree of visual tilt; (2) arm mass, which affects the inertia of the balancing system; and (3) experience in open-skill sports.

Sex differences in the outcomes of stent implantation in mini-swine model.

PubMed

Kunio, Mie; Wong, Gee; Markham, Peter M; Edelman, Elazer R

2018-01-01

Sex-related differences have been noted in cardiovascular anatomy, pathophysiology, and treatment responses, yet we continued to drive evaluation of vascular device development in animal models without consideration of animal sex. We aimed to understand sex-related differences in the vascular responses to stent implantation by analyzing the pooled data of endovascular interventions in 164 Yucatan mini-swine (87 female, 77 male). Bare metal stents (BMS) or drug-eluting stents (DES) were implanted in 212 coronary arteries (63 single BMS implantation, 68 single DES implantation, 33 overlapped BMS implantation, and 48 overlapped DES implantation). Histomorphological parameters were evaluated from vascular specimens at 3-365 days after stent implantation and evaluated values were compared between female and male groups. While neointima formation at all times after implantation was invariant to sex, statistically significant differences between female and male groups were observed in injury, inflammation, adventitial fibrosis, and neointimal fibrin deposition. These differences were observed independently, i.e., for different procedure types and at different follow-up timings. Only subtle temporal sex-related differences were observed in extent and timing of resolution of inflammation and fibrin clearance. These subtle sex-related differences may be increasingly important as interventional devices meld novel materials that erode and innovations in drug delivery. Erodible materials may act differently if inflammation has a different temporal sequence with sex, and drug distribution after balloon or stent delivery might be different if the fibrin clearance speaks to different modes of pharmacokinetics in male and female swine.

[A mathematic analysis of different manners of replacement fluid infusion in continuous veno-venous hemofiltration].

PubMed

Wu, Yunzhen; Wang, Chunting

2015-05-01

To establish a mathematical formula for choosing the manner of replacement fluid infusion in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), so as to provide the basis for improving the treatment effect. A mathematical formula for choosing the manner of replacement fluid infusion with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) was taken as an example, and it was compared with the result of standard replacement fluid in order to analyze the effect of different manners of infusion. (1) Comparison parameters: the plasma volume ("Vreturn") and some electrolyte concentration ("Creturn") in back way of CRRT ( if other thing was solute, filter coefficient should be 1.0). (2) Research objects: the actual replacement fluid (for example, the most complex should be sorted into A and B type) mode (pre or post) was compared with the standard replacement fluid (the A and B in one). (3) Based on the formula of standard replacement, four equations in different conditions were derived: pre-dilution and post-dilution mode; same direction and same ratio; same direction and different ratio; different direction and same ratio; different direction and different ratio. The calculated results of "Vreturn" (except hematocrit) and "Creturn" were same to the standard only following the rule of same direction and ratio for A and B no matter pre-dilution mode or post-dilution mode, and it was different from the standard in others. In pre-dilution mode and post-dilution mode, it showed: (1) A and B in same direction and different ratio: "Vreturn" and "Creturn" were different from the standard for the alterative ratio of B. (2) A and B in different direction and same ratio: "Vreturn" was same to the standard, but "Creturn" was different from the standard for the completely different and more complex computational formula. (3) A and B in different direction and different ratio: both "Vreturn" and "Creturn" were different from the standard. The different "Vreturn" was due to the different ratio of B. The different "Creturn" was caused by different ratio of B and the completely different computational formula. (1) For parts of replacement fluid which must be separated (for example, bicarbonate formula), the result is same to the standard, and is predicted and mastered only following the rule of same direction and ratio. Otherwise, we need to calculate the two parameters over and over again. The result will run out of our judgment. The wrongness of losing water and electrolyte disorders maybe come out. (2) Accordingly,the formula could be used to analyze the same case like the separated replacement infusion, for example, a large number of citrates as regional anticoagulation were infused only in the front of filter, while the replacement fluid can be done in varied forms.

Harmful Algal Bloom Webinar

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The problem is complex. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorous levels can cause harmful algal blooms. Different algal/cyanobacteria strains bloom under different conditions. Different strains produce different toxins at varying amounts.

Patient characteristics and factors associated with inter-arm difference of blood pressure measurements in a general population in Ohasama, Japan.

PubMed

Kimura, Atsushi; Hashimoto, Junichiro; Watabe, Daisuke; Takahashi, Hisaki; Ohkubo, Takayoshi; Kikuya, Masahiro; Imai, Yutaka

2004-12-01

To assess whether there is a natural difference in blood pressure (BP) measurements between the right and left arms, and to identify what factors are associated with this difference in a general population. The study subjects were 1090 individuals who participated in a medical check-up in Ohasama, Japan. The BP was measured simultaneously in both arms, using an automated device. The inter-arm BP difference was expressed as the relative difference [right-arm BP (R) minus left-arm BP (L): R - L] and the absolute difference (|R - L|). The relationship between inter-arm difference and various factors was analyzed using univariate analysis. The characteristics of subjects in whom the absolute systolic BP (SBP) difference was greater than 10 mmHg were analyzed using multivariate logistic analysis. The relative differences in SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) were -0.6 +/- 6.6 (mean +/- SD) and 1.1 +/- 4.7 mmHg, while the absolute differences were 4.9 +/- 4.4 and 3.7 +/- 3.0 mmHg. The absolute SBP difference was found to correlate significantly with age, body mass index, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and hypertension. Subjects with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and low ABI had a significant and independent increase in the risk of an absolute SBP difference greater than 10 mmHg. The results suggest that there is considerable difference in the measured BP in the right and left arms and that large differences in the absolute SBP are associated with risk factors for arteriosclerosis such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, metabolic abnormalities and low ABI.

Five Thousand American Families--Patterns of Economic Progress. Volume VI: Accounting for Race and Sex Differences in Earnings and Other Analyses of the First Nine Years of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duncan, Greg J., Ed.; Morgan, James N., Ed.

In trying to determine race and sex differences in earnings, some chapters in this volume examine the hypothesis that earnings differences are caused by skill differences. Findings indicate that skill differences cannot account for much of the earnings differences. Education levels required by various jobs are analyzed and compared to the actual…

Differences in delineation guidelines for head and neck cancer result in inconsistent reported dose and corresponding NTCP.

PubMed

Brouwer, Charlotte L; Steenbakkers, Roel J H M; Gort, Elske; Kamphuis, Marije E; van der Laan, Hans Paul; Van't Veld, Aart A; Sijtsema, Nanna M; Langendijk, Johannes A

2014-04-01

To test the hypothesis that delineation of swallowing organs at risk (SWOARs) based on different guidelines results in differences in dose-volume parameters and subsequent normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) values for dysphagia-related endpoints. Nine different SWOARs were delineated according to five different delineation guidelines in 29 patients. Reference delineation was performed according to the guidelines and NTCP-models of Christianen et al. Concordance Index (CI), dosimetric consequences, as well as differences in the subsequent NTCPs were calculated. The median CI of the different delineation guidelines with the reference guidelines was 0.54 for the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, 0.56 for the laryngeal structures and 0.07 for the cricopharyngeal muscle and esophageal inlet muscle. The average difference in mean dose to the SWOARs between the guidelines with the largest difference (maxΔD) was 3.5±3.2Gy. A mean ΔNTCP of 2.3±2.7% was found. For two patients, ΔNTCP exceeded 10%. The majority of the patients showed little differences in NTCPs between the different delineation guidelines. However, large NTCP differences >10% were found in 7% of the patients. For correct use of NTCP models in individual patients, uniform delineation guidelines are of great importance. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Associations between Discussions of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Internationally Adoptive Families and Delinquent Behavior among Korean Adopted Adolescents.

PubMed

Anderson, Kayla N; Lee, Richard M; Rueter, Martha A; Kim, Oh Myo

2015-04-01

Internationally adopted adolescents may have more delinquent behavior than non-adopted adolescents. One explanation is these adolescents experience discrimination and loss of culture, and adoptive parents are not adequately addressing these experiences. However, studies have not examined the effects of family discussions of racial and ethnic differences within adoptive families on adopted adolescents' delinquent behavior. To test this relationship, this study utilized data from 111 U.S. internationally adoptive families with 185 South Korean adopted adolescents (55% female, M age = 17.75). During an observational assessment, families discussed the importance of their racial and ethnic differences, and adolescents completed a delinquent behavior questionnaire. Analysis of covariance showed differences in adolescent delinquent behavior across three ways adoptive families discussed racial and ethnic differences; adolescents whose families acknowledged differences had the fewest mean delinquent behaviors. There were no significant differences in delinquent behavior between adolescents whose families acknowledged or rejected the importance of racial and ethnic differences. However, adopted adolescents whose families held discrepant views of differences had significantly more problem behavior than adolescents whose families either acknowledged or rejected the importance of racial and ethnic differences. Clinicians, adoption professionals, and other parenting specialists should focus on building cohesive family identities about racial and ethnic differences, as discrepant views of differences are associated with the most adoptee delinquent behavior.

Associations between Discussions of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Internationally Adoptive Families and Delinquent Behavior among Korean Adopted Adolescents

PubMed Central

Anderson, Kayla N.; Lee, Richard M.; Rueter, Martha A.; Kim, Oh Myo

2015-01-01

Internationally adopted adolescents may have more delinquent behavior than non-adopted adolescents. One explanation is these adolescents experience discrimination and loss of culture, and adoptive parents are not adequately addressing these experiences. However, studies have not examined the effects of family discussions of racial and ethnic differences within adoptive families on adopted adolescents’ delinquent behavior. To test this relationship, this study utilized data from 111 U.S. internationally adoptive families with 185 South Korean adopted adolescents (55% female, M age = 17.75). During an observational assessment, families discussed the importance of their racial and ethnic differences, and adolescents completed a delinquent behavior questionnaire. Analysis of covariance showed differences in adolescent delinquent behavior across three ways adoptive families discussed racial and ethnic differences; adolescents whose families acknowledged differences had the fewest mean delinquent behaviors. There were no significant differences in delinquent behavior between adolescents whose families acknowledged or rejected the importance of racial and ethnic differences. However, adopted adolescents whose families held discrepant views of differences had significantly more problem behavior than adolescents whose families either acknowledged or rejected the importance of racial and ethnic differences. Clinicians, adoption professionals, and other parenting specialists should focus on building cohesive family identities about racial and ethnic differences, as discrepant views of differences are associated with the most adoptee delinquent behavior. PMID:25729119

Expression profiles of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their regulation by Relish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dongdong; Li, Fuhua; Li, Shihao; Wen, Rong; Xiang, Jianhai

2012-07-01

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as key immune effectors, play important roles in the innate immune system of invertebrates. Different types of AMPs, including Penaeidin, Crustin, ALF (antilipopolysaccharide factor) have been identified in different penaeid shrimp; however, systematic analyses on the function of different AMPs in shrimp responsive to different types of bacteria are very limited. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of AMPs in the Chinese shrimps, Fenneropenaeus chinensis, simultaneously by real-time RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) when shrimp were challenged with Micrococcus lysodeikticus (Gram-positive, G+) or Vibrio anguillarium (Gram-negative, G-). Different AMPs showed different expression profiles when shrimp were injected with one type of bacterium, and one AMP also showed different expression profiles when shrimp were challenged with different bacteria. Furthermore, the expression of these AMPs showed temporal expression profiles, suggesting that different AMPs function coordinately in bacteria-infected shrimp. An RNA interference approach was used to study the function of the Relish transcription factor in regulating the transcription of different AMPs. The current study showed that Relish could regulate the transcription of different AMPs in shrimp. Differential expression profiles of AMPs in shrimp injected with different types of bacteria indicated that a complicated antimicrobial response network existed in shrimp. These data contribute to our understanding of immunity in shrimp and may provide a strategy for the control of disease in shrimp.

Comparing Dual-Language Versions of an International Computerized-Adaptive Certification Exam.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sireci, Stephen G.; Foster, David F.; Robin, Frederic; Olsen, James

Evaluating the comparability of a test administered in different languages is a difficult, if not impossible, task. Comparisons are problematic because observed differences in test performance between groups who take different language versions of a test could be due to a difference in difficulty between the tests, to cultural differences in test…

Do Sex Differences in a Faceted Model of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence Depend on the Method Applied?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steinmayr, Ricarda; Beauducel, Andre; Spinath, Birgit

2010-01-01

Recently, different methodological approaches have been discussed as an explanation for inconsistencies in studies investigating sex differences in different intelligences. The present study investigates sex differences in manifest sum scores, factor score estimates, and latent verbal, numerical, figural intelligence, as well as fluid and…

Serial Comparison Processes and Sex Differences in Clerical Speed.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Majeres, Raymond L.

1988-01-01

Three experiments were conducted with 91 male and 91 female university students to assess sex differences in performance on speeded matching tests and theory on same-different judgments. Results are interpreted via the dual-process hypothesis of same-difference judgments with sex differences explained in terms of serial comparison processes rather…

Becoming Literate in Different Languages: Similar Problems, Different Solutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ziegler, Johannes C.; Goswami, Usha

2006-01-01

The teaching of reading in different languages should be informed by an effective evidence base. Although most children will eventually become competent, indeed skilled, readers of their languages, the pre-reading (e.g. phonological awareness) and language skills that they bring to school may differ in systematic ways for different language…

Differences between Workers on Different Shifts in Rating of Client Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gampel, Ezra S.

The study sought to determine if there are differences between shifts of workers in Intermediate Care Facilities in their ratings of the daily living skills of mentally retarded residents, and whether these differences reflect actual differences in performance by the residents. Staff were interviewed concerning the level of prompt required to…

What's in a Name? How Different Languages Result in Different Brains in English and Chinese Speakers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Chao

2010-01-01

The linguistic relativity hypothesis proposes that speakers of different languages perceive and conceptualize the world differently, but do their brains reflect these differences? In English, most nouns do not provide linguistic clues to their categories, whereas most Mandarin Chinese nouns provide explicit category information, either…

Do Age-Group Differences on Mental Tests Imitate Racial Differences?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jensen, Arthur R.

2003-01-01

Results from a battery of 17 diverse tests completed by 877 white and 855 black students in grades 3 through 8 support Spearman's hypothesis that the white-black difference in test performance is predominantly a general intelligence ("g") difference rather than a unitary developmental difference affecting all factors in test performance.…

Public-Private Differences in Achievement among Kindergarten Students: Differences in Learning Opportunities and Student Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carbonaro, William

2006-01-01

While much research has focused on public-private differences in learning opportunities and achievement in high school, no studies have examined sector differences early in students' academic careers. In this study, I examine sector differences in learning opportunities and achievement in kindergarten. The analyses indicate: (1) learning…

The Effects of Instructor Differences Upon Student Progress in Naval Aviation Training. Medical Research Progress No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waag, Wayne L.; Shannon, Richard H.

The investigation attempted to determine: whether instructor differences could be measured quantitatively; if such differences affected the grades which they assigned; if such differences affected the student's progress through the flight training program. Using an unstructured rating form, it was found that reliable instructor differences could…

Coping Styles and Sex Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Delinquent Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kort-Butler, Lisa A.

2009-01-01

Building on research that links gender to differences in well-being and differences in stress exposure and vulnerability, the current study examines how coping styles are gendered in ways that may contribute to sex differences in depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior. The study disaggregates stress measures to reflect gender differences in…

Do Parents Model Gestures Differently When Children's Gestures Differ?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Özçaliskan, Seyda; Adamson, Lauren B.; Dimitrova, Nevena; Baumann, Stephanie

2018-01-01

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or with Down syndrome (DS) show diagnosis-specific differences from typically developing (TD) children in gesture production. We asked whether these differences reflect the differences in parental gesture input. Our systematic observations of 23 children with ASD and 23 with DS (M[subscript…

On the use of regional channel-based indicators for monitoring

Treesearch

Leslie M. Reid; Michael J. Furniss

1998-01-01

Abstract - State-of-the-art approaches to ecosystem management recognize that different impact mechanisms produce different impacts in different watersheds, so the approaches are designed to provide different management prescriptions in different areas. Despite this level of understanding, there remains a widespread desire to identify a suite of indicators of lotic...

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN IMPULSIVE CHOICE AND TIMING IN RATS

PubMed Central

Galtress, Tiffany; Garcia, Ana; Kirkpatrick, Kimberly

2012-01-01

Individual differences in impulsive choice behavior have been linked to a variety of behavioral problems including substance abuse, smoking, gambling, and poor financial decision-making. Given the potential importance of individual differences in impulsive choice as a predictor of behavioral problems, the present study sought to measure the extent of individual differences in a normal sample of hooded Lister rats. Three experiments utilized variations of a delay discounting task to measure the degree of variation in impulsive choice behavior across individual rats. The individual differences accounted for 22–55% of the variance in choice behavior across the three experiments. In Experiments 2 and 3, the individual differences were still apparent when behavior was measured across multiple choice points. Large individual differences in the rate of responding, and modest individual differences in timing of responding were also observed during occasional peak trials. The individual differences in timing and rate, however, did not correlate consistently with individual differences in choice behavior. This suggests that a variety of factors may affect choice behavior, response rate, and response timing. PMID:22851792

Different annealing temperature suitable for different Mg doped P-GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, S. T.; Yang, J.; Zhao, D. G.; Jiang, D. S.; Liang, F.; Chen, P.; Zhu, J. J.; Liu, Z. S.; Li, X.; Liu, W.; Zhang, L. Q.; Long, H.; Li, M.

2017-04-01

In this work, epitaxial GaN with different Mg doping concentration annealed at different temperature is investigated. Through Hall and PL spectra measurement we found that when Mg doping concentration is different, different annealing temperature is needed for obtaining the best p-type conduction of GaN, and this difference comes from the different influence of annealing on compensated donors. For ultra-heavily Mg doped sample, the process of Mg related donors transferring to non-radiative recombination centers is dominated, so the performance of P-GaN deteriorates with temperature increase. But for low Mg doped sample, the process of Mg related donors transfer to non-raditive recombination is weak compare to the Mg acceptor activation, so along the annealing temperature increase the performance GaN gets better.

Critical Analyses of Data Differences Between FNMOC and AFGWC Spawned SSM/I Datasets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritchie, Adrian A., Jr.; Smith, Matthew R.; Goodman, H. Michael; Schudalla, Ronald L.; Conway, Dawn K.; LaFontaine, Frank J.; Moss, Don; Motta, Brian

1998-01-01

Antenna temperatures and the corresponding geolocation data from the five sources of the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F11 satellite have been characterized. Data from the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) have been compared with data from other sources to define and document the differences resulting from different processing systems. While all sources used similar methods to calculate antenna temperatures, different calibration averaging techniques and other processing methods yielded temperature differences. Analyses of the geolocation data identified perturbations in the FNMOC and National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service data. The effects of the temperature differences were examined by generating rain rates using the Goddard Scattering Algorithm. Differences in the geophysical precipitation products are directly attributable to antenna temperature differences.

Comparative Genomics in Homo sapiens.

PubMed

Oti, Martin; Sammeth, Michael

2018-01-01

Genomes can be compared at different levels of divergence, either between species or within species. Within species genomes can be compared between different subpopulations, such as human subpopulations from different continents. Investigating the genomic differences between different human subpopulations is important when studying complex diseases that are affected by many genetic variants, as the variants involved can differ between populations. The 1000 Genomes Project collected genome-scale variation data for 2504 human individuals from 26 different populations, enabling a systematic comparison of variation between human subpopulations. In this chapter, we present step-by-step a basic protocol for the identification of population-specific variants employing the 1000 Genomes data. These variants are subsequently further investigated for those that affect the proteome or RNA splice sites, to investigate potentially biologically relevant differences between the populations.

Different workplace-related strains and different workplace-related anxieties in different professions.

PubMed

Muschalla, Beate; Linden, Michael

2013-08-01

Similar to the spectrum of the traditional anxiety disorders, there are also different types of workplace-related anxieties. The question is whether in different professional settings different facets of workplace-related anxieties are predominant. A convenience sample of 224 inpatients (71% women) from a department of psychosomatic medicine was investigated. They were assessed with a structured diagnostic interview concerning anxiety disorders and specific workplace-related anxieties. Office workers suffer relatively most often from specific social anxiety, insufficiency, and workplace phobia. Service workers suffer predominantly from unspecific social anxiety. Health care workers are characterized by insufficiency, adjustment disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and workplace phobia. Persons in production and education are least often affected by workplace-related anxieties. Different types of anxiety are seen in different professional domains, parallel to workplace characteristics.

Testing the AUDI2000 colour-difference formula for solid colours using some visual datasets with usefulness to automotive industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-García, Juan; Melgosa, Manuel; Gómez-Robledo, Luis; Li, Changjun; Huang, Min; Liu, Haoxue; Cui, Guihua; Luo, M. Ronnier; Dauser, Thomas

2013-11-01

Colour-difference formulas are tools employed in colour industries for objective pass/fail decisions of manufactured products. These objective decisions are based on instrumental colour measurements which must reliably predict the subjective colour-difference evaluations performed by observers' panels. In a previous paper we have tested the performance of different colour-difference formulas using the datasets employed at the development of the last CIErecommended colour-difference formula CIEDE2000, and we found that the AUDI2000 colour-difference formula for solid (homogeneous) colours performed reasonably well, despite the colour pairs in these datasets were not similar to those typically employed in the automotive industry (CIE Publication x038:2013, 465-469). Here we have tested again AUDI2000 together with 11 advanced colour-difference formulas (CIELUV, CIELAB, CMC, BFD, CIE94, CIEDE2000, CAM02-UCS, CAM02-SCD, DIN99d, DIN99b, OSA-GP-Euclidean) for three visual datasets we may consider particularly useful to the automotive industry because of different reasons: 1) 828 metallic colour pairs used to develop the highly reliable RIT-DuPont dataset (Color Res. Appl. 35, 274-283, 2010); 2) printed samples conforming 893 colour pairs with threshold colour differences (J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 29, 883-891, 2012); 3) 150 colour pairs in a tolerance dataset proposed by AUDI. To measure the relative merits of the different tested colour-difference formulas, we employed the STRESS index (J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 24, 1823-1829, 2007), assuming a 95% confidence level. For datasets 1) and 2), AUDI2000 was in the group of the best colour-difference formulas with no significant differences with respect to CIE94, CIEDE2000, CAM02-UCS, DIN99b and DIN99d formulas. For dataset 3) AUDI2000 provided the best results, being statistically significantly better than all other tested colour-difference formulas.

Gender Differences in Presentation, Management, and In-Hospital Outcomes for Patients with AMI in a Lower-Middle Income Country: Evidence from Egypt

PubMed Central

Butala, Neel M.; Desai, Mayur M.; Linnander, Erika L.; Wong, Y. Rex; Mikhail, Daoud G.; Ott, Lesli S.; Spertus, John A.; Bradley, Elizabeth H.; Aaty, Ahmed Abdel; Abdelfattah, Alia; Gamal, Ayman; Kholeif, Hatem; Baz, Mohamed El; Allam, A. H.; Krumholz, Harlan M.

2011-01-01

Background Many studies in high-income countries have investigated gender differences in the care and outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, little evidence exists on gender differences among patients with AMI in lower-middle-income countries, where the proportion deaths stemming from cardiovascular disease is projected to increase dramatically. This study examines gender differences in patients in the lower-middle-income country of Egypt to determine if female patients with AMI have a different presentation, management, or outcome compared with men. Methods and Findings Using registry data collected over 18 months from 5 Egyptian hospitals, we considered 1204 patients (253 females, 951 males) with a confirmed diagnosis of AMI. We examined gender differences in initial presentation, clinical management, and in-hospital outcomes using t-tests and χ2 tests. Additionally, we explored gender differences in in-hospital death using multivariate logistic regression to adjust for age and other differences in initial presentation. We found that women were older than men, had higher BMI, and were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Women were less likely to receive aspirin upon admission (p<0.01) or aspirin or statins at discharge (p = 0.001 and p<0.05, respectively), although the magnitude of these differences was small. While unadjusted in-hospital mortality was significantly higher for women (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.87), this difference did not persist in the fully adjusted model (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.55 to 2.55). Conclusions We found that female patients had a different profile than men at the time of presentation. Clinical management of men and women with AMI was similar, though there are small but significant differences in some areas. These gender differences did not translate into differences in in-hospital outcome, but highlight differences in quality of care and represent important opportunities for improvement. PMID:22022463

Monozygotic twin differences in school performance are stable and systematic.

PubMed

von Stumm, Sophie; Plomin, Robert

2018-06-19

School performance is one of the most stable and heritable psychological characteristics. Notwithstanding, monozygotic twins (MZ), who have identical genotypes, differ in school performance. These MZ differences result from non-shared environments that do not contribute to the similarity within twin pairs. Because to date few non-shared environmental factors have been reliably associated with MZ differences in school performance, they are thought to be idiosyncratic and due to chance, suggesting that the effect of non-shared environments on MZ differences are age- and trait-specific. In a sample of 2768 MZ twin pairs, we found first that MZ differences in school performance were moderately stable from age 12 through 16, with differences at the ages 12 and 14 accounting for 20% of the variance in MZ differences at age 16. Second, MZ differences in school performance correlated positively with MZ differences across 16 learning-related variables, including measures of intelligence, personality and school attitudes, with the twin who scored higher on one also scoring higher on the other measures. Finally, MZ differences in the 16 learning-related variables accounted for 22% of the variance in MZ differences in school performance at age 16. These findings suggest that, unlike for other psychological domains, non-shared environmental factors affect school performance in systematic ways that have long-term and generalist influence. Our findings should motivate the search for non-shared environmental factors responsible for the stable and systematic effects on children's differences in school performance. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/0bw2Fl_HGq0. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of Bispectral Index™ values during the flotation restricted environmental stimulation technique and results for stage I sleep: a prospective pilot investigation.

PubMed

Dunham, C Michael; McClain, Jesse V; Burger, Amanda

2017-11-29

To determine whether Bispectral Index™ values obtained during flotation-restricted environment stimulation technique have a similar profile in a single observation compared to literature-derived results found during sleep and other relaxation-induction interventions. Bispectral Index™ values were as follows: awake-state, 96.6; float session-1, 84.3; float session-2, 82.3; relaxation-induction, 82.8; stage I sleep, 86.0; stage II sleep, 66.2; and stages III-IV sleep, 45.1. Awake-state values differed from float session-1 (%difference 12.7%; Cohen's d = 3.6) and float session-2 (%difference 14.8%; Cohen's d = 4.6). Relaxation-induction values were similar to float session-1 (%difference 1.8%; Cohen's d = 0.3) and float session-2 (%difference 0.5%; Cohen's d = 0.1). Stage I sleep values were similar to float session-1 (%difference 1.9%; Cohen's d = 0.4) and float session-2 (%difference 4.3%; Cohen's d = 1.0). Stage II sleep values differed from float session-1 (%difference 21.5%; Cohen's d = 4.3) and float session-2 (%difference 19.6%; Cohen's d = 4.0). Stages III-IV sleep values differed from float session-1 (%difference 46.5%; Cohen's d = 5.6) and float session-2 (%difference 45.2%; Cohen's d = 5.4). Bispectral Index™ values during flotation were comparable to those found in stage I sleep and nadir values described with other relaxation-induction techniques.

The dependency of timbre on fundamental frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marozeau, Jeremy; de Cheveigné, Alain; McAdams, Stephen; Winsberg, Suzanne

2003-11-01

The dependency of the timbre of musical sounds on their fundamental frequency (F0) was examined in three experiments. In experiment I subjects compared the timbres of stimuli produced by a set of 12 musical instruments with equal F0, duration, and loudness. There were three sessions, each at a different F0. In experiment II the same stimuli were rearranged in pairs, each with the same difference in F0, and subjects had to ignore the constant difference in pitch. In experiment III, instruments were paired both with and without an F0 difference within the same session, and subjects had to ignore the variable differences in pitch. Experiment I yielded dissimilarity matrices that were similar at different F0's, suggesting that instruments kept their relative positions within timbre space. Experiment II found that subjects were able to ignore the salient pitch difference while rating timbre dissimilarity. Dissimilarity matrices were symmetrical, suggesting further that the absolute displacement of the set of instruments within timbre space was small. Experiment III extended this result to the case where the pitch difference varied from trial to trial. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) of dissimilarity scores produced solutions (timbre spaces) that varied little across conditions and experiments. MDS solutions were used to test the validity of signal-based predictors of timbre, and in particular their stability as a function of F0. Taken together, the results suggest that timbre differences are perceived independently from differences of pitch, at least for F0 differences smaller than an octave. Timbre differences can be measured between stimuli with different F0's.

Comparison of shear wave velocities on ultrasound elastography between different machines, transducers, and acquisition depths: a phantom study.

PubMed

Shin, Hyun Joo; Kim, Myung-Joon; Kim, Ha Yan; Roh, Yun Ho; Lee, Mi-Jung

2016-10-01

To investigate consistency in shear wave velocities (SWVs) on ultrasound elastography using different machines, transducers and acquisition depths. The SWVs were measured using an elasticity phantom with a Young's modulus of 16.9 kPa, with three recently introduced ultrasound elastography machines (A, B and C from different vendors) and two transducers (low and high frequencies) at four depths (2, 3, 4 and 5 cm). Mean SWVs from 15 measurements and coefficient of variations (CVs) were compared between three machines, two transducers and four acquisition depths. The SWVs using the high frequency transducer were not acquired at 5 cm depth in machine B, and a high frequency transducer was not available in machine C. The mean SWVs in the three machines were different (p ≤ 0.002). The CVs were 0-0.09 in three machines. The mean SWVs between the two transducers were different (p < 0.001) except at 4 and 5 cm depths in machine A. The SWVs were affected by the acquisition depths in all conditions (p < 0.001). There is considerable difference in SWVs on ultrasound elastography depending on different machines, transducers and acquisition depths. Caution is needed when using the cutoff values of SWVs in different conditions. • The shear wave velocities (SWVs) are different between different ultrasound elastography machines • The SWVs are also different between different transducers and acquisition depths • Caution is needed when using the cutoff SWVs measured under different conditions.

Different hunting strategies of generalist predators result in functional differences.

PubMed

Michalko, Radek; Pekár, Stano

2016-08-01

The morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits of organisms are often used as surrogates for actual ecological functions. However, differences in these traits do not necessarily lead to functional differences and/or can be context-dependent. Therefore, it is necessary to explicitly test whether the surrogates have general ecological relevance. To investigate the relationship between the hunting strategies of predators (i.e., how, where, and when they hunt) and their function, we used euryphagous spiders as a model group. We used published data on the diet composition of 76 spider species based on natural prey and laboratory prey acceptance experiments. We computed differences in the position and width of trophic niches among pairs of sympatrically occurring species. Pairs were made at different classification levels, ranked according to the dissimilarity in their hunting strategies: congeners, confamiliars (as phylogenetic proxies for similarity in hunting strategy), species from the same main class of hunting strategy, from the same supra-class, and from different supra-classes. As for niche position computed from the natural prey analyses, species from the same class differed less than species from different classes. A similar pattern was obtained from the laboratory studies, but the congeners differed less than the species from the same classes. Niche widths were most similar among congeners and dissimilar among species from different supra-classes. Functional differences among euryphagous spiders increased continuously with increasing difference in their hunting strategy. The relative frequency of hunting strategies within spider assemblages can, therefore, influence the food webs through hunting strategy-specific predator-prey interactions.

Measurement of gastrointestinal transmural electric potential difference in man.

PubMed

Geall, M G; Code, C F; McIlrath, D C; Summerskill, W H

1970-01-01

Measurement, in man, of the electric potential difference between venous blood and the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract gave identical values to the potential difference between mucosa and serosa. Various parts of the peritoneum were equipotential with venous blood. By contrast, skin-enteric potential difference varied with time and among different subjects because of a potential difference between skin and blood that is unpredictably reduced by skin injury. The results with electrolyte bridges of KCl in agar or of flowing KCl were identical.

Measurement of gastrointestinal transmural electric potential difference in man

PubMed Central

Geall, Michael G.; Code, Charles F.; McIlrath, Donald C.; Summerskill, W. H. J.

1970-01-01

Measurement, in man, of the electric potential difference between venous blood and the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract gave identical values to the potential difference between mucosa and serosa. Various parts of the peritoneum were equipotential with venous blood. By contrast, skin-enteric potential difference varied with time and among different subjects because of a potential difference between skin and blood that is unpredictably reduced by skin injury. The results with electrolyte bridges of KCl in agar or of flowing KCl were identical. PMID:5435266

Playing Games with Optimal Competitive Scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frank, Jeremy; Crawford, James; Khatib, Lina; Brafman, Ronen

2005-01-01

This paper is concerned with the problem of allocating a unit capacity resource to multiple users within a pre-defined time period. The resource is indivisible, so that at most one user can use it at each time instance. However, different users may use it at different times. The users have independent, selfish preferences for when and for how long they are allocated this resource. Thus, they value different resource access durations differently, and they value different time slots differently. We seek an optimal allocation schedule for this resource.

Age-related differences in reaction time task performance in young children.

PubMed

Kiselev, Sergey; Espy, Kimberly Andrews; Sheffield, Tiffany

2009-02-01

Performance of reaction time (RT) tasks was investigated in young children and adults to test the hypothesis that age-related differences in processing speed supersede a "global" mechanism and are a function of specific differences in task demands and processing requirements. The sample consisted of 54 4-year-olds, 53 5-year-olds, 59 6-year-olds, and 35 adults from Russia. Using the regression approach pioneered by Brinley and the transformation method proposed by Madden and colleagues and Ridderinkhoff and van der Molen, age-related differences in processing speed differed among RT tasks with varying demands. In particular, RTs differed between children and adults on tasks that required response suppression, discrimination of color or spatial orientation, reversal of contingencies of previously learned stimulus-response rules, and greater stimulus-response complexity. Relative costs of these RT task differences were larger than predicted by the global difference hypothesis except for response suppression. Among young children, age-related differences larger than predicted by the global difference hypothesis were evident when tasks required color or spatial orientation discrimination and stimulus-response rule complexity, but not for response suppression or reversal of stimulus-response contingencies. Process-specific, age-related differences in processing speed that support heterochronicity of brain development during childhood were revealed.

Gender Differences in Cancer Susceptibility: An Inadequately Addressed Issue

PubMed Central

Dorak, M. Tevfik; Karpuzoglu, Ebru

2012-01-01

The gender difference in cancer susceptibility is one of the most consistent findings in cancer epidemiology. Hematologic malignancies are generally more common in males and this can be generalized to most other cancers. Similar gender differences in non-malignant diseases including autoimmunity, are attributed to hormonal or behavioral differences. Even in early childhood, however, where these differences would not apply, there are differences in cancer incidence between males and females. In childhood, few cancers are more common in females, but overall, males have higher susceptibility. In Hodgkin lymphoma, the gender ratio reverses toward adolescence. The pattern that autoimmune disorders are more common in females, but cancer and infections in males suggests that the known differences in immunity may be responsible for this dichotomy. Besides immune surveillance, genome surveillance mechanisms also differ in efficiency between males and females. Other obvious differences include hormonal ones and the number of X chromosomes. Some of the differences may even originate from exposures during prenatal development. This review will summarize well-documented examples of gender effect in cancer susceptibility, discuss methodological issues in exploration of gender differences, and present documented or speculated mechanisms. The gender differential in susceptibility can give important clues for the etiology of cancers and should be examined in all genetic and non-genetic association studies. PMID:23226157

A Systems Biology Approach to Investigating Sex Differences in Cardiac Hypertrophy.

PubMed

Harrington, Josephine; Fillmore, Natasha; Gao, Shouguo; Yang, Yanqin; Zhang, Xue; Liu, Poching; Stoehr, Andrea; Chen, Ye; Springer, Danielle; Zhu, Jun; Wang, Xujing; Murphy, Elizabeth

2017-08-19

Heart failure preceded by hypertrophy is a leading cause of death, and sex differences in hypertrophy are well known, although the basis for these sex differences is poorly understood. This study used a systems biology approach to investigate mechanisms underlying sex differences in cardiac hypertrophy. Male and female mice were treated for 2 and 3 weeks with angiotensin II to induce hypertrophy. Sex differences in cardiac hypertrophy were apparent after 3 weeks of treatment. RNA sequencing was performed on hearts, and sex differences in mRNA expression at baseline and following hypertrophy were observed, as well as within-sex differences between baseline and hypertrophy. Sex differences in mRNA were substantial at baseline and reduced somewhat with hypertrophy, as the mRNA differences induced by hypertrophy tended to overwhelm the sex differences. We performed an integrative analysis to identify mRNA networks that were differentially regulated in the 2 sexes by hypertrophy and obtained a network centered on PPARα (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α). Mouse experiments further showed that acute inhibition of PPARα blocked sex differences in the development of hypertrophy. The data in this study suggest that PPARα is involved in the sex-dimorphic regulation of cardiac hypertrophy. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

An epidemiologic study on anthropometric dimensions of 7-11-year-old Iranian children: considering ethnic differences.

PubMed

Mirmohammadi, Seyyed Jalil; Hafezi, Rahmatollah; Mehrparvar, Amir Houshang; Gerdfaramarzi, Raziyeh Soltani; Mostaghaci, Mehrdad; Nodoushan, Reza Jafari; Rezaeian, Bibiseyedeh

2013-01-01

Anthropometric data can be used to identify the physical dimensions of equipment, furniture, clothing and workstations. The use of poorly designed furniture that fails to fulfil the users' anthropometric dimensions, has a negative impact on human health. In this study, we measured some anthropometric dimensions of Iranian children from different ethnicities. A total of 12,731 Iranian primary school children aged 7-11 years were included in the study and their static anthropometric dimensions were measured. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and key percentiles were calculated. All dimensions were compared among different ethnicities and different genders. This study showed significant differences in a set of 22 anthropometric dimensions with regard to gender, age and ethnicity. Turk boys and Arab girls were larger than their contemporaries in different ages. According to the results of this study, difference between genders and among different ethnicities should be taken into account by designers and manufacturers of school furniture. In this study, we measured 22 static anthropometric dimensions of 12,731 Iranian primary school children aged 7-11 years from different ethnicities. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and key percentiles were measured for each dimension. This study showed significant differences in a set of 22 anthropometric dimensions in different genders, ages and ethnicities.

Self-efficacy difference among patients with cancer with different socioeconomic status: application of latent class analysis and standardization and decomposition analysis.

PubMed

Yuan, Changrong; Wei, Chunlan; Wang, Jichuan; Qian, Huijuan; Ye, Xianghong; Liu, Yingyan; Hinds, Pamela S

2014-06-01

Although the relationship between partial socioeconomic status (SES) and self-efficacy has been studied in previous studies, few research have examined self-efficacy difference among patients with cancer with different SES. A cross-sectional survey involving 764 patients with cancer was completed. Latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to identify distinct groups of patients with cancer using four SES indicators (education, income, employment status and health insurance status). Standardization and decomposition analysis (SDA) was then used to examine differences in patients' self-efficacy among SES groups and the components of the differences attributed to confounding factors, such as gender, age, anxiety, depression and social support. Participants were classified into four distinctive SES groups via using LCA method, and the observed self-efficacy level significantly varied by SES groups; as theorized, higher self-efficacy was associated with higher SES. The self-efficacy differences by SES groups were decomposed into "real" group differences and factor component effects that are attributed to group differences in confounding factor compositions. Self-efficacy significantly varies by SES. Social support significantly confounded the observed differences in self-efficacy between different SES groups among Chinese patients with cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A comparison of four different lens mappers.

PubMed

Larrue, Denis; Legeard, Morgane

2014-11-01

Recently, a number of lens mappers have become available for measuring the detailed optical properties of progressive addition lenses (PALs). The goal of this study was to compare the results obtained from several different lens mappers for a range of different lenses. The optical power maps of six lenses-two single-vision lenses, a parallel-sided slide, a flat prism, and two progressive lenses-were measured using four different lens mappers: the Dual Lens Mapper, the Nimo TR4005, the Rotlex Class Plus, and the Visionix VM2500. The repeatability of the instruments was also evaluated. All lens mappers gave very repeatable measurements; however, measurements among the lens mappers varied considerably. Differences appeared to be above the tolerance at the optical center for measurements of single-vision lenses, and these differences increase in the periphery up to 1.00 diopter. Similar differences were observed for the PALs, even increased by prism and base curve effect, with figures greater than 1 diopter in the periphery. The measurements made on the prism and lenses with different base curves suggest that base curve, thickness, and prismatic effect can all contribute to the differences among instruments. Measurements of a given lens taken with different lens mappers can vary substantially. Particular caution should be exercised when interpreting power maps for PALs taken with different instruments.

Image-size differences worsen stereopsis independent of eye position

PubMed Central

Vlaskamp, Björn N. S.; Filippini, Heather R.; Banks, Martin S.

2010-01-01

With the eyes in forward gaze, stereo performance worsens when one eye’s image is larger than the other’s. Near, eccentric objects naturally create retinal images of different sizes. Does this mean that stereopsis exhibits deficits for such stimuli? Or does the visual system compensate for the predictable image-size differences? To answer this, we measured discrimination of a disparity-defined shape for different relative image sizes. We did so for different gaze directions, some compatible with the image-size difference and some not. Magnifications of 10–15% caused a clear worsening of stereo performance. The worsening was determined only by relative image size and not by eye position. This shows that no neural compensation for image-size differences accompanies eye-position changes, at least prior to disparity estimation. We also found that a local cross-correlation model for disparity estimation performs like humans in the same task, suggesting that the decrease in stereo performance due to image-size differences is a byproduct of the disparity-estimation method. Finally, we looked for compensation in an observer who has constantly different image sizes due to differing eye lengths. She performed best when the presented images were roughly the same size, indicating that she has compensated for the persistent image-size difference. PMID:19271927

Expression of alcoholism-relevant genes in the liver are differently correlated to different parts of the brain.

PubMed

Wang, Lishi; Huang, Yue; Jiao, Yan; Chen, Hong; Cao, Yanhong; Bennett, Beth; Wang, Yongjun; Gu, Weikuan

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether expression profiles of alcoholism-relevant genes in different parts of the brain are correlated differently with those in the liver. Four experiments were conducted. First, we used gene expression profiles from five parts of the brain (striatum, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and cerebellum) and from liver in a population of recombinant inbred mouse strains to examine the expression association of 10 alcoholism-relevant genes. Second, we conducted the same association analysis between brain structures and the lung. Third, using five randomly selected, nonalcoholism-relevant genes, we conducted the association analysis between brain and liver. Finally, we compared the expression of 10 alcoholism-relevant genes in hippocampus and cerebellum between an alcohol preference strain and a wild-type control. We observed a difference in correlation patterns in expression levels of 10 alcoholism-relevant genes between different parts of the brain with those of liver. We then examined the association of gene expression between alcohol dehydrogenases (Adh1, Adh2, Adh5, and Adh7) and different parts of the brain. The results were similar to those of the 10 genes. Then, we found that the association of those genes between brain structures and lung was different from that of liver. Next, we found that the association patterns of five alcoholism-nonrelevant genes were different from those of 10 alcoholism-relevant genes. Finally, we found that the expression level of 10 alcohol-relevant genes is influenced more in hippocampus than in cerebellum in the alcohol preference strain. Our results show that the expression of alcoholism-relevant genes in liver is differently associated with the expression of genes in different parts of the brain. Because different structural changes in different parts of the brain in alcoholism have been reported, it is important to investigate whether those structural differences in the brains of those with alcoholism are due to the difference in the associations of gene expression between genes in liver and in different parts of the brain.

Association of the Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Provision With Prenatal Care Use and Birth Outcomes.

PubMed

Daw, Jamie R; Sommers, Benjamin D

2018-02-13

The effect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) dependent coverage provision on pregnancy-related health care and health outcomes is unknown. To determine whether the dependent coverage provision was associated with changes in payment for birth, prenatal care, and birth outcomes. Retrospective cohort study, using a differences-in-differences analysis of individual-level birth certificate data comparing live births among US women aged 24 to 25 years (exposure group) and women aged 27 to 28 years (control group) before (2009) and after (2011-2013) enactment of the dependent coverage provision. Results were stratified by marital status. The dependent coverage provision of the ACA, which allowed young adults to stay on their parent's health insurance until age 26 years. Primary outcomes were payment source for birth, early prenatal care (first visit in first trimester), and adequate prenatal care (a first trimester visit and 80% of expected visits). Secondary outcomes were cesarean delivery, premature birth, low birth weight, and infant neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study population included 1 379 005 births among women aged 24-25 years (exposure group; 299 024 in 2009; 1 079 981 in 2011-2013), and 1 551 192 births among women aged 27-28 years (control group; 325 564 in 2009; 1 225 628 in 2011-2013). From 2011-2013, compared with 2009, private insurance payment for births increased in the exposure group (36.9% to 35.9% [difference, -1.0%]) compared with the control group (52.4% to 51.1% [difference, -1.3%]), adjusted difference-in-differences, 1.9 percentage points (95% CI, 1.6 to 2.1). Medicaid payment decreased in the exposure group (51.6% to 53.6% [difference, 2.0%]) compared with the control group (37.4% to 39.4% [difference, 1.9%]), adjusted difference-in-differences, -1.4 percentage points (95% CI, -1.7 to -1.2). Self-payment for births decreased in the exposure group (5.2% to 4.3% [difference, -0.9%]) compared with the control group (4.9% to 4.3% [difference, -0.5%]), adjusted difference-in-differences, -0.3 percentage points (95% CI, -0.4 to -0.1). Early prenatal care increased from 70% to 71.6% (difference, 1.6%) in the exposure group and from 75.7% to 76.8% (difference, 0.6%) in the control group (adjusted difference-in-differences, 0.6 percentage points [95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8]). Adequate prenatal care increased from 73.5% to 74.8% (difference, 1.3%) in the exposure group and from 77.5% to 78.8% (difference, 1.3%) in the control group (adjusted difference-in-differences, 0.4 percentage points [95% CI, 0.2 to 0.6]). Preterm birth decreased from 9.4% to 9.1% in the exposure group (difference, -0.3%) and from 9.1% to 8.9% in the control group (difference, -0.2%) (adjusted difference-in-differences, -0.2 percentage points (95% CI, -0.3 to -0.03). Overall, there were no significant changes in low birth weight, NICU admission, or cesarean delivery. In stratified analyses, changes in payment for birth, prenatal care, and preterm birth were concentrated among unmarried women. In this study of nearly 3 million births among women aged 24 to 25 years vs those aged 27 to 28 years, the Affordable Care Act dependent coverage provision was associated with increased private insurance payment for birth, increased use of prenatal care, and modest reduction in preterm births, but was not associated with changes in cesarean delivery rates, low birth weight, or NICU admission.

Impact of Cultural Differences on Students' Participation, Communication, and Learning in an Online Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Dazhi; Olesova, Larissa; Richardson, Jennifer C.

2010-01-01

Being aware of cultural differences and knowing how to deal with related differences is critical for the success of online learning and training that involves learners from multiple countries and cultures. This study examines the perceived differences of participants from two different cultures on (1) students' participation behaviors; (2)…

Disparities in Sense of Community: True Race Differences or Differential Item Functioning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coffman, Donna L.; BeLue, Rhonda

2009-01-01

The sense of community index (SCI) has been widely used to measure psychological sense of community (SOC). Furthermore, SOC has been found to differ among racial groups. Because different ethnic groups have different cultural and historical experiences that may lead to different interpretations of measurement items, it is important to know whether…

Similar or Different?: The Importance of Similarities and Differences for Support between Siblings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Voorpostel, Marieke; van der Lippe, Tanja; Dykstra, Pearl A.; Flap, Henk

2007-01-01

Using a large-scale Dutch national sample (N = 7,126), the authors examine the importance of similarities and differences in the sibling dyad for the provision of support. Similarities are assumed to enhance attraction and empathy; differences are assumed to be related to different possibilities for exchange. For helping with housework, helping…

On computation of Gröbner bases for linear difference systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerdt, Vladimir P.

2006-04-01

In this paper, we present an algorithm for computing Gröbner bases of linear ideals in a difference polynomial ring over a ground difference field. The input difference polynomials generating the ideal are also assumed to be linear. The algorithm is an adaptation to difference ideals of our polynomial algorithm based on Janet-like reductions.

Gender Differences and Intra-Gender Differences amongst Management Information Systems Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beyer, Sylvia

2008-01-01

Few women major in Management Information Systems (MIS). The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons for women's underrepresentation in MIS. In addition to examining gender differences, an important and novel goal of this study is to examine intra-gender differences in undergraduate students, i.e., differences among female MIS majors and…

Modeling the Personal Health Ecosystem.

PubMed

Blobel, Bernd; Brochhausen, Mathias; Ruotsalainen, Pekka

2018-01-01

Complex ecosystems like the pHealth one combine different domains represented by a huge variety of different actors (human beings, organizations, devices, applications, components) belonging to different policy domains, coming from different disciplines, deploying different methodologies, terminologies, and ontologies, offering different levels of knowledge, skills, and experiences, acting in different scenarios and accommodating different business cases to meet the intended business objectives. For correctly modeling such systems, a system-oriented, architecture-centric, ontology-based, policy-driven approach is inevitable, thereby following established Good Modeling Best Practices. However, most of the existing standards, specifications and tools for describing, representing, implementing and managing health (information) systems reflect the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) represented by different evolutionary levels of data modeling. The paper presents a methodology for integrating, adopting and advancing models, standards, specifications as well as implemented systems and components on the way towards the aforementioned ultimate approach, so meeting the challenge we face when transforming health systems towards ubiquitous, personalized, predictive, preventive, participative, and cognitive health and social care.

To Stroop or Not to Stroop: Sex-Related Differences in Brain-Behavior Associations During Early Childhood

PubMed Central

Cuevas, Kimberly; Calkins, Susan D.; Bell, Martha Ann

2015-01-01

Executive functions (EFs) are linked with optimal cognitive and social-emotional development. Despite behavioral evidence of sex differences in early childhood EF, little is known about potential sex differences in corresponding brain-behavior associations. The present study examined changes in 4-year-olds’ 6–9 Hz EEG power in response to increased executive processing demands (i.e., “Stroop-like” vs. “non-Stroop” day-night tasks). Although there were no sex differences in task performance, an examination of multiple scalp electrode sites revealed that boys exhibited more widespread changes in EEG power as compared to girls. Further, multiple regression analyses controlling for maternal education and non-EF performance indicated that individual differences in boys’ and girls’ EF performance were associated with different frontal neural correlates (i.e., different frontal scalp sites and different measures of EEG power). These data reveal valuable information concerning sex differences in the neural systems underlying executive processing during early childhood. PMID:26681615

Reconsidering the “acculturation gap” narrative through an analysis of parent–adolescent acculturation differences in Mexican American families

PubMed Central

Nieri, Tanya; Grindal, Matthew; Adams, Michele A.; Cookston, Jeffrey T.; Fabricius, William V.; Parke, Ross D.; Saenz, Delia S.

2014-01-01

Using a sample of 193 Mexican American adolescents (M age at Wave 1 = 14) and three waves of data over two years, this study longitudinally examined the effects of parent-youth acculturation differences, relative to no differences, on parent-adolescent relationship quality and youth problem behavior. We examined parent-youth differences in overall acculturation, Mexican acculturation, and American acculturation. We differentiated between cases in which the adolescent was more acculturated than the parent and cases in which the parent was more acculturated than the adolescent. Adolescents were more commonly similar to their parents than different. Where differences existed, adolescents were not uniformly more American than their parents, no type of difference was associated with parent-adolescent relationship quality, and no type of difference in overall acculturation was associated with youth problem behavior. One type of difference by dimension (adolescent had less Mexican acculturation than mother) was associated with less risk of problem behavior. PMID:27695153

Retrofitting solutions for two different occupancy levels of educational buildings in tropics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Junjing; Pantazaras, Alexandros; Lee, Siew Eang; Santamouris, Mattheos

2018-01-01

Within the multi-functionality of educational buildings, the energy conservation potential can be very different. In addition, among different retrofitting solutions investigated involving interventions on the building envelope, ventilation strategies, artificial lighting systems as well as equipment upgrading, different saving potential would come from different aspects. The opportunities for energy saving potential from the overall point of view and from the detailed aspect view of different retrofitting solutions would be very useful and important for building renovation decision making. This study presents a detailed retrofitting study of two different educational buildings. One represents a building with average occupancy variation and containing mainly offices and labs. The other one represents a building with high occupancy variation and containing mainly lecture rooms and studios. This comparison of the results gives an idea of the different energy saving potential for different types of educational buildings. Principal component analysis is also adopted to investigate the detailed performance of one of the buildings which is influenced stronger by these retrofitting solutions.

Application of different markers and data-analysis tools to the examination of biodiversity can lead to different results: a case study with Starmerella bacillaris (synonym Candida zemplinina) strains.

PubMed

Csoma, Hajnalka; Ács-Szabó, Lajos; Papp, László Attila; Sipiczki, Matthias

2018-08-01

Starmerella bacillaris (Candida zemplinina) is a genetically heterogeneous species. In this work, the diversity of 41 strains of various origins is examined and compared by the analysis of the length polymorphism of nuclear microsatellites and the RFLP of mitochondrial genomes. The band patterns are analysed with UPGMA, neighbor joining, neighbor net, minimum spanning tree and non-metric MDS algorithms. The results and their comparison to previous analyses demonstrate that different markers and different clustering methods can result in very different groupings of the same strains. The observed differences between the topologies of the dendrograms also indicate that the positions of the strains do not necessarily reflect their real genetic relationships and origins. The possibilities that the differences might be partially due to different sensitivity of the markers to environmental factors (selection pressure) and partially to the different grouping criteria of the algorithms are also discussed.

Meanings, Mechanisms, and Measures of Holistic Processing

PubMed Central

Richler, Jennifer J.; Palmeri, Thomas J.; Gauthier, Isabel

2012-01-01

Few concepts are more central to the study of face recognition than holistic processing. Progress toward understanding holistic processing is challenging because the term “holistic” has many meanings, with different researchers addressing different mechanisms and favoring different measures. While in principle the use of different measures should provide converging evidence for a common theoretical construct, convergence has been slow to emerge. We explore why this is the case. One challenge is that “holistic processing” is often used to describe both a theoretical construct and a measured effect, which may not have a one-to-one mapping. Progress requires more than greater precision in terminology regarding different measures of holistic processing or different hypothesized mechanisms of holistic processing. Researchers also need to be explicit about what meaning of holistic processing they are investigating so that it is clear whether different researchers are describing the same phenomenon or not. Face recognition differs from object recognition, and not all meanings of holistic processing are equally suited to help us understand that important difference. PMID:23248611

Meanings, mechanisms, and measures of holistic processing.

PubMed

Richler, Jennifer J; Palmeri, Thomas J; Gauthier, Isabel

2012-01-01

Few concepts are more central to the study of face recognition than holistic processing. Progress toward understanding holistic processing is challenging because the term "holistic" has many meanings, with different researchers addressing different mechanisms and favoring different measures. While in principle the use of different measures should provide converging evidence for a common theoretical construct, convergence has been slow to emerge. We explore why this is the case. One challenge is that "holistic processing" is often used to describe both a theoretical construct and a measured effect, which may not have a one-to-one mapping. Progress requires more than greater precision in terminology regarding different measures of holistic processing or different hypothesized mechanisms of holistic processing. Researchers also need to be explicit about what meaning of holistic processing they are investigating so that it is clear whether different researchers are describing the same phenomenon or not. Face recognition differs from object recognition, and not all meanings of holistic processing are equally suited to help us understand that important difference.

Fiber-utilizing capacity varies in Prevotella- versus Bacteroides-dominated gut microbiota.

PubMed

Chen, Tingting; Long, Wenmin; Zhang, Chenhong; Liu, Shuang; Zhao, Liping; Hamaker, Bruce R

2017-06-01

The gut microbiota of individuals are dominated by different fiber-utilizing bacteria, which ferment dietary fiber into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) known to be important for human health. Here, we show that the dominance of Prevotella versus Bacteroides in fecal innocula, identified into two different enterotypes, differentially impacts in vitro fermentation profiles of SCFAs from fibers with different chemical structures. In a microbiome of the Prevotella enterotype, fructooligosaccharides, and sorghum and corn arabinoxylans significantly promoted one single Prevotella OTU with equally high production of total SCFAs with propionate as the major product. Conversely, in the Bacteroides-dominated microbiota, the three fibers enriched different OTUs leading to different levels and ratios of SCFAs. This is the first report showing how individual differences in two enterotypes cause distinctly different responses to dietary fiber. Microbiota dominated by different fiber-utilizing bacteria may impact host health by way of producing different amounts and profiles of SCFAs from the same carbohydrate substrates.

Individual differences in behavioural plasticities.

PubMed

Stamps, Judy A

2016-05-01

Interest in individual differences in animal behavioural plasticities has surged in recent years, but research in this area has been hampered by semantic confusion as different investigators use the same terms (e.g. plasticity, flexibility, responsiveness) to refer to different phenomena. The first goal of this review is to suggest a framework for categorizing the many different types of behavioural plasticities, describe examples of each, and indicate why using reversibility as a criterion for categorizing behavioural plasticities is problematic. This framework is then used to address a number of timely questions about individual differences in behavioural plasticities. One set of questions concerns the experimental designs that can be used to study individual differences in various types of behavioural plasticities. Although within-individual designs are the default option for empirical studies of many types of behavioural plasticities, in some situations (e.g. when experience at an early age affects the behaviour expressed at subsequent ages), 'replicate individual' designs can provide useful insights into individual differences in behavioural plasticities. To date, researchers using within-individual and replicate individual designs have documented individual differences in all of the major categories of behavioural plasticities described herein. Another important question is whether and how different types of behavioural plasticities are related to one another. Currently there is empirical evidence that many behavioural plasticities [e.g. contextual plasticity, learning rates, IIV (intra-individual variability), endogenous plasticities, ontogenetic plasticities) can themselves vary as a function of experiences earlier in life, that is, many types of behavioural plasticity are themselves developmentally plastic. These findings support the assumption that differences among individuals in prior experiences may contribute to individual differences in behavioural plasticities observed at a given age. Several authors have predicted correlations across individuals between different types of behavioural plasticities, i.e. that some individuals will be generally more plastic than others. However, empirical support for most of these predictions, including indirect evidence from studies of relationships between personality traits and plasticities, is currently sparse and equivocal. The final section of this review suggests how an appreciation of the similarities and differences between different types of behavioural plasticities may help theoreticians formulate testable models to explain the evolution of individual differences in behavioural plasticities and the evolutionary and ecological consequences of individual differences in behavioural plasticities. © 2015 Cambridge Philosophical Society.

Land subsidence caused by groundwater exploitation in Suzhou City, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chongxi; Pei, Shunping; Jiao, Jiu Jimmy

2002-09-01

Suzhou City, located at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in southeastern Jiangsu Province, is one of the few cities in China which suffer from severe ground settlement. A research project was carried out to investigate this problem. Geological and hydrogeological studies show that there is a multi-layered aquifer system with three distinct, soft mud layers of marine and lagoonal origins. An examination of historical records of groundwater extraction, water levels, and ground settlement shows that the ground subsidence is associated with the continuously increasing groundwater extraction in the deep, confined aquifer. It is believed that the consolidation of the soft mud layers, especially the third layer which is thick and close to the main pumped aquifer, contributes to the ground settlement. A three-dimensional finite difference numerical model representing the multi-layered aquifer system was developed to study the ground settlement in response to groundwater extraction. By calibrating the model with both the measured groundwater level and ground settlement, the aquifer parameters were estimated. The model outputs fit reasonably well with the observed results, which indicates that the numerical model can reproduce the dynamic processes of both groundwater flow and soil consolidation. The hydraulic conductivity of the third mud layer near the center of the ground settlement has been reduced by over 30% in the last 14 years. The gradual deterioration in the hydraulic conductivity of the mud may have significant adverse effect on the sustainable groundwater resource of the deep confined aquifer, since the recharge from the shallow aquifers through the mud layer is the only source of water to the deep aquifer. An analysis of the spatial distributions of groundwater drawdown and ground settlement shows that the area with maximum drawdown is not necessarily the area with maximum ground settlement due to the occurrence of the soft mud layer. A simple reallocation in pumping rates on the basis of the spatial distribution of the thick mud layer could significantly reduce the ground settlement. Résumé. La ville de Suzhou, située dans la basse vallée du fleuve Yangtsé dans le sud-est de la province de Jiangsu, est l'une des rares villes de Chine qui souffrent cruellement de tassements du sol. Un projet de recherche a été mené pour étudier ce problème. Des études géologiques et hydrogéologiques montrent qu'il existe un système aquifère multicouche constitué de trois niveaux distincts de limons non consolidés d'origine marine et lagunaire. Un examen des historiques des prélèvements d'eau souterraine, des niveaux de nappe et des tassements de sol montrent que la subsidence du sol est associée à des prélèvements continuellement croissants d'eau souterraine dans l'aquifère captif profond. On pense que le compactage des couches limoneuses non consolidées, en particulier de la troisième couche qui est épaisse et proche du principal aquifère pompé, contribue aux tassements du sol. Un modèle numérique aux différences finies en trois dimensions, représentant l'aquifère multicouche, a été réalisé pour étudier les tassements du sol en réponse aux prélèvements d'eau souterraine. Les paramètres de l'aquifère ont été estimés par calibration du modèle au moyen à la fois des niveaux piézométriques et des tassements du sol. Les résultats de la simulation s'ajustent convenablement aux résultats observés, ce qui indique que le modèle numérique peut reproduire les processus dynamiques aussi bien des écoulements souterrains que de compactage du sol. La conductivité hydraulique de la troisième couche de limon non consolidé au voisinage du centre du tassement de sol a été réduit de plus de 30% au cours des 14 dernières années. La dégradation progressive de la conductivité hydraulique du limon peut avoir un effet significatif néfaste sur la pérennité de la ressource en eau souterraine dans l'aquifère captif profond, puisque la recharge à partir des aquifères superficiels au travers de la couche de limon est la seule alimentation de l'aquifère profond. Une analyse des distributions spatiales de l'abaissement du niveau piézométrique et des tassements du sol montre que la région soumise à l'abaissement maximal de piézométrie n'est pas nécessairement celle des tassements maximaux du sol liés à la présence de la couche de limon non consolidé. Une simple révision des débits de pompage basée sur la distribution spatiale de la couche de limon épaisse peut réduire significativement les tassements du sol. Resumen. La ciudad de Suzhou, situada en el tramo inferior del Río Yangtze, al sudeste de la provincia de Jiangsu, es una de las pocas ciudades chinas que padece problemas serios de subsidencia. Esto ha motivado la realización de un proyecto de investigación en la zona. Estudios geológicos e hidrogeológicos apuntan a un modelo de acuífero multicapa, con tres niveles distintos de lodos blandos de orígenes marino y lacustre. Examinando los registros históricos de extracciones de agua subterránea, así como de nivel piezométrico y de subsidencia, se observa que ésta se halla asociada al bombeo cada vez mayor del acuífero confinado profundo. La hipótesis es que las capas de lodos blandos se van consolidando, si bien la que más contribuye a ello es la tercera, potente y próxima al acuífero más explotado. Se ha realizado un modelo numérico tridimensional en diferencias finitas que representa el sistema acuífero multicapa, con lo que se puede estudiar el efecto de la extracción de agua subterránea en la subsidencia. Calibrando el modelo con niveles piezométricos medidos y con datos de subsidencia, se ha podido estimar los parámetros del acuífero. Los resultados del modelo ajustan de forma razonable con los datos medidos, por lo que el modelo numérico es capaz de reproducir los procesos dinámicos de flujo de aguas subterráneas y consolidación del terreno. La conductividad hidráulica de la tercera capa de lodo cerca del centro de asentamiento se ha reducido en más del 30% durante los últimos 14 años. El deterioro gradual de la conductividad hidráulica del lodo puede tener efectos adversos notables en la sustentabilidad de los recursos de agua subterránea del acuífero confinado profundo, ya que se recarga exclusivamente de acuíferos más someros a través de la capa de lodo. El análisis de la distribución espacial de descenso del nivel piezométrico y de subsidencia muestra que el área de extracción máxima no coincide necesariamente con la de máxima subsidencia, debido a la existencia de la capa de lodos blandos. Una mera redistribución de los caudales de bombeo en función de las propiedades espaciales de la gruesa capa de lodos podría reducir drásticamente los problemas de subsidencia.

Feeding the critically ill obese patient: a systematic review protocol.

PubMed

Secombe, Paul; Harley, Simon; Chapman, Marianne; Aromataris, Edoardo

2015-10-01

The objective of this review is to identify effective enteral nutritional regimens targeting protein and calorie delivery for the critically ill obese patient on morbidity and mortality.More specifically, the review question is:In the critically ill obese patient, what is the optimal enteral protein and calorie target that improves mortality and morbidity? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health, or, empirically, as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m. Twenty-eight percent of the Australian population is obese with the prevalence rising to 44% in rural areas, and there is evidence that rates of obesity are increasing. The prevalence of obese patients in intensive care largely mirrors that of the general population. There is concern, however, that this may also be rising. A recently published multi-center nutritional study of critically ill patients reported a mean BMI of 29 in their sample, suggesting that just under 50% of their intensive care population is obese. It is inevitable, therefore, that the intensivist will care for the critically ill obese patient.Managing the critically ill obese patient is challenging, not least due to the co-morbid diseases frequently associated with obesity, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, sleep disordered breathing and respiratory insufficiency, hepatic steatohepatitis, chronic kidney disease and hypertension. There is also evidence that metabolic processes differ in the obese patient, particularly those with underlying insulin resistance, itself a marker of the metabolic syndrome, which may predispose to futile cycling, altered fuel utilization and protein catabolism. These issues are compounded by altered drug pharmacokinetics, and the additional logistical issues associated with prophylactic, therapeutic and diagnostic interventions.It is entirely plausible that the altered metabolic processes observed in the obese intensify and compound the metabolic changes that occur during critical illness. The early phases of critical illness are characterized by an increase in energy expenditure, resulting in a catabolic state driven by the stress response. Activation of the stress response involves up-regulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of pituitary hormones resulting in altered cortisol metabolism and elevated levels of endogenous catecholamines. These produce a range of metabolic disturbances including stress hyperglycemia, arising from both peripheral resistance to the effects of anabolic factors (predominantly insulin) and increased hepatic gluconeogenesis. Proteolysis is accelerated, releasing amino acids that are thought to be important in supporting tissue repair, immune defense and the synthesis of acute phase reactants. There is also altered mobilization of fuel stores, futile cycling, and evidence of altered lipoprotein metabolism. In the short term this is likely to be an adaptive response, but with time and ongoing inflammation this becomes maladaptive with a concomitant risk of protein-calorie malnutrition, immunosuppression and wasting of functional muscle tissue resulting from protein catabolism, and this is further compounded by disuse atrophy. Muscle atrophy and intensive care unit (ICU) acquired weakness is complex and poorly understood, but it is postulated that the provision of calories and sufficient protein to avoid a negative nitrogen balance mitigates this process. Avoiding lean muscle mass loss in the obese intuitively has substantial implications, given the larger mass that is required to be mobilized during their rehabilitation phase.There is, in addition, evolving evidence that hormones derived from both the gut and adipose tissue are also involved in the response to stress and critical illness, and that adipose tissue in particular is not a benign tissue bed, but rather should be considered an endocrine organ. Some of these hormones are thought to be pro-inflammatory and some anti-inflammatory; however both the net result and clinical significance of these are yet to be fully elucidated.The provision of adequate nutrition has become an integral component of supportive ICU care, but is complex. There is ongoing debate within critical care literature regarding the optimal route of delivery, the target dose, and the macronutrient components (proportion of protein and non-protein calories) of nutritional support. A number of studies have associated caloric deficit with morbidity and mortality, with the resultant assumption that prescribing sufficient calories to match energy expenditure will reduce morbidity and mortality, although the evidence base underpinning this assumption is limited to observational studies and small, randomized trials.There is research available that suggests hyper-caloric feeding or hyper-alimentation, particularly of carbohydrates, may result in increased morbidity including hyperglycemia, liver steatosis, respiratory insufficiency with prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, re-feeding syndrome and immune suppression. But the results from studies of hypo-caloric and eucaloric feeding regimens in critically ill patients are conflicting, independent of the added metabolic complexities observed in the critically ill obese patient.Notwithstanding the debate regarding the dose and components of nutritional therapy, there is consensus that nutrition should be provided, preferably via the enteral route, and preferably initiated early in the ICU admission. The enteral route is preferred for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is cost. In addition there is evidence to suggest the enteral route is associated with the maintenance of gut integrity, a reduction in bacterial translocation and infection rates, a reduction in the incidence of stress ulceration, attenuation of oxidative stress, release of incretins and other entero-hormones, and modulation of systemic immune responses. Yet there is evidence that the initiation of enteral nutritional support for the obese critically ill patient is delayed, and that when delivered is at sub-optimal levels. The reasons for this remain obscure, but may be associated with the false assumption that every obese patient has nutritional reserves due to their adipose tissues, and can therefore withstand longer periods with no, or reduced nutritional support. In fact obesity does not necessarily protect from malnutrition, particularly protein and micronutrient malnutrition. It has been suggested by some authors that the malnutrition status of critically ill patients is a stronger predictor of mortality than BMI, and that once malnutrition status is controlled for, the apparent protective effects of obesity observed in several epidemiological studies dissipate. This would be consistent with the large body of evidence that associates malnutrition (BMI < 20 kg/m) with increased mortality, and has led some authors to postulate that the weight-mortality relationship is U-shaped. This has proven difficult to demonstrate, however, due to recognized confounding influences such as chronic co-morbidities, baseline nutritional status and the nature of the presenting critical illness.This has led to interest in nutritional regimens targeting alternative calorie and protein goals to protect the obese critically ill patient from complications arising from critical illness, and particularly protein catabolism. However, of the three major nutritional organizations, the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) is the only professional organization to make specific recommendations about providing enteral nutritional support to the critically ill obese patient, recommending a regimen targeting a hypo-caloric, high-protein goal. It is thought that this regimen, in which 60-70% of caloric requirements are provided promotes steady weight loss, while providing sufficient protein to achieve a neutral, or slightly positive, nitrogen balance, mitigating lean muscle mass loss, and allowing for wound healing. Targeting weight loss is proposed to improve insulin sensitivity, improve nursing care and reduce the risk of co-morbidities, although how this occurs and whether it can occur over the relatively short time frame of an intensive care admission (days to weeks) remains unclear. Despite these recommendations observational data of international nutritional practice suggest that ICU patients are fed uniformly low levels of calories and protein across BMI groups.Supporting the critically ill obese patient will become an increasingly important skill in the intensivist's armamentarium, and enteral nutritional therapy forms a cornerstone of this support. Yet, neither the optimal total caloric goal nor the macronutrient components of a feeding regimen for the critically ill obese patient is evident. Although the suggestion that altering the macronutrient goals for this vulnerable group of patients appears to have a sound physiological basis, the level of evidence supporting this remains unclear, and there are no systematic reviews on this topic. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate existing literature to determine the best available evidence describing a nutritional strategy that targets energy and protein delivery to reduce morbidity and mortality for the obese patient who is critically ill.

Effects of caffeine and L-phenylisopropyladenosine on locomotor activity of mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buckholtz, N.S.; Middaugh, L.D.

1987-10-01

C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice were used to determine if possible differences in the behavioral response to caffeine might be related to differences in A1 adenosine receptors. Caffeine stimulated locomotor activity of both strains, but the dose-response relationship and time course of drug action differed according to strain. Although their response to caffeine differed, the strains did not differ in response to the A1 adenosine agonist L-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) nor in the binding of the A1 agonist (/sup 3/H)N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) in various brain regions. Thus, the behavioral differences in response to caffeine could not be accounted for by differences in adenosine binding.more » Of alternative mechanisms, strain differences in A2 receptors appear to be the most promising.« less

Research on differences between 2-(2‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole and 2-(4‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Maojiang; Yang, Fei; Liu, Liping; Su, Caixia

2018-02-01

Due to the important pharmaceutical activities of benzimidazole derivatives, the differences between 2-(2‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole and 2-(4‧-pyridyl)benzimidazole were researched by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and density functional theory systematically. Although the only difference between their molecular configurations is the different arrangement of nitrogen on pyridine ring, 2PBI and 4PBI have large differences in their experimental absorption spectra in the range of 0.2-2.5 THz, such as the amount, amplitude and frequency position of absorption peaks. The validity of these results was confirmed by the theoretical results simulated using density functional theory. The possible reasons of these differences originate from the different dihedral angles between benzimidazole ring and pyridine ring and the different hydrogen-bonding interactions within crystal cell.

Studies on morphology of Langmuir-Blodgett films of stearic acid deposited with different orientation of substrates with respect to compression

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choudhary, Keerti; Manjuladevi, V.; Gupta, R. K., E-mail: raj@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in

2016-05-06

The Langmuir monolayer at an air-water interface shows remarkably different surface pressure – area isotherm, when measured with the surface normal of a Wilhemly plate parallel or perpendicular to the direction of compression of the monolayer. Such difference arises due to difference in stress exerted by the monolayer on the plate in different direction. In this article, we report the effect of changing the direction of substrate normal with respect to the compression of the monolayer during Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film deposition on the morphology of the films. The morphology of the LB film of stearic acid was studied using anmore » atomic force microscope (AFM). The morphology of the LB films was found to be different due to difference in the stress in different directions.« less

Differing forms, differing purposes: A typology of health impact assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harris-Roxas, Ben, E-mail: b.harris-roxas@unsw.edu.au; Harris, Elizabeth, E-mail: e.harris@unsw.edu.a

2011-07-15

There is currently considerable diversity in health impact assessment (HIA) practice internationally. Historically this diversity has been described as simple dichotomies, for example the differences between HIAs of projects and policies. However these distinctions have failed to adequately describe the differences that can be observed between different forms of HIAs. This paper describes the three historical and disciplinary fields from which HIA has emerged - environmental health, a social view of health, and health equity. It also puts forward a typology of four different forms of HIA that can be observed in current HIA practice: mandated, decision-support, advocacy, and community-ledmore » HIAs. This paper argues that these different forms of HIA serve different purposes and are not necessarily in competition; rather they allow HIA to be responsive to a range of population health concerns and purposes.« less

Explaining large mortality differences between adjacent counties: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Schootman, M; Chien, L; Yun, S; Pruitt, S L

2016-08-02

Extensive geographic variation in adverse health outcomes exists, but global measures ignore differences between adjacent geographic areas, which often have very different mortality rates. We describe a novel application of advanced spatial analysis to 1) examine the extent of differences in mortality rates between adjacent counties, 2) describe differences in risk factors between adjacent counties, and 3) determine if differences in risk factors account for the differences in mortality rates between adjacent counties. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Missouri, USA with 2005-2009 age-adjusted all-cause mortality rate as the outcome and county-level explanatory variables from a 2007 population-based survey. We used a multi-level Gaussian model and a full Bayesian approach to analyze the difference in risk factors relative to the difference in mortality rates between adjacent counties. The average mean difference in the age-adjusted mortality rate between any two adjacent counties was -3.27 (standard deviation = 95.5) per 100,000 population (maximum = 258.80). Six variables were associated with mortality differences: inability to obtain medical care because of cost (β = 2.6), hospital discharge rate (β = 1.03), prevalence of fair/poor health (β = 2.93), and hypertension (β = 4.75) and poverty prevalence (β = 6.08). Examining differences in mortality rates and associated risk factors between adjacent counties provides additional insight for future interventions to reduce geographic disparities.

Prevalence of inter-arm blood pressure difference among clinical out-patients.

PubMed

Sharma, Balkishan; Ramawat, Pramila

2016-04-01

An increased inter-arm blood pressure difference is an easily determined physical finding, may use as an indicator of cardio vascular event and other sever diseases. Authors evaluated 477 patients to determine the prevalence and significance of inter-arm blood pressure difference. 477 routine outdoor patients selected to observe the inter-arm blood pressure difference. Age, height, weight, body mass index, history of disease and blood pressure recorded. The prevalence of ≥10 mmHg systolic inter-arm blood pressure difference was 5.0% was more as compared to 3.8% had diastolic inter-arm blood pressure difference. The prevalence of systolic and diastolic inter-arm difference between 6 to 10 mmHg was 31.4% and 27.9% respectively. Mean systolic inter-arm blood pressure difference was significantly higher among those patients had a multisystem disorder (10.57±0.98 mmHg) and followed by patients with cardiovascular disease (10.22±0.67 mmHg) as compared to healthy patients (2.71±0.96 mmHg). Various diseases highly influenced the increase in blood pressure irrespective of systolic or diastolic was confirmed strongly significant (p<0.001) at different inter arm blood pressure difference levels. This study supports the view of inter-arm blood pressure difference as an alarming stage of increased disease risk that incorporated to investigate potential problems at an early diagnostic stage. A significant mean difference between left and right arm blood pressure recorded for many diseases.

Complex life cycles and the responses of insects to climate change.

PubMed

Kingsolver, Joel G; Woods, H Arthur; Buckley, Lauren B; Potter, Kristen A; MacLean, Heidi J; Higgins, Jessica K

2011-11-01

Many organisms have complex life cycles with distinct life stages that experience different environmental conditions. How does the complexity of life cycles affect the ecological and evolutionary responses of organisms to climate change? We address this question by exploring several recent case studies and synthetic analyses of insects. First, different life stages may inhabit different microhabitats, and may differ in their thermal sensitivities and other traits that are important for responses to climate. For example, the life stages of Manduca experience different patterns of thermal and hydric variability, and differ in tolerance to high temperatures. Second, life stages may differ in their mechanisms for adaptation to local climatic conditions. For example, in Colias, larvae in different geographic populations and species adapt to local climate via differences in optimal and maximal temperatures for feeding and growth, whereas adults adapt via differences in melanin of the wings and in other morphological traits. Third, we extend a recent analysis of the temperature-dependence of insect population growth to demonstrate how changes in temperature can differently impact juvenile survival and adult reproduction. In both temperate and tropical regions, high rates of adult reproduction in a given environment may not be realized if occasional, high temperatures prevent survival to maturity. This suggests that considering the differing responses of multiple life stages is essential to understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of climate change. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. All rights reserved.

[Carbon sources metabolic characteristics of airborne microbial communities in constructed wetlands].

PubMed

Song, Zhi-Wen; Wang, Lin; Xu, Ai-Ling; Wu, Deng-Deng; Xia, Yan

2015-02-01

Using BIOLOG-GN plates, this article describes the carbon sources metabolic characteristics of airborne microbial communities in a free surface-flow constructed wetland in different seasons and clarify the correlation between airborne microbial metabolic functions and environmental factors. The average well color development (AWCD), carbon metabolic profiles and McIntosh values of airborne microbial communities in different seasons were quite different. Analysis of the variations showed that AWCD in spring and summer differed significantly from that in autumn and winter (P < 0.01). In the same season, the degree of utilization of different types of carbon by airborne microbes was different. Summer had a significant difference from other seasons (P < 0.05). Dominant communities of airborne microbes in four seasons were carboxylic acids metabolic community, carbohydrates metabolic community, polymers metabolic community and carboxylic acids metabolic community respectively. Principal component analysis showed that the carbon metabolic characteristics of airborne microbial community in autumn were similar to those in winter but different from those in spring and summer. The characteristics of carbon metabolism revealed differences between summer and spring, autumn, or winter. These differences were mainly caused by amines or amides while the differences between spring and autumn or winter were mainly caused by carboxylic acids. Environmental factors, including changes in wind speed, temperature, and humidity acted to influence the carbon sources metabolic properties of airborne microbial community. The dominant environmental factors that acted to influence the carbon sources metabolic properties of airborne microbial community varied between different seasons.

Sex differences in learning processes of classical and operant conditioning

PubMed Central

Dalla, Christina; Shors, Tracey J.

2009-01-01

Males and females learn and remember differently at different times in their lives. These differences occur in most species, from invertebrates to humans. We review here sex differences as they occur in laboratory rodent species. We focus on classical and operant conditioning paradigms, including classical eyeblink conditioning, fear conditioning, active avoidance and conditioned taste aversion. Sex differences have been reported during acquisition, retention and extinction in most of these paradigms. In general, females perform better than males in the classical eyeblink conditioning, in fear-potentiated startle and in most operant conditioning tasks, such as the active avoidance test. However, in the classical fear conditioning paradigm, in certain lever-pressing paradigms and in the conditioned taste aversion males outperform females or are more resistant to extinction. Most sex differences in conditioning are dependent on organizational effects of gonadal hormones during early development of the brain, in addition to modulation by activational effects during puberty and adulthood. Critically, sex differences in performance account for some of the reported effects on learning and these are discussed throughout the review. Because so many mental disorders are more prevalent on one sex than the other, it is important to consider sex differences in learning when applying animal models of learning for these disorders. Finally, we discuss how sex differences in learning continue to alter the brain throughout the lifespan. Thus, sex differences in learning are not only mediated by sex differences in the brain, but also contribute to them. PMID:19272397

Performance and fat quality of heavy pigs fed maize differing in linoleic acid content.

PubMed

Della Casa, G; Bochicchio, D; Faeti, V; Marchetto, G; Poletti, E; Rossi, A; Panciroli, A; Mordenti, A L; Brogna, N

2010-01-01

Maize shows wide differences in linoleic acid due both to total lipid content and to fatty acid profile. Therefore, diets containing the same high maize percentage (up to 55%) can differ in linoleic acid content and lead to subcutaneous fats of differing suitability for raw ham curing. Two trials were performed on heavy pigs; in the first, 60 pigs (body weight 48.7+/-5.1 kg) were fed three diets made using three maize batches differing in linoleic acid due to different total lipid content, in the second trial, 40 pigs (live weight 70.4+/-3.4 kg) were fed two diets made using two maize batches differing in linoleic acid due to their fatty acid profile. Pigs were slaughtered at 170 kg of live weight. In both trials, the growth and slaughtering performance did not differ. In the first trial the three diets lead to a different content of linoleic acid both in subcutaneous (low linoleic vs medium linoleic vs high linoleic P0.01) and intramuscular fat (low linoleic vs high linoleic P0.05). In the second trial different linoleic acid content was observed for subcutaneous fat (P0.01) but not for intramuscular fat. To formulate diets for heavy pigs, it is crucial to know the linoleic acid content of the maize used, because differences of only 0.3% can lead to significant differences in fatty acids composition of depot fats.

Prevalence of inter-arm blood pressure difference among clinical out-patients

PubMed Central

Sharma, Balkishan; Ramawat, Pramila

2016-01-01

Objectives An increased inter-arm blood pressure difference is an easily determined physical finding, may use as an indicator of cardio vascular event and other sever diseases. Authors evaluated 477 patients to determine the prevalence and significance of inter-arm blood pressure difference. Methodology 477 routine outdoor patients selected to observe the inter-arm blood pressure difference. Age, height, weight, body mass index, history of disease and blood pressure recorded. Results The prevalence of ≥10 mmHg systolic inter-arm blood pressure difference was 5.0% was more as compared to 3.8% had diastolic inter-arm blood pressure difference. The prevalence of systolic and diastolic inter-arm difference between 6 to 10 mmHg was 31.4% and 27.9% respectively. Mean systolic inter-arm blood pressure difference was significantly higher among those patients had a multisystem disorder (10.57±0.98 mmHg) and followed by patients with cardiovascular disease (10.22±0.67 mmHg) as compared to healthy patients (2.71±0.96 mmHg). Various diseases highly influenced the increase in blood pressure irrespective of systolic or diastolic was confirmed strongly significant (p<0.001) at different inter arm blood pressure difference levels. Conclusion This study supports the view of inter-arm blood pressure difference as an alarming stage of increased disease risk that incorporated to investigate potential problems at an early diagnostic stage. A significant mean difference between left and right arm blood pressure recorded for many diseases. PMID:27103905

Sex differences in learning processes of classical and operant conditioning.

PubMed

Dalla, Christina; Shors, Tracey J

2009-05-25

Males and females learn and remember differently at different times in their lives. These differences occur in most species, from invertebrates to humans. We review here sex differences as they occur in laboratory rodent species. We focus on classical and operant conditioning paradigms, including classical eyeblink conditioning, fear-conditioning, active avoidance and conditioned taste aversion. Sex differences have been reported during acquisition, retention and extinction in most of these paradigms. In general, females perform better than males in the classical eyeblink conditioning, in fear-potentiated startle and in most operant conditioning tasks, such as the active avoidance test. However, in the classical fear-conditioning paradigm, in certain lever-pressing paradigms and in the conditioned taste aversion, males outperform females or are more resistant to extinction. Most sex differences in conditioning are dependent on organizational effects of gonadal hormones during early development of the brain, in addition to modulation by activational effects during puberty and adulthood. Critically, sex differences in performance account for some of the reported effects on learning and these are discussed throughout the review. Because so many mental disorders are more prevalent in one sex than the other, it is important to consider sex differences in learning when applying animal models of learning for these disorders. Finally, we discuss how sex differences in learning continue to alter the brain throughout the lifespan. Thus, sex differences in learning are not only mediated by sex differences in the brain, but also contribute to them.

Changes Over Time in Absolute and Relative Socioeconomic Differences in Smoking: A Comparison of Cohort Studies From Britain, Finland, and Japan

PubMed Central

Pietiläinen, Olli; Ferrie, Jane; Kivimäki, Mika; Lahti, Jouni; Marmot, Michael; Rahkonen, Ossi; Sekine, Michikazu; Shipley, Martin; Tatsuse, Takashi; Lallukka, Tea

2016-01-01

Introduction: Socioeconomic differences in smoking over time and across national contexts are poorly understood. We assessed the magnitude of relative and absolute social class differences in smoking in cohorts from Britain, Finland, and Japan over 5–7 years. Methods: The British Whitehall II study (n = 4350), Finnish Helsinki Health Study (n = 6328), and Japanese Civil Servants Study (n = 1993) all included employed men and women aged 35–68 at baseline in 1997–2002. Follow-up was in 2003–2007 (mean follow-up 5.1, 6.5, and 3.6 years, respectively). Occupational social class (managers, professionals and clerical employees) was measured at baseline. Current smoking and covariates (age, marital status, body mass index, and self-rated health) were measured at baseline and follow-up. We assessed relative social class differences using the Relative Index of Inequality and absolute differences using the Slope Index of Inequality. Results: Social class differences in smoking were found in Britain and Finland, but not in Japan. Age-adjusted relative differences at baseline ranged from Relative Index of Inequality 3.08 (95% confidence interval 1.99–4.78) among Finnish men to 2.32 (1.24–4.32) among British women, with differences at follow-up greater by 8%–58%. Absolute differences remained stable and varied from Slope Index of Inequality 0.27 (0.15–0.40) among Finnish men to 0.10 (0.03–0.16) among British women. Further adjustment for covariates had modest effects on inequality indices. Conclusions: Large social class differences in smoking persisted among British and Finnish men and women, with widening tendencies in relative differences over time. No differences could be confirmed among Japanese men or women. Implications: Changes over time in social class differences in smoking are poorly understood across countries. Our study focused on employees from Britain, Finland and Japan, and found relative and absolute and class differences among British and Finnish men and women. Key covariates had modest effects on the differences. Relative differences tended to widen over the 4- to 7-year follow-up, whereas absolute differences remained stable. In contrast, class differences in smoking among Japanese men or women were not found. Britain and Finland are at the late stage of the smoking epidemic model, whereas Japan may not follow the same model. PMID:26764256

Racial Differences in Social Support and Coping Among Family Caregivers of Patients with Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Vines, Anissa I.; Demissie, Zewditu

2018-01-01

More than 60 million Americans are informal caregivers to adults, which can negatively affect their health. Data from 126 White and 62 African American female caregivers in North Carolina were analyzed to describe social support and coping among family caregivers of patients with prostate cancer and to assess for racial differences. Social support amount and some coping methods differed by race. There was no racial difference in social support satisfaction. Borderline significant difference in social support by health status was found and this differed by race. These racial differences should be explored further to better understand the availability of caregiving resources and their health effects. PMID:23656257

Gender differences in tobacco use.

PubMed

Grunberg, N E; Winders, S E; Wewers, M E

1991-01-01

Gender differences in overall tobacco use clearly exist. In general, men are more likely to use tobacco products than are women. However, this simple generalization, ignoring type of tobacco products, time, and culture, masks many more interesting gender differences in tobacco use. There are pronounced gender differences in tobacco use of specific tobacco products within some cultures but not others. Yet these differences have changed across time, including narrowing and widening of this gender gap, depending on culture and tobacco product. This article addresses these issues and presents possible psychosocial, biological, and psychobiological explanations for these phenomena. In addition, the implications of these differences and ways to learn more about these important differences are discussed.

Developmental Gender Differences on the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test in a Nationally Normed Sample of 5-17 Year Olds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rojahn, Johannes; Naglieri, Jack A.

2006-01-01

Lynn [Lynn, R., 2002. Sex differences on the progressive matrices among 15-16 year olds: some data from South Africa. "Personality and Individual Differences 33," 669-673.] proposed that biologically based developmental sex differences produce different IQ trajectories across childhood and adolescence. To test this theory we analyzed the…

Differences in Spending in School Districts across Geographic Locales in Minnesota. Summary. Issues & Answers. REL 2012-No. 124

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wan, Yinmei; Norbury, Heather; Molefe, Ayrin C.; Gerdeman, R. Dean; Meyers, Coby V.; Burke, Matthew

2012-01-01

This study examines differences in spending in school districts across geographic locales in Minnesota and factors that might contribute to these differences. The study finds that district spending per student in 2008/09 varied across locale types in Minnesota. These differences are largely accounted for by differences in regional characteristics…

Differences in Low and High Working-Memory Capacity Readers' Cognitive and Metacognitive Processing Patterns as a Function of Reading for Different Purposes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linderholm, Tracy; Cong, Xiaosi; Zhao, Qin

2008-01-01

Differences in cognitive and metacognitive processing patterns as a function of working-memory capacity and reading for different purposes were examined in college-aged readers by collecting reading times and calculating absolute monitoring accuracy, which is the difference between estimated and actual comprehension test performance. Readers read…

34 CFR 222.68 - What tax rates does the Secretary use if two or more different classifications of real property...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... different classifications of real property are taxed at different rates? 222.68 Section 222.68 Education... different classifications of real property are taxed at different rates? If the real property of an LEA and its generally comparable LEAs consists of two or more classifications of real property taxed at...

A Note on Sex Differences in Mental Rotation in Different Age Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geiser, Christian; Lehmann, Wolfgang; Eid, Michael

2008-01-01

A large number of studies have reported average performance differences in favor of males in mental rotation tasks. However, it is still unclear to what extent the magnitude of the sex differences varies across age, and whether the differences increase with age. In this study, we reanalyzed data from a cross-sectional investigation of N = 1624…

Development and Monte Carlo Study of a Procedure for Correcting the Standardized Mean Difference for Measurement Error in the Independent Variable

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nugent, William Robert; Moore, Matthew; Story, Erin

2015-01-01

The standardized mean difference (SMD) is perhaps the most important meta-analytic effect size. It is typically used to represent the difference between treatment and control population means in treatment efficacy research. It is also used to represent differences between populations with different characteristics, such as persons who are…

A longitudinal analysis of sex differences in bone mineral accrual in healthy 8-19-year-old boys and girls.

PubMed

Baxter-Jones, A D G; Mirwald, R L; McKay, H A; Bailey, D A

2003-01-01

Although early in life there is little discernible difference in bone mass between boys and girls, at puberty sex differences are observed. It is uncertain if these differences represent differences in bone mass or just differences in anthropometric dimensions. The study aimed to identify whether sex independently affects bone mineral content (BMC) accrual in growing boys and girls. Three sites are investigated: total body (TB), femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS). 85 boys and 67 girls were assessed annually for seven consecutive years. BMC was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Biological age was defined as years from age at peak height velocity (PHV). Data were analysed using a hierarchical (random effects) modelling approach. When biological age, body size and body composition were controlled, boys had statistically significantly higher TB and FN BMC at all maturity levels (p < 0.05). No independent sex differences were found at the LS (p > 0.05). Although a statistical significant sex effect is observed, it is less than the error of the measurement, and thus sex difference are debatable. In general, sex difference are explained by anthropometric difference.

Differences in Trait Impulsivity Indicate Diversification of Dog Breeds into Working and Show Lines.

PubMed

Fadel, Fernanda Ruiz; Driscoll, Patricia; Pilot, Malgorzata; Wright, Hannah; Zulch, Helen; Mills, Daniel

2016-03-10

Impulsiveness describes the inability to inhibit behaviour in the presence of salient cues. Trait-level impulsivity exists on a continuum and individual differences can be adaptive in different contexts. While breed related differences in behavioural tendency in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) are well established, the phenomenon within lines of a breed which have been selected more recently is not well studied, although it may challenge the popular notion of breed-typical behaviour. We describe differences in impulsivity between and within two dog breeds with working and show lines selected for different levels of impulsivity: Border Collies (herding work) and Labrador Retrievers (gun work). Recent show line selection might have lessened differences in impulsivity between breeds. We tested this hypothesis on a dataset of 1161 individuals assessed using a validated psychometric tool (Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale--DIAS). Collies were more impulsive on average, consistent with the original purpose of breed selection. Regarding line, working Collies differed from working Labradors, but show lines from the two breeds were not significantly different. Altered or relaxed artificial selection for behavioural traits when appearance rather than behaviour become the primary focus for breeders may reduce average differences in impulsivity between breeds in show lines.

Transethnic differences in GWAS signals: A simulation study.

PubMed

Zanetti, Daniela; Weale, Michael E

2018-05-07

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have allowed researchers to identify thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other variants associated with particular complex traits. Previous studies have reported differences in the strength and even the direction of GWAS signals across different populations. These differences could be due to a combination of (1) lack of power, (2) allele frequency differences, (3) linkage disequilibrium (LD) differences, and (4) true differences in causal variant effect sizes. To determine whether properties (1)-(3) on their own might be sufficient to explain the patterns previously noted in strong GWAS signals, we simulated case-control data of European, Asian and African ancestry, applying realistic allele frequencies and LD from 1000 Genomes data but enforcing equal causal effect sizes across populations. Much of the observed differences in strong GWAS signals could indeed be accounted for by allele frequency and LD differences, enhanced by the Euro-centric SNP bias and lower SNP coverage found in older GWAS panels. While we cannot rule out a role for true transethnic effect size differences, our results suggest that strong causal effects may be largely shared among human populations, motivating the use of transethnic data for fine-mapping. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/University College London.

Evaluating the uniformity of color spaces and performance of color difference formulae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Yusheng; Liao, Ningfang; Wang, Jiajia; Tan, Boneng; Liu, Zilong

2010-11-01

Using small color difference data sets (Macadam ellipses dataset and RIT-DuPont suprathreshold color difference ellipses dataset), and large color difference data sets (Munsell Renovation Data and OSA Uniform Color Scales dataset), the uniformity of several color spaces and performance of color difference formulae based on these color spaces are evaluated. The color spaces used are CIELAB, DIN99d, IPT, and CIECAM02-UCS. It is found that the uniformity of lightness is better than saturation and hue. Overall, for all these color spaces, the uniformity in the blue area is inferior to the other area. The uniformity of CIECAM02-UCS is superior to the other color spaces for the whole color-difference range from small to large. The uniformity of CIELAB and IPT for the large color difference data sets is better than it for the small color difference data sets, but the DIN99d is opposite. Two common performance factors (PF/3 and STRESS) and the statistical F-test are calculated to test the performance of color difference formula. The results show that the performance of color difference formulae based on these four color spaces is consistent with the uniformity of these color spaces.

Job satisfaction of the oral health labour force in Australia.

PubMed

Luzzi, L; Spencer, A J

2011-03-01

Job satisfaction among registered clinical dentists in Australia was measured to identify issues influencing recruitment and retention. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 2202 dentists, stratified by state and gender, selected from the 2005 Australian Dental Association directory. A total of 61.9% of dentists responded. Analyses showed significant differences in levels of satisfaction for various dimensions of job satisfaction by gender, age group, practice type and geographic area. Differences in satisfaction between male and female dentists related to the relationships with colleagues and administrative responsibilities dimensions. Dentists of different age groups differed on eight dimensions: relationships with colleagues, patients, staff; personal time; intrinsic satisfaction; community; administrative responsibilities and resources. Differences among private and public dentists related to autonomy, relationships with patients, staff, community, compensation and resources dimensions. Dentists working in different geographic areas differed on relationships with staff and community dimensions. Differences existed between private and public dentists, metropolitan and non-metropolitan dentists, male and female dentists and dentists of different ages. Such differences should be addressed in order to improve recruitment and retention rates of dentists. Workplaces that offer job autonomy, competitive pay, flexible working hours and minimal administrative burden may improve dentist job satisfaction. © 2010 Australian Dental Association.

A Test of Biological and Behavioral Explanations for Gender Differences in Telomere Length: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

NEEDHAM, BELINDA L.; DIEZ ROUX, ANA V.; BIRD, CHLOE E.; BRADLEY, RYAN; FITZPATRICK, ANNETTE L.; JACOBS, DAVID R.; OUYANG, PAMELA; SEEMAN, TERESA E.; THURSTON, REBECCA C.; VAIDYA, DHANANJAY; WANG, STEVEN

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine biological and behavioral explanations for gender differences in leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a biomarker of cell aging that has been hypothesized to contribute to women’s greater longevity. Data are from a subsample (n = 851) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a population-based study of women and men aged 45 to 84. Mediation models were used to examine study hypotheses. We found that women had longer LTL than men, but the gender difference was smaller at older ages. Gender differences in smoking and processed meat consumption partially mediated gender differences in telomere length, whereas gender differences in estradiol, total testosterone, oxidative stress, and body mass index did not. Neither behavioral nor biological factors explained why the gender difference in LTL was smaller at older ages. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess gender differences in the rate of change in LTL over time; to identify the biological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors that contribute to these differences throughout the life course; and to determine whether gender differences in LTL explain the gender gap in longevity. PMID:25343364

Age Differences in the Differentiation of Trait Impressions From Faces

PubMed Central

Ng, Stacey Y.; Zebrowitz, Leslie A.; Franklin, Robert G.

2016-01-01

Objectives. We investigated whether evidence that older adults (OA) show less differentiation of visual stimuli than younger adults (YA) extends to trait impressions from faces and effects of face age. We also examined whether age differences in mood, vision, or cognition-mediated differentiation differences. Finally, we investigated whether age differences in trait differentiation mediated differences in impression positivity. Method. We used a differentiation index adapted from previous work on stereotyping to assess OA and YA likelihood of assigning different faces to different levels on trait scales. We computed scores for ratings of older and younger faces’ competence, health, hostility, and untrustworthiness. Results. OA showed less differentiated trait ratings than YA. Measures of mood, vision, and cognition did not mediate these rater age differences. Hostility was differentiated more for younger than older faces, while health was differentiated more for older faces, but only by OA. Age differences in differentiation mediated age differences in impression positivity. Discussion. Less differentiation of trait impressions from faces in OA is consistent with previous evidence for less differentiation in face and emotion recognition. Results indicated that that age-related dedifferentiation does not reflect narrow changes in visual function. They also provide a novel explanation for OA positivity effects. PMID:25194140

A test of biological and behavioral explanations for gender differences in telomere length: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Needham, Belinda L; Diez Roux, Ana V; Bird, Chloe E; Bradley, Ryan; Fitzpatrick, Annette L; Jacobs, David R; Ouyang, Pamela; Seeman, Teresa E; Thurston, Rebecca C; Vaidya, Dhananjay; Wang, Steven

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine biological and behavioral explanations for gender differences in leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a biomarker of cell aging that has been hypothesized to contribute to women's greater longevity. Data are from a subsample (n = 851) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a population-based study of women and men aged 45 to 84. Mediation models were used to examine study hypotheses. We found that women had longer LTL than men, but the gender difference was smaller at older ages. Gender differences in smoking and processed meat consumption partially mediated gender differences in telomere length, whereas gender differences in estradiol, total testosterone, oxidative stress, and body mass index did not. Neither behavioral nor biological factors explained why the gender difference in LTL was smaller at older ages. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess gender differences in the rate of change in LTL over time; to identify the biological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors that contribute to these differences throughout the life course; and to determine whether gender differences in LTL explain the gender gap in longevity.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rowe, M.D.; Pierce, B.L.

This report presents results of tests of different final site selection methods used for siting large-scale facilities such as nuclear power plants. Test data are adapted from a nuclear power plant siting study conducted on Long Island, New York. The purpose of the tests is to determine whether or not different final site selection methods produce different results, and to obtain some understanding of the nature of any differences found. Decision rules and weighting methods are included. Decision rules tested are Weighting Summation, Power Law, Decision Analysis, Goal Programming, and Goal Attainment; weighting methods tested are Categorization, Ranking, Rating Ratiomore » Estimation, Metfessel Allocation, Indifferent Tradeoff, Decision Analysis lottery, and Global Evaluation. Results show that different methods can, indeed, produce different results, but that the probability that they will do so is controlled by the structure of differences among the sites being evaluated. Differences in weights and suitability scores attributable to methods have reduced significance if the alternatives include one or two sites that are superior to all others in many attributes. The more tradeoffs there are among good and bad levels of different attributes at different sites, the more important are the specifics of methods to the final decision. 5 refs., 14 figs., 19 tabs.« less

Ethnic variations in dementia: the contributions of cardiovascular, psychosocial and neuropsychological factors.

PubMed

Ng, Tze Pin; Leong, Terence; Chiam, Peak Chiang; Kua, Ee-Heok

2010-01-01

Ethnic variations in dementia rate have been reported worldwide. Understanding these differences is vital for aetiological research, clinical care and health service planning. While age and gender have been consistently implicated, the reasons behind interethnic variation remain unclear. We used data from the Singapore National Mental Health Survey (Elderly) in 2003, a cross-sectional population-based study to investigate the extent to which differences in cardiovascular risk factors, psychosocial factors and cognitive functional status contributed to ethnic differences in dementia prevalence among Chinese, Malays and Indians. Ethnic differences in dementia prevalence (4.2% in Chinese, 9.4% in Malays and 8.8% in Indians) were not explained by differences in gender, age and education (Malays vs. Chinese: adjusted OR = 3.11; Indians vs. Chinese: OR = 4.30). Differences in cardiovascular factors, depression or leisure time activities contributed modestly to the differences, but the OR remained significantly elevated. Differences in Mini-Mental State Examination scores contributed the most to explaining the ethnic differences (Malays vs. Chinese: adjusted OR = 0.73; Indians vs. Chinese: OR = 1.18). Cognitive functional reserve accounted for much of the ethnic differences in dementia prevalence and its assessment has implications for the detection and treatment of dementia in multiethnic populations.

Gender Differences in the Structure of Marital Quality.

PubMed

Beam, Christopher R; Marcus, Katherine; Turkheimer, Eric; Emery, Robert E

2018-05-01

Marriages consist of shared experiences and interactions between husbands and wives that may lead to different impressions of the quality of the relationship. Few studies, unfortunately, have tested gender differences in the structure of marital quality, and even fewer studies have evaluated whether genetic and environmental influences on marital quality differ across gender. In this study, we evaluated gender differences in the structure of marital quality using independent samples of married male (n = 2406) and married female (n = 2215) participants from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States who provided ratings on twenty-eight marital quality items encompassing six marital quality constructs. We further explored gender differences in genetic and environmental influences on marital quality constructs in a subsample of 491 pairs of twins. Results suggest partial metric invariance across gender but structural variability in marital quality constructs. Notably, correlations between constructs were stronger in women than men. Results also support gender differences in the genetic and environmental influences on different aspects of marital quality. We discuss that men and women may approach and react to marriage differently as the primary reason why we observed differences in the structure of marital quality.

Ideal resuscitation pressure for uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in different ages and sexes of rats

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Our previous studies demonstrated that 50-60 mmHg mean arterial blood pressure was the ideal target hypotension for uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock during the active hemorrhage in sexually mature rats. The ideal target resuscitation pressure for immature and older rats has not been determined. Methods To elucidate this issue, using uncontrolled hemorrhagic-shock rats of different ages and sexes (6 weeks, 14 weeks and 1.5 years representing pre-adult, adult and older rats, respectively), the resuscitation effects of different target pressures (40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 mmHg) on uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock during active hemorrhage and the age and sex differences were observed. Results Different target resuscitation pressures had different resuscitation outcomes for the same age and sex of rats. The optimal target resuscitation pressures for 6-week-old, 14-week-old and 1.5-year-old rats were 40 to 50 mmHg, 50 to 60 mmHg and 70 mmHg respectively. Ideal target resuscitation pressures were significantly superior to other resuscitation pressures in improving the hemodynamics, blood perfusion, organ function and animal survival of uncontrolled hemorrhagic-shock rats (P < 0.01). For same target resuscitation pressures, the beneficial effect on hemorrhagic shock had a significant age difference (P < 0.01) but no sex difference (P > 0.05). Different resuscitation pressures had no effect on coagulation function. Conclusion Hemorrhagic-shock rats at different ages have different target resuscitation pressures during active hemorrhage. The ideal target resuscitation hypotension for 6-week-old, 14-week-old and 1.5-year-old rats was 40 to 50 mmHg, 50 to 60 mmHg and 70 mmHg, respectively. Their resuscitation effects have significant age difference but had no sex difference. PMID:24020401

Racial and ethnic differences in leaving and returning to the parental home: The role of life course transitions, socioeconomic resources, and family connectivity

PubMed Central

Lei, Lei; South, Scott J.

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND Although Black and Hispanic young adults in the U.S. are less likely than Whites to move out of the parental home and more likely than Whites to return, reasons for these differences have not been clearly identified. OBJECTIVE This study examines the ability of racial/ethnic disparities in life course transitions, socioeconomic resources, and family connectivity to account for racial/ethnic differences in leaving and returning home. METHODS Using data from the 2005–2011 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics’ Transition into Adulthood study (N=1,491, age 18 to 26), we estimated discrete-time event history models predicting the timing of moving out of and back into the parental home. RESULTS Although no single factor completely explained racial-ethnic differences in the timing of leaving and returning to the parental home, the bulk of the Black-White differences in both home-leaving and home-returning was explained by group differences in transitions into adult roles, the ability to afford independent living, and connections to the origin family. These factors also explained most of the Mexican-White difference in home-leaving. However, only a small portion of the Hispanic-White difference in returning home was attributable to the proposed explanatory variables. CONCLUSION Explanations for racial and ethnic differences in the timing of leaving and returning to the parental home need to consider a broad array of life course characteristics in which Black, Hispanic, and White youth differ. The factors that explain Black-White differences in home-leaving and home-returning may differ from those that explain Hispanic-White differences in these behaviors. PMID:27110219

Ethnic differences in arterial stiffness the Helius study.

PubMed

Snijder, Marieke B; Stronks, Karien; Agyemang, Charles; Busschers, Wim B; Peters, Ron J; van den Born, Bert-Jan H

2015-07-15

Well-known ethnic differences in cardiovascular risk exist, which may be explained by ethnic differences in arterial stiffness. Our aim was to assess ethnic differences in arterial stiffness, to explore whether these differences are accounted for by conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and study whether they differ across age. Cross-sectional data of 1797 Dutch, 1846 South-Asian Surinamese, 1840 African Surinamese, and 1673 Ghanaian participants of the observational HELIUS study (aged 18-70 years) were used. Arterial stiffness was assessed by duplicate pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements using the Arteriograph system. Linear regression showed that South-Asian Surinamese had higher PWVs as compared with Dutch (age-adjusted mean difference (95% CI) was 0.55 (0.39-0.70) m/s in men and 0.82 (0.63-1.01) m/s in women). These differences were largely, but not completely, explained by conventional risk factors (particularly age and MAP). These ethnic differences were not found at young age (<35 years). African Surinamese and Ghanaians had higher PWVs as compared with Dutch across the entire age range (ranging from 0.22 (0.06-0.39) m/s in African Surinamese men to 1.07 (0.89-1.26) m/s in Ghanaian women), but these differences disappeared or reversed after adjustment for risk factors. PWV levels paralleled the well-known ethnic differences in cardiovascular risk. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, however, these ethnic differences in PWV largely disappear. Together with the absence of ethnic differences in PWV at young age, our results support the hypothesis that higher PWV in South-Asian and African ethnic groups develops due to higher exposure to cardiovascular risk factors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inter-arm blood pressure difference in type 2 diabetes: a barrier to effective management?

PubMed Central

Clark, Christopher E; Greaves, Colin J; Evans, Philip H; Dickens, Andy; Campbell, John L

2009-01-01

Background Previous studies have identified a substantial prevalence of a blood pressure difference between arms in various populations, but not patients with type 2 diabetes. Recognition of such a difference would be important as a potential cause of underestimation of blood pressure. Aim To measure prevalence of an inter-arm blood pressure difference in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to estimate how frequently blood pressure measurements could be erroneously underestimated if an inter-arm difference is unrecognised. Design of study Cross-sectional study. Setting Five surgeries covered by three general practices, Devon, England. Method Patients with type 2 diabetes underwent bilateral simultaneous blood pressure measurements using a validated protocol. Mean blood pressures were calculated for each arm to derive mean systolic and diastolic differences, and to estimate point prevalence of predefined magnitudes of difference. Results A total of 101 participants were recruited. Mean age was 66 years (standard deviation [SD] = 13.9 years); 59% were male, and mean blood pressure was 138/79 mmHg (SD = 15/10 mmHg). Ten participants (10%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4 to 16) had a systolic inter-arm difference ≥10 mmHg; 29 (29%; 95% CI = 20 to 38) had a diastolic difference ≥5 mmHg; and three (3%; 95% CI = 0 to 6) a diastolic difference ≥10 mmHg. No confounding variable was observed to account for the magnitude of an inter-arm difference. Conclusion A systolic inter-arm difference ≥10 mmHg was observed in 10% of patients with diabetes. Failure to recognise this would misclassify half of these as normotensive rather than hypertensive using the lower-reading arm. New patients with type 2 diabetes should be screened for an inter-arm blood pressure difference. PMID:19520026

Inter-arm blood pressure difference in type 2 diabetes: a barrier to effective management?

PubMed

Clark, Christopher E; Greaves, Colin J; Evans, Philip H; Dickens, Andy; Campbell, John L

2009-06-01

Previous studies have identified a substantial prevalence of a blood pressure difference between arms in various populations, but not patients with type 2 diabetes. Recognition of such a difference would be important as a potential cause of underestimation of blood pressure. To measure prevalence of an inter-arm blood pressure difference in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to estimate how frequently blood pressure measurements could be erroneously underestimated if an inter-arm difference is unrecognised. Cross-sectional study. Five surgeries covered by three general practices, Devon, England. Patients with type 2 diabetes underwent bilateral simultaneous blood pressure measurements using a validated protocol. Mean blood pressures were calculated for each arm to derive mean systolic and diastolic differences, and to estimate point prevalence of predefined magnitudes of difference. A total of 101 participants were recruited. Mean age was 66 years (standard deviation [SD] = 13.9 years); 59% were male, and mean blood pressure was 138/79 mmHg (SD = 15/10 mmHg). Ten participants (10%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4 to 16) had a systolic inter-arm difference > or =10 mmHg; 29 (29%; 95% CI = 20 to 38) had a diastolic difference >/=5 mmHg; and three (3%; 95% CI = 0 to 6) a diastolic difference > or =10 mmHg. No confounding variable was observed to account for the magnitude of an inter-arm difference. A systolic inter-arm difference > or =10 mmHg was observed in 10% of patients with diabetes. Failure to recognise this would misclassify half of these as normotensive rather than hypertensive using the lower-reading arm. New patients with type 2 diabetes should be screened for an inter-arm blood pressure difference.

Interlaboratory comparison of mutagenesis testing of coal fly ash derived from differenct coal conversion technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chrisp, C.; Hobbs, C.; Clark, R.

1979-01-01

This experiment showed that mutagenicity of fly ash derived from different coal conversion technologies, as determined by the Ames plate incorporation test, was similar in all three laboratories. The differences in mutagenic activity of each fly ash between laboratories with different solvent extraction methods were no greater than one order of magnitude. In addition, there were much smaller, but still significant differences in mutagenic activity between laboratories when the same solvent extract of a particular fly ash was tested in each laboratory. There were also significant differences in mutagenicity of the positive control mutagen (maximum of fivefold) between laboratories. Becausemore » of this difference in Ames test sensitivity between laboratories, the influence of the solvent extraction methods on differences in mutagenicity was not clear. However, the data suggested that either there were significant differences in the degree of sensitivity of Ames tests for different complex mixtures within each laboratory, or else there were differences in mutagen extraction efficiency between different solvent extraction methods. Both Ames test sensitivity and solvent extraction may be important. Further work would be necessary to separate the contribution of these two factors. An important aspect of further work would be to separate the contribution of the innate sensitivity of substrains of Ames tester strains in each laboratory from the possible effects of differences in Ames testing methodology. This could be done by testing the same extracts of fly ash and positive control mutagens with substrains of tester strains exchanged between laboratories. This work also implies that caution should be exercised in assuming that the same solvent would have the same efficiency for extraction of mutagens from different fly ashes even within the same laboratory.« less

Repeatability of diagnostic ultrasonography in the assessment of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon.

PubMed

Pickersgill, C H; Marr, C M; Reid, S W

2001-01-01

A quantitative investigation of the variation that can occur during the course of ultrasonography of the equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) was undertaken. The aim of this investigation was to use an objective measure, namely the measurement of CSA, to quantify the variability occurring during the course of the ultrasonographic assessment of the equine SDFT. The effects of 3 variables on the CSA measurements were determined. 1) Image acquisition operator (IAc): two different operators undertaking the ultrasonographic examination; 2) image analysis operator (IAn): two different operators undertaking the calculation of CSA values from previously stored images; and 3) analytical equipment (used during CSA measurement) (IEq): the use of 2 different sets of equipment during calculation of CSA values. Tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements were used as the comparative variable of 3 potential sources: interoperator, during image acquisition; interoperator, during CSA measurement; and intraoperator, when using different analytical equipment. Two operators obtained transverse ultrasonographic images from the forelimb SDFTs of 16 National Hunt (NH) Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses, each undertaking analysis of their own and the other operator's images. One operator undertook analysis of their images using 2 sets of equipment. There was no statistically significant difference in the results obtained when different operators undertook image acquisition (P>0.05). At all but the most distal level, there was no significant difference when different equipment was used during analysis (P>0.05). A significant difference (P<0.01) was reported when different operators undertook image analysis, one operator consistently returning larger measurements. Different operators undertaking different stages of an examination can result in significant variability. To reduce confounding during ultrasonographic investigations involving multiple persons, one operator should undertake image analysis, although different operators may undertake image acquisition.

Comparison of four software packages for CT lung volumetry in healthy individuals.

PubMed

Nemec, Stefan F; Molinari, Francesco; Dufresne, Valerie; Gosset, Natacha; Silva, Mario; Bankier, Alexander A

2015-06-01

To compare CT lung volumetry (CTLV) measurements provided by different software packages, and to provide normative data for lung densitometric measurements in healthy individuals. This retrospective study included 51 chest CTs of 17 volunteers (eight men and nine women; mean age, 30 ± 6 years), who underwent spirometrically monitored CT at total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity (FRC), and mean inspiratory capacity (MIC). Volumetric differences assessed by four commercial software packages were compared with analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements and benchmarked against the threshold for acceptable variability between spirometric measurements. Mean lung density (MLD) and parenchymal heterogeneity (MLD-SD) were also compared with ANOVA. Volumetric differences ranged from 12 to 213 ml (0.20 % to 6.45 %). Although 16/18 comparisons (among four software packages at TLC, MIC, and FRC) were statistically significant (P < 0.001 to P = 0.004), only 3/18 comparisons, one at MIC and two at FRC, exceeded the spirometry variability threshold. MLD and MLD-SD significantly increased with decreasing volumes, and were significantly larger in lower compared to upper lobes (P < 0.001). Lung volumetric differences provided by different software packages are small. These differences should not be interpreted based on statistical significance alone, but together with absolute volumetric differences. • Volumetric differences, assessed by different CTLV software, are small but statistically significant. • Volumetric differences are smaller at TLC than at MIC and FRC. • Volumetric differences rarely exceed spirometric repeatability thresholds at MIC and FRC. • Differences between CTLV measurements should be interpreted based on comparison of absolute differences. • MLD increases with decreasing volumes, and is larger in lower compared to upper lobes.

Negligible Sex Differences in General Intelligence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colom, Roberto; Juan-Espinosa, Manuel; Abad, Francisco; Garcia, Luis F.

2000-01-01

Studied sex differences in general intelligence in 10,475 adults taking cognitive test batteries. Results suggest a negligible difference in general intelligence, a finding consistent with findings from quite different test batteries and subject samples. (SLD)

Optimization of Profile and Material of Abrasive Water Jet Nozzle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anand Bala Selwin, K. P.; Ramachandran, S.

2017-05-01

The objective of this work is to study the behaviour of the abrasive water jet nozzle with different profiles and materials. Taguchi-Grey relational analysis optimization technique is used to optimize the value with different material and different profiles. Initially the 3D models of the nozzle are modelled with different profiles by changing the tapered inlet angle of the nozzle. The different profile models are analysed with different materials and the results are optimized. The optimized results would give the better result taking wear and machining behaviour of the nozzle.

A discrete model of a modified Burgers' partial differential equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mickens, R. E.; Shoosmith, J. N.

1990-01-01

A new finite-difference scheme is constructed for a modified Burger's equation. Three special cases of the equation are considered, and the 'exact' difference schemes for the space- and time-independent forms of the equation are presented, along with the diffusion-free case of Burger's equation modeled by a difference equation. The desired difference scheme is then obtained by imposing on any difference model of the initial equation the requirement that, in the appropriate limits, its difference scheme must reduce the results of the obtained equations.

The gender similarities hypothesis.

PubMed

Hyde, Janet Shibley

2005-09-01

The differences model, which argues that males and females are vastly different psychologically, dominates the popular media. Here, the author advances a very different view, the gender similarities hypothesis, which holds that males and females are similar on most, but not all, psychological variables. Results from a review of 46 meta-analyses support the gender similarities hypothesis. Gender differences can vary substantially in magnitude at different ages and depend on the context in which measurement occurs. Overinflated claims of gender differences carry substantial costs in areas such as the workplace and relationships. Copyright (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved.

In vivo chromatic aberration in eyes implanted with intraocular lenses.

PubMed

Pérez-Merino, Pablo; Dorronsoro, Carlos; Llorente, Lourdes; Durán, Sonia; Jiménez-Alfaro, Ignacio; Marcos, Susana

2013-04-12

To measure in vivo and objectively the monochromatic aberrations at different wavelengths, and the chromatic difference of focus between green and infrared wavelengths in eyes implanted with two models of intraocular lenses (IOL). EIGHTEEN EYES PARTICIPATED IN THIS STUDY: nine implanted with Tecnis ZB99 1-Piece acrylic IOL and nine implanted with AcrySof SN60WF IOL. A custom-developed laser ray tracing (LRT) aberrometer was used to measure the optical aberrations, at 532 nm and 785 nm wavelengths. The monochromatic wave aberrations were described using a fifth-order Zernike polynomial expansion. The chromatic difference of focus was estimated as the difference between the equivalent spherical errors corresponding to each wavelength. Wave aberration measurements were highly reproducible. Except for the defocus term, no significant differences in high order aberrations (HOA) were found between wavelengths. The average chromatic difference of focus was 0.46 ± 0.15 diopters (D) in the Tecnis group, and 0.75 ± 0.12 D in the AcrySof group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Chromatic difference of focus in the AcrySof group was not statistically significantly different from the Longitudinal chromatic aberration (LCA) previously reported in a phakic population (0.78 ± 0.16 D). The impact of LCA on retinal image quality (measured in terms of Strehl ratio) was drastically reduced when considering HOA and astigmatism in comparison with a diffraction-limited eye, yielding the differences in retinal image quality between Tecnis and AcrySof IOLs not significant. LRT aberrometry at different wavelengths is a reproducible technique to evaluate the chromatic difference of focus objectively in eyes implanted with IOLs. Replacement of the crystalline lens by the IOL did not increase chromatic difference of focus above that of phakic eyes in any of the groups. The AcrySof group showed chromatic difference of focus values very similar to physiological values in young eyes.

The costs of acute readmissions to a different hospital - Does the effect vary across provider types?

PubMed

Møller Dahl, Christian; Planck Kongstad, Line

2017-06-01

Treatment costs are found to vary substantially and systematically within DRGs. Several factors have been shown to contribute to the variation in costs within DRGs. We argue that readmissions might also explain part of the observed variation in costs. A substantial number of all readmissions occur to a different hospital. The change in hospital indicates that a progression of the illness has occurred since the initial hospitalisation. As a result, different-hospital readmissions might be more costly compared to same-hospital admissions. The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to analyse differences in costs between different-hospital readmissions and same-hospital readmissions within the same DRG. Secondly, to investigate whether the effect of different-hospital readmission on costs vary depending of provider type (general versus teaching hospital). We use a rich Danish patient-level administrative data set covering inpatient stays in the period 2008-2010. We exploit the fact that some patients are readmitted within the same DRG and that some of these readmissions occur at different hospitals in a propensity score difference-in-difference design. The estimates are based on a restricted sample of n = 328 patients. Our results show that the costs of different-hospital readmissions are significantly higher relative to the costs of same-hospital readmission (approx. €777). Furthermore, the cost difference is found to be almost twice the size for patients readmitted to a teaching hospital (approx. €1016) (P < 0.10) compared to patients readmitted to a different general hospital (approx. €511) (P < 0.10). The results suggest that hospitals in general face a potential risk by treating different-hospital readmissions, and that the financial consequences are highest among teaching hospitals. If teaching hospitals are not compensated for the additional costs of treating different-hospital readmission patients, they might be unfairly funded under a DRG-based payment scheme. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of functional differences in metabolic networks using comparative genomics and constraint-based models.

PubMed

Hamilton, Joshua J; Reed, Jennifer L

2012-01-01

Genome-scale network reconstructions are useful tools for understanding cellular metabolism, and comparisons of such reconstructions can provide insight into metabolic differences between organisms. Recent efforts toward comparing genome-scale models have focused primarily on aligning metabolic networks at the reaction level and then looking at differences and similarities in reaction and gene content. However, these reaction comparison approaches are time-consuming and do not identify the effect network differences have on the functional states of the network. We have developed a bilevel mixed-integer programming approach, CONGA, to identify functional differences between metabolic networks by comparing network reconstructions aligned at the gene level. We first identify orthologous genes across two reconstructions and then use CONGA to identify conditions under which differences in gene content give rise to differences in metabolic capabilities. By seeking genes whose deletion in one or both models disproportionately changes flux through a selected reaction (e.g., growth or by-product secretion) in one model over another, we are able to identify structural metabolic network differences enabling unique metabolic capabilities. Using CONGA, we explore functional differences between two metabolic reconstructions of Escherichia coli and identify a set of reactions responsible for chemical production differences between the two models. We also use this approach to aid in the development of a genome-scale model of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. Finally, we propose potential antimicrobial targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus based on differences in their metabolic capabilities. Through these examples, we demonstrate that a gene-centric approach to comparing metabolic networks allows for a rapid comparison of metabolic models at a functional level. Using CONGA, we can identify differences in reaction and gene content which give rise to different functional predictions. Because CONGA provides a general framework, it can be applied to find functional differences across models and biological systems beyond those presented here.

Identification of Functional Differences in Metabolic Networks Using Comparative Genomics and Constraint-Based Models

PubMed Central

Hamilton, Joshua J.; Reed, Jennifer L.

2012-01-01

Genome-scale network reconstructions are useful tools for understanding cellular metabolism, and comparisons of such reconstructions can provide insight into metabolic differences between organisms. Recent efforts toward comparing genome-scale models have focused primarily on aligning metabolic networks at the reaction level and then looking at differences and similarities in reaction and gene content. However, these reaction comparison approaches are time-consuming and do not identify the effect network differences have on the functional states of the network. We have developed a bilevel mixed-integer programming approach, CONGA, to identify functional differences between metabolic networks by comparing network reconstructions aligned at the gene level. We first identify orthologous genes across two reconstructions and then use CONGA to identify conditions under which differences in gene content give rise to differences in metabolic capabilities. By seeking genes whose deletion in one or both models disproportionately changes flux through a selected reaction (e.g., growth or by-product secretion) in one model over another, we are able to identify structural metabolic network differences enabling unique metabolic capabilities. Using CONGA, we explore functional differences between two metabolic reconstructions of Escherichia coli and identify a set of reactions responsible for chemical production differences between the two models. We also use this approach to aid in the development of a genome-scale model of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. Finally, we propose potential antimicrobial targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus based on differences in their metabolic capabilities. Through these examples, we demonstrate that a gene-centric approach to comparing metabolic networks allows for a rapid comparison of metabolic models at a functional level. Using CONGA, we can identify differences in reaction and gene content which give rise to different functional predictions. Because CONGA provides a general framework, it can be applied to find functional differences across models and biological systems beyond those presented here. PMID:22666308

Integrated Analysis and Visualization of Group Differences in Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity: Applications in Typical Ageing and Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Langen, Carolyn D; White, Tonya; Ikram, M Arfan; Vernooij, Meike W; Niessen, Wiro J

2015-01-01

Structural and functional brain connectivity are increasingly used to identify and analyze group differences in studies of brain disease. This study presents methods to analyze uni- and bi-modal brain connectivity and evaluate their ability to identify differences. Novel visualizations of significantly different connections comparing multiple metrics are presented. On the global level, "bi-modal comparison plots" show the distribution of uni- and bi-modal group differences and the relationship between structure and function. Differences between brain lobes are visualized using "worm plots". Group differences in connections are examined with an existing visualization, the "connectogram". These visualizations were evaluated in two proof-of-concept studies: (1) middle-aged versus elderly subjects; and (2) patients with schizophrenia versus controls. Each included two measures derived from diffusion weighted images and two from functional magnetic resonance images. The structural measures were minimum cost path between two anatomical regions according to the "Statistical Analysis of Minimum cost path based Structural Connectivity" method and the average fractional anisotropy along the fiber. The functional measures were Pearson's correlation and partial correlation of mean regional time series. The relationship between structure and function was similar in both studies. Uni-modal group differences varied greatly between connectivity types. Group differences were identified in both studies globally, within brain lobes and between regions. In the aging study, minimum cost path was highly effective in identifying group differences on all levels; fractional anisotropy and mean correlation showed smaller differences on the brain lobe and regional levels. In the schizophrenia study, minimum cost path and fractional anisotropy showed differences on the global level and within brain lobes; mean correlation showed small differences on the lobe level. Only fractional anisotropy and mean correlation showed regional differences. The presented visualizations were helpful in comparing and evaluating connectivity measures on multiple levels in both studies.

Gender differences in acute and chronic pain in the emergency department: results of the 2014 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference pain section.

PubMed

Musey, Paul I; Linnstaedt, Sarah D; Platts-Mills, Timothy F; Miner, James R; Bortsov, Andrey V; Safdar, Basmah; Bijur, Polly; Rosenau, Alex; Tsze, Daniel S; Chang, Andrew K; Dorai, Suprina; Engel, Kirsten G; Feldman, James A; Fusaro, Angela M; Lee, David C; Rosenberg, Mark; Keefe, Francis J; Peak, David A; Nam, Catherine S; Patel, Roma G; Fillingim, Roger B; McLean, Samuel A

2014-12-01

Pain is a leading public health problem in the United States, with an annual economic burden of more than $630 billion, and is one of the most common reasons that individuals seek emergency department (ED) care. There is a paucity of data regarding sex differences in the assessment and treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions in the ED. The Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference convened in Dallas, Texas, in May 2014 to develop a research agenda to address this issue among others related to sex differences in the ED. Prior to the conference, experts and stakeholders from emergency medicine and the pain research field reviewed the current literature and identified eight candidate priority areas. At the conference, these eight areas were reviewed and all eight were ratified using a nominal group technique to build consensus. These priority areas were: 1) gender differences in the pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for pain, including differences in opioid tolerance, side effects, or misuse; 2) gender differences in pain severity perceptions, clinically meaningful differences in acute pain, and pain treatment preferences; 3) gender differences in pain outcomes of ED patients across the life span; 4) gender differences in the relationship between acute pain and acute psychological responses; 5) the influence of physician-patient gender differences and characteristics on the assessment and treatment of pain; 6) gender differences in the influence of acute stress and chronic stress on acute pain responses; 7) gender differences in biological mechanisms and molecular pathways mediating acute pain in ED populations; and 8) gender differences in biological mechanisms and molecular pathways mediating chronic pain development after trauma, stress, or acute illness exposure. These areas represent priority areas for future scientific inquiry, and gaining understanding in these will be essential to improving our understanding of sex and gender differences in the assessment and treatment of pain conditions in emergency care settings. © 2014 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Oscillometric blood pressure devices and simulators: measurements of repeatability and differences between models.

PubMed

Sims, A J; Reay, C A; Bousfield, D R; Menes, J A; Murray, A

2005-01-01

To measure the repeatability and pressure pulse envelope of simulators used for testing oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices; to study the effect of different envelopes on NIBP devices, and to measure the difference between NIBP devices due to different oscillometric algorithms. Three different models of NIBP simulator and 18 different patient monitors with NIBP function were studied. We developed a pressure measurement system (accuracy 0.048?mmHg) to measure the repeatability of simulators. The effect of changing the envelope was measured by using three simulators with one NIBP device. Differences between 18 NIBP devices were measured using one simulator at seven blood pressure settings. Simulators generate repeatable pressure pulse envelopes (< 0.2 mmHg) but the magnitude and shape depends on the model of simulator. Oscillometric NIBP devices are highly repeatable (< 2 mmHg) when presented with a repeatable pressure pulse envelope, but different devices employ different algorithms and give different results. For a simulated standard blood pressure setting of 120/80 mmHg, estimates of systolic pressure ranged from 112.6 to 126.6 mmHg (sd of 3.0 mmHg), and diastolic pressure ranged from 74.8 to 86.9 mmHg (sd of 3.5 mmHg). Simulators and NIBP devices are sufficiently repeatable for clinical use, but further systematic clinical studies are required to better characterize the pressure pulse envelope for different patient groups.

The making of a population: Challenges, implications, and consequences of the quantification of social difference.

PubMed

Cruz, Taylor M

2017-02-01

How do we make a difference? This paper traces the connections made between quantified knowledge, population health, and social justice by examining the efforts of population scientists to assess sexuality as a point of difference within population-based data systems, including on national health and social surveys, electronic medical records, and the Census. Population scientists emphasize the importance of measuring social difference in order to identify and remedy structural disadvantage. This evaluation requires the assessment of difference and the comparison of distinct groups across standardized outcome measures. In quantifying social difference, however, population scientists obscure or minimize several difficulties in creating comparable populations. I explore some of these challenges by highlighting three central tensions: the separation of difference from other aspects and categories of social experience, the reduction of difference through the use of one over several possible measures, and the enactment of difference as quantified knowledge loops back into society. As a theoretical inquiry into the form of social difference as it is conceptualized, operationalized, and materialized across the science-society nexus, this paper identifies the various commitments made during processes of scientific evaluation. By attending to the values and priorities that exist within and through practices of quantification, I aim to address the problem of measuring social difference as it pertains to the issues of social justice and health equity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Socioeconomic inequalities and age and gender differences in cardiovascular risk factors].

PubMed

López-González, Ángel A; Bennasar-Veny, Miquel; Tauler, Pedro; Aguilo, Antoni; Tomàs-Salvà, Matias; Yáñez, Aina

2015-01-01

To describe the cardiovascular risk factors in a working population in the Balearic Islands and to examine whether differences by social class vary according to age and gender. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of active workers aged 20-65 years in the Balearic Islands. The participants were included in the study during their annual work health assessment in 2011. The following variables were collected: occupation, social class, age, gender, height, weight, smoking, blood pressure, lipid profile, and glucose levels. Cardiovascular risk was calculated using two different equations (Framingham and REGICOR). Differences by social class were observed for most cardiovascular risk factors. The pattern of these differences differed depending on age group and gender. Differences in obesity by social class increased with age in women but decreased in men. More differences in hypertension by social class were found among women than among men, with differences increasing with age in both genders. Significant differences by social class were found among women in lipid profile, and these differences increased with age, mainly for low levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Inequalities in cardiovascular risk factors by social class were higher among women than among men. Some cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and obesity showed significant inequalities from a very early age. Copyright © 2014 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Population growth of the floricolous yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii: effects of nectar host, yeast genotype, and host × genotype interaction.

PubMed

Herrera, Carlos M

2014-05-01

Genetic diversity and genotypic diversity of wild populations of the floricolous yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii exhibit a strong host-mediated component, with genotypes being nonrandomly distributed among flowers of different plant species. To unravel the causal mechanism of this pattern of host-mediated genetic diversity, this paper examines experimentally whether floral nectars of different host plants differ in their quality as a growing substrate for M. reukaufii and also whether genetically distinct yeast strains differ in their relative ability to thrive in nectars of different species (host × genotype interaction). Genetically distinct M. reukaufii strains were grown in natural nectar of different hosts under controlled conditions. Population growth varied widely among nectar hosts, revealing that different host plants provided microhabitats of different quality for M. reukaufii. Different M. reukaufii strains responded in different ways to interspecific nectar variation, and variable growth responses were significantly associated with genetic differences between strains, thus leading to a significant host × genotype interaction. Results of this study provide support for the diversifying selection hypothesis as the underlying mechanism preserving high genetic diversity in wild M. reukaufii populations and also suggest that consequences of functional plant-pollinator diversity may surpass the domain of the mutualistic organisms to implicate associated microorganisms. © 2014 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimating crustal heterogeneity from double-difference tomography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Got, J.-L.; Monteiller, V.; Virieux, J.; Okubo, P.

2006-01-01

Seismic velocity parameters in limited, but heterogeneous volumes can be inferred using a double-difference tomographic algorithm, but to obtain meaningful results accuracy must be maintained at every step of the computation. MONTEILLER et al. (2005) have devised a double-difference tomographic algorithm that takes full advantage of the accuracy of cross-spectral time-delays of large correlated event sets. This algorithm performs an accurate computation of theoretical travel-time delays in heterogeneous media and applies a suitable inversion scheme based on optimization theory. When applied to Kilauea Volcano, in Hawaii, the double-difference tomography approach shows significant and coherent changes to the velocity model in the well-resolved volumes beneath the Kilauea caldera and the upper east rift. In this paper, we first compare the results obtained using MONTEILLER et al.'s algorithm with those obtained using the classic travel-time tomographic approach. Then, we evaluated the effect of using data series of different accuracies, such as handpicked arrival-time differences ("picking differences"), on the results produced by double-difference tomographic algorithms. We show that picking differences have a non-Gaussian probability density function (pdf). Using a hyperbolic secant pdf instead of a Gaussian pdf allows improvement of the double-difference tomographic result when using picking difference data. We completed our study by investigating the use of spatially discontinuous time-delay data. ?? Birkha??user Verlag, Basel, 2006.

Categorical encoding of color in the brain.

PubMed

Bird, Chris M; Berens, Samuel C; Horner, Aidan J; Franklin, Anna

2014-03-25

The areas of the brain that encode color categorically have not yet been reliably identified. Here, we used functional MRI adaptation to identify neuronal populations that represent color categories irrespective of metric differences in color. Two colors were successively presented within a block of trials. The two colors were either from the same or different categories (e.g., "blue 1 and blue 2" or "blue 1 and green 1"), and the size of the hue difference was varied. Participants performed a target detection task unrelated to the difference in color. In the middle frontal gyrus of both hemispheres and to a lesser extent, the cerebellum, blood-oxygen level-dependent response was greater for colors from different categories relative to colors from the same category. Importantly, activation in these regions was not modulated by the size of the hue difference, suggesting that neurons in these regions represent color categorically, regardless of metric color difference. Representational similarity analyses, which investigated the similarity of the pattern of activity across local groups of voxels, identified other regions of the brain (including the visual cortex), which responded to metric but not categorical color differences. Therefore, categorical and metric hue differences appear to be coded in qualitatively different ways and in different brain regions. These findings have implications for the long-standing debate on the origin and nature of color categories, and also further our understanding of how color is processed by the brain.

An ontology approach to comparative phenomics in plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Plant phenotypes (observable characteristics) are described using many different formats and specialized vocabularies or "ontologies". Similar phenotypes in different species may be given different names. These differences in terms complicate phenotype comparisons across species. This research descr...

Sudden change of geometric quantum discord in finite temperature reservoirs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, Ming-Liang, E-mail: mingliang0301@163.com; Sun, Jian

2015-03-15

We investigate sudden change (SC) behaviors of the distance-based measures of geometric quantum discords (GQDs) for two non-interacting qubits subject to the two-sided and the one-sided thermal reservoirs. We found that the GQDs defined by different distances exhibit different SCs, and thus the SCs are the combined result of the chosen discord measure and the property of a state. We also found that the thermal reservoir may generate states having different orderings related to different GQDs. These inherent differences of the GQDs reveal that they are incompatible in characterizing quantum correlations both quantitatively and qualitatively. - Highlights: • Comparable studymore » of different distance-based geometric quantum discords. • Evolution of the geometric quantum discords in finite temperature reservoirs. • Different geometric quantum discords exhibit distinct sudden changes. • Nonunique states ordering imposed by different geometric quantum discords.« less

An Association Mapping Framework To Account for Potential Sex Difference in Genetic Architectures.

PubMed

Kang, Eun Yong; Lee, Cue Hyunkyu; Furlotte, Nicholas A; Joo, Jong Wha J; Kostem, Emrah; Zaitlen, Noah; Eskin, Eleazar; Han, Buhm

2018-05-11

Over the past few years, genome-wide association studies have identified many trait-associated loci that have different effects on females and males, which increased attention to the genetic architecture differences between the sexes. The between-sex differences in genetic architectures can cause a variety of phenomena such as differences in the effect sizes at trait-associated loci, differences in the magnitudes of polygenic background effects, and differences in the phenotypic variances. However, current association testing approaches for dealing with sex, such as including sex as a covariate, cannot fully account for these phenomena and can be suboptimal in statistical power. We present a novel association mapping framework, MetaSex, that can comprehensively account for the genetic architecture differences between the sexes. Through simulations and applications to real data, we show that our framework has superior performance than previous approaches in association mapping. Copyright © 2018, Genetics.

Individual differences in cognition among teleost fishes.

PubMed

Lucon-Xiccato, Tyrone; Bisazza, Angelo

2017-08-01

Individual differences in cognitive abilities have been thoroughly investigated in humans and to a lesser extent in other mammals. Despite the growing interest in studying cognition in other taxonomic groups, data on individual differences are scarce for non-mammalian species. Here, we review the literature on individual differences in cognitive abilities in teleost fishes. Relatively few studies have directly addressed this topic and have provided evidence of consistent and heritable individual variation in cognitive abilities in fish. We found much more evidence of individual cognitive differences in other research areas, namely sex differences, personality differences, cerebral lateralisation and comparison between populations. Altogether, these studies suggest that individual differences in cognition are as common in fish as in warm-blooded vertebrates. Based on the example of research on mammals, we suggest directions for future investigation in fish. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gender-related Differences in Food Craving and Obesity

PubMed Central

Hallam, Jessica; Boswell, Rebecca G.; DeVito, Elise E.; Kober, Hedy

2016-01-01

Food craving is often defined as a strong desire to eat. Much work has shown that it consistently and prospectively predicts eating and weight-related outcomes, contributing to the growing obesity epidemic. Although there are clear gender differences in the prevalence and health consequences of obesity, relatively little recent work has investigated gender differences in craving, or any sex-hormone-based differences as they relate to phases of the menstrual cycle. Here, we propose that gender-related differences in food craving contribute to gender-related differences in obesity. Drawing on findings in the addiction literature, we highlight ways to incorporate gender-based differences in food craving into treatment approaches, potentially improving the efficacy of obesity and weight loss treatment. Overall, this review aims to emphasize the importance of investigating gender differences in food craving, with a view towards informing the development of more effective treatments for obesity and weight loss. PMID:27354843

[Does the brain have a gender? A literature review in younger and older adults].

PubMed

Compère, Laurie; Piolino, Pascale

2014-12-01

There are no longer doubts about the existence of gender's differences in cognition, only their origin is still controversial. The literature provides evidence of differences in cognitive performance and brain activation patterns and links these differences in men and women with biological, social and psychological measures. To date, the favored hypothesis explaining these differences is the cognitive style hypothesis according to which women and men would favor different strategies while resolving some tasks. Some of these tasks are autobiographical memory tasks, which are also the most sensitive to the effects of age but very few studies had explored the impact of aging on the differences in cognition between men and women. We discuss the importance of such studies about the gender's differences in aging. A better understanding of gender differences in cognition in pathological aging as in health would provide the opportunity to offer a more personalized care.

Exaggerating Accessible Differences: When Gender Stereotypes Overestimate Actual Group Differences.

PubMed

Eyal, Tal; Epley, Nicholas

2017-09-01

Stereotypes are often presumed to exaggerate group differences, but empirical evidence is mixed. We suggest exaggeration is moderated by the accessibility of specific stereotype content. In particular, because the most accessible stereotype contents are attributes perceived to differ between groups, those attributes are most likely to exaggerate actual group differences due to regression to the mean. We tested this hypothesis using a highly accessible gender stereotype: that women are more socially sensitive than men. We confirmed that the most accessible stereotype content involves attributes perceived to differ between groups (pretest), and that these stereotypes contain some accuracy but significantly exaggerate actual gender differences (Experiment 1). We observe less exaggeration when judging less accessible stereotype content (Experiment 2), or when judging individual men and women (Experiment 3). Considering the accessibility of specific stereotype content may explain when stereotypes exaggerate actual group differences and when they do not.

Finite difference methods for transient signal propagation in stratified dispersive media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lam, D. H.

1975-01-01

Explicit difference equations are presented for the solution of a signal of arbitrary waveform propagating in an ohmic dielectric, a cold plasma, a Debye model dielectric, and a Lorentz model dielectric. These difference equations are derived from the governing time-dependent integro-differential equations for the electric fields by a finite difference method. A special difference equation is derived for the grid point at the boundary of two different media. Employing this difference equation, transient signal propagation in an inhomogeneous media can be solved provided that the medium is approximated in a step-wise fashion. The solutions are generated simply by marching on in time. It is concluded that while the classical transform methods will remain useful in certain cases, with the development of the finite difference methods described, an extensive class of problems of transient signal propagating in stratified dispersive media can be effectively solved by numerical methods.

The effect of covariate mean differences on the standard error and confidence interval for the comparison of treatment means.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaofeng Steven

2011-05-01

The use of covariates is commonly believed to reduce the unexplained error variance and the standard error for the comparison of treatment means, but the reduction in the standard error is neither guaranteed nor uniform over different sample sizes. The covariate mean differences between the treatment conditions can inflate the standard error of the covariate-adjusted mean difference and can actually produce a larger standard error for the adjusted mean difference than that for the unadjusted mean difference. When the covariate observations are conceived of as randomly varying from one study to another, the covariate mean differences can be related to a Hotelling's T(2) . Using this Hotelling's T(2) statistic, one can always find a minimum sample size to achieve a high probability of reducing the standard error and confidence interval width for the adjusted mean difference. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

The Role of Affective and Cognitive Individual Differences in Social Perception.

PubMed

Aquino, Antonio; Haddock, Geoffrey; Maio, Gregory R; Wolf, Lukas J; Alparone, Francesca R

2016-06-01

Three studies explored the connection between social perception processes and individual differences in the use of affective and cognitive information in relation to attitudes. Study 1 revealed that individuals high in need for affect (NFA) accentuated differences in evaluations of warm and cold traits, whereas individuals high in need for cognition (NFC) accentuated differences in evaluations of competent and incompetent traits. Study 2 revealed that individual differences in NFA predicted liking of warm or cold targets, whereas individual differences in NFC predicted perceptions of competent or incompetent targets. Furthermore, the effects of NFA and NFC were independent of structural bases and meta-bases of attitudes. Study 3 revealed that differences in the evaluation of warm and cold traits mediated the effects of NFA and NFC on liking of targets. The implications for social perception processes and for individual differences in affect-cognition are discussed. © 2016 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

What is in a name?: The development of cross-cultural differences in referential intuitions.

PubMed

Li, Jincai; Liu, Longgen; Chalmers, Elizabeth; Snedeker, Jesse

2018-02-01

Past work has shown systematic differences between Easterners' and Westerners' intuitions about the reference of proper names. Understanding when these differences emerge in development will help us understand their origins. In the present study, we investigate the referential intuitions of English- and Chinese-speaking children and adults in the U.S. and China. Using a truth-value judgment task modeled on Kripke's classic Gödel case, we find that the cross-cultural differences are already in place at age seven. Thus, these differences cannot be attributed to later education or enculturation. Instead, they must stem from differences that are present in early childhood. We consider alternate theories of reference that are compatible with these findings and discuss the possibility that the cross-cultural differences reflect differences in perspective-taking strategies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Compcon '95 Paper

Science.gov Websites

has the ability to view various parts of a frog from many different angles, and with the different here - the Virtual Dissection Kit - has been accessed by 50,000 different sites, in over 50 different form document that is a translation of the user interface into a different language (the Virtual Frog

Reproduction of Difference through Learning about a "Different Culture": The Paradox of Double Subject Positions and the Pedagogy of the Privileged

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doerr, Neriko Musha

2015-01-01

Culture is not a predetermined, static, bounded unit. Both its boundaries and what is considered cultural difference are constructed through social processes. Ray McDermott and Herve Varenne (1995) argue that only certain differences are noticed, usually according to what is regarded as meaningful difference in one's own society. For example, in a…

The Comparability of the Standardized Mean Difference Effect Size across Different Measures of the Same Construct: Measurement Considerations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nugent, William R.

2006-01-01

One of the most important effect sizes used in meta-analysis is the standardized mean difference (SMD). In this article, the conditions under which SMD effect sizes based on different measures of the same construct are directly comparable are investigated. The results show that SMD effect sizes from different measures of the same construct are…

Do Differences in School's Instruction Time Explain International Achievement Gaps in Math, Science, and Reading? Evidence from Developed and Developing Countries. NBER Working Paper No. 16227

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavy, Victor

2010-01-01

There are large differences across countries in instructional time in schooling institutions. Can these differences explain some of the differences across countries in pupils' achievements in different subjects? While research in recent years provides convincing evidence about the effect of several inputs in the education production function,…

Comparative assessment of bone pose estimation using Point Cluster Technique and OpenSim.

PubMed

Lathrop, Rebecca L; Chaudhari, Ajit M W; Siston, Robert A

2011-11-01

Estimating the position of the bones from optical motion capture data is a challenge associated with human movement analysis. Bone pose estimation techniques such as the Point Cluster Technique (PCT) and simulations of movement through software packages such as OpenSim are used to minimize soft tissue artifact and estimate skeletal position; however, using different methods for analysis may produce differing kinematic results which could lead to differences in clinical interpretation such as a misclassification of normal or pathological gait. This study evaluated the differences present in knee joint kinematics as a result of calculating joint angles using various techniques. We calculated knee joint kinematics from experimental gait data using the standard PCT, the least squares approach in OpenSim applied to experimental marker data, and the least squares approach in OpenSim applied to the results of the PCT algorithm. Maximum and resultant RMS differences in knee angles were calculated between all techniques. We observed differences in flexion/extension, varus/valgus, and internal/external rotation angles between all approaches. The largest differences were between the PCT results and all results calculated using OpenSim. The RMS differences averaged nearly 5° for flexion/extension angles with maximum differences exceeding 15°. Average RMS differences were relatively small (< 1.08°) between results calculated within OpenSim, suggesting that the choice of marker weighting is not critical to the results of the least squares inverse kinematics calculations. The largest difference between techniques appeared to be a constant offset between the PCT and all OpenSim results, which may be due to differences in the definition of anatomical reference frames, scaling of musculoskeletal models, and/or placement of virtual markers within OpenSim. Different methods for data analysis can produce largely different kinematic results, which could lead to the misclassification of normal or pathological gait. Improved techniques to allow non-uniform scaling of generic models to more accurately reflect subject-specific bone geometries and anatomical reference frames may reduce differences between bone pose estimation techniques and allow for comparison across gait analysis platforms.

Sex differences in circadian food anticipatory activity are not altered by individual manipulations of sex hormones or sex chromosome copy number in mice

PubMed Central

Huddy, Timothy F.; Ogawa-Okada, Maya; Adkins, Jamie L.

2018-01-01

Recent studies in mice have demonstrated a sexual dimorphism in circadian entrainment to scheduled feeding. On a time restricted diet, males tend to develop food anticipatory activity (FAA) sooner than females and with a higher amplitude of activity. The underlying cause of this sex difference remains unknown. One study suggests that sex hormones, both androgens and estrogens, modulate food anticipatory activity in mice. Here we present results suggesting that the sex difference in FAA is unrelated to gonadal sex hormones. While a sex difference between males and females in FAA on a timed, calorie restricted diet was observed there were no differences between intact and gonadectomized mice in the onset or magnitude of FAA. To test other sources of the sex difference in circadian entrainment to scheduled feeding, we used sex chromosome copy number mutants, but there was no difference in FAA when comparing XX, XY-, XY-;Sry Tg, and XX;Sry Tg mice, demonstrating that gene dosage of sex chromosomes does not mediate the sex difference in FAA. Next, we masculinized female mice by treating them with 17-beta estradiol during the neonatal period; yet again, we saw no difference in FAA between control and masculinized females. Finally, we observed that there was no longer a sex difference in FAA for older mice, suggesting that the sex difference in FAA is age-dependent. Thus, our study demonstrates that singular manipulations of gonadal hormones, sex chromosomes, or developmental patterning are not able to explain the difference in FAA between young male and female mice. PMID:29385171

Sex-related differences in fuel utilization and hormonal response to exercise: implications for individuals with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Brockman, Nicole K; Yardley, Jane E

2018-06-01

Sex-related differences in metabolic and neuroendocrine response to exercise in individuals without diabetes have been well established. Men and women differ in fuel selection during exercise, in which women rely to a greater extent on fat oxidation, whereas males rely mostly on carbohydrate oxidation for energy production. The difference in fuel selection appears to be mediated by sex-related differences in hormonal (including catecholamines, growth hormone, and estrogen) response to different types and intensities of exercise. In general, men exhibit an amplified counter-regulatory response to exercise, with elevated levels of catecholamines compared with women. However, women exhibit greater sensitivity to the lipolytic action of the catecholamines and deplete less of their glycogen stores than men during exercise, which suggests that women may experience a greater defense in blood glucose control after exercise than men. Conversely, little is known about sex-related differences in response to exercise in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A single study investigating sex-related differences in response to moderate aerobic exercise in individuals with T1D found sex-related differences in catecholamine response and fuel selection, but changes in blood glucose were not measured. To our knowledge, there are no studies investigating sex-related differences in blood glucose responses to different types and intensities of exercise in individuals with T1D. This review summarizes sex-related differences in exercise responses that could potentially impact blood glucose levels during exercise in individuals with T1D and highlights the need for further research.

Gender differences in emotion expression in children: a meta-analytic review.

PubMed

Chaplin, Tara M; Aldao, Amelia

2013-07-01

Emotion expression is an important feature of healthy child development that has been found to show gender differences. However, there has been no empirical review of the literature on gender and facial, vocal, and behavioral expressions of different types of emotions in children. The present study constitutes a comprehensive meta-analytic review of gender differences and moderators of differences in emotion expression from infancy through adolescence. We analyzed 555 effect sizes from 166 studies with a total of 21,709 participants. Significant but very small gender differences were found overall, with girls showing more positive emotions (g = -.08) and internalizing emotions (e.g., sadness, anxiety, sympathy; g = -.10) than boys, and boys showing more externalizing emotions (e.g., anger; g = .09) than girls. Notably, gender differences were moderated by age, interpersonal context, and task valence, underscoring the importance of contextual factors in gender differences. Gender differences in positive emotions were more pronounced with increasing age, with girls showing more positive emotions than boys in middle childhood (g = -.20) and adolescence (g = -.28). Boys showed more externalizing emotions than girls at toddler/preschool age (g = .17) and middle childhood (g = .13) and fewer externalizing emotions than girls in adolescence (g = -.27). Gender differences were less pronounced with parents and were more pronounced with unfamiliar adults (for positive emotions) and with peers/when alone (for externalizing emotions). Our findings of gender differences in emotion expression in specific contexts have important implications for gender differences in children's healthy and maladaptive development. 2013 APA, all rights reserved

A probabilistic method for testing and estimating selection differences between populations

PubMed Central

He, Yungang; Wang, Minxian; Huang, Xin; Li, Ran; Xu, Hongyang; Xu, Shuhua; Jin, Li

2015-01-01

Human populations around the world encounter various environmental challenges and, consequently, develop genetic adaptations to different selection forces. Identifying the differences in natural selection between populations is critical for understanding the roles of specific genetic variants in evolutionary adaptation. Although numerous methods have been developed to detect genetic loci under recent directional selection, a probabilistic solution for testing and quantifying selection differences between populations is lacking. Here we report the development of a probabilistic method for testing and estimating selection differences between populations. By use of a probabilistic model of genetic drift and selection, we showed that logarithm odds ratios of allele frequencies provide estimates of the differences in selection coefficients between populations. The estimates approximate a normal distribution, and variance can be estimated using genome-wide variants. This allows us to quantify differences in selection coefficients and to determine the confidence intervals of the estimate. Our work also revealed the link between genetic association testing and hypothesis testing of selection differences. It therefore supplies a solution for hypothesis testing of selection differences. This method was applied to a genome-wide data analysis of Han and Tibetan populations. The results confirmed that both the EPAS1 and EGLN1 genes are under statistically different selection in Han and Tibetan populations. We further estimated differences in the selection coefficients for genetic variants involved in melanin formation and determined their confidence intervals between continental population groups. Application of the method to empirical data demonstrated the outstanding capability of this novel approach for testing and quantifying differences in natural selection. PMID:26463656

Background matching by means of dorsal color change in treefrog populations (Hyla japonica).

PubMed

Choi, Noori; Jang, Yikweon

2014-02-01

Treefrogs change dorsal coloration to match background colors, presumably for predator avoidance. Dorsal coloration in treefrogs results from rearrangement of pigment granules in dermal chromatophores. This physiological basis for color change suggests that brightness and chroma are the color components that may change in response to background color. However, results of experiments are conflicting in that there is no consensus as to which color component is critical for color change in treefrogs. We tested predictions of the physiological model for color change in treefrogs by investigating dorsal color change under five background colors in three different populations of the treefrog Hyla japonica. Differences in color components between background colors and frogs were used as a measure of background matching. Throughout a 1-week experimental period, brightness and chroma differences decreased monotonically, while hue difference remained constant for all background colors. Chroma differences were smaller with the natural colors such as green and brown than with achromatic colors. Moreover, variation in color change among frogs from three localities that differed in land cover suggested that chroma change capacity may be sensitive to environmental conditions. Under the white background color, however, decreasing brightness difference seemed to be crucial to background matching. Furthermore, chroma difference and brightness difference did not decrease indefinitely, suggesting a trade-off between chroma difference and brightness difference under the white background. Thus, background matching may generally occur by decreasing chroma difference under most background colors in H. japonica, but brightness matching may be important under the white color. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Why size matters: differences in brain volume account for apparent sex differences in callosal anatomy: the sexual dimorphism of the corpus callosum.

PubMed

Luders, Eileen; Toga, Arthur W; Thompson, Paul M

2014-01-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated a sexual dimorphism of the human corpus callosum. However, the question remains if sex differences in brain size, which typically is larger in men than in women, or biological sex per se account for the apparent sex differences in callosal morphology. Comparing callosal dimensions between men and women matched for overall brain size may clarify the true contribution of biological sex, as any observed group difference should indicate pure sex effects. We thus examined callosal morphology in 24 male and 24 female brains carefully matched for overall size. In addition, we selected 24 extremely large male brains and 24 extremely small female brains to explore if observed sex effects might vary depending on the degree to which male and female groups differed in brain size. Using the individual T1-weighted brain images (n=96), we delineated the corpus callosum at midline and applied a well-validated surface-based mesh-modeling approach to compare callosal thickness at 100 equidistant points between groups determined by brain size and sex. The corpus callosum was always thicker in men than in women. However, this callosal sex difference was strongly determined by the cerebral sex difference overall. That is, the larger the discrepancy in brain size between men and women, the more pronounced the sex difference in callosal thickness, with hardly any callosal differences remaining between brain-size matched men and women. Altogether, these findings suggest that individual differences in brain size account for apparent sex differences in the anatomy of the corpus callosum. © 2013.

Sex differences in circadian food anticipatory activity are not altered by individual manipulations of sex hormones or sex chromosome copy number in mice.

PubMed

Aguayo, Antonio; Martin, Camille S; Huddy, Timothy F; Ogawa-Okada, Maya; Adkins, Jamie L; Steele, Andrew D

2018-01-01

Recent studies in mice have demonstrated a sexual dimorphism in circadian entrainment to scheduled feeding. On a time restricted diet, males tend to develop food anticipatory activity (FAA) sooner than females and with a higher amplitude of activity. The underlying cause of this sex difference remains unknown. One study suggests that sex hormones, both androgens and estrogens, modulate food anticipatory activity in mice. Here we present results suggesting that the sex difference in FAA is unrelated to gonadal sex hormones. While a sex difference between males and females in FAA on a timed, calorie restricted diet was observed there were no differences between intact and gonadectomized mice in the onset or magnitude of FAA. To test other sources of the sex difference in circadian entrainment to scheduled feeding, we used sex chromosome copy number mutants, but there was no difference in FAA when comparing XX, XY-, XY-;Sry Tg, and XX;Sry Tg mice, demonstrating that gene dosage of sex chromosomes does not mediate the sex difference in FAA. Next, we masculinized female mice by treating them with 17-beta estradiol during the neonatal period; yet again, we saw no difference in FAA between control and masculinized females. Finally, we observed that there was no longer a sex difference in FAA for older mice, suggesting that the sex difference in FAA is age-dependent. Thus, our study demonstrates that singular manipulations of gonadal hormones, sex chromosomes, or developmental patterning are not able to explain the difference in FAA between young male and female mice.

Subjectively measured ejaculation latency time and its association with different sexual activities while controlling for age and relationship length.

PubMed

Jern, Patrick; Santtila, Pekka; Johansson, Ada; Varjonen, Markus; Witting, Katarina; von der Pahlen, Bettina; Sandnabba, Kenneth

2009-09-01

Recently, attempts to formulate valid and suitable definitions for (different subcategories of) premature ejaculation have resulted in substantial progress in the pursuit to gain knowledge about ejaculatory function. However, the association between ejaculatory dysfunction and different types of sexual activities has yet to be thoroughly investigated, and (due to conflicting results between studies) the potential effects of age and relationship length still need to be taken into account. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations of age, relationship length, frequency of different sexual activities, and different modes of achieving ejaculation with self-reported ejaculation latency time. The main outcome is establishing associations between age, relationship length, self-reported ejaculation latency time, and frequency of different kinds of sexual activities and different modes of achieving ejaculation (such as achieving ejaculation through oral or vaginal sex). Statistical analyses of data on age, relationship length, self-reported ejaculation latency time, and frequency of different sexual activities and different modes of achieving ejaculation were conducted on a population-based sample of 3,189 males aged 18-48 years (mean = 29.9 years, standard deviation = 6.94). Age and relationship length were significantly negatively associated with self-reported ejaculation latency time. Frequency of different kinds of sexual behavior generally had a positive association with self-reported ejaculation latency time, as had different modes of achieving ejaculation. The findings highlight the need for more extensive studies on and increased knowledge of different aspects of ejaculatory function before a valid and suitable definition for premature ejaculation can be formulated.

Why Size Matters: Differences in Brain Volume Account for Apparent Sex Differences in Callosal Anatomy

PubMed Central

Luders, Eileen; Toga, Arthur W.; Thompson, Paul M.

2013-01-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated a sexual dimorphism of the human corpus callosum. However, the question remains if sex differences in brain size, which typically is larger in men than in women, or biological sex per se account for the apparent sex differences in callosal morphology. Comparing callosal dimensions between men and women matched for overall brain size may clarify the true contribution of biological sex, as any observed group difference should indicate pure sex effects. We thus examined callosal morphology in 24 male and 24 female brains carefully matched for overall size. In addition, we selected 24 extremely large male brains and 24 extremely small female brains to explore if observed sex effects might vary depending on the degree to which male and female groups differed in brain size. Using the individual T1-weighted brain images (n=96), we delineated the corpus callosum at midline and applied a well-validated surface-based mesh-modeling approach to compare callosal thickness at 100 equidistant points between groups determined by brain size and sex. The corpus callosum was always thicker in men than in women. However, this callosal sex difference was strongly determined by the cerebral sex difference overall. That is, the larger the discrepancy in brain size between men and women, the more pronounced the sex difference in callosal thickness, with hardly any callosal differences remaining between brain-size matched men and women. Altogether, these findings suggest that individual differences in brain size account for apparent sex differences in the anatomy of the corpus callosum. PMID:24064068

Gender Differences in Emotion Expression in Children: A Meta-Analytic Review

PubMed Central

Chaplin, Tara M.; Aldao, Amelia

2012-01-01

Emotion expression is an important feature of healthy child development that has been found to show gender differences. However, there has been no empirical review of the literature on gender and facial, vocal, and behavioral expressions of different types of emotions in children. The present study constitutes a comprehensive meta-analytic review of gender differences, and moderators of differences, in emotion expression from infancy through adolescence. We analyzed 555 effect sizes from 166 studies with a total of 21,709 participants. Significant, but very small, gender differences were found overall, with girls showing more positive emotions (g = −.08) and internalizing emotions (e.g., sadness, anxiety, sympathy; g = −.10) than boys, and boys showing more externalizing emotions (e.g., anger; g = .09) than girls. Notably, gender differences were moderated by age, interpersonal context, and task valence, underscoring the importance of contextual factors in gender differences. Gender differences in positive emotions were more pronounced with increasing age, with girls showing more positive emotions than boys in middle childhood (g = −.20) and adolescence (g = −.28). Boys showed more externalizing emotions than girls at toddler/preschool age (g = .17) and middle childhood (g = .13) and fewer externalizing emotions than girls in adolescence (g = −.27). Gender differences were less pronounced with parents and were more pronounced with unfamiliar adults (for positive emotions) and with peers/when alone (for externalizing emotions). Our findings of gender differences in emotion expression in specific contexts have important implications for gender differences in children’s healthy and maladaptive development. PMID:23231534

Experiments to Evaluate and Implement Passive Tracer Gas Methods to Measure Ventilation Rates in Homes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lunden, Melissa; Faulkner, David; Heredia, Elizabeth

2012-10-01

This report documents experiments performed in three homes to assess the methodology used to determine air exchange rates using passive tracer techniques. The experiments used four different tracer gases emitted simultaneously but implemented with different spatial coverage in the home. Two different tracer gas sampling methods were used. The results characterize the factors of the execution and analysis of the passive tracer technique that affect the uncertainty in the calculated air exchange rates. These factors include uncertainties in tracer gas emission rates, differences in measured concentrations for different tracer gases, temporal and spatial variability of the concentrations, the comparison betweenmore » different gas sampling methods, and the effect of different ventilation conditions.« less

Improvement of VLBI EOP Accuracy and Precision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacMillan, Daniel; Ma, Chopo

2000-01-01

In the CORE program, EOP measurements will be made with several different networks, each operating on a different day. It is essential that systematic differences between EOP derived by the different networks be minimized. Observed biases between the simultaneous CORE-A and NEOS-A sessions are about 60-130 micro(as) for PM, UT1 and nutation parameters. After removing biases, the observed rms differences are consistent with an increase in the formal precision of the measurements by factors ranging from 1.05 to 1.4. We discuss the possible sources of unmodeled error that account for these factors and the biases and the sensitivities of the network differences to modeling errors. We also discuss differences between VLBI and GPS PM measurements.

The Relation of Finite Element and Finite Difference Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vinokur, M.

1976-01-01

Finite element and finite difference methods are examined in order to bring out their relationship. It is shown that both methods use two types of discrete representations of continuous functions. They differ in that finite difference methods emphasize the discretization of independent variable, while finite element methods emphasize the discretization of dependent variable (referred to as functional approximations). An important point is that finite element methods use global piecewise functional approximations, while finite difference methods normally use local functional approximations. A general conclusion is that finite element methods are best designed to handle complex boundaries, while finite difference methods are superior for complex equations. It is also shown that finite volume difference methods possess many of the advantages attributed to finite element methods.

Isobaric yield ratio difference and Shannon information entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Chun-Wang; Wei, Hui-Ling; Wang, Shan-Shan; Ma, Yu-Gang; Wada, Ryoichi; Zhang, Yan-Li

2015-03-01

The Shannon information entropy theory is used to explain the recently proposed isobaric yield ratio difference (IBD) probe which aims to determine the nuclear symmetry energy. Theoretically, the difference between the Shannon uncertainties carried by isobars in two different reactions (ΔIn21), is found to be equivalent to the difference between the chemical potentials of protons and neutrons of the reactions [the IBD probe, IB- Δ(βμ)21, with β the reverse temperature]. From the viewpoints of Shannon information entropy, the physical meaning of the above chemical potential difference is interpreted by ΔIn21 as denoting the nuclear symmetry energy or density difference between neutrons and protons in reactions more concisely than from the statistical ablation-abrasion model.

Characterizing Health Information for Different Target Audiences.

PubMed

Sun, Yueping; Hou, Zhen; Hou, Li; Li, Jiao

2015-01-01

Different groups of audiences in health care: health professionals and health consumers, each have different information needs. Health monographs targeting different audiences are created by leveraging readers' background knowledge. The NCI's Physician Data Query (PDQ®) Cancer Information Summaries provide parallel cancer information and education resources with different target audiences. In this paper, we used targeted audience-specific cancer information PDQs to measure characteristic differences on the element level between audiences. In addition, we compared vocabulary coverage. Results show a significant difference between the professional and patient version of cancer monographs in both content organization and vocabulary. This study provides a new view to assess targeted audience-specific health information, and helps editors to improve the quality and readability of health information.

Antarctic and non-Antarctic meteorites form different populations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennison, J. E.; Lingner, D. W.; Lipschutz, M. E.

1986-01-01

The trace element differences between Victoria Land H5 chondrites and non-Antarctic H5 chondrites are studied. The focus on common meteorites was stimulated by Antarctic and non-Antarctic differences in meteorite types and in the trace element contents of congeners of rare type. Thirteen elements were analyzed by neutron activation analysis with radiochemical separation, and eight differed significantly. Eliminating test biasing and the possibility of compositional difference due to Antarctic weathering of the 300,000 year-old (on the average) Victoria Land falls, it is concluded that the two sets of chondrites differ due to extraterrestrial causes. The three possibilities discussed, differences in sample population, physical properties, orbital characteristics, and meteoroid flux with time, are all seen as problematic.

Sexual ethics and communal judgments: on the pluralism of virtues, values, and practices.

PubMed

Lustig, B Andrew

1998-04-01

Different judgments by Christian communities on issues in sexual ethics involve different weightings of various sources of moral authority, different understandings of the normativity of the natural, and different assessments of the scope of freedom to be exercised in relation to the goods of marriage. These fundamental differences of interpretation can be exemplified by the ongoing Roman Catholic discussion of the legitimacy of voluntary sterilization in certain "hard cases." The contributors to this issue of Christian Bioethics, in their spirited exchange on that issue, exemplify the need for careful attention to the ways that differences of theological emphasis and moral method lead to different judgements in particular cases, both within and between particular Christian communities.

Interaction of depth probes and style of depiction

PubMed Central

van Doorn, Andrea J.; Koenderink, Jan J.; Leyssen, Mieke H. R.; Wagemans, Johan

2012-01-01

We study the effect of stylistic differences on the nature of pictorial spaces as they appear to an observer when looking into a picture. Four pictures chosen from diverse styles of depiction were studied by 2 different methods. Each method addresses pictorial depth but draws on a different bouquet of depth cues. We find that the depth structures are very similar for 8 observers, apart from an idiosyncratic depth scaling (up to a factor of 3). The differences between observers generalize over (very different) pictures and (very different) methods. They are apparently characteristic of the person. The differences between depths as sampled by the 2 methods depend upon the style of the picture. This is the case for all observers except one. PMID:23145306

The Computational Complexity of Valuation and Motivational Forces in Decision-Making Processes.

PubMed

Redish, A David; Schultheiss, Nathan W; Carter, Evan C

2016-01-01

The concept of value is fundamental to most theories of motivation and decision making. However, value has to be measured experimentally. Different methods of measuring value produce incompatible valuation hierarchies. Taking the agent's perspective (rather than the experimenter's), we interpret the different valuation measurement methods as accessing different decision-making systems and show how these different systems depend on different information processing algorithms. This identifies the translation from these multiple decision-making systems into a single action taken by a given agent as one of the most important open questions in decision making today. We conclude by looking at how these different valuation measures accessing different decision-making systems can be used to understand and treat decision dysfunction such as in addiction.

Heterogeneous impact of Taiwan's national health insurance on labor force participation of married women by income and family structures.

PubMed

Liao, Pei-An

2011-02-01

In this study, I investigate how the impact of the National Health Insurance (NHI) introduction in Taiwan in 1995 on the labor force participation (LFP) decisions of married women varies with income and family structures. Employing the difference-in-differences (DID) approach, I find that the NHI introduction reduced LFP of married women in the twenty-fifth to fiftieth percentiles of the income distribution between 17.8 and 21.7 percentage points (33%-40%). The difference-in-differences-in-differences (DIDID) results suggest that married women in different family structures (the presence of children under 3 or less healthy elderly household members) did not respond differently to the NHI introduction.

On Every Front - The National Guard

Science.gov Websites

different elements, variety, especially the inclusion of different types of people with different skill sets in a group or organization. But what is it that makes people different? Diversity is not only

Implementation of curing, texturing, subbase, and compaction measurement alternatives for continuously reinforced concrete pavement.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

This report evaluates four different subbase types, two different concrete mix designs (a standard Texas : Department of Transportation gradation and an optimized gradation), three different curing compounds, and : four different surface textures tha...

The effect of disease on human cardiac protein expression profiles in paired samples from right and left ventricles

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Cardiac diseases (e.g. coronary and valve) are associated with ventricular cellular remodeling. However, ventricular biopsies from left and right ventricles from patients with different pathologies are rare and thus little is known about disease-induced cellular remodeling in both sides of the heart and between different diseases. We hypothesized that the protein expression profiles between right and left ventricles of patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are different and that the protein profile is different between the two diseases. Left and right ventricular biopsies were collected from patients with either CAD or AVS. The biopsies were processed for proteomic analysis using isobaric tandem mass tagging and analyzed by reverse phase nano-LC-MS/MS. Western blot for selected proteins showed strong correlation with proteomic analysis. Results Proteomic analysis between ventricles of the same disease (intra-disease) and between ventricles of different diseases (inter-disease) identified more than 500 proteins detected in all relevant ventricular biopsies. Comparison between ventricles and disease state was focused on proteins with relatively high fold (±1.2 fold difference) and significant (P < 0.05) differences. Intra-disease protein expression differences between left and right ventricles were largely structural for AVS patients and largely signaling/metabolism for CAD. Proteins commonly associated with hypertrophy were also different in the AVS group but with lower fold difference. Inter-disease differences between left ventricles of AVS and CAD were detected in 9 proteins. However, inter-disease differences between the right ventricles of CAD and AVS patients were associated with differences in 73 proteins. The majority of proteins which had a significant difference in one ventricle compared to the other pathology also had a similar trend in the adjacent ventricle. Conclusions This work demonstrates for the first time that left and right ventricles have a different proteome and that the difference is dependent on the type of disease. Inter-disease differential expression was more prominent for right ventricles. The finding that a protein change in one ventricle was often associated with a similar trend in the adjacent ventricle for a large number of proteins suggests cross-talk proteome remodeling between adjacent ventricles. PMID:25249829

Region-Urbanicity Differences in Locus of Control: Social Disadvantage, Structure, or Cultural Exceptionalism?

PubMed

Shifrer, Dara; Sutton, April

2014-11-01

People with internal rather than external locus of control experience better outcomes in multiple domains. Previous studies on spatial differences in control within America only focused on the South, relied on aggregate level data or historical evidence, or did not account for other confounding regional distinctions (such as variation in urbanicity). Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, we find differences in adolescents' loci of control depending on their region and urbanicity are largely attributable to differences in their social background, and only minimally to structural differences (i.e., differences in the qualities of adolescents' schools). Differences that persist net of differences across adolescents and their schools suggest the less internal control of rural Southern adolescents, and the more internal control of rural and urban Northeastern adolescents, may be due to cultural distinctions in those areas. Results indicate region is more closely associated than urbanicity with differences in locus of control, with Western and Northeastern cultures seemingly fostering more internal control than Midwestern and Southern cultures. These findings contribute to research on spatial variation in a variety of psychological traits.

Region-Urbanicity Differences in Locus of Control: Social Disadvantage, Structure, or Cultural Exceptionalism?

PubMed Central

Shifrer, Dara; Sutton, April

2014-01-01

People with internal rather than external locus of control experience better outcomes in multiple domains. Previous studies on spatial differences in control within America only focused on the South, relied on aggregate level data or historical evidence, or did not account for other confounding regional distinctions (such as variation in urbanicity). Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, we find differences in adolescents' loci of control depending on their region and urbanicity are largely attributable to differences in their social background, and only minimally to structural differences (i.e., differences in the qualities of adolescents' schools). Differences that persist net of differences across adolescents and their schools suggest the less internal control of rural Southern adolescents, and the more internal control of rural and urban Northeastern adolescents, may be due to cultural distinctions in those areas. Results indicate region is more closely associated than urbanicity with differences in locus of control, with Western and Northeastern cultures seemingly fostering more internal control than Midwestern and Southern cultures. These findings contribute to research on spatial variation in a variety of psychological traits. PMID:25382875

Inter-individual Differences in Heart Rate Variability Are Associated with Inter-individual Differences in Empathy and Alexithymia.

PubMed

Lischke, Alexander; Pahnke, Rike; Mau-Moeller, Anett; Behrens, Martin; Grabe, Hans J; Freyberger, Harald J; Hamm, Alfons O; Weippert, Matthias

2018-01-01

In the present study, we investigated whether inter-individual differences in vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) would be associated with inter-individual differences in empathy and alexithymia. To this end, we determined resting state HF-HRV in 90 individuals that also completed questionnaires assessing inter-individual differences in empathy and alexithymia. Our categorical and dimensional analyses revealed that inter-individual differences in HF-HRV were differently associated with inter-individual differences in empathy and alexithymia. We found that individuals with high HF-HRV reported more empathy and less alexithymia than individuals with low HF-HRV. Moreover, we even found that an increase in HF-HRV was associated with an increase in empathy and a decrease in alexithymia across all participants. Taken together, these findings indicate that individuals with high HF-HRV are more empathetic and less alexithymic than individuals with low HF-HRV. These differences in empathy and alexithymia may explain why individuals with high HF-HRV are more successful in sharing and understanding the mental and emotional states of others than individuals with low HF-HRV.

Exposure to Pre- and Perinatal Risk Factors Partially Explains Mean Differences in Self-Regulation between Races.

PubMed

Barnes, J C; Boutwell, Brian B; Miller, J Mitchell; DeShay, Rashaan A; Beaver, Kevin M; White, Norman

2016-01-01

To examine whether differential exposure to pre- and perinatal risk factors explained differences in levels of self-regulation between children of different races (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Other). Multiple regression models based on data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (n ≈ 9,850) were used to analyze the impact of pre- and perinatal risk factors on the development of self-regulation at age 2 years. Racial differences in levels of self-regulation were observed. Racial differences were also observed for 9 of the 12 pre-/perinatal risk factors. Multiple regression analyses revealed that a portion of the racial differences in self-regulation was explained by differential exposure to several of the pre-/perinatal risk factors. Specifically, maternal age at childbirth, gestational timing, and the family's socioeconomic status were significantly related to the child's level of self-regulation. These factors accounted for a statistically significant portion of the racial differences observed in self-regulation. The findings indicate racial differences in self-regulation may be, at least partially, explained by racial differences in exposure to pre- and perinatal risk factors.

Gender, multiple roles, role meaning, and mental health.

PubMed

Simon, R W

1995-06-01

This paper examines gender differences in the consequences of combining spouse, parent, and worker roles for mental health. I suggest that work and family roles have different meanings for males and females, and that differences in the meaning of these roles may be partially responsible for why the mental health advantages of holding multiple roles are fewer for women than for men. Based on qualitative analyses of follow-up, in-depth interviews with 40 employed married parents who participated in a community panel study of mental health, I find that sex differences in the perceived relationship between work and family roles may help account for sex differences in distress by contributing to male-female differences in both the extent and nature of work-parent conflicts, attributions of responsibility for marital problems, feelings of guilt, and self-evaluations as parents and spouses. By identifying gender differences in the meaning of roles among individuals who have the same multiple role configuration, and suggesting how these differences can help explain sex differences in well-being; this research may expand existing theories about the mental health consequences of multiple role involvements.

Self-Consistent Sources Extensions of Modified Differential-Difference KP Equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gegenhasi; Li, Ya-Qian; Zhang, Duo-Duo

2018-04-01

In this paper, we investigate a modified differential-difference KP equation which is shown to have a continuum limit into the mKP equation. It is also shown that the solution of the modified differential-difference KP equation is related to the solution of the differential-difference KP equation through a Miura transformation. We first present the Grammian solution to the modified differential-difference KP equation, and then produce a coupled modified differential-difference KP system by applying the source generation procedure. The explicit N-soliton solution of the resulting coupled modified differential-difference system is expressed in compact forms by using the Grammian determinant and Casorati determinant. We also construct and solve another form of the self-consistent sources extension of the modified differential-difference KP equation, which constitutes a Bäcklund transformation for the differential-difference KP equation with self-consistent sources. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11601247 and 11605096, the Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region under Grant Nos. 2016MS0115 and 2015MS0116 and the Innovation Fund Programme of Inner Mongolia University No. 20161115

Osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines from patients with differing serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations display minimal differences in gene expression patterns

PubMed Central

de Sá Rodrigues, L. C.; Holmes, K. E.; Thompson, V.; Piskun, C. M.; Lana, S. E.; Newton, M. A.; Stein, T. J.

2016-01-01

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration is a prognostic factor for osteosarcoma in multiple studies, although its biological significance remains incompletely understood. To determine whether gene expression patterns differed in osteosarcoma from patients with differing serum ALP concentrations, microarray analysis was performed on 18 primary osteosarcoma samples and six osteosarcoma cell lines from dogs with normal and increased serum ALP concentration. No differences in gene expression patterns were noted between tumours or cell lines with differing serum ALP concentration using a gene-specific two-sample t-test. Using a more sensitive empirical Bayes procedure, defective in cullin neddylation 1 domain containing 1 (DCUN1D1) was increased in both the tissue and cell lines of the normal ALP group. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), differences in DCUN1D1 expression between the two groups failed to reach significance. The homogeneity of gene expression patterns of osteosarcoma associated differing serum ALP concentrations are consistent with previous studies suggesting serum ALP concentration is not associated with intrinsic differences of osteosarcoma cells. PMID:25643733

Ethnic or racial differences revisited: impact of dosage regimen and dosage form on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

PubMed

Chen, Mei-Ling

2006-01-01

Ethnic or racial differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been attributed to the distinctions in the genetic, physiological and pathological factors between ethnic/racial groups. These pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic differences are also known to be influenced by several extrinsic factors such as socioeconomic background, culture, diet and environment. However, it is noted that other factors related to dosage regimen and dosage form have largely been ignored or overlooked when conducting or analysing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies in relation to ethnicity/race. Potential interactions can arise between the characteristics of ethnicity/race and a unique feature of dosage regimen or dosage form used in the study, which may partly account for the observed pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic differences between ethnic/racial groups. Ethnic/racial differences in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics can occur from drug administration through a specific route that imparts distinct pattern of absorption, distribution, transport, metabolism or excretion. For example, racial differences in the first-pass metabolism of a drug following oral administration may not be relevant when the drug is applied to the skin. On the other hand, ethnic/racial difference in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics can also happen via two different routes of drug delivery, with varying levels of dissimilarity between routes. For example, greater ethnic/racial differences were observed in oral clearance than in systemic clearance of some drugs, which might be explained by the pre-systemic factors involved in the oral administration as opposed to the intravenous administration. Similarly, changes in the dose frequency and/or duration may have profound impact on the ethnic/racial differences in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic outcome. Saturation of enzymes, transporters or receptors at high drug concentrations is a possible reason for many observed ethnic/racial discrepancies between single- and multiple-dose regimens, or between low- and high-dose administrations. The presence of genetic polymorphism of enzymes and/or transporters can further complicate the analysis of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data in ethnic/racial populations. Even within the same dosage regimen, the use of different dosage forms may trigger significantly different pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic responses in various ethnic/racial groups, given that different dosage forms may exhibit different rates of drug release, may release the drug at different sites, and/or have different retention times at specific sites of the body. It is thus cautioned that the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data obtained from different ethnic/racial groups cannot be indiscriminately compared or combined for analysis if there is a lack of homogeneity in the apparent 'extrinsic' factors, including dosage regimen and dosage form.

Rhetorical Identification across Difference and Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hitt, Allison

2016-01-01

This review essay places Stephanie Kerschbaum's "Toward a New Rhetoric of Difference" and Shannon Walters's "Rhetorical Touch: Disability, Identification, Haptics" in a conversation about how we can more productively identify with and across difference. While they have different theoretical approaches and applications, both…

Age- and Brain Region-Specific Differences in Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Brown Norway Rats

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Differences in various mitochondrial bioenergetics parameters in different brain regions in different age groups.This dataset is associated with the following publication:Pandya, J.D., J. Royland , R.C. McPhail, P.G. Sullivan, and P. Kodavanti. Age-and Brain Region-Specific Differences in Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Brown Norway Rats. NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, USA, 42: 25-34, (2016).

Non-gravitational effects on genus penicillium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loup, Mackenzie

1995-01-01

In September 1994, Shuttle Orbiter Discovery, STS-64, launched into space. Aboard that shuttle was a payload containing Fungi spores, genus Penicillium. With the over looking help of Dr. Audrey Gabel, Associate Professor of Biology at Black Hills State University, investigations on differing media types began. Basis for this experimentation was to determine if there was any differences between the space exposed spores and control spores. Studies concluded that there were differences and those differences were then recorded. It was hypothesized the spores may have been effected causing differences in growth rate, colony size, depth and margins, coloring, germination, and growth on different media.

Differences in motor performance between children and adolescents in Mozambique and Portugal: impact of allometric scaling.

PubMed

Dos Santos, Fernanda Karina; Nevill, Allan; Gomes, Thayse Natacha Q F; Chaves, Raquel; Daca, Timóteo; Madeira, Aspacia; Katzmarzyk, Peter T; Prista, António; Maia, José A R

2016-05-01

Children from developed and developing countries have different anthropometric characteristics which may affect their motor performance (MP). To use the allometric approach to model the relationship between body size and MP in youth from two countries differing in socio-economic status-Portugal and Mozambique. A total of 2946 subjects, 1280 Mozambicans (688 girls) and 1666 Portuguese (826 girls), aged 10-15 years were sampled. Height and weight were measured and the reciprocal ponderal index (RPI) was computed. MP included handgrip strength, 1-mile run/walk, curl-ups and standing long jump tests. A multiplicative allometric model was adopted to adjust for body size differences across countries. Differences in MP between Mozambican and Portuguese children exist, invariably favouring the latter. The allometric models used to adjust MP for differences in body size identified the optimal body shape to be either the RPI or even more linear, i.e. approximately (height/mass(0.25)). Having adjusted the MP variables for differences in body size, the differences between Mozambican and Portuguese children were invariably reduced and, in the case of grip strength, reversed. These results reinforce the notion that significant differences exist in MP across countries, even after adjusting for differences in body size.

Gender differences in autobiographical memory for everyday events: retrieval elicited by SenseCam images versus verbal cues.

PubMed

St Jacques, Peggy L; Conway, Martin A; Cabeza, Roberto

2011-10-01

Gender differences are frequently observed in autobiographical memory (AM). However, few studies have investigated the neural basis of potential gender differences in AM. In the present functional MRI (fMRI) study we investigated gender differences in AMs elicited using dynamic visual images vs verbal cues. We used a novel technology called a SenseCam, a wearable device that automatically takes thousands of photographs. SenseCam differs considerably from other prospective methods of generating retrieval cues because it does not disrupt the ongoing experience. This allowed us to control for potential gender differences in emotional processing and elaborative rehearsal, while manipulating how the AMs were elicited. We predicted that males would retrieve more richly experienced AMs elicited by the SenseCam images vs the verbal cues, whereas females would show equal sensitivity to both cues. The behavioural results indicated that there were no gender differences in subjective ratings of reliving, importance, vividness, emotion, and uniqueness, suggesting that gender differences in brain activity were not due to differences in these measures of phenomenological experience. Consistent with our predictions, the fMRI results revealed that males showed a greater difference in functional activity associated with the rich experience of SenseCam vs verbal cues, than did females.

Personality Trait Differences Between Young and Middle-Aged Adults: Measurement Artifacts or Actual Trends?

PubMed

Nye, Christopher D; Allemand, Mathias; Gosling, Samuel D; Potter, Jeff; Roberts, Brent W

2016-08-01

A growing body of research demonstrates that older individuals tend to score differently on personality measures than younger adults. However, recent research using item response theory (IRT) has questioned these findings, suggesting that apparent age differences in personality traits merely reflect artifacts of the response process rather than true differences in the latent constructs. Conversely, other studies have found the opposite-age differences appear to be true differences rather than response artifacts. Given these contradictory findings, the goal of the present study was to examine the measurement equivalence of personality ratings drawn from large groups of young and middle-aged adults (a) to examine whether age differences in personality traits could be completely explained by measurement nonequivalence and (b) to illustrate the comparability of IRT and confirmatory factor analysis approaches to testing equivalence in this context. Self-ratings of personality traits were analyzed in two groups of Internet respondents aged 20 and 50 (n = 15,726 in each age group). Measurement nonequivalence across these groups was negligible. The effect sizes of the mean differences due to nonequivalence ranged from -.16 to .15. Results indicate that personality trait differences across age groups reflect actual differences rather than merely response artifacts. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.