Assessment of heavy metal pollution and human health risk in urban soils of steel industrial city (Anshan), Liaoning, Northeast China.

PubMed

Qing, Xiao; Yutong, Zong; Shenggao, Lu

2015-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations and health risk of heavy metals in urban soils from a steel industrial district in China. A total of 115 topsoil samples from Anshan city, Liaoning, Northeast China were collected and analyzed for Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI), and potential ecological risk index (PER) were calculated to assess the pollution level in soils. The hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (RI) were used to assess human health risk of heavy metals. The average concentration of Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni were 69.9, 0.86, 45.1, 213, 52.3, and 33.5mg/kg, respectively. The Igeo and PI values of heavy metals were in the descending order of Cd>Zn>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr. Higher Igeo value for Cd in soil indicated that Cd pollution was moderate. Pollution index indicated that urban soils were moderate to highly polluted by Cd, Zn, Cu, and Pb. The spatial distribution maps of heavy metals revealed that steel industrial district was the contamination hotspots. Principal component analysis (PCA) and matrix cluster analysis classified heavy metals into two groups, indicating common industrial sources for Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd. Matrix cluster analysis classified the sampling sites into four groups. Sampling sites within steel industrial district showed much higher concentrations of heavy metals compared to the rest of sampling sites, indicating significant contamination introduced by steel industry on soils. The health risk assessment indicated that non-carcinogenic values were below the threshold values. The hazard index (HI) for children and adult has a descending order of Cr>Pb>Cd>Cu>Ni>Zn. Carcinogenic risks due to Cr, Cd, and Ni in urban soils were within acceptable range for adult. Carcinogenic risk value of Cr for children is slightly higher than the threshold value, indicating that children are facing slight threat of Cr. These results provide basic information of heavy metal pollution control and environment management in steel industrial regions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Are Photosynthetic Characteristics and Energetic Cost Important Invasive Traits for Alien Sonneratia Species in South China?

PubMed

Li, Feng-Lan; Zan, Qi-Jie; Hu, Zheng-Yu; Shin, Paul-K S; Cheung, Siu-Gin; Wong, Yuk-Shan; Tam, Nora Fung-Yee; Lei, An-Ping

2016-01-01

A higher photosynthesis and lower energetic cost are recognized as important characteristics for invasive species, but whether these traits are also important for the ability of alien mangrove species to become invasive has seldom been reported. A microcosm study was conducted to compare the photosynthetic characteristics, energetic cost indices and other growth traits between two alien species (Sonneratia apetala and S. caseolaris) and four native mangrove species over four seasons in a subtropical mangrove nature reserve in Shenzhen, South China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the invasive potential of Sonneratia based on these physiological responses. The annual average net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and total carbon assimilation per unit leaf area (Atotal) of the two alien Sonneratia species were significantly higher than the values of the native mangroves. In contrast, the opposite results were obtained for the leaf construction cost (CC) per unit dry mass (CCM) and CC per unit area (CCA) values. The higher Atotal and lower CC values resulted in a 72% higher photosynthetic energy-use efficiency (PEUE) for Sonneratia compared to native mangroves, leading to a higher relative growth rate (RGR) of the biomass and height of Sonneratia with the respective values being 51% and 119% higher than those of the native species. Higher photosynthetic indices for Sonneratia compared to native species were found in all seasons except winter, whereas lower CC values were found in all four seasons. The present findings reveal that alien Sonneratia species may adapt well and become invasive in subtropical mangrove wetlands in Shenzhen due to their higher photosynthetic characteristics coupled with lower costs in energy use, leading to a higher PEUE. The comparison of these physiological responses between S. apetala and S. caseolaris reveal that the former species is more invasive than the latter one, thus requiring more attention in future.

Are Photosynthetic Characteristics and Energetic Cost Important Invasive Traits for Alien Sonneratia Species in South China?

PubMed Central

Li, Feng-Lan; Zan, Qi-Jie; Hu, Zheng-Yu; Shin, Paul-K. S.; Cheung, Siu-Gin; Wong, Yuk-Shan; Tam, Nora Fung-Yee; Lei, An-Ping

2016-01-01

A higher photosynthesis and lower energetic cost are recognized as important characteristics for invasive species, but whether these traits are also important for the ability of alien mangrove species to become invasive has seldom been reported. A microcosm study was conducted to compare the photosynthetic characteristics, energetic cost indices and other growth traits between two alien species (Sonneratia apetala and S. caseolaris) and four native mangrove species over four seasons in a subtropical mangrove nature reserve in Shenzhen, South China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the invasive potential of Sonneratia based on these physiological responses. The annual average net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and total carbon assimilation per unit leaf area (Atotal) of the two alien Sonneratia species were significantly higher than the values of the native mangroves. In contrast, the opposite results were obtained for the leaf construction cost (CC) per unit dry mass (CCM) and CC per unit area (CCA) values. The higher Atotal and lower CC values resulted in a 72% higher photosynthetic energy-use efficiency (PEUE) for Sonneratia compared to native mangroves, leading to a higher relative growth rate (RGR) of the biomass and height of Sonneratia with the respective values being 51% and 119% higher than those of the native species. Higher photosynthetic indices for Sonneratia compared to native species were found in all seasons except winter, whereas lower CC values were found in all four seasons. The present findings reveal that alien Sonneratia species may adapt well and become invasive in subtropical mangrove wetlands in Shenzhen due to their higher photosynthetic characteristics coupled with lower costs in energy use, leading to a higher PEUE. The comparison of these physiological responses between S. apetala and S. caseolaris reveal that the former species is more invasive than the latter one, thus requiring more attention in future. PMID:27286250

The Chace air indicator.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-01-01

The study reported here has revealed very poor agreement between air contents determined by the Chace air indicator (CAI) and those by the pressure method. In tests of highway concretes the pressure method gave values typically 30% higher than antici...

Quality characteristics of fried lamb nuggets from low-value meat cuts: Effect of formulation and freezing storage.

PubMed

Medina, Milagros; Antequera, Teresa; Ruiz, Jorge; Jiménez-Martín, Estefanía; Pérez-Palacios, Trinidad

2015-10-01

This study revealed the possibility of manufacturing prefried lamb nuggets from low-value cuts (flank) and evaluated the effect of formulation (50:50 vs. 20:80 of leg/flank cuts) and freezing (-20 ℃ for two months) on different quality parameters. Frying process produced a decrease of water content, an increase in lipid oxidation indicators, and an intense browning of nuggets surface. The use of flank up to a 75% of the total meat in the formula led to higher fat contents and higher polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions in fried nuggets. This made them more prone to get oxidized during the freezing storage and subsequent final frying. Nuggets with a higher proportion of flank also showed lower shear force values. However, nuggets with both formulations showed similar sensory acceptance. Freezing storage of lamb meat nuggets for two months increased the levels of lipid oxidation indicators, but again not to a level high enough to influence the sensory perception by consumers. So that, frozen nuggets from both formulations showed similar consumer acceptance to freshly produced ones with quite good scores (3.46-3.86 out of 5). Thus, low-value lamb cuts are suitable for being processed into highly acceptable prefried frozen lamb nuggets, which constitutes an opportunity for adding value to the whole lamb value chain. © The Author(s) 2014.

Distribution of tetraether lipids in agricultural soils - differentiation between paddy and upland management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller-Niggemann, C.; Utami, S. R.; Marxen, A.; Mangelsdorf, K.; Bauersachs, T.; Schwark, L.

2015-10-01

Insufficient knowledge of the composition and variation of isoprenoid and branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) in agricultural soils exists, despite of the potential effect of different management types (e.g. soil/water and redox conditions, cultivated plants) on GDGT distribution. Here, we determined the influence of different soil management types on the GDGT composition in paddy (flooded) and adjacent upland (non-flooded) soils, and if available also forest, bushland and marsh soils. To compare the local effects on GDGT distribution patterns, we collected comparable soil samples in various locations from tropical (Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines) and subtropical (China and Italy) sites. We found that differences in the distribution of isoprenoid GDGTs (iGDGTs) as well as of branched GDGTs (brGDGTs) are predominantly controlled by management type and only secondarily by climatic exposition. In general upland soil had higher crenarchaeol contents than paddy soil, which on the contrary was more enriched in GDGT-0. The GDGT-0 / crenarchaeol ratio was 3-27 times higher in paddy soil and indicates the enhanced presence of methanogenic archaea, which were additionally linked to the number of rice cultivation cycles per year (higher number of cycles was coupled with an increase in the ratio). The TEX86 values were 1.3 times higher in upland, bushland and forest soils than in paddy soils. In all soils brGDGT predominated over iGDGTs, with the relative abundance of brGDGTs increasing from subtropical to tropical soils. Higher BIT values in paddy soils compared to upland soils together with higher BIT values in soil from subtropical climates indicate effects on the amounts of brGDGT through differences in management as well as climatic zones. In acidic soil CBT values correlated well with soil pH. In neutral to alkaline soils, however, no apparent correlation but an offset between paddy and upland managed soils was detected, which may suggest that soil moisture may exert an additional control on the CBT in these soils. Lower MBT' values and calculated temperatures (TMC) in paddy soils compared to upland soils may indicate a management (e.g. enhanced soil moisture through flooding practises) induced effect on mean annual soil temperature (MST).

Effect of calcium in assay medium on D value of Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 spores.

PubMed

Sasaki, K; Shintani, H; Itoh, J; Kamogawa, T; Kajihara, Y

2000-12-01

The D value of commercial biological indicator spore strips using Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 was increased by higher calcium concentrations in assay media. The calcium concentration in assay media varied among the manufacturers. The calcium concentration in assay media is an important factor to consider to minimize the variation of D value.

Changes in the geographical distribution of plant species and climatic variables on the West Cornwall peninsula (South West UK).

PubMed

Kosanic, Aleksandra; Anderson, Karen; Harrison, Stephan; Turkington, Thea; Bennie, Jonathan

2018-01-01

Recent climate change has had a major impact on biodiversity and has altered the geographical distribution of vascular plant species. This trend is visible globally; however, more local and regional scale research is needed to improve understanding of the patterns of change and to develop appropriate conservation strategies that can minimise cultural, health, and economic losses at finer scales. Here we describe a method to manually geo-reference botanical records from a historical herbarium to track changes in the geographical distributions of plant species in West Cornwall (South West England) using both historical (pre-1900) and contemporary (post-1900) distribution records. We also assess the use of Ellenberg and climate indicator values as markers of responses to climate and environmental change. Using these techniques we detect a loss in 19 plant species, with 6 species losing more than 50% of their previous range. Statistical analysis showed that Ellenberg (light, moisture, nitrogen) and climate indicator values (mean January temperature, mean July temperature and mean precipitation) could be used as environmental change indicators. Significantly higher percentages of area lost were detected in species with lower January temperatures, July temperatures, light, and nitrogen values, as well as higher annual precipitation and moisture values. This study highlights the importance of historical records in examining the changes in plant species' geographical distributions. We present a method for manual geo-referencing of such records, and demonstrate how using Ellenberg and climate indicator values as environmental and climate change indicators can contribute towards directing appropriate conservation strategies.

Changes in the geographical distribution of plant species and climatic variables on the West Cornwall peninsula (South West UK)

PubMed Central

Kosanic, Aleksandra; Anderson, Karen; Harrison, Stephan; Turkington, Thea; Bennie, Jonathan

2018-01-01

Recent climate change has had a major impact on biodiversity and has altered the geographical distribution of vascular plant species. This trend is visible globally; however, more local and regional scale research is needed to improve understanding of the patterns of change and to develop appropriate conservation strategies that can minimise cultural, health, and economic losses at finer scales. Here we describe a method to manually geo-reference botanical records from a historical herbarium to track changes in the geographical distributions of plant species in West Cornwall (South West England) using both historical (pre-1900) and contemporary (post-1900) distribution records. We also assess the use of Ellenberg and climate indicator values as markers of responses to climate and environmental change. Using these techniques we detect a loss in 19 plant species, with 6 species losing more than 50% of their previous range. Statistical analysis showed that Ellenberg (light, moisture, nitrogen) and climate indicator values (mean January temperature, mean July temperature and mean precipitation) could be used as environmental change indicators. Significantly higher percentages of area lost were detected in species with lower January temperatures, July temperatures, light, and nitrogen values, as well as higher annual precipitation and moisture values. This study highlights the importance of historical records in examining the changes in plant species’ geographical distributions. We present a method for manual geo-referencing of such records, and demonstrate how using Ellenberg and climate indicator values as environmental and climate change indicators can contribute towards directing appropriate conservation strategies. PMID:29401494

Chemical, rheological and bread making characteristics of bran duster flours from roller flourmills.

PubMed

Sakhare, Suresh D; Indrani, D; Inamdar, Aashitosh A; Gaikwad, Shwetha B; Rao, G Venkateswara

2014-10-01

Bran dusters are used in the wheat flour milling process to increase flour extraction rate. Chemical, rheological and bread characteristics of bran duster flours (BDR1, BDR2, BDR3) and straight run flour (SRF) obtained from two commercial roller flour mills were analyzed. Important chemical characteristics such as ash, dry gluten content, sedimentation value, damaged starch and falling number of bran duster flours were determined. Rheological behavior was tested using farinograph and alveograph equipments. The results showed an increase in ash, dry gluten content and Zeleny's sedimentation value for bran duster flours compared to SRF. Rheological characteristics indicated higher farinograph dough development time and stability values for bran duster flours. Alveograph characteristics indicated higher extensibility and lower elasticity values for bran duster flours. Over all quality score of bread for BDR1 from A and B roller flour mills ranged from 73.4 to 74.7, BDR2 (79-81.8), BDR3 (69-70.4) as against SRF (85.4-86.3).

[Formulation of combined predictive indicators using logistic regression model in predicting sepsis and prognosis].

PubMed

Duan, Liwei; Zhang, Sheng; Lin, Zhaofen

2017-02-01

To explore the method and performance of using multiple indices to diagnose sepsis and to predict the prognosis of severe ill patients. Critically ill patients at first admission to intensive care unit (ICU) of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, from January 2014 to September 2015 were enrolled if the following conditions were satisfied: (1) patients were 18-75 years old; (2) the length of ICU stay was more than 24 hours; (3) All records of the patients were available. Data of the patients was collected by searching the electronic medical record system. Logistic regression model was formulated to create the new combined predictive indicator and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the new predictive indicator was built. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for both the new indicator and original ones were compared. The optimal cut-off point was obtained where the Youden index reached the maximum value. Diagnostic parameters such as sensitivity, specificity and predictive accuracy were also calculated for comparison. Finally, individual values were substituted into the equation to test the performance in predicting clinical outcomes. A total of 362 patients (218 males and 144 females) were enrolled in our study and 66 patients died. The average age was (48.3±19.3) years old. (1) For the predictive model only containing categorical covariants [including procalcitonin (PCT), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), infection, white blood cells count (WBC) and fever], increased PCT, increased WBC and fever were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for sepsis in the logistic equation. The AUC for the new combined predictive indicator was higher than that of any other indictor, including PCT, LPS, infection, WBC and fever (0.930 vs. 0.661, 0.503, 0.570, 0.837, 0.800). The optimal cut-off value for the new combined predictive indicator was 0.518. Using the new indicator to diagnose sepsis, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy rate were 78.00%, 93.36% and 87.47%, respectively. One patient was randomly selected, and the clinical data was substituted into the probability equation for prediction. The calculated value was 0.015, which was less than the cut-off value (0.518), indicating that the prognosis was non-sepsis at an accuracy of 87.47%. (2) For the predictive model only containing continuous covariants, the logistic model which combined acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score to predict in-hospital death events, both APACHE II score and SOFA score were independent risk factors for death. The AUC for the new predictive indicator was higher than that of APACHE II score and SOFA score (0.834 vs. 0.812, 0.813). The optimal cut-off value for the new combined predictive indicator in predicting in-hospital death events was 0.236, and the corresponding sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for the combined predictive indicator were 73.12%, 76.51% and 75.70%, respectively. One patient was randomly selected, and the APACHE II score and SOFA score was substituted into the probability equation for prediction. The calculated value was 0.570, which was higher than the cut-off value (0.236), indicating that the death prognosis at an accuracy of 75.70%. The combined predictive indicator, which is formulated by logistic regression models, is superior to any single indicator in predicting sepsis or in-hospital death events.

Multi-indication and Combination Pricing and Reimbursement of Pharmaceuticals: Opportunities for Improved Health Care through Faster Uptake of New Innovations.

PubMed

Persson, Ulf; Norlin, J M

2018-04-01

Many pharmaceuticals are effective in multiple indications and the degree of effectiveness may differ. A product-based pricing and reimbursement system with a single price per product is insufficient to reflect the variable values between different indications. The objective of this article is to present examples of actual pricing and reimbursement decisions using current value-based pricing in Sweden and to discuss their implications and possible solutions. The value of several cancer drugs was estimated for various indications based on a willingness-to-pay threshold of 1 million SEK (EUR 104,000) per QALY gained. For some drugs, the estimated value was higher than the drug acquisition cost in several indications, whilst in others, the estimated value was lower than the drug acquisition cost. Drugs used in combination present a special case. If a drug prolongs survival and consequently also a continued use of the anchor drug, the combination use may not be cost effective even at a zero price. In a product-based pricing and reimbursement system, patients may not get access to drugs or access may be delayed and manufacturers may be discouraged to invest in future indications. To overcome these issues, there are several approaches to link price and value. One approach is a "weighted-average" price based on an average of the value across all indications. Another is "multi-indication pricing," which enables price differentiation between indications. However, there are several barriers for applying multi-indication pricing and reimbursement schemes. One barrier is the lack of existing administrative infrastructure to track patients' indications.

Assessments of levels, potential ecological risk, and human health risk of heavy metals in the soils from a typical county in Shanxi Province, China.

PubMed

Pan, Libo; Ma, Jin; Hu, Yu; Su, Benying; Fang, Guangling; Wang, Yue; Wang, Zhanshan; Wang, Lei; Xiang, Bao

2016-10-01

A total of 128 surface soil samples were collected, and eight heavy metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Hg, were analyzed for their concentrations, potential ecological risks, and human health risks. The mean concentrations of these eight metals were lower than the soil environmental quality standards in China, while they were slightly higher than the background values in Shanxi Province. The enrichment factor, coefficient variation, and potential ecological risk index were used to assess the pollution and eco-risk level of heavy metals, among which, Cd and Hg showed higher pollution levels and potential risks than the others in the studied area. Moreover, multivariate geostatistical analysis suggested that Hg originated mainly from point sources such as industrial emissions, while agricultural activity is the predominant factor for Cd. The human health risk assessment indicated that non-carcinogenic values were below the threshold values. The total carcinogenic risks due to As, Cr, and Ni were within the acceptable range for adults, while for children, they were higher than the threshold value (1.0E-04), indicating that children are facing higher threat to heavy metals in soils. These results provide basic information on heavy metal pollution control and human health risk assessment management in the study regions.

Experimentally determined stiffness and damping of an inherently compensated air squeeze-film damper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cunningham, R. E.

1975-01-01

Values of damping and stiffness were determined experimentally for an externally pressurized, inherently compensated, compressible squeeze-film damper up to excitation frequencies of 36,000 cycles per minute. Experimental damping values were higher than theory predicted at low squeeze numbers and less than predicted at high squeeze numbers. Experimental values of air film stiffness were less than theory predicted at low squeeze numbers and much greater at higher squeeze numbers. Results also indicate sufficient damping to attenuate amplitudes and forces at the critical speed when using three dampers in the flexible support system of a small, lightweight turborotor.

Kinetic assay of antitrypsin in human serum by a surface acoustic wave(SAW)-impedance sensor.

PubMed

Cai, Q; Wei, W; Wang, R; Nie, L; Yao, S

1996-08-01

Antitrypsin in human serum was determined by using both the SAW-impedance sensor system and spectrophotometry, indicating that the mean value for women was significantly higher than the mean value for men; the value for acute pancreasis patients is about 2-folds of the normal values, and there is no significant difference between the acute pancreasis patients and the pancreatic cancer patients.

Can nature make us more caring? Effects of immersion in nature on intrinsic aspirations and generosity.

PubMed

Weinstein, Netta; Przybylski, Andrew K; Ryan, Richard M

2009-10-01

Four studies examined the effects of nature on valuing intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations. Intrinsic aspirations reflected prosocial and other-focused value orientations, and extrinsic aspirations predicted self-focused value orientations. Participants immersed in natural environments reported higher valuing of intrinsic aspirations and lower valuing of extrinsic aspirations, whereas those immersed in non-natural environments reported increased valuing of extrinsic aspirations and no change of intrinsic aspirations. Three studies explored experiences of nature relatedness and autonomy as underlying mechanisms of these effects, showing that nature immersion elicited these processes whereas non-nature immersion thwarted them and that they in turn predicted higher intrinsic and lower extrinsic aspirations. Studies 3 and 4 also extended the paradigm by testing these effects on generous decision making indicative of valuing intrinsic versus extrinsic aspirations.

Increased internal higher-order aberrations as a useful parameter for indication of vitrectomy in three asteroid hyalosis cases

PubMed Central

Yokoyama, Sho; Kojima, Takashi; Kaga, Tatsushi; Ichikawa, Kazuo

2015-01-01

We report three asteroid hyalosis cases in which internal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were improved concomitant with improved visual symptoms after vitrectomy. Cases 1 and 2 reported severe floaters and glare disability, although their visual acuities were fairly good. Case 3 showed poor visual acuity since this patient also suffered from mild macular degeneration. For these three asteroid hyalosis cases, we were unsure if treatment with vitrectomy could improve visual symptoms. Therefore, we measured internal HOAs with an aberrometer, and found that the internal HOA values in these cases were high. We suspected that internal high HOAs values were associated with visual disturbance, and performed vitrectomy. After the vitrectomy, the internal HOA values in these three asteroid hyalosis cases markedly decreased, and visual symptoms improved. These observations suggested that measurement of internal HOAs may be useful to determine the indication for vitrectomy. PMID:26698200

Increased internal higher-order aberrations as a useful parameter for indication of vitrectomy in three asteroid hyalosis cases.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Sho; Kojima, Takashi; Kaga, Tatsushi; Ichikawa, Kazuo

2015-12-23

We report three asteroid hyalosis cases in which internal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were improved concomitant with improved visual symptoms after vitrectomy. Cases 1 and 2 reported severe floaters and glare disability, although their visual acuities were fairly good. Case 3 showed poor visual acuity since this patient also suffered from mild macular degeneration. For these three asteroid hyalosis cases, we were unsure if treatment with vitrectomy could improve visual symptoms. Therefore, we measured internal HOAs with an aberrometer, and found that the internal HOA values in these cases were high. We suspected that internal high HOAs values were associated with visual disturbance, and performed vitrectomy. After the vitrectomy, the internal HOA values in these three asteroid hyalosis cases markedly decreased, and visual symptoms improved. These observations suggested that measurement of internal HOAs may be useful to determine the indication for vitrectomy. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Feeding strategies of four dominant copepod species in Prydz Bay, Antarctica: Insights from a combined fatty acid biomarker and stable isotopic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Guang; Li, Chaolun; Guilini, Katja; Peng, Quancai; Wang, Yanqing; Zhang, Ye; Zhang, Yongshan

2016-08-01

Using fatty acid biomarkers and stable isotopic signatures, we investigated the feeding strategies and dietary preferences of four dominant copepod species (Calanoides acutus, Calanus propinquus, Metridia gerlachei and Rhincalanus gigas) sampled during the late austral summer in Prydz Bay, Antarctica. Our results show that diatoms, dinoflagellates and ciliates dominated copepod food sources (hypothesized to be phytoplankton and particulate organic matter) in the inner bay regions more than in the oceanic regions of Prydz Bay. Regional differences in the composition and abundance of food sources were also reflected in the fatty acid biomarkers and stable isotopic values. In the inner bay region, the total fatty acid contents of these food sources were nearly twofold higher, including greater contributions from fatty acids of dinoflagellate origin; these samples also had higher δ13C and δ15N values. Fatty acid biomarkers and stable isotopic values in copepod species roughly mirrored the spatial patterns in food sources. As found in the primary producers, the concentrations of dinoflagellate fatty acids and δ13C and δ15N values were higher in copepods from the inner bay regions. Additionally, there were inter-species differences in the fatty acids and stable isotopic values of copepods. C. acutus and C. propinquus did not exhibit significant regional differences in their total fatty acid contents. In contrast, M. gerlachei from the inner bay region had higher fatty acid values. C. acutus and C. propinquus had higher compositions of the long chain fatty acids 20:1n-9, 22:1n-9 and 22:1n-1, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was higher in M. gerlachei. The δ15N values indicate that C. acutus occupies a higher trophic level than the other copepod species. Similarly, higher fatty acid ratios in M. gerlachei, including DHA/EPA(eicosapntemacnioc acid) and 18:1n-9/18:1n-7, indicate that this species feeds more opportunistically and prefers a carnivorous diet. Insights from this combined fatty acid and stable isotopic approach suggest that the dominant copepod species in Prydz Bay, Antarctica, have flexible feeding strategies that vary by food source during the late austral summer.

Comparison of glycemic control and variability in patients with type 2 and posttransplantation diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Werzowa, Johannes; Pacini, Giovanni; Hecking, Manfred; Fidler, Catharina; Haidinger, Michael; Brath, Helmut; Thomas, Andreas; Säemann, Marcus D; Tura, Andrea

2015-01-01

Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication after renal transplantation leading to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) increased glycemic variability and poor glycemic control have been associated with cardiovascular complications. We therefore aimed at determining glycemic variability and glycemic control in subjects with PTDM in comparison to T2DM subjects. In this observational study we analyzed 10 transplanted subjects without diabetes (Control), 10 transplanted subjects with PTDM, and 8 non-transplanted T2DM subjects using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). Several indices of glycemic control quality and variability were computed. Many indices of both glycemic control quality and variability were different between control and PTDM subjects, with worse values in PTDM. The indices of glycemic control, such as glucose mean, GRADE and M-value, were similar in PTDM and T2DM, but some indices of glycemic variability, that is CONGA, lability index and shape index, showed a markedly higher (i.e., worse) value in T2DM than in PTDM (P value range: 0.001-0.035). Although PTDM and T2DM subjects showed similar glycemic control quality, glycemic variability was significantly higher in T2DM. These data underscore potential important pathophysiological differences between T2DM and PTDM indicating that increased glycemic variability may not be a key factor for the excess cardiovascular mortality in patients with PTDM. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Calcium in Assay Medium on D Value of Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 Spores

PubMed Central

Sasaki, Koichi; Shintani, Hideharu; Itoh, Junpei; Kamogawa, Takuji; Kajihara, Yousei

2000-01-01

The D value of commercial biological indicator spore strips using Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 was increased by higher calcium concentrations in assay media. The calcium concentration in assay media varied among the manufacturers. The calcium concentration in assay media is an important factor to consider to minimize the variation of D value. PMID:11097939

Influence of air-drying temperature on drying kinetics, colour, firmness and biochemical characteristics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fillets.

PubMed

Ortiz, Jaime; Lemus-Mondaca, Roberto; Vega-Gálvez, Antonio; Ah-Hen, Kong; Puente-Diaz, Luis; Zura-Bravo, Liliana; Aubourg, Santiago

2013-08-15

In this work the drying kinetics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fillets and the influence of air drying temperature on colour, firmness and biochemical characteristics were studied. Experiments were conducted at 40, 50 and 60°C. Effective moisture diffusivity increased with temperature from 1.08×10(-10) to 1.90×10(-10) m(2) s(-1). The colour difference, determined as ΔE values (from 9.3 to 19.3), as well as firmness (from 25 to 75 N mm(-1)) of dried samples increased with dehydration temperature. The lightness value L(∗) and yellowness value b(∗) indicated formation of browning products at higher drying temperatures, while redness value a(∗) showed dependence on astaxanthin value. Compared with fresh fish samples, palmitic acid and tocopherol content decreased in a 20% and 40%, respectively, with temperature. While eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content remained unchanged and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content changed slightly. Anisidine and thiobarbituric acid values indicated the formation of secondary lipid oxidation products, which is more relevant for longer drying time than for higher drying temperatures. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A comparison of THI indices leads to a sensible heat-based heat stress index for shaded cattle that aligns temperature and humidity stress.

PubMed

Berman, A; Horovitz, Talia; Kaim, M; Gacitua, H

2016-10-01

The combined temperature-humidity heat stress is estimated in farm animals by indices derived of an index based on human thermal comfort sensation. The latter index consists of temperature and humidity measures that sum to form the temperature-humidity index (THI). The hitherto unknown relative contribution of temperature and humidity to the THI was examined. A temperature-humidity data set (temperature 20-42 °C and relative humidity 10-70 %) was used to assess by regression procedures the relative weights of temperature and humidity in the variance of THI values produced by six commonly used heat stress indices. The temperature (Ta) effect was predominant (0.82-0.95 of variance) and humidity accounted for only 0.05 to 0.12 of THI variance, half of the variance encountered in animal responses to variable humidity heat stress. Significant difference in THI values was found between indices in the relative weights of temperature and humidity. As in THI indices, temperature and humidity are expressed in different physical units, their sum has no physical attributes, and empirical evaluations assess THI relation to animal responses. A sensible heat THI was created, in which at higher temperatures humidity reaches 0.25 of sensible heat, similarly to evaporative heat loss span in heat stressed animals. It relates to ambient temperature-humidity similarly to present THI; its values are similar to other THI but greater at higher humidity. In warm conditions, mean animal responses are similar in both indices. The higher sensitivity to humidity makes this index preferable for warm-humid conditions.

Nations at Risk-- Indicators of Fragility in States Susceptible to Terrorist Attacks

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-03-01

by the people ” (Fund for Peace, 2014). Conversely, higher values designate a fractious political class unable to overcome the discords of a society ... society and free expression and advocacy” (Fund for Peace, 2014, p. 7). In contrast, high values indicate a high level of group grievance, which leads to...accepted government that fails to represent the entire citizenry. Political structures that are not rooted in the majority of the society , thus lacking

On the observation of a huge lattice contraction and crystal habit modifications in LiMn 2O 4 prepared by a fuel assisted solution combustion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ragavendran, K.; Sherwood, D.; Vasudevan, D.; Emmanuel, Bosco

2009-08-01

Two batches of poly-crystalline lithium manganate were prepared by a fuel assisted solution combustion method. LiMn 2O 4(S) was prepared using starch as the fuel and LiMn 2O 4(P) was prepared using poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) as the fuel. XRD studies indicated a significant and consistent shift in the 2 θ values of all the hkl peaks to higher values in LiMn 2O 4(P) compared to LiMn 2O 4(S) indicating a lattice contraction in the former. TG/DTA studies indicated a higher formation temperature (∼25 °C higher) for LiMn 2O 4(P). The higher formation temperature most likely promotes the oxidation of some Mn 3+ to Mn 4+ with a lower ionic radius causing a lattice contraction. This hypothesis is confirmed through XPS studies which indicated the presence of a higher fraction of Mn 4+ in LiMn 2O 4(P) than that present in LiMn 2O 4(S). A crystal shape algorithm was used to generate the crystal habits of lithium manganate from their XRD data leading to an understanding on the exposed hkl planes in these materials. From the atomic arrangement on the exposed hkl planes it is predicted that LiMn 2O 4(P) would be less prone to manganese dissolution and hence would possess a higher cycle life when compared to LiMn 2O 4(S).

The mean ionic charge of silicon in 3HE-rich solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luhn, A.; Klecker, B.; Hovestadt, E.; Moebius, E.

1985-01-01

Mean ionic charge of iron in 3He-rich solar flares and the average mean charge of Silicon for 23 #He-rich periods during the time interval from September 1978 to October 1979 were determined. It is indicated that the value of the mean charge state of Silicon is higher than the normal flare average by approximately 3 units and in perticular it is higher then the value predicted by resonant heating models for 3He-rich solar flares.

Obesity indices are predictive of elevated C-reactive protein in long-haul truck drivers.

PubMed

Wideman, Laurie; Oberlin, Douglas J; Sönmez, Sevil; Labban, Jeffrey; Lemke, Michael Kenneth; Apostolopoulos, Yorghos

2016-08-01

Obesity rates in long-haul truck drivers have been shown to be significantly higher than the general population. We hypothesized that commercial drivers with the highest levels of general obesity and abdominal adiposity would have higher concentrations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation. Survey and anthropometric data were collected from 262 commercial drivers. Weight, circumference measures, and blood analysis for CRP (N = 115) were conducted and compared to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. CRP values were non-normally distributed and logarithmically transformed for statistical analyses. BMI, waist circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter, and CRP were significantly higher than in the general population. Anthropometric indices that included height (BMI, waist-to-height ratio, and sagittal diameter-to-height ratio), were most predictive of CRP values. Abdominal obesity is prevalent in commercial vehicle drivers and is an important indicator of the presence of inflammation in this population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:665-675, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An evaluation of indices that describe the impact of ozone on the yield of spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finnan, J. M.; Burke, J. I.; Jones, M. B.

A comparison of the performance of different ozone indices in exposure-response functions was made using crop yield and ozone monitoring data from spring wheat studies carried out within the framework of the European open-top chamber programme. Indices were calculated for a twelve-hour period (0900-2100 h, local time). An attempt was made to incorporate a measure of absorbed dose into current indices by weighting with simultaneous sunshine hour values. Both linear and Weibull models were fitted to the exposure-response data in order to evaluate index performance. Cumulative indices which employed continuous weighting functions (allometric or sigmoid) or which censored concentrations above threshold values performed best as they attributed increasing weight to higher concentrations. Indices which simply summed concentrations greater than or equal to a threshold value did not perform as well as equal weight was given to all concentrations greater than the threshold value. Model selection was found to be very important in determining the indices that best describe the relationship between exposure and response. In general weighting hourly ozone concentrations with the corresponding sunshine hour values in an attempt to incorporate this proposed measure of plant activity into current indices did not improve index performance. Ozone exposure indices accounted for a large proportion of the variability in data (91%) and it is suggested that a strong link exists between exposure and dose.

Evaluation of Intraocular Inflammation with Laser Flare Photometry in Behçet Uveitis.

PubMed

Yalcindag, Fatime Nilufer; Bingol Kiziltunc, Pinar; Savku, Esra

2017-02-01

To evaluate the association between intraocular inflammation and laser flare photometry measurements in Behçet disease. In total, 45 patients were included in the study. The retrospective chart reviews of patients were performed. The flare levels were compared with the grade of anterior chamber cells, the presence of vitreous cells, the complications of uveitis, and fluorescein angiography scores. The attack group had higher flare intensity; the flare levels were higher in both groups compared with the values of healthy controls. The flare levels were related to the grade of the anterior chamber cells, the presence of vitreous cells and the fluorescein angiography scores. Patients with optic atrophy and/or maculopathy also had higher values. Higher flare values were correlated with poor vision. Laser flare photometry may reduce the necessity of fluorescein angiography in monitoring subclinical inflammation and may be an indicator of posterior segment activity when fluorescein angiography is not applicable.

The effect of geographical indices on left ventricular structure in healthy Han Chinese population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cen, Minyi; Ge, Miao; Liu, Yonglin; Wang, Congxia; Yang, Shaofang

2017-02-01

The left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) and interventricular septum thickness (IVST) are generally regarded as the functional parts of the left ventricular (LV) structure. This paper aims to examine the effects of geographical indices on healthy Han adults' LV structural indices and to offer a scientific basis for developing a unified standard for the reference values of adults' LV structural indices in China. Fifteen terrain, climate, and soil indices were examined as geographical explanatory variables. Statistical analysis was performed using correlation analysis. Moreover, a back propagation neural network (BPNN) and a support vector regression (SVR) were applied to developing models to predict the values of two indices. After the prediction models were built, distribution maps were produced. The results show that LV structural indices are characteristically associated with latitude, longitude, altitude, average temperature, average wind velocity, topsoil sand fraction, topsoil silt fraction, topsoil organic carbon, and topsoil sodicity. The model test analyses show the BPNN model possesses better simulative and predictive ability in comparison with the SVR model. The distribution maps of the LV structural indices show that, in China, the values are higher in the west and lower in the east. These results demonstrate that the reference values of the adults' LV structural indices will be different affected by different geographical environment. The reference values of LV structural indices in one region can be calculated by setting up a BPNN, which showed better applicability in this study. The distribution of the reference values of the LV structural indices can be seen clearly on the geographical distribution map.

The effect of geographical indices on left ventricular structure in healthy Han Chinese population.

PubMed

Cen, Minyi; Ge, Miao; Liu, Yonglin; Wang, Congxia; Yang, Shaofang

2017-02-01

The left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) and interventricular septum thickness (IVST) are generally regarded as the functional parts of the left ventricular (LV) structure. This paper aims to examine the effects of geographical indices on healthy Han adults' LV structural indices and to offer a scientific basis for developing a unified standard for the reference values of adults' LV structural indices in China. Fifteen terrain, climate, and soil indices were examined as geographical explanatory variables. Statistical analysis was performed using correlation analysis. Moreover, a back propagation neural network (BPNN) and a support vector regression (SVR) were applied to developing models to predict the values of two indices. After the prediction models were built, distribution maps were produced. The results show that LV structural indices are characteristically associated with latitude, longitude, altitude, average temperature, average wind velocity, topsoil sand fraction, topsoil silt fraction, topsoil organic carbon, and topsoil sodicity. The model test analyses show the BPNN model possesses better simulative and predictive ability in comparison with the SVR model. The distribution maps of the LV structural indices show that, in China, the values are higher in the west and lower in the east. These results demonstrate that the reference values of the adults' LV structural indices will be different affected by different geographical environment. The reference values of LV structural indices in one region can be calculated by setting up a BPNN, which showed better applicability in this study. The distribution of the reference values of the LV structural indices can be seen clearly on the geographical distribution map.

Migration of grain boundaries and triple junctions in high-purity aluminum during annealing after slight cold rolling

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

Yin, Wenhong; School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049; Wang, Weiguo, E-mail: wang_weiguo@vip.163.com

Grain orientations and grain boundary migrations near triple junctions in a high purity aluminum were analyzed by electron back scattered diffraction. The results indicate that there are good correlations between the Schmid factors or Taylor factors and the misorientation values of point to original point in grains near the triple junctions in a slightly deformed sample. Grains with higher Schmid factors or lower Taylor factors typically correspond to higher misorientation values near the triple junctions. In a subsequent annealing at 400 °C, both grain boundaries and triple junctions migrate, but the former leave ghost lines. During such migration, a grainmore » boundary grows from the grain with lower Schmid factor (higher Taylor factor) into the grain with higher Schmid factor (lower Taylor factor). Usually, the amount of migration of a grain boundary is considerably greater than that of a triple junction, and the grain boundary becomes more curved after migration. These observations indicate that the triple junctions have drag effects on grain boundary migration. - Highlights: • Polycrystalline aluminum with fine grains about 30 μm were used. • Off-line in situ EBSD was used to identify TJs before and after annealing. • Grains with higher SFs have higher misorientation values near TJs after deformation. • Grain boundaries grow from hard grains into soft grains during annealing. • Triple junctions have drag effects on grain boundaries migration.« less

State Political Culture, Higher Education Spending Indicators, and Undergraduate Graduation Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heck, Ronald H.; Lam, Wendy S.; Thomas, Scott L.

2014-01-01

Issues concerning higher education today (e.g., rising costs, declining public trust, changing state economics) have created new demands for postsecondary institutions to demonstrate their productivity. We examine whether differences in states' political cultures (i.e., underlying traditions, values, and public policy choices) are reflected…

Capturing early signs of deterioration: the dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score and its value in the Rapid Response System.

PubMed

Douw, Gooske; Huisman-de Waal, Getty; van Zanten, Arthur R H; van der Hoeven, Johannes G; Schoonhoven, Lisette

2017-09-01

To determine the predictive value of individual and combined dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators at various Early Warning Score levels, differentiating between Early Warning Scores reaching the trigger threshold to call a rapid response team and Early Warning Score levels not reaching this point. Dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score comprises nine indicators underlying nurses' 'worry' about a patient's condition. All indicators independently show significant association with unplanned intensive care/high dependency unit admission or unexpected mortality. Prediction of this outcome improved by adding the dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators to an Early Warning Score based on vital signs. An observational cohort study was conducted on three surgical wards in a tertiary university-affiliated teaching hospital. Included were surgical, native-speaking, adult patients. Nurses scored presence of 'worry' and/or dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators every shift or when worried. Vital signs were measured according to the prevailing protocol. Unplanned intensive care/high dependency unit admission or unexpected mortality was the composite endpoint. Percentages of 'worry' and dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators were calculated at various Early Warning Score levels in control and event groups. Entering all dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators in a multiple logistic regression analysis, we calculated a weighted score and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value and negative predicted value for each possible total score. In 3522 patients, 102 (2·9%) had an unplanned intensive care/high dependency unit admissions (n = 97) or unexpected mortality (n = 5). Patients with such events and only slightly changed vital signs had significantly higher percentages of 'worry' and dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators expressed than patients in the control group. Increasing number of dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators showed higher positive predictive values. Dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators alert in an early stage of deterioration, before reaching the trigger threshold to call a rapid response team and can improve interdisciplinary communication on surgical wards during regular rounds, and when calling for assistance. Dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score structures communication and recording of signs known to be associated with a decline in a patient's condition and can empower nurses to call assistance on the 'worry' criterion in an early stage of deterioration. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Stable isotopes in fossil mammals, fish and shells from Kunlun Pass Basin, Tibetan Plateau: Paleo-climatic and paleo-elevation implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yang; Wang, Xiaoming; Xu, Yingfeng; Zhang, Chunfu; Li, Qiang; Tseng, Zhijie Jack; Takeuchi, Gary; Deng, Tao

2008-06-01

We report the results of a stable isotope study of a late Pliocene fauna recently discovered in the Kunlun Mountain Pass area (˜ 4700 m above sea level) on the northern Tibetan Plateau. The δ13C values of enamel samples from modern herbivores from the Kunlun Pass Basin range from - 14.8 to - 10.6‰, with a mean of - 12.0 ± 0.7‰, indicating pure C3 diets consistent with the current dominance of C3 vegetation in the area. In contrast, enamel samples from fossil herbivores yielded δ13C values of - 5.4‰ to - 10.2‰ (with a mean of - 7.9 ± 1.3‰), significantly higher than those of modern herbivores in the area. The higher δ13C values indicate that these ancient herbivores, unlike their modern counterparts, had a variety of diets ranging from pure C3 to mixed C3/C4 vegetation. The local ecosystems in the Kunlun Pass area in the late Pliocene likely included grasslands that had small amounts of C4 grasses. The δ18O values of enamel from large herbivores shifted to higher values after the late Pliocene, indicating a significant change in the δ18O of local meteoric water. We estimate that there has been approximately 3.2‰ increase in annual δ18O values of meteoric water since ˜ 2-3 Ma, most likely driven by changes in the regional hydrological cycle possibly as a result of tectonic and climate change. The δ18O values of fossil fish teeth/bones and gastropod shells, along with abundance of aquatic plants and other invertebrate fossils, clearly indicate that the Kunlun Pass Basin once had plenty of water and was occupied by a freshwater lake in the late Pliocene. Our isotope data from both terrestrial and aquatic fossils suggest that the Kunlun Pass Basin was a hospitable place with a much warmer and wetter climate in the late Pliocene, very different from today's rock desert and cold steppe environments. The mean annual temperature in the late Pliocene estimated from the δ18O of fossil bone carbonate and paleo-water was about 10 ± 8 °C, much higher than the present-day mean annual temperature in the basin. If valid, the estimated temperature change would imply that the elevation of the basin has increased by ˜ 2700 ±1600 m since ˜ 2-3 Ma.

Beyond parenting practices: extended kinship support and the academic adjustment of African-American and European-American teens.

PubMed

Pallock, Linda L; Lamborn, Susie D

2006-10-01

This study examined adolescents' perceptions of parenting practices and extended kinship support in relation to academic adjustment for 104 African American and 60 European American 9th and 10th graders (14 and 15 year olds). For African-American teens, parental acceptance was associated with school values, teacher bonding, and work orientation. Higher levels of behavioral control and lower levels of psychological control were associated with a stronger work orientation. After accounting for the demographic variables and the three parenting practices, higher levels of extended kinship support related to stronger school values, higher teacher bonding, and a stronger work orientation. For European-American teens, parental acceptance related to academic adjustment, including stronger school values, higher teacher bonding, and a stronger work orientation. European-American adolescents with stronger extended kinship networks reported higher teacher bonding and a stronger work orientation. Results indicate the importance of extended kinship support for both African-American and European-American adolescents.

The Relationship between Saccadic Choice and Reaction Times with Manipulations of Target Value

PubMed Central

Milstein, David M.; Dorris, Michael C.

2011-01-01

Choosing the option with the highest expected value (EV; reward probability × reward magnitude) maximizes the intake of reward under conditions of uncertainty. However, human economic choices indicate that our value calculation has a subjective component whereby probability and reward magnitude are not linearly weighted. Using a similar economic framework, our goal was to characterize how subjective value influences the generation of simple motor actions. Specifically, we hypothesized that attributes of saccadic eye movements could provide insight into how rhesus monkeys, a well-studied animal model in cognitive neuroscience, subjectively value potential visual targets. In the first experiment, monkeys were free to choose by directing a saccade toward one of two simultaneously displayed targets, each of which had an uncertain outcome. In this task, choices were more likely to be allocated toward the higher valued target. In the second experiment, only one of the two possible targets appeared on each trial. In this task, saccadic reaction times (SRTs) decreased toward the higher valued target. Reward magnitude had a much stronger influence on both choices and SRTs than probability, whose effect was observed only when reward magnitude was similar for both targets. Across EV blocks, a strong relationship was observed between choice preferences and SRTs. However, choices tended to maximize at skewed values whereas SRTs varied more continuously. Lastly, SRTs were unchanged when all reward magnitudes were 1×, 1.5×, and 2× their normal amount, indicating that saccade preparation was influenced by the relative value of the targets rather than the absolute value of any single-target. We conclude that value is not only an important factor for deliberative decision making in primates, but also for the selection and preparation of simple motor actions, such as saccadic eye movements. More precisely, our results indicate that, under conditions of uncertainty, saccade choices and reaction times are influenced by the relative expected subjective value of potential movements. PMID:22028681

Low latency counter event indication

DOEpatents

Gara, Alan G [Mount Kisco, NY; Salapura, Valentina [Chappaqua, NY

2008-09-16

A hybrid counter array device for counting events with interrupt indication includes a first counter portion comprising N counter devices, each for counting signals representing event occurrences and providing a first count value representing lower order bits. An overflow bit device associated with each respective counter device is additionally set in response to an overflow condition. The hybrid counter array includes a second counter portion comprising a memory array device having N addressable memory locations in correspondence with the N counter devices, each addressable memory location for storing a second count value representing higher order bits. An operatively coupled control device monitors each associated overflow bit device and initiates incrementing a second count value stored at a corresponding memory location in response to a respective overflow bit being set. The incremented second count value is compared to an interrupt threshold value stored in a threshold register, and, when the second counter value is equal to the interrupt threshold value, a corresponding "interrupt arm" bit is set to enable a fast interrupt indication. On a subsequent roll-over of the lower bits of that counter, the interrupt will be fired.

Low latency counter event indication

DOEpatents

Gara, Alan G.; Salapura, Valentina

2010-08-24

A hybrid counter array device for counting events with interrupt indication includes a first counter portion comprising N counter devices, each for counting signals representing event occurrences and providing a first count value representing lower order bits. An overflow bit device associated with each respective counter device is additionally set in response to an overflow condition. The hybrid counter array includes a second counter portion comprising a memory array device having N addressable memory locations in correspondence with the N counter devices, each addressable memory location for storing a second count value representing higher order bits. An operatively coupled control device monitors each associated overflow bit device and initiates incrementing a second count value stored at a corresponding memory location in response to a respective overflow bit being set. The incremented second count value is compared to an interrupt threshold value stored in a threshold register, and, when the second counter value is equal to the interrupt threshold value, a corresponding "interrupt arm" bit is set to enable a fast interrupt indication. On a subsequent roll-over of the lower bits of that counter, the interrupt will be fired.

The Representation of Library Value in Extra-Institutional Evaluations of University Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Brian

2017-01-01

The ways in which university quality assessments are developed reveal a great deal about value constructs surrounding higher education. Measures developed and consumed by external stakeholders, in particular, indicate which elements of academia are broadly perceived to be most reflective of quality. This paper examines the historical context of…

The research impact of school psychology faculty.

PubMed

Watkins, Marley W; Chan-Park, Christina Y

2015-06-01

Hirsch's (2005) h index has become one of the most popular indicators of research productivity for higher education faculty. However, the h index varies across academic disciplines so empirically established norms for each discipline are necessary. To that end, the current study collected h index values from Scopus and Google Scholar databases for 401 tenure-track faculty members from 109 school psychology training programs. Male faculty tended to be more senior than female faculty and a greater proportion of the male faculty held professorial rank. However, female faculty members outnumbered males at the assistant and associate professor ranks. Although strongly correlated (rho=.84), h index values from Google Scholar were higher than those from Scopus. h index distributions were positively skewed with many faculty having low values and a few faculty having high values. Faculty in doctoral training programs exhibited significantly larger h index values than faculty in specialist training programs and there were univariate differences in h index values across academic rank and sex, but sex differences were not significant after taking seniority into account. It was recommended that the h index be integrated with peer review and diverse other indicators when considering individual merit. Copyright © 2015 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stairway to Employment? Internships in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silva, Patrícia; Lopes, Betina; Costa, Marco; Seabra, Dina; Melo, Ana I.; Brito, Elisabeth; Dias, Gonçalo Paiva

2016-01-01

This article aims to shed light on the current debate regarding the role of internships in higher education in graduates' employability. In specific, it analyses empirical data on a large-scale study of Portuguese first-cycle study programmes, in order to explore indicators of the professional value of internships in the employability of higher…

Oxygen radical absorbance capacity of different varieties of strawberry and the antioxidant stability in storage.

PubMed

Li, Chunyang; Huang, Wu-Yang; Wang, Xing-Na; Liu, Wen-Xu

2013-01-25

Total antioxidant capacity of different varieties of strawberry (Ningfeng, Ningyu, Zijin 4, Toyonoka, Benihope, Sweet Charlie) in different developmental stages (including green unripe stages, half red stages, and red ripe stages) was investigated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. In addition, effects of the antioxidant properties of strawberry stored at 4 °C or -18 °C for a period of five months were studied. The results showed that antioxidant capacity of strawberry changed based on tested part, developmental stage, variety, and time of collection. Calyces had significantly higher ORAC values compared with fruits. Strawberry fruits had higher ORAC values during the green unripe stages than the half red stages and red ripe stages. Strawberries got higher ORAC values during short-time storage, and then decreased during long-time storage. Samples stored at -18 °C exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than those stored at 4 °C, while vacuum treatment could further increase ORAC values. The results indicated the potential market role of strawberries as a functional food and could provide great value in preventing oxidation reaction in food processing and storage for the dietary industry.

What Drives Hydrogen Isotopic Variability Recorded by Biomarkers in Sediments of Lake Karakul, Pamir?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aichner, B.; Mischke, S.; Pausata, F. S. R.; Werner, M.; Zhang, Q.; Heinecke, L.; Feakins, S. J.; Sachse, D.; Mahmoudov, Z.; Rajabov, I.

2017-12-01

Central Asia is a climate sensitive region located at the boundary of large scale atmospheric circulation systems. To examine glacial to interglacial hydrological changes in the region, we analysed the hydrogen isotopic composition (δD values) of n-alkanes in a 30-ka record from Lake Karakul, eastern Pamir (altitude: 3,915m, MAT: -3.9 °C, MAP: 82 mm). δD values of both aquatic and terrestrial compounds showed distinct trends throughout the studied time interval, with generally higher values during the glacial and lower values during the Holocene, and variability of up to 60‰. In particular shifts towards higher δD values were observed for aquatic biomarkers at ca. 30, 27, and 15 ka BP. Temperature and precipitation effects alone cannot explain the higher δD values during the glacial and the large isotopic amplitudes. To explain these observations we conducted a set of experiments using atmospheric models with embedded isotope modules (CAM3iso- and ECHAM5-wiso). We assume that terrestrial n-alkanes mainly record the isotopic signature of summer precipitation within the lower elevated parts of the Karakul Basin. Based on the model output we hypothesize that shifts between local and more distant vapour sources are the reason behind the trends within isotopic data. Data derived from aquatic biomarkers are more difficult to explain due to multiple influencing factors on δD of the lake water. Assuming that the lake water integrates an annual isotopic signal from the whole lake catchment, we suggest that a change in precipitation seasonality drives the large variability of hydrogen isotopic values. This is in agreement with the models, which suggest reduced winter (more negative δD) and slightly higher summer precipitation (more positive δD) during the glacial compared to the Holocene. Consequently, a net-increase of isotopically enriched inflow into the lake could explain the three distinct shifts towards higher δD values. Expansion of terrestrial vegetation, indicated by increasing biomarker concentrations, during these periods is another indicator for wetter summers in an arid environment. We conclude that δD values of terrestrial compounds reflect major shifts of vapour sources which are driven by insolation, while aquatic biomarkers are additionally influenced by changes of precipitation seasonality.

Chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging for distinguishing minimal-fat renal angiomyolipoma from renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Ling-Shan; Zhu, Zheng-Qiu; Wang, Zhi-Tao; Li, Jing; Liang, Li-Feng; Jin, Ji-Yang; Wang, Zhong-Qiu

2018-05-01

To determine the performance of chemical shift signal intensity index (CS-SII) values for distinguishing minimal-fat renal angiomyolipoma (mfAML) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to assess RCC subtype characterisation. We identified eligible studies on CS magnetic resonance imaging (CS-MRI) of focal renal lesions via PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. CS-SII values were extracted by lesion type and evaluated using linear mixed model-based meta-regression. RCC subtypes were analysed. Two-sided p value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Eleven articles involving 850 patients were included. Minimal-fat AML had significantly higher CS-SII value than RCC (p < 0.05); there were no significant differences between mfAML and clear cell RCC (cc-RCC) (p = 0.112). Clear cell RCC had a significantly higher CS-SII value than papillary RCC (p-RCC) (p < 0.001) and chromophobe RCC (ch-RCC) (p = 0.045). The methodological quality was relatively high, and Begg's test data points indicated no obvious publication bias. The CS-SII value for differentiating mfAML from cc-RCC remains unproven, but is a promising method for differentiating cc-RCC from p-RCC and ch-RCC. • RCC CS-SII values are significantly lower than those of mfAML overall. • CS-SII values cannot aid differentiation between mfAML and cc-RCC. • CS-SII values might help characterise RCC subtypes.

Age-related changes in hematology and plasma chemistry values of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops X Morone saxatilis).

PubMed

Hrubec, Terry C.; Smith, Stephen A.; Robertson, John L.

2001-01-01

Hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops X Morone saxatilis ) are an important aquaculture species yet there are few diagnostic tools available to assess their health. Hematology and clinical chemistry analyses are not used extensively in fish medicine due to the lack of reference intervals for various fish species, and because factors such as age can affect blood values. There is little published information regarding age-related changes in blood values of juvenile fish. It is important to evaluate juvenile fish, as this is the time they are raised in aquaculture settings. Determining age-related changes in the blood values of fishes would further develop clinical pathology as a diagnostic tool, enhancing both fish medicine and the aquaculture industry. The results of standard hematology and clinical chemistry analysis were evaluated in juvenile hybrid striped bass at 4, 6, 9, 15, and 19 months of age. Values for PCV and RBC indices were significantly lower, and plasma protein concentration was significantly higher in younger fish. Total WBC and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in fish at 6 and 9 months of age, while neutrophil and monocyte counts were higher at 6, 9, and 15 months. Eosinophil counts were significantly higher in 9-month-old fish. The majority of hematologic values fell within previously established reference intervals, indicating that only slight modification to the intervals is necessary for evaluating hematologic results of hybrid striped bass at different ages. The following analytes deviated sufficiently from adult reference intervals to warrant separate reference values: plasma protein concentration at 4 months, WBC and lymphocyte counts at 15 and 19 months, and thrombocyte-like-cells at 9 months of age. Values for most biochemical analytes were significantly different among age groups except for creatinine and potassium concentrations. Comparisons with reference intervals were not made for biochemical analytes, because established reference intervals were not available. Age-related changes in hematologic and biochemical values of striped bass were similar to those reported for rainbow trout and mammals.

Perceptions of Characteristics Considered Attractive by the Other Gender.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madden, Margaret E.; And Others

Rating adjectives, 54 female and 53 male college students indicated their own preferences in dating partners or their perceptions of the other gender's preferences. The men rated good looks and physical health higher than the women did, while the women valued industriousness more than the men did. Both men and women valued intelligence more than…

Antioxidant activity of omega-3 derivatives and their delivery via nanocages and nanocones: DFT and experimental in vivo investigation.

PubMed

Najafi, Houshang; Changizi-Ashtiyani, Saeed; Najafi, Meysam

2017-10-28

The antioxidant properties of omega-3 were investigated via experimental in vivo and theoretical methods. For experimental evaluation, oxidative stress was induced by 30 min bilateral renal ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion in male Sprague Dawley rats. The oxidative stress was evaluated through measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) levels in renal tissue. In theoretical methods, the reaction enthalpies of antioxidant mechanisms of omega-3 were calculated and the effects of NHMe, OMe, OH, Cl, and Me substituents on its antioxidant activity were investigated. Moreover, the omega-3 delivery potential by carbon and boron nitride nanocages and naocones were evaluated. The experimental results showed that omega-3 administration decreases MDA and increases FRAP levels after their changes by ischemia/reperfusion. Theoretical results indicated that NHMe and OMe substituents can significantly improve the antioxidant activity of omega-3. Also, boron nitride nanocone (BNNC) has higher |∆E ad | values, so it has higher potential for omega-3 delivery. Taken together, the new findings presented here indicate that omega-3 has anti-oxidative properties and NHMe and OMe substituents can improve its antioxidant activity. Moreover, adsorption of omega-3 on the surface of the studied nanostructures was exothermic, and BNNC with higher |∆Ead| values has higher potential for omega-3 delivery. Graphical abstract The interaction and adsorption of BNNC with omega-3 is exothermic and experimentally possible from the energetic viewpoint, so the BNNC with higher |∆E ad | and |∆G ad | values has higher potential for omega-3 delivery.

Geochemical characterization and Redox signals of the uppermost Barremian - lowest Aptian of the Eastern Prada Quarry section, Organyà Basin, south-central Pyrenees, Catalunya, Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llaguno, J. R.; Maurrasse, F. J.

2016-12-01

Here we present the results of a high-resolution, multiproxy study of a 29 m section of dark nodular limestones and marlstones of the Eastern Prada Mountain Quarry section. The layers yield low bioturbation index (2-3) and TOC up to 1.88 wt. %, with microfacies of dark micrite, and isotropic fabric. Allochems consist of rare ostracods, radiolaria, fragments of echinoderms, ammonites, gastropods, benthic and planktic foraminifera. Globigerinelloides blowi indicates a Barremian-early Aptian age. Porosity consists of vugs filled with apparent bitumen throughout the section. Qualitative EDS analyses indicate CaCO3 predominates in the matrix, in agreement with smear slides showing abundance of calcareous nannofossils, mostly nannoconid fragments. δ13Corg values vary from -26.24 ‰ at 0.7 m, to -23.78 ‰, ( 2.46 ‰ change) at 18.04 m, with higher fluctuations up to 27 m. δ15N values range from 1.82 ‰ to 5.95 ‰ positively correlated with the δ13Corg, especially between 18 m - 27 m. Biomarkers from 16 samples show dominance of short chain n-alkanes (

Meat and nutritional quality comparison of purebred and crossbred pigs.

PubMed

Zhang, Jie; Chai, Jie; Luo, Zonggang; He, Hang; Chen, Lei; Liu, Xueqin; Zhou, Qinfei

2018-01-01

Crossbreeding is an effective method of improving the efficiency and profit of production in commercial pig operations. To understand the effect of crossbreeding on meat and nutrient quality, a combination including three purebred (Duroc, D; Landrace, L; Yorkshire, Y) and two crossbred pig lines (Landrace × Yorkshire, LY; Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), DLY) frequently used internationally were studied. The results showed that meat from the LY and DLY crosses had lower values for lightness L24h∗, shear force and epinephrine and higher values for drip loss, C18:1, insulin, glucagon and monounsaturated fatty acids than D, L and Y pigs. Moreover, LY had higher values for post mortem pH and lower values for a* and b* than the purebreds. In contrast, DLY had lower values for pH and higher values for a* and b* than the purebreds. Meat quality-related gene analysis showed that the CAST, IGF2 and MC4R gene expression levels in the LY and DLY pigs were significantly higher than those in the D, L and Y pigs. These results indicate that crossbreeding can alter the meat quality, nutritive value, energy metabolism and gene expression of pigs. Future research should focus on microRNA expression and DNA methylation that regulate gene expression and thus affect the meat quality. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Comparing Facebook Users and Facebook Non-Users: Relationship between Personality Traits and Mental Health Variables - An Exploratory Study.

PubMed

Brailovskaia, Julia; Margraf, Jürgen

2016-01-01

Over one billion people use Facebook as a platform for social interaction and self-presentation making it one of the most popular online sites. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in various personality traits and mental health variables between Facebook users and people who do not use this platform. The data of 945 participants (790 Facebook users, 155 Facebook non-users) were collected. Results indicate that Facebook users score significantly higher on narcissism, self-esteem and extraversion than Facebook non-users. Furthermore, they have significantly higher values of social support, life satisfaction and subjective happiness. Facebook non-users have (marginally) significantly higher values of depression symptoms than Facebook users. In both groups, extraversion, self-esteem, happiness, life satisfaction, resilience and social support, on the one hand, and depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, on the other hand, are negatively correlated. Neuroticism is positively associated with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. However, significant differences exist between Facebook users and Facebook non-users regarding some associations of personality traits and mental health variables. Compared to Facebook non-users, the present results indicate that Facebook users have higher values of certain personality traits and positive variables protecting mental health. These findings are of particular interest considering the high importance of social online-platforms in the daily life of many people.

Comparing Facebook Users and Facebook Non-Users: Relationship between Personality Traits and Mental Health Variables – An Exploratory Study

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Over one billion people use Facebook as a platform for social interaction and self-presentation making it one of the most popular online sites. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in various personality traits and mental health variables between Facebook users and people who do not use this platform. The data of 945 participants (790 Facebook users, 155 Facebook non-users) were collected. Results indicate that Facebook users score significantly higher on narcissism, self-esteem and extraversion than Facebook non-users. Furthermore, they have significantly higher values of social support, life satisfaction and subjective happiness. Facebook non-users have (marginally) significantly higher values of depression symptoms than Facebook users. In both groups, extraversion, self-esteem, happiness, life satisfaction, resilience and social support, on the one hand, and depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, on the other hand, are negatively correlated. Neuroticism is positively associated with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. However, significant differences exist between Facebook users and Facebook non-users regarding some associations of personality traits and mental health variables. Compared to Facebook non-users, the present results indicate that Facebook users have higher values of certain personality traits and positive variables protecting mental health. These findings are of particular interest considering the high importance of social online-platforms in the daily life of many people. PMID:27907020

Increased urinary excretion rates of serotonin and metabolites during bedrest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Platen, Petra; Lebenstedt, Marion; Schneider, Myriam; Boese, Andrea; Heer, Martina

2005-05-01

Astronauts are often on a voluntarily reduced energy intake during space missions, possibly caused by a metabolic or emotional stress response with involvement of the central serotonergic system (SES). We investigated 24 h urinary excretion (24 h-E) of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindol acidic acid as indicators of the SES in healthy males under two different normocaloric conditions: normal physical activity (NPA) and -6∘ head-down-tilt (HDT). HDT or NPA were randomly arranged with a recovery period of 6 months in between. 24 h-E of hormones varied widely among individuals. Values were higher in HDT compared to NPA. Assuming that the 24 h-E values are, beside being indicators for alterations in the number and metabolism of platelets, Also indicators of central SES, HDT condition seems to activate central SES in a higher degree compared to NPA. Therefore, changes in central SES might be involved in the mechanisms associated with space flight or microgravity, including possible maladaptations such as voluntary undernutrition.

Characterization and differentiation of Italian Parma, San Daniele and Toscano dry-cured hams: a multi-disciplinary approach.

PubMed

Laureati, Monica; Buratti, Susanna; Giovanelli, Gabriella; Corazzin, Mirco; Lo Fiego, Domenico P; Pagliarini, Ella

2014-01-01

This study aimed at characterizing the sensory quality of Italian PDO dry-cured Parma, San Daniele and Toscano hams, applying a multi-disciplinary approach. Ham sensory profile as well as physico-chemical, aromatic, morphological and textural characteristics was investigated. There was a great difference between Toscano ham and Parma and San Daniele hams, which were more similar even though differentiated. Toscano ham showed higher scores for pork-meat odor, saltiness, dryness, fibrousness and hardness; accordingly, this ham was described by a high NaCl content and by high values of instrumental hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness. Parma ham was characterized by a cured flavor, whereas San Daniele ham showed a wider fatty area and higher pH values. Parma and San Daniele hams were also described by higher values of sweetness, RGB color values and water activity. Sensory characteristics evaluated by trained assessors were correlated to instrumental measures, indicating that instrumental devices can be effectively applied for dry-cured ham characterization. © 2013.

Unexpected Lack of Deleterious Effects of Uranium on Physiological Systems following a Chronic Oral Intake in Adult Rat

PubMed Central

Dublineau, Isabelle; Souidi, Maâmar; Gueguen, Yann; Lestaevel, Philippe; Bertho, Jean-Marc; Manens, Line; Delissen, Olivia; Grison, Stéphane; Paulard, Anaïs; Monin, Audrey; Kern, Yseult; Rouas, Caroline; Loyen, Jeanne; Gourmelon, Patrick; Aigueperse, Jocelyne

2014-01-01

Uranium level in drinking water is usually in the range of microgram-per-liter, but this value may be as much as 100 to 1000 times higher in some areas, which may raise question about the health consequences for human populations living in these areas. Our purpose was to improve knowledge of chemical effects of uranium following chronic ingestion. Experiments were performed on rats contaminated for 9 months via drinking water containing depleted uranium (0.2, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 120 mg/L). Blood biochemical and hematological indicators were measured and several different types of investigations (molecular, functional, and structural) were conducted in organs (intestine, liver, kidneys, hematopoietic cells, and brain). The specific sensitivity of the organs to uranium was deduced from nondeleterious biological effects, with the following thresholds (in mg/L): 0.2 for brain, >2 for liver, >10 for kidneys, and >20 for intestine, indicating a NOAEL (No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level) threshold for uranium superior to 120 m g/L. Based on the chemical uranium toxicity, the tolerable daily intake calculation yields a guideline value for humans of 1350 μg/L. This value was higher than the WHO value of 30 μg/L, indicating that this WHO guideline for uranium content in drinking water is very protective and might be reconsidered. PMID:24693537

Unexpected lack of deleterious effects of uranium on physiological systems following a chronic oral intake in adult rat.

PubMed

Dublineau, Isabelle; Souidi, Maâmar; Gueguen, Yann; Lestaevel, Philippe; Bertho, Jean-Marc; Manens, Line; Delissen, Olivia; Grison, Stéphane; Paulard, Anaïs; Monin, Audrey; Kern, Yseult; Rouas, Caroline; Loyen, Jeanne; Gourmelon, Patrick; Aigueperse, Jocelyne

2014-01-01

Uranium level in drinking water is usually in the range of microgram-per-liter, but this value may be as much as 100 to 1000 times higher in some areas, which may raise question about the health consequences for human populations living in these areas. Our purpose was to improve knowledge of chemical effects of uranium following chronic ingestion. Experiments were performed on rats contaminated for 9 months via drinking water containing depleted uranium (0.2, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 120 mg/L). Blood biochemical and hematological indicators were measured and several different types of investigations (molecular, functional, and structural) were conducted in organs (intestine, liver, kidneys, hematopoietic cells, and brain). The specific sensitivity of the organs to uranium was deduced from nondeleterious biological effects, with the following thresholds (in mg/L): 0.2 for brain, >2 for liver, >10 for kidneys, and >20 for intestine, indicating a NOAEL (No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level) threshold for uranium superior to 120 m g/L. Based on the chemical uranium toxicity, the tolerable daily intake calculation yields a guideline value for humans of 1350 μg/L. This value was higher than the WHO value of 30 μg/L, indicating that this WHO guideline for uranium content in drinking water is very protective and might be reconsidered.

Seasonal variation in biochemical indicators of physiological status in Euphausia superba from Port Foster, Deception Island, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cullen, M.; Kaufmann, R. S.; Lowery, M. S.

2003-06-01

Seasonal changes in biochemical indicators of physiological status were analyzed in abdominal muscle of the Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, collected from Port Foster, Deception Island, an active volcano located in the Shetland Island chain west of the Antarctic Peninsula. Krill were collected with a 10 m 2 MOCNESS trawl during four cruises (November 1999, February, May, November 2000). RNA:DNA mirrored the chlorophyll a concentration, with the highest values found during seasons of abundant phytoplankton. Activities of the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the mitochondrial enzyme citrate synthase (CS) were significantly higher in male krill when compared to females of similar size, indicating that their burst and aerobic swimming performance may be higher than females throughout the year. RNA:DNA ratio and enzyme activities were highly elevated in summer as compared to the earliest spring sampling period. Krill showed significant seasonal changes in LDH activity, with lowest values in spring and highest values in summer (females) or autumn (males). Krill showed significant seasonal changes in CS activity with highest values in summer. Protein and % water varied significantly among seasons for both males and females. Lower CS activity and RNA:DNA ratio suggest krill exhibit reduced metabolism during the winter when phytoplankton production is reduced, perhaps enhancing survival. Lower enzyme activities in female krill in early spring suggest they may achieve greater metabolic suppression during overwintering.

Kinetic analysis of Legionella inactivation using ozone in wastewater.

PubMed

Li, Jun; Li, Kunquan; Zhou, Yan; Li, Xuebin; Tao, Tao

2017-02-01

Legionella inactivation using ozone was studied in wastewater using kinetic analysis and modeling. The experimental results indicate that the relationship between the ozone concentration, germ concentration, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) can be used to predict variations in germ and COD concentrations. The ozone reaction with COD and inactivation of Legionella occurred simultaneously, but the reaction with COD likely occurred at a higher rate than the inactivation, as COD is more easily oxidized by ozone than Legionella. Higher initial COD concentrations resulted in a lower inactivation rate and higher lnN/N 0 . Higher temperature led to a higher inactivation efficiency. The relationship of the initial O 3 concentration and Legionella inactivation rate was not linear, and thus, the Ct value required for a 99.99% reduction was not constant. The initial O 3 concentration was more important than the contact time, and a reduction of the initial O 3 concentration could not be compensated by increasing the contact time. The Ct values were compared over a narrow range of initial concentrations; the Ct values could only be contrasted when the initial O 3 concentrations were very similar. A higher initial O 3 concentration led to a higher inflection point value for the lnN/N 0 vs C 0 t curve. Energy consumption using a plasma corona was lower than when using boron-doped diamond electrodes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Work-Based Learning at Higher Education Level: Value, Practice and Critique

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lester, Stan; Costley, Carol

2010-01-01

Since the 1980s there has been significant growth in the engagement of higher education with workforce development, with among other things the emergence of a distinct if varied area of provision commonly referred to as work-based learning. Recent examination of practice and literature indicates a growing sophistication in the way that work-based…

Associations between seasonal meteorological conditions and the daily step count of adults in Yokohama, Japan: Results of year-round pedometer measurements in a large population.

PubMed

Hino, Kimihiro; Lee, Jung Su; Asami, Yasushi

2017-12-01

People's year-round interpersonal step count variations according to meteorological conditions are not fully understood, because complete year-round data from a sufficient sample of the general population are difficult to acquire. This study examined the associations between meteorological conditions and objectively measured step counts using year-round data collected from a large cohort ( N  = 24,625) in Yokohama, Japan from April 2015 to March 2016. Two-piece linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the monthly median daily step count and three meteorological indices (mean values of temperature, temperature-humidity index (THI), and net effective temperature (NET)). The number of steps per day peaked at temperatures between 19.4 and 20.7 °C. At lower temperatures, the increase in steps per day was between 46.4 and 52.5 steps per 1 °C increase. At temperatures higher than those at which step counts peaked, the decrease in steps per day was between 98.0 and 187.9 per 1 °C increase. Furthermore, these effects were more obvious in elderly than non-elderly persons in both sexes. A similar tendency was seen when using THI and NET instead of temperature. Among the three meteorological indices, the highest R 2 value with step counts was observed with THI in all four groups. Both high and low meteorological indices discourage people from walking and higher values of the indices adversely affect step count more than lower values, particularly among the elderly. Among the three indices assessed, THI best explains the seasonal fluctuations in step counts.

Gamma irradiation increases the antioxidant properties of Tualang honey stored under different conditions.

PubMed

Khalil, Md Ibrahim; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah; Alam, Nadia; Moniruzzaman, Mohammed; Bai'e, Saringat; Man, Che Nin; Jamalullail, Syed Mohsin Sahil; Gan, Siew Hua

2012-01-11

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of evaporation, gamma irradiation and temperature on the total polyphenols, flavonoids and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities of Tualang honey samples (n = 14) following storage over three, six or twelve months. The mean polyphenol concentrations of the six gamma irradiated honey samples at three, six and twelve months, respectively, were 96.13%, 98.01% and 102.03% higher than the corresponding values of the eight non-gamma irradiated samples. Similarly, the mean values for flavonoids at three, six and twelve months were 111.52%, 114.81% and 110.04% higher, respectively, for the gamma irradiated samples. The mean values for DPPH radical-scavenging activities at three, six and twelve months were also 67.09%, 65.26% and 44.65% higher, respectively, for the gamma irradiated samples. These data indicate that all gamma irradiated honey samples had higher antioxidant potential following gamma irradiation, while evaporation and temperature had minor effects on antioxidant potential.

Radiative effects of absorbing aerosols over northeastern India: Observations and model simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gogoi, Mukunda M.; Babu, S. Suresh; Moorthy, K. Krishna; Bhuyan, Pradip Kumar; Pathak, Binita; Subba, Tamanna; Chutia, Lakhima; Kundu, Shyam Sundar; Bharali, Chandrakala; Borgohain, Arup; Guha, Anirban; De, Barin Kumar; Singh, Brajamani; Chin, Mian

2017-01-01

Multiyear measurements of spectral properties of aerosol absorption are examined over four geographically distinct locations of northeastern India. Results indicated significant spatiotemporal variation in aerosol absorption coefficients (σabs) with highest values in winter and lowest in monsoon. The western parts of the region, close to the outflow of Indo-Gangetic Plains, showed higher values of σabs and black carbon (BC) concentration—mostly associated with fossil fuel combustion. But, the eastern parts showed higher contributions from biomass-burning aerosols, as much as 20-25% to the total aerosol absorption, conspicuously during premonsoon season. This is attributed to a large number of burning activities over the Southeast Asian region, as depicted from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer fire count maps, whose spatial extent and magnitude peaks during March/April. The nearly consistent high values of aerosol index (AI) and layer height from Ozone Monitoring Instrument indicate the presence of absorbing aerosols in the upper atmosphere. The observed seasonality has been captured fairly well by Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) as well as Weather Research and Forecasting-Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model simulations. The ratio of column-integrated optical depths due to particulate organic matter and BC from GOCART showed good coincidence with satellite-based observations, indicating the increased vertical dispersion of absorbing aerosols, probably by the additional local convection due to higher fire radiative power caused by the intense biomass-burning activities. In the WRF-Chem though underperformed by different magnitude in winter, the values are closer or overestimated near the burnt areas. Atmospheric forcing due to BC was highest ( 30 Wm-2) over the western part associated with the fossil fuel combustion.

Origins of terrestrial organic matter in surface sediments of the East China Sea shelf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hailong; Xing, Lei; Zhao, Meixun

2017-10-01

Terrestrial organic matter (TOM) is an important component of marine sedimentary OM, and revealing the origins and transport mechanisms of TOM to the East China Sea (ECS) is important for understanding regional carbon cycle. A novel approach combining molecular proxies and compound-specific carbon isotopes is used to quantitatively constrain the origins and transport mechanisms of TOM in surface sediments from the ECS shelf. The content of terrestrial biomarkers of (C27+C29+C31) n-alkanes (52 to 580 ng g-1) revealed a seaward decreasing trend, the δ13CTOC values (-20.6‰ to -22.7‰) were more negative near the coast, and the TMBR (terrestrial and marine biomarker ratio) values (0.06 to 0.40) also revealed a seaward decreasing trend. These proxies all indicated more TOM (up to 48%) deposition in the coastal areas. The Alkane Index, the ratio of C29/(C29+C31) n-alkanes indicated a higher proportion of grass vegetation in the coastal area; While the δ13C values of C29 n-alkane (-29.3‰ to -33.8‰) indicated that terrestrial plant in the sediments of the ECS shelf were mainly derived from C3 plants. Cluster analysis afforded detailed estimates of different-sourced TOM contributions and transport mechanisms. TOM in the Zhejiang-Fujian coastal area was mostly delivered by the Changjiang River, and characterized by higher %TOM (up to 48%), higher %C3 plant OM (68%-85%) and higher grass plant OM (56%-61%); TOM in the mid-shelf area was mostly transported by aerosols, and characterized by low %TOM (less than 17%), slightly lower C3 plant OM (56%-72%) and lower grass plant OM (49%-55%).

Blood lead levels of wild Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and black scoters (Melanitta nigra) in Alaska using a portable blood lead analyzer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, Corrine S.; Luebbert, Joanne; Mulcahy, Daniel M.; Schamber, Jason L.; Rosenberg, Daniel H.

2006-01-01

Sea duck populations are declining in Alaska. The reasons for the decline are not known; environmental lead exposure is one suspected cause. Thirty wild Steller's eider ducks (Polysticta stelleri) and 40 wild black scoter ducks (Melanitta nigra) were tested for blood lead levels using a portable blood lead analyzer (LeadCare; ESA, Inc., Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824, USA). Sixty-seven and one-tenth percent of the sea ducks had undetectable blood lead levels, 30.0% had values indicating normal or background lead exposure, and 2.9% had values indicating lead exposure. None of the birds had values indicating lead toxicity, and no birds demonstrated clinical signs of toxicity. Birds in areas with higher human population density had higher blood lead levels than those in less densely populated areas. This is the first time a portable blood lead analyzer has been utilized with sea ducks in a field setting. Because it provides immediate results, it is valuable as a screening tool for investigators carrying out surgical procedures on birds in the field as well as establishing baseline blood lead data on sea ducks. Lead exposure does occur in wild sea ducks, and the study indicates that additional research is needed in order to determine the role environmental lead plays in declining sea duck populations.

Anaerobic performances of sedentary and trained subjects.

PubMed

Serresse, O; Ama, P F; Simoneau, J A; Lortie, G; Bouchard, C; Boulay, M R

1989-03-01

The objective of this report was to compare the performance of sedentary individuals, physical education students, and athletes of various disciplines in 10 s and 90 s maximal cycle ergometer tests. The 10 s power was the highest power output in one second from the 10 s test, while capacities were defined as the total work output during the best 10 s trial and the 90 s test. ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test indicated that the mean values of the 10 S power and capacity and the 90 S capacity tests were significantly higher in sprinter than in sedentary groups. Sprinters performed significantly better than marathon runners only in the 10 s capacity and power. Bodybuilders and sedentary subjects had similar results in the 90 s capacity test. Mean performance values per kilogram of body weight in sedentary females reached about 60% of sedentary males while marathon runners, physical education students and sprinter females reached about 80% of the male performances for the three indicators. When expressed per kilogram of fat-free mass, females reached a higher proportion of the male values for all performances. These results indicate that: a) there are differences for the power and capacity measured in predominantly anaerobic tests between athletes from different disciplines and sedentary individuals, and b) gender differences exist for these anaerobic performance indicators, but they appear attenuated in trained subjects.

What's the VALUE of Information Literacy? Comparing Learning Community and Non-Learning Community Student Learning Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rapchak, Marcia E.; Brungard, Allison B.; Bergfelt, Theodore W.

2016-01-01

Using the Information Literacy VALUE Rubric provided by the AAC&U, this study compares thirty final capstone assignments in a research course in a learning community with thirty final assignments in from students not in learning communities. Results indicated higher performance of the non-learning community students; however, transfer skills…

Defect detection on hardwood logs using high resolution three-dimensional laser scan data

Treesearch

Liya Thomas; Lamine Mili; Clifford A. Shaffer; Ed Thomas; Ed Thomas

2004-01-01

The location, type, and severity of external defects on hardwood logs and skills are the primary indicators of overall log quality and value. External defects provide hints about the internal log characteristics. Defect data would improve the sawyer's ability to process logs such that a higher valued product (lumber) is generated. Using a high-resolution laser log...

Comparing WTP values of different types of QALY gain elicited from the general public.

PubMed

Pennington, Mark; Baker, Rachel; Brouwer, Werner; Mason, Helen; Hansen, Dorte Gyrd; Robinson, Angela; Donaldson, Cam

2015-03-01

The appropriate thresholds for decisions on the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions remain controversial, especially in 'end-of-life' situations. Evidence of the values placed on different types of health gain by the general public is limited. Across nine European countries, 17,657 people were presented with different hypothetical health scenarios each involving a gain of one quality adjusted life year (QALY) and asked about their willingness to pay (WTP) for that gain. The questions included quality of life (QoL) enhancing and life extending health gains, and a scenario where respondents faced imminent, premature death. The mean WTP values for a one-QALY gain composed of QoL improvements were modest (PPP$11,000). When comparing QALY gains obtained in the near future, the valuation of life extension exceeded the valuation of QoL enhancing gains (mean WTP PPP$19,000 for a scenario in which a coma is avoided). The mean WTP values were higher still when respondents faced imminent, premature death (PPP$29,000). Evidence from the largest survey on the value of health gains by the general public indicated a higher value for life extending gains compared with QoL enhancing gains. A further modest premium may be indicated for life extension when facing imminent, premature death. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effect of adhesive dressing edges on cutaneous irritancy and skin barrier function.

PubMed

Dykes, P J

2007-03-01

To assess the effect of repeated application and removal of adhesive edges from wound-care products on cutaneous irritancy and barrier function in normal volunteer subjects. This was a study using a 'repeat-insult patch test'. Adhesive edges from six commonly used wound-care products were applied continuously to the same site (six applications over a 14-day period) in 30 normal volunteer subjects. The test sites were assessed clinically before product reapplication using established ranking scales for cutaneous erythema. The cumulative irritancy score (CIS) for each test site was determined by adding the erythema scores at days 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15. At the study end the barrier function of each test site was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The CIS showed that the products fall into two distinct groups, with Mepilex, Tielle and Allevyn giving low scores and Biatain, Comfeel and DuoDERM higher scores. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) between Mepilex and Biatain, Mepilex and Comfeel, Mepilex and DuoDERM, Tielle and Biatain, Allevyn and Biatain. The mean TEWL values also indicated that the products fall into two distinct groups: Mepilex, Tielle and Allevyn with low mean values close to that of normal adjacent back skin and Biatain, Comfeel and DuoDERM with much higher mean values. Statistical analysis indicated that Mepilex, Tielle and Allevyn were not significantly different from normal skin (p < 0.05), whereas Biatain, Comfeel and DuoDERM were significantly higher than normal skin and the other products tested. The results show clear differences between products; the clinical scores and TEWL measurements indicate that the products fall into two distinct groups. This novel approach seems able to discriminate between adhesive borders and may be useful during product development and in selecting products for clinical trials.

Visualising neuroinflammation in post-stroke patients: a comparative PET study with the TSPO molecular imaging biomarkers [11C]PK11195 and [11C]vinpocetine.

PubMed

Gulyas, Balazs; Toth, Miklos; Vas, Adam; Shchukin, Evgeni; Kostulas, Konstantinos; Hillert, Jan; Halldin, Christer

2012-01-01

With the main objective of comparing the prospective diagnostic power of two 11C-labelled molecular imaging biomarkers with affinity for TSPO and used for the visualisation of activated microglia after a stroke, we measured with positron emission tomography (PET) in four post-stroke patients the regional brain uptake and binding potential of [11C]vinpocetine and [11C]PK11195. Percentage standard uptake values (%SUV) and binding potential (BPND) were used as outcome measures. The total peak brain uptake value and average global brain uptake value were higher for [11C]vinpocetine than for [11C]PK11195. The regional %SUV values were significantly higher for [11C]vinpocetine than for [11C]PK11195 in the hemispheres as well as in almost all standard brain regions. The %SUV values of [11C]vinpocetine were higher in the peri-infarct zone than in the ischaemic core, however, the difference did not prove to be significant. There was basically no difference in %SUV values between the ischaemic core and the peri-infarct zone for [11C]PK11195. The BPND values for [11C]vinpocetine were higher in all standard regions than those for [11C]PK11195, but the difference was not significant between them. The BPND values of [11C]vinpocetine were higher in the peri-infarct zone than in the ischaemic core, however, the difference did not prove to be significant. A comparative analysis of the two ligands indicates that [11C]vinpocetine shows a number of favourable characteristics over [11C]PK11195, but to demonstrate that it may serve as a prospective molecular imaging biomarker of microglia activation in post-stroke patients, further studies are required.

Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping of talar osteochondral lesions: Indicators of clinical outcomes.

PubMed

Rehnitz, Christoph; Kuni, Benita; Wuennemann, Felix; Chloridis, Dimitrios; Kirwadi, Anand; Burkholder, Iris; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Weber, Marc-André

2017-12-01

To evaluate the utility of delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T 2 mapping in evaluation of type II osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus and define cutoff values for identifying patients with good/poor clinical outcomes. 28 patients (mean age, 42.3 years) underwent T 2 mapping and dGEMRIC at least 1.5 years (mean duration, 3.5 years) after microfracture (n = 12) or conservative (n = 16) treatment for type II OCL. Clinical outcomes were considered good with an American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score ≥80. The T 1 /T 2 -values and indices of repair tissue (RT; cartilage above the OCL) were compared to those of the adjacent normal cartilage (NC) by region-of-interest analysis. The ability of the two methods to discriminate RT from NC was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) analysis. The Youden index was maximized for T 1 /T 2 measures for identifying cutoff values indicative of good/poor clinical outcomes. Repair tissue exhibited lower dGEMRIC values (629.83 vs. 738.51 msec) and higher T 2 values (62.07 vs. 40.69 msec) than NC (P < 0.001). T 2 mapping exhibited greater AUC than dGEMRIC (0.88 vs. 0.69; P = 0.0398). All T 1 measures exhibited higher maximized Youden indices than the corresponding T 2 measures. The highest maximized Youden index for T 1difference was observed at a cutoff value of 84 msec (sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 83%). While T 2 mapping is superior to dGEMRIC in discriminating RT, the latter better identifies good/poor clinical outcomes in patients with type II talar OCL. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1601-1610. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Self-reported smoking effects and comparative value between cigarettes and high dose e-cigarettes in nicotine-dependent cigarette smokers.

PubMed

McPherson, Sterling; Howell, Donelle; Lewis, Jennifer; Barbosa-Leiker, Celestina; Bertotti Metoyer, Patrick; Roll, John

2016-04-01

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the comparative value of cigarettes versus high dose e-cigarettes among nicotine-dependent cigarette smokers when compared with money or use of their usual cigarette brand. The experiment used a within-subject design with four sessions. After baseline assessment, participants attended two 15-min unrestricted smoking sessions: one cigarette smoking session and one e-cigarette smoking session. Participants then attended two multiple-choice procedure (MCP) sessions: a session comparing cigarettes and money and a session comparing e-cigarettes and money. Participants (n=27) had used cigarettes regularly, had never used e-cigarettes, and were not currently attempting to quit smoking. The sample consisted primarily of males (72%), with a mean age of 34 years. When given the opportunity to choose between smoking a cigarette or an e-cigarette, participants chose the cigarette 73.9% of the time. Findings from the MCP demonstrated that after the first e-cigarette exposure sessions, the crossover value for cigarettes ($3.45) was significantly higher compared with the crossover value for e-cigarettes ($2.73). The higher participant preference, self-reported smoking effects, and higher MCP crossover points indicate that cigarettes have a higher comparative value than high dose e-cigarettes among e-cigarette naive smokers.

A promising new thermoelectric material - Ruthenium silicide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vining, Cronin B.; Mccormack, Joseph A.; Zoltan, Andrew; Zoltan, Leslie D.

1991-01-01

Experimental and theoretical efforts directed toward increasing thermoelectric figure of merit values by a factor of 2 or 3 have been encouraging in several respects. An accurate and detailed theoretical model developed for n-type silicon-germanium (SiGe) indicates that ZT values several times higher than currently available are expected under certain conditions. These new, high ZT materials are expected to be significantly different from SiGe, but not unreasonably so. Several promising candidate materials have been identified which may meet the conditions required by theory. One such candidate, ruthenium silicide, currently under development at JPL, has been estimated to have the potential to exhibit figure of merit values 4 times higher than conventional SiGe materials. Recent results are summarized.

Development and Validation of a Practical Instrument for Injury Prevention: The Occupational Safety and Health Monitoring and Assessment Tool (OSH-MAT).

PubMed

Sun, Yi; Arning, Martin; Bochmann, Frank; Börger, Jutta; Heitmann, Thomas

2018-06-01

The Occupational Safety and Health Monitoring and Assessment Tool (OSH-MAT) is a practical instrument that is currently used in the German woodworking and metalworking industries to monitor safety conditions at workplaces. The 12-item scoring system has three subscales rating technical, organizational, and personnel-related conditions in a company. Each item has a rating value ranging from 1 to 9, with higher values indicating higher standard of safety conditions. The reliability of this instrument was evaluated in a cross-sectional survey among 128 companies and its validity among 30,514 companies. The inter-rater reliability of the instrument was examined independently and simultaneously by two well-trained safety engineers. Agreement between the double ratings was quantified by the intraclass correlation coefficient and absolute agreement of the rating values. The content validity of the OSH-MAT was evaluated by quantifying the association between OSH-MAT values and 5-year average injury rates by Poisson regression analysis adjusted for the size of the companies and industrial sectors. The construct validity of OSH-MAT was examined by principle component factor analysis. Our analysis indicated good to very good inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.64-0.74) of OSH-MAT values with an absolute agreement of between 72% and 81%. Factor analysis identified three component subscales that met exactly the structure theory of this instrument. The Poisson regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant exposure-response relationship between OSH-MAT values and the 5-year average injury rates. These analyses indicate that OSH-MAT is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used effectively to monitor safety conditions at workplaces.

Nutritional evaluation of canola meals produced from new varieties of canola seeds for poultry.

PubMed

Chen, X; Parr, C; Utterback, P; Parsons, C M

2015-05-01

This study evaluated the nutritional value of 14 canola meals from new varieties of canola and compared them to conventional canola meal samples and soybean meals in chickens. Five experiments that included different sources of canola meals or soybean meals were conducted. For each experiment, a precision-fed rooster assay with conventional or cecectomized roosters was conducted to determine TMEn or amino acid digestibility. Analyzed nutritional composition of the canola meal samples indicated increases in crude protein and amino acids for all test canola meals (49.41 to 50.58% crude protein on a dry matter basis) compared to conventional canola meals (40.73 to 43.01%). All test canola meals also contained lower amounts of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. Most test canola meals had significantly higher TMEn values than the conventional canola meals (P < 0.05), but all were lower than the soybean meal (P < 0.05). The test canola meals had higher amino acid digestibility coefficients than conventional canola meals in Experiments 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.05), and higher concentrations of digestible amino acids in all 5 experiments. The results of this study indicated that nutritional value of the canola meal from new varieties of canola was greater than conventional canola meal for poultry. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Study of Ethical Values and Practices in Academic Programmes at a Higher Learning Institution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanasamy, Kogilah; Shetty, M. V.

The study on ethical values in academic programmes has attracted the attention of many researchers throughout the world especially in view of its important role today. Many academic programmes today focus on how to make profit both for the individual and the organization and on how to increase the firm`s market share and shareholders value and in the process may compromise on their ethical values and have unethical practices. Thus, this study is undertaken to evaluate the extent of integration of ethical values in the academic programmes of the higher learning operating institution involved with post graduate and higher level programs. The impact of demographics and race of the lecturer and students have been separately ascertained. The sample has been taken from one college, rated to be high in ethical values and practices, a sample of 120 students and 31 lecturers from a leading college (reputed for ethical values) have been collated and analyzed for validation of the objectives. The explanation on ethics has been done to a large extent in the study. The study also indicates the number of higher learning institutions to indicate the extent of impact if these issues are appropriately addressed. Government policy in this regard also needs to be reviewed and improved to avoid deterioration of ethical values and practices in the dynamic market place of today. This study review that, the level at which lecturers at the institutions have high ethical values and do incorporate it in their lectures and discussions in the classroom. The impact of demographic factors on the ethical values and practice of the lecturers have useful insights for academic staff recruitment and staff training. On the other hand, students` ethical values and behavior is a cause for concern to everyone as these future pillars of the nation have been found to have their ethical values and practices at low levels. The implications for the college management as to consider further emphasis on the teaching of ethics as a single subject, while incorporating a discussion of the ethical issues (like) related to the various subjects taught in the college. The college should also ensure that they support and nurture in cultivating of ethical values and practices in all aspects of their activities and operations. Eventually, this will ensure to provide advantageous environment for not only creating knowledgeable individuals but also ethical citizens and leaders.

The relationship between environmental advocacy, values, and science: a survey of ecological scientists' attitudes.

PubMed

Reiners, Derek S; Reiners, William A; Lockwood, Jeffrey A

2013-07-01

This article reports the results ofa survey of 1215 nonstudent Ecological Society of America (ESA) members. The results pertain to three series of questions designed to assess ecologists' engagement in various advocacy activities, as well as attitudes on the relationship between environmental advocacy, values, and science. We also analyzed the effects of age, gender, and employment categories on responses. While many findings are reported, we highlight six here. First, ecologists in our sample do not report particularly high levels of engagement in advocacy activities. Second, ecologists are not an ideologically unified group. Indeed, there are cases of significant disagreement among ecologists regarding advocacy, values, and science. Third, despite some disagreement, ecologists generally believe that values consistent with environmental advocacy are more consonant with ecological pursuits than values based on environmental skepticism. Fourth, compared to males, female ecologists tend to be more supportive of advocacy and less convinced that environmentally oriented values perturb the pursuit of science. Fifth, somewhat paradoxically, ecologists in higher age brackets indicate higher engagement in advocacy activities as well as a higher desire for scientific objectivity. Sixth, compared to ecologists in other employment categories, those in government prefer a greater separation between science and the influences of environmental advocacy and values.

Bubble Wrap: Higher Education and the Value Gap

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiSalvio, Philip

2012-01-01

A recent report by the College Board might be an indicator of how fast the sands of higher education are shifting. The prices that most people actually pay for college, which had remained stable for several years, are on the rise again, as tuition and other cost increases outpace financial aid awards. In its latest annual survey, the College Board…

The Neoliberal Regime in English Higher Education: Charters, Consumers and the Erosion of the Public Good

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Naidoo, Rajani; Williams, Joanna

2015-01-01

The restructuring of higher education (HE) according to neoliberal market principles has constructed the student consumer as a social category, thereby altering the nature, purpose and values of HE. In England, a key government attempt to champion the rights of the student consumer has taken the form of institutional charters which indicate the…

Soluble Klotho and Brain Atrophy in Alcoholism.

PubMed

González-Reimers, Emilio; Romero-Acevedo, Lucía; Espelosín-Ortega, Elisa; Martín-González, M Candelaria; Quintero-Platt, Geraldine; Abreu-González, Pedro; José de-la-Vega-Prieto, María; Martínez-Martínez, Daniel; Santolaria-Fernández, Francisco

2018-05-26

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF-23) and α-Klotho (Klotho) levels may be altered in inflammatory conditions, possibly as compensatory mechanisms. Klotho exerts a protective effect on neurodegeneration and improves learning and cognition. No data exist about the association of Klotho and FGF-23 levels with brain atrophy observed in alcoholics. The aim of this study is to explore these relationships. FGF-23 and Klotho levels are altered in inflammation, possibly as compensatory mechanisms. Klotho enhances learning, but its role in ethanol-mediated brain atrophy is unknown. We found higher FGF-23 and lower Klotho levels in 131 alcoholics compared with 41 controls. Among cirrhotics, Klotho was higher and inversely related to brain atrophy. The study was performed on 131 alcoholic patients (54 cirrhotics) and 41 age- and sex-matched controls, in whom a brain computed tomography (CT) was performed and several indices were calculated. Marked brain atrophy was observed among patients when compared with controls. Patients also showed higher FGF-23 and lower Klotho values. However, among cirrhotics, Klotho values were higher. Klotho was inversely related to brain atrophy (for instance, ventricular index (ρ = -0.23, P = 0.008)), especially in cirrhotics. Klotho was also directly related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha (ρ = 0.22; P = 0.026) and inversely to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (ρ = -0.34; P = 0.002), but not to C-reactive protein (CRP) or malondialdehyde levels. FGF-23 was also higher among cirrhotics but showed no association with CT indices. Klotho showed higher values among cirrhotics, and was inversely related to brain atrophy. FGF-23, although high among patients, especially cirrhotics, did not show any association with brain atrophy. Some inflammatory markers or cytokines, such as CRP or TGF-β were related to brain atrophy.

Electromigration in epitaxial Cu(001) lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramanath, G.; Kim, H.; Goindi, H. S.; Frederick, M. J.; Shin, C.-S.; Goswami, R.; Petrov, I.; Greene, J. E.

2002-04-01

We report the electromigration (EM) response of single-domain epitaxial Cu(001) lines on layers of Ta, TaN, and TiN. Epitaxial Cu(001) lines on nitride layers exhibit nearly two orders of magnitude higher mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) values than those on Ta, indicating the strong influence of the underlayer. The activation energy of EM for Cu on the nitrides is ˜0.8-1.2 eV, and that of Cu on Ta is ˜0.2 eV, for 200-300 °C. Our results also indicate that the MTTF values correlate inversely to the crystal quality of the Cu layers measured by X-ray diffraction. The EM resistance of epitaxial Cu lines with different crystal quality on TaN were measured to separate the effects of interface chemistry and crystal quality. While higher quality epitaxial films reveal a higher EM resistance, the magnitude of the change is smaller than that obtained by changing the interface chemistry. Epitaxial lines exhibit more than 3-4 orders of magnitude higher MTTF than polycrystalline lines on the same underlayer. Based upon our results, we propose that the Cu/underlayer interface chemistry and presence of grain boundary diffusion play important roles in unpassivated Cu films.

Sex differences in the fetal heart rate variability indices of twins.

PubMed

Tendais, Iva; Figueiredo, Bárbara; Gonçalves, Hernâni; Bernardes, João; Ayres-de-Campos, Diogo; Montenegro, Nuno

2015-03-01

To evaluate the differences in linear and complex heart rate dynamics in twin pairs according to fetal sex combination [male-female (MF), male-male (MM), and female-female (FF)]. Fourteen twin pairs (6 MF, 3 MM, and 5 FF) were monitored between 31 and 36.4 weeks of gestation. Twenty-six fetal heart rate (FHR) recordings of both twins were simultaneously acquired and analyzed with a system for computerized analysis of cardiotocograms. Linear and nonlinear FHR indices were calculated. Overall, MM twins presented higher intrapair average in linear indices than the other pairs, whereas FF twins showed higher sympathetic-vagal balance. MF twins exhibited higher intrapair average in entropy indices and MM twins presented lower entropy values than FF twins considering the (automatically selected) threshold rLu. MM twin pairs showed higher intrapair differences in linear heart rate indices than MF and FF twins, whereas FF twins exhibited lower intrapair differences in entropy indices. The results of this exploratory study suggest that twins have sex-specific differences in linear and nonlinear indices of FHR. MM twins expressed signs of a more active autonomic nervous system and MF twins showed the most active complexity control system. These results suggest that fetal sex combination should be taken into consideration when performing detailed evaluation of the FHR in twins.

Communication-based services for persons with severe disabilities in schools: a survey of speech-language pathologists.

PubMed

Siegel, Ellin B; Maddox, Laura L; Ogletree, Billy T; Westling, David L

2010-01-01

Speech-language pathologists in school settings were surveyed with an instrument created from the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities' quality indicators self-assessment tool. Participants valued practice indicators of quality communication assessment and intervention to a higher degree than their actual practice. These findings appear to suggest that SLPs may not provide best practice services to individuals with severe disabilities. Suggestions for enhancing inservice training and intervention practices of SLPs and team members who work with individuals with severe disabilities are provided. The reader will be able to; (1) understand the value of using the NJC quality indicators to guide SLP practices with individuals with severe disabilities in schools; (2) recognize that research indicates that SLPs working with individuals with severe disabilities in schools may not provide best practice services to the extent that they value these practices; (3) discuss possible strategies to increase the quality of services provided to individuals with severe disabilities in schools.

Nondestructive analysis of alkali-silica reaction damage in concrete slabs using shear waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khazanovich, Lev; Freeseman, Katelyn; Salles, Lucio; Clayton, Dwight

2018-04-01

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is the chemical reaction that occurs in concrete. It is caused by the interaction of alkalis in Portland cement and silica in aggregates and results in microcracks within the material. This type of damage has been the focus of nondestructive evaluation efforts in recent history, but no work was done on in-situ structures or large-scale samples. To address these limitations, an ultrasonic linear array device, MIRA, was utilized for this research. An experimental investigation was performed on four slabs with various levels of alkali-silica reaction at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) [1]. One-period impulses with a target of 50kHz center frequency were selected in this study. We propose the use of the Hilbert Transform Indicator (HTI) for quantification of ASR damage [2]. A higher HTI value would be indicative of damaged concrete, while a low value represents sound concrete. In general, values below 90 are regarded as an indicator of sound concrete while values above 100 indicate the presence of damage [3]. The ability of the HTI values to distinguish between areas of damaged concrete was evident via the production of color intensity maps. The maps show that the control specimen, was in good condition, while other slabs exhibited higher levels of damage as indicated by the HTI values. It should be noted that extreme damage conditions were not present in any of the slabs. Evaluation of migration-based reconstructions can give a qualitative characterization of large scale or excessive subsurface damage. However, for detection of stochastic damage mechanisms such as freeze-thaw damage, evaluation of the individual time-history data can provide additional information. A comparison of the spatially diverse measurements on several concrete slabs with varying freeze-thaw damage levels is given in this study. Signal characterization scans of different levels of freeze-thaw damage at various transducer spacing is investigated. The results show promise for a SH-wave classification system applicable for nondestructive characterization of freeze-thaw damage conditions.

Entomological indicators during transmission season of dengue in Silvassa (India).

PubMed

Khan, V; Zala, D B; Srivastava, H C

2015-06-01

The entomological surveillance was conducted in urban, semi-urban/slum, industrial and residential areas during main transmission period from June to November 2012. In residential sites house index was 41.7-35.0, breteau index 71.7-136.7 and container index 11.6-20.2. During transmission period all the values ware much higher than the threshold level. The causes of high values of entomological indicator appeared to be rapid industrialization, unawareness of the conditions or factors that can exacerbate mosquito breeding, water storage habits in community and un-implementation of health related legislation.

[Peculiarities of the psychological status of first-year students in terms of university education].

PubMed

Buduk-ool, L K; Khovalyg, A M

2016-01-01

Peculiarities There was performed the study of the mental status of first-year students enrolled in the Tuvan state University. There were detected levels of reactive and personal anxiety, adaptive capacity, the level of social and psychological adaptation and aggression. Adaptation potential in students is within limits of the satisfactory one, there was no detected person with poor adaptive capacity and failure of adaptation, that indicates to the genetically fixed ability of the students’ body to adapt to living conditions. In a state of psychological adjustment there was revealed the more higher level of anxiety in Tuvan students, which is caused by the poor living conditions. More satisfactory condition is typical for the social and psychological adaptation, since in all students values of test scales are within normal limits.There were shown gender differences in adaptation and psychological status of students. Boys have more lower indices of indirect and verbal aggression, anger, resentment, suspicion, guilt. Girls are characterized by higher hostility, at that it even exceeds standard values. In the group of students with a high personal anxiety no differences in adaptive capacities were found, and in students with moderate personal anxiety there were significantly more boys with stress adaptation than girls. Analysis of the socio-psychological adaptation of first-year students shows that in all students values of the test scales are normal, but in young men, indices are higher that indicates to a more successful socialization in the environment of the university. Correlation analysis of indices of aggressiveness and socio-psychological adaptation revealed weak negative relationships between index of aggressiveness with maladaptiveness, non-acceptance of others, emotional comfort in boys. In girls “aggressiveness” positively correlates with the such indices as acceptance of others and adaptation. Factor analysis in young men revealed the first factor, labeled as maladjustment because it included indirect aggression, maladaptiveness, self-rejection, emotional discomfort and external control. In girls first factor combines indices: adaptability, self-acceptance, adaptation (integral), self-acceptance, emotional comfort, the desire to dominate and this factor was labeled as adaptation.

Errors in the estimation of approximate entropy and other recurrence-plot-derived indices due to the finite resolution of RR time series.

PubMed

García-González, Miguel A; Fernández-Chimeno, Mireya; Ramos-Castro, Juan

2009-02-01

An analysis of the errors due to the finite resolution of RR time series in the estimation of the approximate entropy (ApEn) is described. The quantification errors in the discrete RR time series produce considerable errors in the ApEn estimation (bias and variance) when the signal variability or the sampling frequency is low. Similar errors can be found in indices related to the quantification of recurrence plots. An easy way to calculate a figure of merit [the signal to resolution of the neighborhood ratio (SRN)] is proposed in order to predict when the bias in the indices could be high. When SRN is close to an integer value n, the bias is higher than when near n - 1/2 or n + 1/2. Moreover, if SRN is close to an integer value, the lower this value, the greater the bias is.

Depression and Obesity/Overweight Association in Elderly Women: a Community-Based Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Ahmadi, Seyed Mehdi; Keshavarzi, Sareh; Mostafavi, Seyed-Ali; Bagheri Lankarani, Kamran

2015-11-01

Overweight/obesity and depression are common among women especially in the elderly and can lead to unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to determine the association of overweight with depression and also to find any correlation of depression with some anthropometric indices in old women. A total of 94 depressed elderly women were compared with 99 non-depressed controls. The structured diagnostic interview based on DSM-IV were performed to diagnose depression, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was completed to rate it. Anthropometric indices were measured and compared between groups. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined for linear relations between variables. Odds Ratio of obesity and overweight in depressed subjects comparing with normal participants was 1.45 (95%CI=0.63-3.32). A significant correlation was observed between BMI and GDS score (r=0.231, P-value=0.001). Total body fat (P-value=0.001) and BMI (P-value=0.016) were significantly higher in depressed women than non-depressed women. Despite the significantly higher total body fat and BMI among old women with depression, only a weak correlation was seen between BMI and GDS score.

Food processing methods influence the glycaemic indices of some commonly eaten West Indian carbohydrate-rich foods.

PubMed

Bahado-Singh, P S; Wheatley, A O; Ahmad, M H; Morrison, E Y St A; Asemota, H N

2006-09-01

Glycaemic index (GI) values for fourteen commonly eaten carbohydrate-rich foods processed by various methods were determined using ten healthy subjects. The foods studied were round leaf yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis), negro and lucea yams (Dioscorea rotundata), white and sweet yams (Dioscorea alata), sweet potato (Solanum tuberosum), Irish potato (Ipomoea batatas), coco yam (Xanthosoma spp.), dasheen (Colocasia esculenta), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), green banana (Musa sapientum), and green and ripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca). The foods were processed by boiling, frying, baking and roasting where applicable. Pure glucose was used as the standard with a GI value of 100. The results revealed marked differences in GI among the different foods studied ranging from 35 (se 3) to 94 (se 8). The area under the glucose response curve and GI value of some of the roasted and baked foods were significantly higher than foods boiled or fried (P<0.05). The results indicate that foods processed by roasting or baking may result in higher GI. Conversely, boiling of foods may contribute to a lower GI diet.

Anticancer potential and mechanism of action of mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) supercritical CO₂ extract in human glioblastoma cells.

PubMed

Ramachandran, Cheppail; Lollett, Ivonne V; Escalon, Enrique; Quirin, Karl-Werner; Melnick, Steven J

2015-04-01

Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) is among the less-investigated species of Curcuma for anticancer properties. We have investigated the anticancer potential and the mechanism of action of a supercritical CO2 extract of mango ginger (CA) in the U-87MG human glioblastoma cell line. CA demonstrated higher cytotoxicity than temozolomide, etoposide, curcumin, and turmeric force with IC50, IC75, and IC90 values of 4.92 μg/mL, 12.87 μg/mL, and 21.30 μg/mL, respectively. Inhibitory concentration values of CA for normal embryonic mouse hypothalamus cell line (mHypoE-N1) is significantly higher than glioblastoma cell line, indicating the specificity of CA against brain tumor cells. CompuSyn analysis indicates that CA acts synergistically with temozolomide and etoposide for the cytotoxicity with combination index values of <1. CA treatment also induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner and downregulates genes associated with apoptosis, cell proliferation, telomerase activity, oncogenesis, and drug resistance in glioblastoma cells. © The Author(s) 2014.

Thermoelectric and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered Cu3SbSe3 and Cu3SbSe4: Promising thermoelectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyagi, Kriti; Gahtori, Bhasker; Bathula, Sivaiah; Toutam, Vijaykumar; Sharma, Sakshi; Singh, Niraj Kumar; Dhar, Ajay

2014-12-01

We report the synthesis of thermoelectric compounds, Cu3SbSe3 and Cu3SbSe4, employing the conventional fusion method followed by spark plasma sintering. Their thermoelectric properties indicated that despite its higher thermal conductivity, Cu3SbSe4 exhibited a much larger value of thermoelectric figure-of-merit as compared to Cu3SbSe3, which is primarily due to its higher electrical conductivity. The thermoelectric compatibility factor of Cu3SbSe4 was found to be ˜1.2 as compared to 0.2 V-1 for Cu3SbSe3 at 550 K. The results of the mechanical properties of these two compounds indicated that their microhardness and fracture toughness values were far superior to the other competing state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials.

Characteristics of a promising new thermoelectric material - Ruthenium silicide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohta, Toshitaka; Vining, Cronin B.; Allevato, Camillo E.

1991-01-01

A preliminary study on arc-melted samples has indicated that ruthenium silicide has the potential to obtain figure-of-merit values four times higher than that of conventional silicon-germanium material. In order to realize the high figure-of-merit values, high-quality crystal from the melt is needed. A Bridgman-like method has been employed and has realized much better crystals than arc-melted ones.

Modeling and Performance Estimation for Airborne Minefield Detection System

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

Difference Vegetation Index ( NDVI ) NDVI is defined as: NDVI = (NIR – RED)/ (NIR + RED...to minimize the effect of variable irradiance levels. NDVI is always bounded between -1 and 1. A higher positive value of NDVI indicates the...lakes, and rivers) which has low reflectance in both NIR as well as visible bands, results in very low positive or slightly negative NDVI values

Distribution of tetraether lipids in agricultural soils - differentiation between paddy and upland management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller-Niggemann, Cornelia; Rahayu Utami, Sri; Marxen, Anika; Mangelsdorf, Kai; Bauersachs, Thorsten; Schwark, Lorenz

2016-03-01

Rice paddies constitute almost a fifth of global cropland and provide more than half of the world's population with staple food. At the same time, they are a major source of methane and therewith significantly contribute to the current warming of Earth's atmosphere. Despite their apparent importance in the cycling of carbon and other elements, however, the microorganisms thriving in rice paddies are insufficiently characterized with respect to their biomolecules. Hardly any information exists on human-induced alteration of biomolecules from natural microbial communities in paddy soils through varying management types (affecting, e.g., soil or water redox conditions, cultivated plants). Here, we determined the influence of different land use types on the distribution of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs), which serve as molecular indicators for microbial community structures, in rice paddy (periodically flooded) and adjacent upland (non-flooded) soils and, for further comparison, forest, bushland and marsh soils. To differentiate local effects on GDGT distribution patterns, we collected soil samples in locations from tropical (Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines) and subtropical (China and Italy) sites. We found that differences in the distribution of isoprenoid GDGTs (iGDGTs) as well as of branched GDGTs (brGDGTs) are predominantly controlled by management type and only secondarily by climatic exposition. In general, upland soil had higher crenarchaeol contents than paddy soil, which by contrast was more enriched in GDGT-0. The GDGT-0 / crenarchaeol ratio, indicating the enhanced presence of methanogenic archaea, was 3-27 times higher in paddy soils compared to other soils and increased with the number of rice cultivation cycles per year. The index of tetraethers consisting of 86 carbons (TEX86) values were 1.3 times higher in upland, bushland and forest soils than in paddy soils, potentially due to differences in soil temperature. In all soils brGDGT predominated over iGDGTs with the relative abundance of brGDGTs increasing from subtropical to tropical soils. Higher branched vs. isoprenoid tetraether (BIT) values in paddy soils compared to upland soils together with higher BIT values in soils from subtropical climates indicated effects on the amounts of brGDGT induced by differences in management as well as climate. In acidic soils cyclization ratio of branched tetraethers (CBT) values correlated well with soil pH. In neutral to alkaline soils, however, no correlation but an offset in CBT between paddy and upland managed soils was detected. This is interpreted as indicating soil moisture exerting an additional control on the CBT in these soils. Lower modified methylation index of branched tetraether (MBT') values and temperatures calculated from this (TMC) in paddy soils compared to upland soils are attributed to a management-induced (e.g. enhanced soil moisture via flooding) effect on mean annual soil temperature (MST).

Properties of duck meat sausages supplemented with cereal flours.

PubMed

Yang, H S; Ali, M S; Jeong, J Y; Moon, S H; Hwang, Y H; Park, G B; Joo, S T

2009-07-01

Duck meat sausages were prepared using 10% beef fat (FDS) and 10% hydrated cereal flours including rice (RDS), wheat, corn, millet, and barley to replace fat. Control duck sausages (DS) were also prepared only with duck meat and duck meat plus 10% beef fat. Results showed that protein and fat contents significantly decreased and total expressible fluid reduced with the addition of cereal flours in duck sausage batters. The FDS had higher fat content and lower pH compared with others. Duck sausages with 10% supplemented wheat flour showed the lowest cooking loss among sausages and had similar redness and chroma values to FDS and DS. Texture analysis indicated that hardness of duck sausage significantly decreased when cereal flours and beef fat were added. In particular, RDS showed the lowest values for all texture measurements compared with others. Result of moisture absorption capacity suggested that the decrease in hardness in RDS was due to higher moisture retention for rice flour treatment. Sensory evaluation indicated that DS had significantly lower overall acceptability than RDS, due to its off-flavor, whereas RDS had higher overall acceptability than DS.

Spectrophotometric Measurement of Minimal Erythema Dose Sites after Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototesting: Clinical Implication of Spetrophotometric Values in Phototherapy

PubMed Central

Jeon, Su-Young; Lee, Chae-Young; Song, Ki-Hoon

2014-01-01

Background The spectrophotometer is well known to be a useful tool for estimating the objective minimal erythema dose (MED) during planning of phototherapy protocol. However, only a few spectrophotometric values are used to evaluate the erythema and pigmentation of the MED site during phototesting. Objective To determinea new meaning of the relationships among spectrophotometric values during phototesting. Methods Twenty-five patients with psoriasis and 23 patients with vitiligo were selected before undergoing narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. We interpreted the gross findings of erythema and measured the L*a*b* values using a spectrophotometer at each phototest spot. We compared MEDs, basic spectrophotometric values (L*a*b*), and b*/L* values separately according to skin type, and determined the correlation of each spectrophotometric value and the correlation between a* and b*/L* values. Results Among L*a*b* values, only b* values showed a statistically significant difference between the type III and IV groups (p=0.003). There was a positive correlation only between MEDs and b* values (p<0.05). The average b*/L*value in the type IV group was significantly higher than the type III group (p<0.05). Conclusion The higher b* values in type IV skin indicates that skin tanning develops more prominently than type III. The correlation between MEDs and b* values may signify that the skin pigmentation status is deepened with the higher MEDs. The difference in b*/L*values between type III and IV skin reflects that the b*/L*value is thought to be an index of tanning. The a* value, known as an index of erythema, does not influence the degree of tanning. PMID:24648682

The impact of culture and employee-focused criteria on productivity: A structural equation modelling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ab Hamid, Mohd Rashid; Mustafa, Zainol; Mohd Suradi, Nur Riza; Idris, Fazli; Abdullah, Mokhtar

2013-04-01

Culture and employee-focused criteria are important factors for the success of any organization. These factors have to be aligned with the productivity initiatives in the organization in order to gear ahead for excellence. Therefore, this article investigated the impact of culture and employee-focused criteria on productivity in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia using intangible indicators through core values. The hypothesized relationship was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the PLS estimation technique. 429 questionnaires were returned from the target population. The results of the modelling revealed that the PLS estimation confirmed all the hypotheses tested as in the hypothesized model. The results generally support significant relationships between culture values, employee-focused values and productivity-focused values. The study also confirmed the mediating role of employee-focused values for the relationship between culture values and productivity-focused values. In conclusion, the empirically validated results supported the adequacy of the hypothezised model of the impact of culture and employee-focused criteria on productivity in HEI through value-based indicators.

Stable isotopes reveal rail-associated behavior in a threatened carnivore.

PubMed

Hopkins, John B; Whittington, Jesse; Clevenger, Anthony P; Sawaya, Michael A; St Clair, Colleen Cassady

2014-01-01

Human-wildlife conflict is a leading cause of adult mortality for large carnivores worldwide. Train collision is the primary cause of mortality for threatened grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in Banff National Park. We investigated the use of stable isotope analysis as a tool for identifying bears that use the railway in Banff. Rail-associated bears had higher δ(15)N and δ(34)S values than bears sampled away from the rail, but similar δ(13)C values. Because elevated δ(15)N values are indicative of higher animal protein consumption, rail-associated bears likely preyed on ungulates that foraged along the rail or scavenged on train-killed animals. The higher δ(34)S values in bear hair could have resulted from bears consuming sulfur pellets spilled on the rail or through the uptake of sulfur in the plants bears or animals consumed. Similar δ(13)C values suggest that the two types of bears had generally similar plant-based diets. Results from this study suggest that stable isotopes analysis could be used as a non-invasive, affordable, and efficient technique to identify and monitor bears that forage on the railway in Banff and potentially other transportation corridors worldwide.

Stable isotopes reveal rail-associated behavior in a threatened carnivore

PubMed Central

Hopkins, John B.; Whittington, Jesse; Clevenger, Anthony P.; Sawaya, Michael A.; St. Clair, Colleen Cassady

2014-01-01

Human–wildlife conflict is a leading cause of adult mortality for large carnivores worldwide. Train collision is the primary cause of mortality for threatened grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in Banff National Park. We investigated the use of stable isotope analysis as a tool for identifying bears that use the railway in Banff. Rail-associated bears had higher δ15N and δ34S values than bears sampled away from the rail, but similar δ13C values. Because elevated δ15N values are indicative of higher animal protein consumption, rail-associated bears likely preyed on ungulates that foraged along the rail or scavenged on train-killed animals. The higher δ34S values in bear hair could have resulted from bears consuming sulfur pellets spilled on the rail or through the uptake of sulfur in the plants bears or animals consumed. Similar δ13C values suggest that the two types of bears had generally similar plant-based diets. Results from this study suggest that stable isotopes analysis could be used as a non-invasive, affordable, and efficient technique to identify and monitor bears that forage on the railway in Banff and potentially other transportation corridors worldwide. PMID:24936982

Correlation of Respiratory Activity of Contralateral Diaphragm Muscles for Evaluation of Recovery Following Hemiparesis

PubMed Central

Dow, Douglas E.; Zhan, Wen-Zhi; Sieck, Gary C.; Mantilla, Carlos B.

2014-01-01

Respiration is impaired by disruption of the central drive for inspiration to the diaphragm muscle (DIAm). Some function may recover involving nerve regeneration, reinnervation or neuroplasticity. A research animal model involves inducing hemiparesis of the DIAm and monitoring any recovery under different conditions. Methods to accurately track the level of functional recovery are needed. In this study, an algorithm was developed and tested to quantify the relative amount of electromyogram (EMG) activity that temporally correlated for an experimental (EXP) hemi-DIAm with its intact contralateral hemi-DIAm. An average rectified value (ARV) trace was calculated. A template was formed of the ARV trace of the intact hemi-DIAm, with higher positive values corresponding with periods of inspirations and lower negative values corresponding with quiet periods. This template was multiplied by the EXP ARV trace to reward (more positive) periods of correlating activity, and punish (more negative) periods of high activity on the EXP side that corresponded with quiet periods on the intact side. The average integrated value was the index of correlating contralateral activity (ICCA). A negative ICCA value indicated no net correlation of activity, and a positive value indicated a net correlation of activity. The algorithm was tested on rats having the conditions of control or hemi-paresis induced by denervatation (DNV), tetrodotoxin administration (TTX) or cervical spinal hemi-section (SH). Control had high positive ICCA values, and DNV had negative values. TTX maintained negative ICCA values at 3, 7 and 14 days, indicating a lack of functional recovery. SH maintained negative values at 3 and 7 days, but a subset had positive values at 14 days indicating some functional recovery. PMID:19965125

Environmental variables across Pan troglodytes study sites correspond with the carbon, but not the nitrogen, stable isotope ratios of chimpanzee hair.

PubMed

Schoeninger, Margaret J; Most, Corinna A; Moore, Jim J; Somerville, Andrew D

2016-10-01

Diet influences the stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen (δ(13) C and δ(15) N values) in animal tissue; but here we explore the influences of particular aspects of the local environment on those values in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). In this article we present new δ(13) C and δ(15) N values in Gombe chimpanzees using hairs collected from night nests in 1989. Then, we explore the influence of environmental factors by comparing our Gombe data to those from eight additional Pan study sites with previously published stable isotope data. We compare chimpanzee δ(13) Chair and δ(15) Nhar values to specific characteristics of local site ecology (biome and ecoregion) and to local Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) to test hypotheses based on known effects of these variables on the δ(13) C and δ(15) N values in plant tissues. The comparison shows that hair from chimpanzees living in savanna sites with lower MAP have higher δ(13) Chair values than do chimpanzees living in woodland and forested sites with higher MAP. These results demonstrate the potential of using δ(13) C values in primate tissue to indicate aspects of their local ecology in cases where the ecology is uncertain, such as samples collected early in the last century and in fossil hominins. In contrast to expectations, however, chimpanzee δ(15) Nhair values from some savanna sites with lower MAP are lower, not higher, than those living in more forested areas with higher MAP. It is likely that diet selectivity by chimpanzees affects δ(15) Nhair values to a greater extent than does the influence of precipitation on plants. Am. J. Primatol. 78:1055-1069, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How morphometric characteristics affect flow accumulation values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farek, Vladimir

2014-05-01

Remote sensing methods (like aerial based LIDAR recording, land-use recording etc.) become continually more available and accurate. On the other hand in-situ surveying is still expensive. Above all in small, anthropogenically uninfluenced catchments, with poor, or non-existing surveying network could be remote sensing methods extremely useful. Overland flow accumulation (FA) values belong to important indicators of higher flash floods or soil erosion exposure. This value gives the number of cells of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) grid, which are drained to each point of the catchment. This contribution deals with relations between basic geomorphological and morphometric characteristics (like hypsometric integral, Melton index of subcatchment etc.) and FA values. These relations are studied in the rocky sandstone landscapes of National park Ceské Svycarsko with the particular occurrence of broken relief. All calculations are based on high-resolution LIDAR DEM named Genesis created by TU Dresden. The main computational platform is GIS GRASS . The goal of the conference paper is to submit a quick method or indicators to estimate small particular subcatchments threatened by higher flash floods or soil erosion risks, without the necessity of using sophisticated rainfall-runoff models. There is a possibility to split catchments easily to small subcatchments (or use existing disjunction), compute basic characteristics and (with knowledge of links between this characteristics and FA values) identify, which particular subcatchment is potentially threatened by flash floods or soil erosion.

Thermodynamic parameters of U (VI) sorption onto soils in aquatic systems.

PubMed

Kumar, Ajay; Rout, Sabyasachi; Ghosh, Malay; Singhal, Rakesh Kumar; Ravi, Pazhayath Mana

2013-01-01

The thermodynamic parameters viz. the standard free energy (∆Gº), Standard enthalpy change (∆Hº) and standard entropy change (∆Sº) were determined using the obtained values of distribution coefficient (kd) of U (VI) in two different types of soils (agricultural and undisturbed) by conducting a batch equilibrium experiment with aqueous media (groundwater and deionised water) at two different temperatures 25°C and 50°C. The obtained distribution coefficients (kd) values of U for undisturbed soil in groundwater showed about 75% higher than in agricultural soil at 25°C while in deionised water, these values were highly insignificant for both soils indicating that groundwater was observed to be more favorable for high surface sorption. At 50°C, the increased kd values in both soils revealed that solubility of U decreased with increasing temperature. Batch adsorption results indicated that U sorption onto soils was promoted at higher temperature and an endothermic and spontaneous interfacial process. The high positive values of ∆Sº for agricultural soil suggested a decrease in sorption capacity of U in that soil due to increased randomness at solid-solution interface. The low sorption onto agricultural soil may be due to presence of high amount of coarse particles in the form of sand (56%). Geochemical modeling predicted that mixed hydroxo-carbonato complexes of uranium were the most stable and abundant complexes in equilibrium solution during experimental.

Physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater in and around Surat City (India).

PubMed

Raval, Viral H; Malik, G M

2010-10-01

Groundwater samples were collected from different locations of Surat city, Gujarat (India). These samples from 32 locations of Surat city were analysed for their physico-chemical characteristics involving pH, colour, odour, hardness, chloride, alkalinity, COD, sulfate, TDS, SS, iron, Cu, boron, chromium, temperature and Langelier Saturation Index. On comparing the results against drinking water quality standards laid by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and World Health Organization (WHO), it is found that most of the water samples are non-potable. Most of the samples indicated Total Alkalinity, Hardness, Chloride and TDS values much higher than the permissible level stipulated by ICMR and WHO. Even at some places Langelier Saturation Index values found higher too. The high values of these parameters may have health implications and therefore these need attention.

Geostatistics as a tool to improve the natural background level definition: An application in groundwater.

PubMed

Dalla Libera, Nico; Fabbri, Paolo; Mason, Leonardo; Piccinini, Leonardo; Pola, Marco

2017-11-15

The Natural Background Level (NBL), suggested by UE BRIDGE project, is suited for spatially distributed datasets providing a regional value that could be higher than the Threshold Value (TV) set by every country. In hydro-geochemically dis-homogeneous areas, the use of a unique regional NBL, higher than TV, could arise problems to distinguish between natural occurrences and anthropogenic contaminant sources. Hence, the goal of this study is to improve the NBL definition employing a geostatistical approach, which reconstructs the contaminant spatial structure accounting geochemical and hydrogeological relationships. This integrated mapping is fundamental to evaluate the contaminant's distribution impact on the NBL, giving indications to improve it. We decided to test this method on the Drainage Basin of Venice Lagoon (DBVL, NE Italy), where the existing NBL is seven times higher than the TV. This area is notoriously affected by naturally occurring arsenic contamination. An available geochemical dataset collected by 50 piezometers was used to reconstruct the spatial distribution of arsenic in the densely populated area of the DBVL. A cokriging approach was applied exploiting the geochemical relationships among As, Fe and NH4+. The obtained spatial predictions of arsenic concentrations were divided into three different zones: i) areas with an As concentration lower than the TV, ii) areas with an As concentration between the TV and the median of the values higher than the TV, and iii) areas with an As concentration higher than the median. Following the BRIDGE suggestions, where enough samples were available, the 90th percentile for each zone was calculated to obtain a local NBL (LNBL). Differently from the original NBL, this local value gives more detailed water quality information accounting the hydrogeological and geochemical setting, and contaminant spatial variation. Hence, the LNBL could give more indications about the distinction between natural occurrence and anthropogenic contamination. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of an integrated indicator system to assess the impacts of reclamation engineering on a river estuary.

PubMed

Xu, Yan; Cai, Yanpeng; Sun, Tao; Yin, Xin'An; Tan, Qian

2017-06-30

An integrated indicator system was developed for determining synthetic environmental responses under multiple types of coastal reclamation engineering in the Yellow River estuary, China. Four types of coastal engineering works were analyzed, namely port construction, petroleum exploitation, fishery and aquaculture, and seawall defense. In addition, two areas with limited human disturbances were considered for comparison. From the weights of the response value for each indicator, port construction was determined to be the primary impact contributor among the four engineering works studies. Specifically, hydrodynamic conditions, ecological status, economic costs, and engineering intensity were on average 72.78%, 65.03%, 75.03%, and 66.35% higher than those of other engineering types. Furthermore, fishery and aquaculture impact on water quality was 42.51% higher than that of other engineering types, whereas seawall defense impact on landscape variation was 51.75% higher than that of other engineering types. The proposed indicator system may provide effective coastal management in future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Definition of a temporal distribution index for high temporal resolution precipitation data over Peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands: the fractal dimension; and its synoptic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meseguer-Ruiz, Oliver; Osborn, Timothy J.; Sarricolea, Pablo; Jones, Philip D.; Cantos, Jorge Olcina; Serrano-Notivoli, Roberto; Martin-Vide, Javier

2018-03-01

Precipitation on the Spanish mainland and in the Balearic archipelago exhibits a high degree of spatial and temporal variability, regardless of the temporal resolution of the data considered. The fractal dimension indicates the property of self-similarity, and in the case of this study, wherein it is applied to the temporal behaviour of rainfall at a fine (10-min) resolution from a total of 48 observatories, it provides insights into its more or less convective nature. The methodology of Jenkinson & Collison which automatically classifies synoptic situations at the surface, as well as an adaptation of this methodology at 500 hPa, was applied in order to gain insights into the synoptic implications of extreme values of the fractal dimension. The highest fractal dimension values in the study area were observed in places with precipitation that has a more random behaviour over time with generally high totals. Four different regions in which the atmospheric mechanisms giving rise to precipitation at the surface differ from the corresponding above-ground mechanisms have been identified in the study area based on the fractal dimension. In the north of the Iberian Peninsula, high fractal dimension values are linked to a lower frequency of anticyclonic situations, whereas the opposite occurs in the central region. In the Mediterranean, higher fractal dimension values are associated with a higher frequency of the anticyclonic type and a lower frequency of the advective type from the east. In the south, lower fractal dimension values indicate higher frequency with respect to the anticyclonic type from the east and lower frequency with respect to the cyclonic type.

[Distribution of Urban Soil Heavy Metal and Pollution Evaluation in Different Functional Zones of Yinchuan City].

PubMed

Wang, You-qi; Bai, Yi-ru; Wang, Jian-yu

2016-02-15

Surface soil samples (0-20 cm) from eight different functional areas in Yinchuan city were collected. There were 10 samples respectively in each functional area. The urban soil heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cu and Cr) pollution characteristics and sources in eight different functional areas were evaluated by mathematical statistics and geostatistical analysis method. Meanwhile, the spatial distributions of heavy metals based on the geography information system (GIS) were plotted. The average values of total Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cu and Cr were 74.87, 0.15, 29.02, 553.55, 40.37 and 80.79 mg x kg(-1), respectively. The results showed that the average value of soil heavy metals was higher than the soil background value of Ningxia, which indicated accumulation of the heavy metals in urban soil. The single factor pollution index of soil heavy metals was in the sequence of Cu > Pb > Zn > Cr > Cd > Mn. The average values of total Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr were higher in north east, south west and central city, while the average values of Mn and Cu were higher in north east and central city. There was moderate pollution in road and industrial area of Yinchuan, while the other functional areas showed slight pollution according to Nemoro synthesis index. The pollution degree of different functional areas was as follows: road > industrial area > business district > medical treatment area > residential area > public park > development zone > science and education area. The results indicated that the soil heavy metal pollution condition in Yinchuan City has been affected by human activities with the development of economy.

Plutonium, curium, and other radionuclide uptake by the rice plant from a naturally weathered, contaminated soil

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

Adriano, D.C.; McLeod, K.W.; Ciravolo, T.G.

1981-07-01

A greenhouse study using three United States rice varieties (Belle Patna, Nato, and Starbonnet) varying in maturity period and a widely used Asian variety (IR-1561) indicates that, with the exception of /sup 137/Cs, no significant differences were obtained among varieties in the foliage uptake of selected gamma-emitters. On the average, /sup 137/Cs and /sup 40/K were translocated less to the grain than to the foliage. The concentration ratio (CR) values for the gamma-emitters, with the exception of /sup 40/K, were approximately one order of magnitude higher than those for subterranean crops grown in experimental plots adjacent to a chemical separationsmore » facility at the Savannah River Plant. The CR values for /sup 238/Pu and /sup 244/Cm are within the range of values published in the open literature. The CR values for /sup 239/ /sup 240/Pu, however, were higher than the normally reported values for plants grown in nonamended soils.« less

A method to assess the influence of individual player performance distribution on match outcome in team sports.

PubMed

Robertson, Sam; Gupta, Ritu; McIntosh, Sam

2016-10-01

This study developed a method to determine whether the distribution of individual player performances can be modelled to explain match outcome in team sports, using Australian Rules football as an example. Player-recorded values (converted to a percentage of team total) in 11 commonly reported performance indicators were obtained for all regular season matches played during the 2014 Australian Football League season, with team totals also recorded. Multiple features relating to heuristically determined percentiles for each performance indicator were then extracted for each team and match, along with the outcome (win/loss). A generalised estimating equation model comprising eight key features was developed, explaining match outcome at a median accuracy of 63.9% under 10-fold cross-validation. Lower 75th, 90th and 95th percentile values for team goals and higher 25th and 50th percentile values for disposals were linked with winning. Lower 95th and higher 25th percentile values for Inside 50s and Marks, respectively, were also important contributors. These results provide evidence supporting team strategies which aim to obtain an even spread of goal scorers in Australian Rules football. The method developed in this investigation could be used to quantify the importance of individual contributions to overall team performance in team sports.

Cyclophosphamide-induced in vivo sister chromatid exchange in Mus Musculus. II: Effect of age and genotype on sister chromatid exchange, micronuclei and metaphase index.

PubMed

Reimer, D L; Singh, S M

1983-01-01

In vivo cyclophosphamide-induced sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) micronuclei, and metaphase indices were assessed in two age groups (10.8 +/- 0.9 weeks' an 33.1 +/- 1.3 weeks' old) of female mice from three genetic strains (C3H/S, C57BL/6J, and Balb/c). In general, older animals showed diminished SCE induction over their younger counterparts. The relative difference between individuals of the two ages is strain-dependent. Unlike C57BL/6J and Balb/c, strain C3H/S showed significantly lower SCE values in the older animals at every cyclophosphamide treatment. It may reflect on the possible involvement of genetic determinant(s) for the component(s) of SCE formation during aging. Frequencies of micronuclei, however, were consistently higher in older animals than in their younger counterparts. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of cyclophosphamide, as reflected in metaphase indices, was also higher in older animals. Lower metaphase indices associated with higher micronuclei levels in older individuals may suggest a decline in the rate of cellular replication in these animals. Furthermore, the lower metaphase indices associated with lower SCE values, and increasing micronuclei levels accompanied by decreasing SCE frequencies in older animals, may reflect reduced DNA repair ability during aging. These results support the hypothesis of genotype-dependent decline in the rate of DNA repair and replication during aging, particularly under stressed conditions.

Paleohydrology and paleochemistry of Lake Manitoba, Canada: the isotope and ostracode records

USGS Publications Warehouse

Last, W.M.; Teller, J.T.; Forester, R.M.

1994-01-01

Lake Manitoba, the largest lake in the Prairie region of North America, contains a fine-grained sequence of late Pleistocene and Holocene sediment that documents a complex postglacial history. This record indicates that differential isostatic rebound and changing climate have interacted with varying drainage basin size and hydrologic budget to create significant variations in lake level and limnological conditions. During the initial depositional period in the basin, the Lake Agassiz phase (???12-9 ka), ??18O of ostracodes ranged from -16??? to -5??? (PDB), implying the lake was variously dominated by cold, dilute glacial meltwater and warm to cold, slightly saline water. Candona subtriangulata, which prefers cold, dilute water, dominates the most negative ??18O intervals, when the basin was part of proglacial Lake Agassiz. At times during this early phase, the ??18O of the lake abruptly shifted to higher values; euryhaline taxa such as C. rawsoni or Limnocythere ceriotuberosa, and halobiont taxa such as L. staplini or L. sappaensis are dominant in these intervals. This positive covariance of isotope and ostracode records implies that the lake level episodically fell, isolating the Lake Manitoba basin from the main glacial lake. ??18O values from inorganic endogenic Mg-calcite in the post-Agassiz phase of Lake Manitoba trend from -4??? at 8 ka to -11??? at 4.5 ka. We interpret that this trend indicates a gradually increasing influence of isotopically low (-20??? SMOW) Paleozoic groundwater inflow, although periods of increased evaporation during this time may account for zones of less negative isotopic values. The ??18O of this inorganic calcite abruptly shifts to higher values (-6???) after ???4.5 ka due to the combined effects of increased evaporative enrichment in a closed basin lake and the increased contribution of isotopically high surface water inflow on the hydrologic budget. After ???2 ka, the ??18O of the Mg-calcite fluctuates between -13??? and -7???, implying short-term variability in the lake's hydrologic budget, with values indicating the lake varied from outflow-dominated to evaporation-dominated. The ??13C values of Mg-calcite remain nearly constant from 8 to 4.5 ka and then trend to higher values upward in the section. This pattern suggests primary productivity in the lake was initially constant but gradually increased after 4.5 ka. ?? 1994 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

The impact of Chinese cultural values on Taiwan nursing leadership styles: comparing the self-assessments of staff nurses and head nurses.

PubMed

Chang, Yuanmay

2008-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Chinese culture on nursing leadership behavior in Taiwan nurses. A descriptive study compared staff nurses' assessment of Chinese value in the leadership behavior of their head nurses. Data analysis was made on a convenience sample in Taiwan of 214 head nurses and 2,127 staff nurses who had worked with their head nurse for at least one year. Six medical centers and regional hospitals in northern (Taipei), central (Taichung) and southern (Kaohsiung) Taiwan were recruited for this study. Instruments included the demographic questionnaire, Chinese Value Survey, and Kang's Chinese Leadership Behaviors Module Scale. Results indicated that head nurses scored significantly higher than staff nurses in terms of all cultural values and leadership behaviors. Both staff nurses and head nurses scored the highest mean scores in personal integrity (Yi) and human connectedness (Ren) and the lowest in moral discipline (Li). Staff nurse perceptions of leadership behavior indicated the role of parent to be higher than either the role of director or mentor. Head nurses perceptions of leadership behavior emphasized the role of the director more than either parent or mentor. There were no significant differences between the staff nurses and head nurses in terms of expectative leadership behavior, which gave the role of director higher mean scores than those of either the parent or mentor. Positive and significant associations (r = .266 to r = .334) were found between cultural values and perceptions of leadership behavior. Cultural values predicted 10.6% of leadership behavior variance. The three demographic characteristics of location in northern Taiwan (beta = .09), intention to leave (beta = -.14), and general unit (beta = .10) and the two cultural values of human connectedness (Ren) (beta = .16) and personal integrity (Yi) (beta = .16) together reported a cumulative R2 of 14.6% to explain variance in leadership behavior perceptions. Results of this study identified the important cultural values "Ren" and "Yi". Managers and administrators could add the consideration of such cultural values into nursing leadership to enhance the organization in which Taiwan nurses work.

Evaluation of biological stability and corrosion potential in drinking water distribution systems: a case study.

PubMed

Chien, C C; Kao, C M; Chen, C W; Dong, C D; Chien, H Y

2009-06-01

The appearance of assimilable organic carbon (AOC), microbial regrowth, disinfection by-products (DBPs), and pipe corrosion in drinking water distribution systems are among those major safe drinking water issues in many countries. The water distribution system of Cheng-Ching Lake Water Treatment Plant (CCLWTP) was selected in this study to evaluate the: (1) fate and transport of AOC, DBPs [e.g., trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs)], and other organic carbon indicators in the selected distribution system, (2) correlations between AOC (or DBPs) and major water quality parameters [e.g. dissolved oxygen (DO), free residual chlorine, and bacteria, and (3) causes and significance of corrosion problems of the water pipes in this system. In this study, seasonal water samples were collected from 13 representative locations in the distribution system for analyses of AOC, DBPs, and other water quality indicators. Results indicate that residual free chlorine concentrations in the distribution system met the drinking water standards (0.2 to 1 mg l(-1)) established by Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (TEPA). Results show that AOC measurements correlated positively with total organic carbon (TOC) and UV-254 (an organic indicator) values in this system. Moreover, AOC concentrations at some locations were higher than the 50 microg acetate-C l(-1) standard established by Taiwan Water Company. This indicates that the microbial regrowth might be a potential water quality problem in this system. Higher DO measurements (>5.7 mg l(-1)) might cause the aerobic biodegradation of THMs and HAAs in the system, and thus, low THMs (<0.035 mg l(-1)) and HAAs (<0.019 mg l(-1)) concentrations were observed at all sampling locations. Results from the observed negative Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) values, higher Ryznar Stability Index (RSI) values, and high Fe3+ concentrations at some pipe-end locations indicate that highly oxidative and corrosive conditions occurred. This reveals that pipe replacement should be considered at these locations. These findings would be helpful in managing the water distribution system for maintaining a safe drinking water quality.

A pilot DTI analysis in patients with recent onset post-traumatic stress disorder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Li, Liang; Li, Baojuan; Zhang, Xi; Lu, Hongbing

2016-03-01

To explore the alteration in white matter between survivors with recent onset post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and without PTSD, who survived from the same coal mine flood disaster, the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequences were analyzed using DTI studio and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) packages in this paper. From DTI sequence, the fractional anisotropy (FA) value describes the degree of anisotropy of a diffusion process, while the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value reflects the magnitude of water diffusion. The DTI analyses between PTSD and non-PTSD indicate lower FA values in the right caudate nucleus, right middle temporal gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, and right superior temporal gyrus, and higher ADC values in the right superior temporal gyrus and right corpus callosum of the subjects with PTSD. These results are partly in line with our previous volume and cortical thickness analyses, indicating the importance of multi-modality analysis for PTSD.

Vesta surface thermal properties map

USGS Publications Warehouse

Capria, Maria Teresa; Tosi, F.; De Santis, Maria Cristina; Capaccioni, F.; Ammannito, E.; Frigeri, A.; Zambon, F; Fonte, S.; Palomba, E.; Turrini, D.; Titus, T.N.; Schroder, S.E.; Toplis, M.J.; Liu, J.Y.; Combe, J.-P.; Raymond, C.A.; Russell, C.T.

2014-01-01

The first ever regional thermal properties map of Vesta has been derived from the temperatures retrieved by infrared data by the mission Dawn. The low average value of thermal inertia, 30 ± 10 J m−2 s−0.5 K−1, indicates a surface covered by a fine regolith. A range of thermal inertia values suggesting terrains with different physical properties has been determined. The lower thermal inertia of the regions north of the equator suggests that they are covered by an older, more processed surface. A few specific areas have higher than average thermal inertia values, indicative of a more compact material. The highest thermal inertia value has been determined on the Marcia crater, known for its pitted terrain and the presence of hydroxyl in the ejecta. Our results suggest that this type of terrain can be the result of soil compaction following the degassing of a local subsurface reservoir of volatiles.

Modelling drought-related yield losses in Iberia using remote sensing and multiscalar indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Andreia F. S.; Russo, Ana; Gouveia, Célia M.; Páscoa, Patrícia

2018-04-01

The response of two rainfed winter cereal yields (wheat and barley) to drought conditions in the Iberian Peninsula (IP) was investigated for a long period (1986-2012). Drought hazard was evaluated based on the multiscalar Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and three remote sensing indices, namely the Vegetation Condition (VCI), the Temperature Condition (TCI), and the Vegetation Health (VHI) Indices. A correlation analysis between the yield and the drought indicators was conducted, and multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were established to estimate yield at the regional level. The correlation values suggested that yield reduces with moisture depletion (low values of VCI) during early-spring and with too high temperatures (low values of TCI) close to the harvest time. Generally, all drought indicators displayed greatest influence during the plant stages in which the crop is photosynthetically more active (spring and summer), rather than the earlier moments of plants life cycle (autumn/winter). Our results suggested that SPEI is more relevant in the southern sector of the IP, while remote sensing indices are rather good in estimating cereal yield in the northern sector of the IP. The strength of the statistical relationships found by MLR and ANN methods is quite similar, with some improvements found by the ANN. A great number of true positives (hits) of occurrence of yield-losses exhibiting hit rate (HR) values higher than 69% was obtained.

New anthropometric indices or old ones: which perform better in estimating cardiovascular risks in Chinese adults.

PubMed

Wang, Fei; Chen, Yintao; Chang, Ye; Sun, Guozhe; Sun, Yingxian

2018-01-30

Various anthropometric indices can be used to estimate obesity, and it is important to determine which one is the best in predicting the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to define the optimal cut-off point for the best index. This cross-sectional study investigated a consecutive sample of 11,247 adults, who had lived in rural areas of China and were older than 35 years of age. Eight obesity indices, including the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), abdominal volume index (AVI), body adiposity index (BAI), body roundness index (BRI) and a body shape index (ABSI) were investigated. The risk of CHD was evaluated by the 10-year coronary event risk (Framingham risk score). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the obesity indices for CHD risk. Of the whole population, 3636 (32.32%) participants had a risk score higher than 10%. Those who suffered medium or high CHD risk were more likely to have higher mean anthropometric indices, except for BMI in males. In the multivariate-adjusted logistic regression, all these anthropometric measurements were statistically associated with CHD risk in males. After adjusting for all the possible confounders, these anthropometric measurements, except for ABSI, remained as independent indicators of CHD risk in females. According to the ROC analyses, ABSI provided the largest area under the curve (AUC) value in males, and BMI showed the lowest AUC value, with AUC varying from 0.52 to 0.60. WHtR and BRI provided the largest AUC value in female, and similarly, BMI showed the lowest AUC value, with AUC varying from 0.59 to 0.70. The optimal cut-off values were as follows: WHtR (females: 0.54), BRI (females: 4.21), and ABSI (males: 0.078). ABSI was the best anthropometric index for estimating CHD risk in males, and WHtR and BRI were the best indicators in females. Males should maintain an ABSI of less than 0.078, and females should maintain a WHtR of less than 0.54 or a BRI of less than 4.21.

[Effect of acetylation and oxidation on some properties of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) seed starch].

PubMed

Rincón, Alicia Mariela; Bou Rached, Lizet; Aragoza, Luis E; Padilla, Fanny

2007-09-01

Starch extracted from seeds of Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit) was chemically modified by acetylation and oxidation, and its functional properties were evaluated and compared with these of native starch. Analysis of the chemical composition showed that moisture content was higher for modified starches. Ash, protein, crude fiber and amylose contents were reduced by the modifications, but did not alter the native starch granules' irregularity, oval shape and smooth surface. Acetylation produced changes in water absorption, swelling power and soluble solids, these values were higher for acetylated starch, while values for native and oxidized starches were similar. Both modifications reduced pasting temperature; oxidation reduced maximum peak viscosity but it was increased by acetylation. Hot paste viscosity was reduced by both modifications, whereas cold paste viscosity was lower in the oxidized starch and higher in the acetylated starch. Breakdown was increased by acetylation and reduced with oxidation. Setback value was reduced after acetylation, indicating it could minimize retrogradation of the starch.

Matches and mismatches between conservation investments and biodiversity values in the European Union.

PubMed

Sánchez-Fernández, David; Abellán, Pedro; Aragón, Pedro; Varela, Sara; Cabeza, Mar

2018-02-01

Recently, the European Commission adopted a new strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity. Member states are expected to favor a more effective collection and redistribution of European Union (EU) funds under the current Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020. Because of the large spatial variation in the distribution of biodiversity and conservation needs at the continental scale, EU instruments should ensure that countries with higher biodiversity values get more funds and resources for the conservation than other countries. Using linear regressions, we assessed the association between conservation investments and biodiversity values across member states, accounting for a variety of conservation investment indicators, taxonomic groups (including groups of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates), and indicators of biodiversity value. In general, we found clear overall associations between conservation investments and biodiversity variables. However, some countries received more or less investment than would be expected based on biodiversity values in those countries. We also found that the extensive use of birds as unique indicators of conservation effectiveness may lead to biased decisions. Our results can inform future decisions regarding funding allocation and thus improve distribution of EU conservation funds. © 2017 Society for Conservation Biology.

The effect and value of a WebQuest activity on weather in a 5th grade classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliver, Deborah

WebQuests are increasing in popularity across the country, yet it remains unclear whether WebQuests confer a significant benefit in student content learning. In addition, the perceptions of teachers regarding the classroom value and efficacy of WebQuests in teaching higher level thinking skills are still unclear. The goals of the study were (a) to determine the effect of WebQuests on elementary students' content area knowledge gains; (b) to investigate teacher perceptions of students' higher order thinking skills while engaged in a WebQuest activity and the value the of the WebQuest, as perceived by teacher. To accomplish the above research goals, a quasi-experimental design was used in this study. The subjects were four teachers and classes at an elementary school in southern California. Results of the study showed that the WebQuest did increase content knowledge in fifth grade students, but not significantly more than traditional teaching as measured by a researcher-modified WebQuest For Teacher Questionnaire (WQFT) (Zheng, Perez, Williamson & Flygare, 2007) and teacher interviews. Teachers responded positively to the value of the WebQuest in their daily teaching. Teachers also indicated that their students engaged in higher level thinking skills while engaged in the WebQuest activity. Keywords: WebQuest, higher level thinking, learning

Bon-EV: an improved multiple testing procedure for controlling false discovery rates.

PubMed

Li, Dongmei; Xie, Zidian; Zand, Martin; Fogg, Thomas; Dye, Timothy

2017-01-03

Stability of multiple testing procedures, defined as the standard deviation of total number of discoveries, can be used as an indicator of variability of multiple testing procedures. Improving stability of multiple testing procedures can help to increase the consistency of findings from replicated experiments. Benjamini-Hochberg's and Storey's q-value procedures are two commonly used multiple testing procedures for controlling false discoveries in genomic studies. Storey's q-value procedure has higher power and lower stability than Benjamini-Hochberg's procedure. To improve upon the stability of Storey's q-value procedure and maintain its high power in genomic data analysis, we propose a new multiple testing procedure, named Bon-EV, to control false discovery rate (FDR) based on Bonferroni's approach. Simulation studies show that our proposed Bon-EV procedure can maintain the high power of the Storey's q-value procedure and also result in better FDR control and higher stability than Storey's q-value procedure for samples of large size(30 in each group) and medium size (15 in each group) for either independent, somewhat correlated, or highly correlated test statistics. When sample size is small (5 in each group), our proposed Bon-EV procedure has performance between the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure and the Storey's q-value procedure. Examples using RNA-Seq data show that the Bon-EV procedure has higher stability than the Storey's q-value procedure while maintaining equivalent power, and higher power than the Benjamini-Hochberg's procedure. For medium or large sample sizes, the Bon-EV procedure has improved FDR control and stability compared with the Storey's q-value procedure and improved power compared with the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. The Bon-EV multiple testing procedure is available as the BonEV package in R for download at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=BonEV .

[Health risk assessment of soil heavy metals in residential communities built on brownfields].

PubMed

Chen, Xing; Ma, Jian-Hua; Li, Xin-Ning; Liu, De-Xin; Li, Yi-Meng

2014-03-01

Nine residential communities which were built on different brownfields in a city of Henan Province were chosen to investigate the health risks of heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, and Pb) in surface soils. Concentrations of soil heavy metals were measured according to the methods described in the national standard. Based on the health risk models recommended by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of soil heavy metals were assessed. The results showed that compared with the original brownfields, the heavy metal concentrations in soils and their health risks in residential communities built on brownfields were significantly improved, and the concentrations and health risks of soil heavy metals in these communities were all higher than those in non-brownfield residential communities. The HQ and HI values of soil heavy metals in all the residential communities were lower than 1, which indicated that there was no non-carcinogenic risk in these communities. Meanwhile, the values of CR and TCR were slightly higher than the standard suggested by the US EPA, indicating that slight carcinogenic risks in the communities, but these values were lower than the lenient standard proposed by some experts. The HI value of the four metals for children was exactly seven times higher than that for adults. The contribution rate of HQ(As) to HI was about 75%, CR(AS) to TCR was about 80%, and therefore arsenic was the crucial factor for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk in the residential communities of the city.

What is The Role of Land Value in The Urban Corridor?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakhmatulloh, A. R.; Buchori, I.; Pradoto, W.; Riyanto, B.; Winarendri, J.

2018-02-01

The high movement causes traffic congestion and indicates high movement intensity along the corridor. The higher attraction of the land use will encourage the higher attraction of movement and economic values in the location. This attraction is also affected by the high mobility in the corridor supported by available transport infrastructure. Thus this causes land values become increase significantly. Land use along the corridor can be seen as commercial function because this activity is able to survive in the premium location. The purpose of this research is to identify the effect of land use change toward land values in the commercial corridor. This research used positivistic method with descriptive analysis. The result shows that the land values change in commercial use in the corridor has different pattern of land use change pattern according to physical condition and land use which causes highly economic attraction. The new commercial land is influenced by the distance to city centre or CBD (Central Business District). Land use and public facilities that have local and city scope services do not give the significant impact to land values change.

Continuous-cyclic variations in the b-value of the earthquake frequency-magnitude distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Isa, Z. H.

2013-10-01

Seismicity of the Earth ( M ≥ 4.5) was compiled from NEIC, IRIS and ISC catalogues and used to compute b-value based on various time windows. It is found that continuous cyclic b-variations occur on both long and short time scales, the latter being of much higher value and sometimes in excess of 0.7 of the absolute b-value. These variations occur not only yearly or monthly, but also daily. Before the occurrence of large earthquakes, b-values start increasing with variable gradients that are affected by foreshocks. In some cases, the gradient is reduced to zero or to a negative value a few days before the earthquake occurrence. In general, calculated b-values attain maxima 1 day before large earthquakes and minima soon after their occurrence. Both linear regression and maximum likelihood methods give correlatable, but variable results. It is found that an expanding time window technique from a fixed starting point is more effective in the study of b-variations. The calculated b-variations for the whole Earth, its hemispheres, quadrants and the epicentral regions of some large earthquakes are of both local and regional character, which may indicate that in such cases, the geodynamic processes acting within a certain region have a much regional effect within the Earth. The b-variations have long been known to vary with a number of local and regional factors including tectonic stresses. The results reported here indicate that geotectonic stress remains the most significant factor that controls b-variations. It is found that for earthquakes with M w ≥ 7, an increase of about 0.20 in the b-value implies a stress increase that will result in an earthquake with a magnitude one unit higher.

Geographical distribution of the association between El Niño South Oscillation and dengue fever in the Americas: a continental analysis using geographical information system-based techniques.

PubMed

Ferreira, Marcos C

2014-11-01

El Niño South Oscillation (ENSO) is one climatic phenomenon related to the inter-annual variability of global meteorological patterns influencing sea surface temperature and rainfall variability. It influences human health indirectly through extreme temperature and moisture conditions that may accelerate the spread of some vector-borne viral diseases, like dengue fever (DF). This work examines the spatial distribution of association between ENSO and DF in the countries of the Americas during 1995-2004, which includes the 1997-1998 El Niño, one of the most important climatic events of 20(th) century. Data regarding the South Oscillation index (SOI), indicating El Niño-La Niña activity, were obtained from Australian Bureau of Meteorology. The annual DF incidence (AIy) by country was computed using Pan-American Health Association data. SOI and AIy values were standardised as deviations from the mean and plotted in bars-line graphics. The regression coefficient values between SOI and AIy (rSOI,AI) were calculated and spatially interpolated by an inverse distance weighted algorithm. The results indicate that among the five years registering high number of cases (1998, 2002, 2001, 2003 and 1997), four had El Niño activity. In the southern hemisphere, the annual spatial weighted mean centre of epidemics moved southward, from 6° 31' S in 1995 to 21° 12' S in 1999 and the rSOI,AI values were negative in Cuba, Belize, Guyana and Costa Rica, indicating a synchrony between higher DF incidence rates and a higher El Niño activity. The rSOI,AI map allows visualisation of a graded surface with higher values of ENSO-DF associations for Mexico, Central America, northern Caribbean islands and the extreme north-northwest of South America.

Bulk metal concentrations versus total suspended solids in rivers: Time-invariant & catchment-specific relationships.

PubMed

Nasrabadi, Touraj; Ruegner, Hermann; Schwientek, Marc; Bennett, Jeremy; Fazel Valipour, Shahin; Grathwohl, Peter

2018-01-01

Suspended particles in rivers can act as carriers of potentially bioavailable metal species and are thus an emerging area of interest in river system monitoring. The delineation of bulk metals concentrations in river water into dissolved and particulate components is also important for risk assessment. Linear relationships between bulk metal concentrations in water (CW,tot) and total suspended solids (TSS) in water can be used to easily evaluate dissolved (CW, intercept) and particle-bound metal fluxes (CSUS, slope) in streams (CW,tot = CW + CSUS TSS). In this study, we apply this principle to catchments in Iran (Haraz) and Germany (Ammer, Goldersbach, and Steinlach) that show differences in geology, geochemistry, land use and hydrological characteristics. For each catchment, particle-bound and dissolved concentrations for a suite of metals in water were calculated based on linear regressions of total suspended solids and total metal concentrations. Results were replicable across sampling campaigns in different years and seasons (between 2013 and 2016) and could be reproduced in a laboratory sedimentation experiment. CSUS values generally showed little variability in different catchments and agree well with soil background values for some metals (e.g. lead and nickel) while other metals (e.g. copper) indicate anthropogenic influences. CW was elevated in the Haraz (Iran) catchment, indicating higher bioavailability and potential human and ecological health concerns (where higher values of CSUS/CW are considered as a risk indicator).

Bulk metal concentrations versus total suspended solids in rivers: Time-invariant & catchment-specific relationships

PubMed Central

Ruegner, Hermann; Schwientek, Marc; Bennett, Jeremy; Fazel Valipour, Shahin; Grathwohl, Peter

2018-01-01

Suspended particles in rivers can act as carriers of potentially bioavailable metal species and are thus an emerging area of interest in river system monitoring. The delineation of bulk metals concentrations in river water into dissolved and particulate components is also important for risk assessment. Linear relationships between bulk metal concentrations in water (CW,tot) and total suspended solids (TSS) in water can be used to easily evaluate dissolved (CW, intercept) and particle-bound metal fluxes (CSUS, slope) in streams (CW,tot = CW + CSUS TSS). In this study, we apply this principle to catchments in Iran (Haraz) and Germany (Ammer, Goldersbach, and Steinlach) that show differences in geology, geochemistry, land use and hydrological characteristics. For each catchment, particle-bound and dissolved concentrations for a suite of metals in water were calculated based on linear regressions of total suspended solids and total metal concentrations. Results were replicable across sampling campaigns in different years and seasons (between 2013 and 2016) and could be reproduced in a laboratory sedimentation experiment. CSUS values generally showed little variability in different catchments and agree well with soil background values for some metals (e.g. lead and nickel) while other metals (e.g. copper) indicate anthropogenic influences. CW was elevated in the Haraz (Iran) catchment, indicating higher bioavailability and potential human and ecological health concerns (where higher values of CSUS/CW are considered as a risk indicator). PMID:29342204

The influence of urea and nitrate nutrients on the bioavailability and toxicity of nickel to Prorocentrum donghaiense (Dinophyta) and Skeletonema costatum (Bacillariophyta).

PubMed

Huang, Xu-Guang; Lin, Xie-Chang; Li, Shun-Xing; Xu, Song-Li; Liu, Feng-Jiao

2016-12-01

Nitrogen nutrients and nickel(Ni) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, and they are important for primary production of ocean ecosystem. This study examined the interaction of nitrogen nutrients (specifically urea and nitrate) and Ni on chlorophyll (Chl a) concentration and photosynthesis parameters values of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Skeletonema costatum. The data presented here indicate that low concentration of Ni for P. donghaiense and S. costatum can enhance both Chl a concentration and photosynthesis parameters values when grown in urea containing environment. Despite this increase there was also an observed depression in both species tested when incubated in high concentration of Ni for P. donghaiense and S. costatum regardless of incubating in urea or nitrate. Additionally, EC 50 values of Chl a and Fv/Fm for Ni at different time intervals were calculated in this study. These observations indicated that the Ni tolerance was higher in P. donghaiense as compared to S. costatum. The Ni tolerance of P. donghaiense incubated in urea was higher than that incubating in nitrate. The same phenomenon was not observed in S. costatum, which indicated that the influence of urea was dependent on the species investigated. Thus, urea input could impact Ni bioavailability and toxicity, and then affect the biodynamics thereafter. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Large-scale population analysis reveals an extremely low threshold for "non-healthy" alanine aminotransferase that predicts diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Shlomai, Amir; Kariv, Revital; Leshno, Moshe; Beth-or, Anat; Sheinberg, Bracha; Halpern, Zamir

2010-10-01

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly used to detect liver damage. Recent studies indicate that ALT levels at the upper range of normal limits are predictors of adverse outcomes, especially diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to define the ALT threshold for both men and women that may predict the onset of DM. We analyzed a large Health Maintenance Organization cohort of 157 308 healthy subjects with no evidence of liver disease and with baseline ALT levels ≤ 120 U/L, and identified those who developed DM within 6 years. Overall, an elevated baseline serum ALT value was significantly associated with the development of DM, with an odds ratio of 3.3 when comparing the higher and the lower quartiles of the whole study population. A subgroup analysis revealed that baseline ALT values higher than 10 U/L among women and 22 U/L among men were already significantly associated with an increased risk for DM for any increment in ALT level. Notably, ALT values higher than ∼55 U/L were associated with increased risk for DM that was relatively constant for any increment in ALT. Higher baseline ALT levels were stronger predictors for DM as compared with age, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Our study implies that ALT values higher than 10 U/L and 22 U/L for women and men, respectively, may predict DM. We suggest redefining ALT values as either 'normal' or 'healthy', with the later reflecting much lower values, above which an individual is at increased risk for DM. © 2010 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Insulin/IGF and sex hormone axes in human endometrium and associations with endometrial cancer risk factors.

PubMed

Merritt, Melissa A; Strickler, Howard D; Einstein, Mark H; Yang, Hannah P; Sherman, Mark E; Wentzensen, Nicolas; Brouwer-Visser, Jurriaan; Cossio, Maria Jose; Whitney, Kathleen D; Yu, Herbert; Gunter, Marc J; Huang, Gloria S

2016-06-01

Experimental and observational data link insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and estrogens to endometrial tumorigenesis. However, there are limited data regarding insulin/IGF and sex hormone axes protein and gene expression in normal endometrial tissues, and very few studies have examined the impact of endometrial cancer risk factors on endometrial tissue biology. We evaluated endometrial tissues from 77 premenopausal and 30 postmenopausal women who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications and had provided epidemiological data. Endometrial tissue mRNA and protein levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In postmenopausal women, we observed higher levels of phosphorylated IGF-I/insulin receptor (pIGF1R/pIR) in diabetic versus non-diabetic women (p value =0.02), while women who reported regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use versus no use had higher levels of insulin and progesterone receptors (both p values ≤0.03). We also noted differences in pIGF1R/pIR staining with OC use (postmenopausal women only), and the proportion of estrogen receptor-positive tissues varied by the number of live births and PTEN status (premenopausal only) (p values ≤0.04). Compared to premenopausal proliferative phase women, postmenopausal women exhibited lower mRNA levels of IGF1, but higher IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 expression (all p values ≤0.004), and higher protein levels of the receptors for estrogen, insulin, and IGF-I (all p values ≤0.02). Conversely, pIGF1R/pIR levels were higher in premenopausal proliferative phase versus postmenopausal endometrium (p value =0.01). These results highlight links between endometrial cancer risk factors and mechanistic factors that may contribute to early events in the multistage process of endometrial carcinogenesis.

Brief Report: Valued Life Activities and Readiness to Quit Smoking among Mobility Impaired Smokers

PubMed Central

Busch, Andrew M.; Borrelli, Belinda

2011-01-01

Objective People with physical disabilities smoke at a higher rate than their non-disabled peers, with rates as high as 28–40% among non-elderly adults with functional impairments. One possible explanation for these findings is that restriction of valued life activities (social, professional, pleasurable or otherwise meaningful) due to mobility impairment interferes with smoking cessation. Methods Forty-seven smokers (48.9% female; Mage = 48.91) with chronic mobility impairments (i.e., regularly use equipment to ambulate) were interviewed over the telephone. We assessed demographics, self-efficacy to quit smoking, stage of change, current engagement in valued activities, current restriction of valued activities due to physical limitations, and efforts to replace restricted valued activities in a cross sectional design. Results Bivariate results indicate that 74% of those in the preparation stage had satisfactory replacements for their most valued restricted activity, while only 27% in the contemplation stage and 17% in the pre-contemplation stage had such satisfactory replacements. Multinomial ordinal regression analyses revealed that (a) having satisfactory replacements for activities restricted due to physical disability was significantly associated with higher stage of change and (b) more current valued activities and, to a lesser extent, fewer restricted activities were significantly associated with higher levels of self-efficacy to quit smoking. Conclusions These results support the need for the development of treatments for smoking cessation that aim to increase engagement in valued activities, such as Behavioral Activation. PMID:21875204

Relationship between Short-Form Health SF36 Questionnaire and oxygen uptake in healthy workers.

PubMed

Oscar García López, Oscar; Duarte Bedoya, Álvaro; Jiménez Gutiérrez, Alfonso; Burgos Postigo, Silvia

2016-03-01

Physical activity is associated with better health levels, and cardiopulmonary fitness is recognized as one of the best indicators of physical performance, which can be related with some items of quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the QoL and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) of healthy workers, measured with the Short-Form Health Survey SF36 and incremental cardiopulmonary Test. Sample was formed by 250 healthy workers (90 men, mean age 37.25 and 160 female, mean age 37.91). Analyzing the results, VO2's Mean values were higher in men (39.00 mL/kg/min SD 7.56) than in women (29.70 mL/kg/min SD 5.73) with significant differences (P<0.01). We found differences in all dimensions of SF36 indicating that men had higher scores than women, but significant differences between both are present only in physical functioning (PF) (P<0.01). Correlating the values obtained in the domains of Questionnaire SF36 and the Vo2 Max, correlation was significant (positive) in PF (0.276), bodily pain (0.189), general health (0.155), vitality (0.241) and mental health (0.129). Results showed that better cardiorespiratory fitness is related to higher scores in SF36. These findings suggest that if the values of oxygen uptake in healthy workers are higher, results in SF36 will be better. Therefore it can be assumed that having a good fitness means having a better QoL.

[A socio-economic profile of exposed populations to petroleum exploration residues].

PubMed

Corrêa, Gyselle Guimarães; Malhão, Thainá Alves; Asmus, Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Fróes; Coeli, Cláudia Medina

2011-09-01

Environmental Macro-Area Five (EMA-5) is located in Rio de Janeiro. Their municipalities are suffering the consequences of rapid urbanization, especially after the discovery of large reserves of petroleum and natural gas (PNG) in the Campos Basin. To describe the socio-economic profile of the region and compare their indicators in space and time. This is an ecological study, which made comparisons between the 11 municipalities of EMA-5. It is based on the behavior of the indicators before and after the increase in royalties and special participatioms (RPE) and the division of the production areas of PNG (main production area - MPA - and the border zone of MPA, BZMPA). The period of analysis of the indicators ranged from 1991 to 2005. Higher values of gross domestic product per capita were found in the municipalities of MPA, especially Macaé. The same occurred in the RPE per capita, especially Rio das Ostras (higher value) and Nova Friburgo (lower value). In 2004, more than 50% of total revenues of municipalities were dependent on the funds derived from royalties. In 2000, Nova Friburgo had the best Human Development Index. The highest value of the Quality Index of Municipalities Potential for Development was found in Macaé. The major indexes of Social Exclusion was found in Macaé, Nova Friburgo and Rio das Ostras. It was found, in the municipalities of MPA, economic growth with great exclusive reliance on royalties. It should invest in alternative economic activities for which there is no damage to the population with the completion of these resources.

Orthorexia Nervosa in Turkish Dietitians.

PubMed

Asil, Esma; Sürücüoğlu, Metin Saip

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in dietitians, as assessed by administering ORTO-15, Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40) and Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). Our study included 117 dietitians (Ankara). Orto-15 test scores below 40 points was considered indicative of orthorexia, while higher scores indicated a normal eating behavior. It was found that participants with ORTO-15 scores less than 40 had higher scores for EAT-40 and MOCI (p < 0.05). The results showed a significant negative correlation between the ORTO-15 and EAT-40 scores and BMI values. In that respect, further investigation with dietitians into orthorexia nervosa is recommended.

Precipitation isotopes link regional climate patterns to water supply in a tropical mountain forest, eastern Puerto Rico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scholl, Martha A.; Murphy, Sheila F.

2014-01-01

Like many mountainous areas in the tropics, watersheds in the Luquillo Mountains of eastern Puerto Rico have abundant rainfall and stream discharge and provide much of the water supply for the densely populated metropolitan areas nearby. Projected changes in regional temperature and atmospheric dynamics as a result of global warming suggest that water availability will be affected by changes in rainfall patterns. It is essential to understand the relative importance of different weather systems to water supply to determine how changes in rainfall patterns, interacting with geology and vegetation, will affect the water balance. To help determine the links between climate and water availability, stable isotope signatures of precipitation from different weather systems were established to identify those that are most important in maintaining streamflow and groundwater recharge. Precipitation stable isotope values in the Luquillo Mountains had a large range, from fog/cloud water with δ2H, δ18O values as high as +12 ‰, −0.73 ‰ to tropical storm rain with values as low as −127 ‰, −16.8 ‰. Temporal isotope values exhibit a reverse seasonality from those observed in higher latitude continental watersheds, with higher isotopic values in the winter and lower values in the summer. Despite the higher volume of convective and low-pressure system rainfall, stable isotope analyses indicated that under the current rainfall regime, frequent trade -wind orographic showers contribute much of the groundwater recharge and stream base flow. Analysis of rain events using 20 years of 15 -minute resolution data at a mountain station (643 m) showed an increasing trend in rainfall amount, in agreement with increased precipitable water in the atmosphere, but differing from climate model projections of drying in the region. The mean intensity of rain events also showed an increasing trend. The determination of recharge sources from stable isotope tracers indicates that water supply will be affected if regional atmospheric dynamics change trade- wind orographic rainfall patterns in the Caribbean.

Exposure to lower red to far-red light ratios improve tomato tolerance to salt stress.

PubMed

Cao, Kai; Yu, Jie; Xu, Dawei; Ai, Kaiqi; Bao, Encai; Zou, Zhirong

2018-05-24

Red (R) and far-red (FR) light distinctly influence phytochrome-mediated initial tomato growth and development, and more recent evidence indicates that these spectra also modulate responses to a multitude of abiotic and biotic stresses. This research investigated whether different R: FR values affect tomato growth response and salinity tolerance. Tomato seedlings were exposed to different R: FR conditions (7.4, 1.2 and 0.8) under salinity stress (100 mM NaCl), and evaluated for their growth, biochemical changes, active reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS scavenging enzymes, pigments, rate of photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence. The results showed that under conditions of salinity, tomato seedlings subjected to a lower R: FR value (0.8) significantly increased both their growth, proline content, chlorophyll content and net photosynthesis rate (Pn), while they decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the higher R: FR value (7.4). Under conditions of salinity, the lower R: FR value caused a decrease in both the superoxide anion (O 2 •- ) and in hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) generation, an increase in the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) and catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.7). Tomato seedlings grown under the lower R: FR value and conditions of salinity showed a higher actual quantum yield of photosynthesis (ΦPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), and photochemical quenching (qP) than those exposed to a higher R: FR, indicating overall healthier growth. However, the salinity tolerance induced at the lower R: FR condition disappeared in the tomato phyB1 mutant. These results suggest that growing tomato with a lower R: FR value could improve seedlings' salinity tolerance, and phytochrome B1 play an very important role in this process. Therefore, different qualities of light can be used to efficiently develop abiotic stress tolerance in tomato cultivation.

Environmental and Genetic Contributions to Indicators of Oral Malodor in Twins

PubMed Central

Bretz, Walter A.; Biesbrock, A.; Corby, P. M; Corby, A. L.; Bretz, W. G.; Wessel, J.; Schork, N. J.

2011-01-01

This study aimed to: (1) determine concordance rates of self-reported and subjectively determined indicators of oral malodor in twins; (2) determine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in intraoral and exhaled breath. Fifty-one twin pairs participated in the study. Measurements of VSCs were obtained by a halimeter. The presence of tongue coatings was determined and twins filled out a 32-item questionnaire on oral malodor indicators independently of one another. Estimates of heritability (h2) for halimeter measurements were computed by SOLAR. The concordance rates for the presence of tongue coating among identical and fraternal twins were 67% and 11%, respectively. In the 10 most informative items, 70% exhibited higher concordance rates for identical than for fraternal twins. Of particular interest were the differences in concordance rates for dry mouth, sinus infection and unusual sweating. The h2 for intraoral breath was 0.28 ± 0.17 (NS), whereas the h2 for exhaled breath was 0.50 ± 0.20 (p = .0207). The concordance rates of tongue coatings and malodor indicators were higher in identical twins than in fraternal twins. Intraoral breath VSC values were primarily attributable to environmental factors, whereas exhaled breath VSC values were partially explained by genetic factors. PMID:22506313

[Level of education comparing to eating behaviours and anthropometrical indicators of nutritional status among men of Cracovian population].

PubMed

Gacek, Maria; Chrzanowska, Maria

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to estimate of educating level effect as one indicator of social status on eating behaviours and anthropometrical parameters of nutritional status in professionally active men aged 20-60 at city environment. The research was conducted into 1320 workers of Tadeusz Sendzimir's Steelworks in Cracov. The research tool was the author's questionnaire which included questions about meal consumption regularity and frequency of consuming selected groups of foodstuffs. The indicators of nutritional status were fixed on the base of anthropometrical measurements, whereas the body content was estimated by method of bioimpendation with the use of electronic scales TBF-300P. Differentiation of some eating behaviours depending on the level of education was proved; but one cannot definitely estimate the relation of these parameters, as the higher educated people aged 40-60 years old more frequently declare two meal style of eating and more often consume confectionery than the lower educated; in turn vocationally educated men aged 20-40 more often declare consuming fast food products. Statistically considerable differentiation in some anthropometrical indicators of nutritional status depending of the level of education among men aged 40-60 was also proved. Men of vocational education are characterized by the highest value of WHR indicator but at the same time lower value of the 4 skin-fatty folds sum than higher educated people.

Shifts in the Budyko curve over the past decade in the Amazon basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, E. E.; Ma, X.; Liu, Y.; Huete, A. R.

2017-12-01

The Amazon basin has experienced extensive forest loss during the past decades. These changes can exert significant impact on regional water and energy budget, as well as other environmental processes. Here we evaluated how forest loss in the Madeira and Tapajós River basins, between 2002 and 2015, affected the Budyko relationship. The Budyko framework describes the links between climate and hydrological components, where evapotranspiration (ET) is limited by the supply of either water or energy. The framework is composed by two components, the dryness index (DI) and the evaporative index (EI). The DI determines the type and degree of limitation, with values lower than 1 represent energy-limited condition and values higher than 1, water-limited. The EI describes the partitioning of rainfall (P) into ET and runoff (R), with higher values indicating a larger proportion of ET. In this study, we use a modified version of the Budyko framework, which accounts for intra-annual changes in water storage (dS). Hence, the effective rainfall is represented by P-dS, so that EI=ET/(P-dS) and the DI= PET/(P-dS). We show that the Madeira and Tapajós River basins have lost approximately 60000 km2 and 50000km2 of forested area by 2015, respectively. Our results indicate that these changes caused a subtle shift in the Budyko curve in both basins. At the Madeira basin, a reduction in the DI indicate a shift towards lower water limitation, while decreasing EI indicate that a higher proportion of P is being converted into runoff. At the Tapajós basin, we also observe an overall decrease in the DI, but no significant trends in the evaporative index was observed. We expect that the observed shifts provide a new insight on the Amazon forest responses to changes in climate and land use. Further studies will focus in identifying the biophysical mechanisms driving these shifts, as well as seasonal aspects of the changes.

Radiation belt electron observations following the January 1997 magnetic cloud event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selesnick, R. S.; Blake, J. B.

Relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt associated with the January 1997 magnetic cloud event were observed by the HIST instrument on POLAR at kinetic energies from 0.7 to 7 MeV and L shells from 3 to 9. The electron enhancement occurred on a time scale of hours or less throughout the outer radiation belt, except for a more gradual rise in the higher energy electrons at the lower L values indicative of local acceleration and inward radial diffusion. At the higher L values, variations on a time scale of several days following the initial injection on January 10 are consistent with data from geosynchronous orbit and may be an adiabatic response.

Indices estimated using REML/BLUP and introduction of a super-trait for the selection of progenies in popcorn.

PubMed

Vittorazzi, C; Amaral Junior, A T; Guimarães, A G; Viana, A P; Silva, F H L; Pena, G F; Daher, R F; Gerhardt, I F S; Oliveira, G H F; Pereira, M G

2017-09-27

Selection indices commonly utilize economic weights, which become arbitrary genetic gains. In popcorn, this is even more evident due to the negative correlation between the main characteristics of economic importance - grain yield and popping expansion. As an option in the use of classical biometrics as a selection index, the optimal procedure restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased predictor (REML/BLUP) allows the simultaneous estimation of genetic parameters and the prediction of genotypic values. Based on the mixed model methodology, the objective of this study was to investigate the comparative efficiency of eight selection indices estimated by REML/BLUP for the effective selection of superior popcorn families in the eighth intrapopulation recurrent selection cycle. We also investigated the efficiency of the inclusion of the variable "expanded popcorn volume per hectare" in the most advantageous selection of superior progenies. In total, 200 full-sib families were evaluated in two different areas in the North and Northwest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The REML/BLUP procedure resulted in higher estimated gains than those obtained with classical biometric selection index methodologies and should be incorporated into the selection of progenies. The following indices resulted in higher gains in the characteristics of greatest economic importance: the classical selection index/values attributed by trial, via REML/BLUP, and the greatest genotypic values/expanded popcorn volume per hectare, via REML. The expanded popcorn volume per hectare characteristic enabled satisfactory gains in grain yield and popping expansion; this characteristic should be considered super-trait in popcorn breeding programs.

The Determination of Caffeine in Coffee: Sense or Nonsense?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beckers, Jozef L.

2004-01-01

The presence of caffeine in coffee is determined by the use of separation devices and UV-vis spectrophotometry. The results indicate that the use of various analytical tools helps to perceive the higher concentration values obtained through UV-vis spectrophotometry than with separation methods.

Novel analytical approach for strongly coupled waveguide arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohli, Niharika; Srivastava, Sangeeta; Sharma, Enakshi K.

2018-02-01

Coupled Mode theory and Variational methods are the most extensively used analytical methods for the study of coupled optical waveguides. In this paper we have discussed a variation of the Ritz Galerkin Variational method (RGVM) wherein the trial field is a superposition of an orthogonal basis set which in turn is generated from superposition of the individual waveguide modal fields using Gram Schmidt Orthogonalization Procedure (GSOP). The conventional coupled mode theory (CCMT), a modified coupled mode theory (MCMT) incorporating interaction terms that are neglected in CCMT, and an RGVM using orthogonal basis set (RG-GSOP) are compared for waveguide arrays of different materials. The exact effective indices values for these planar waveguide arrays are also studied. The different materials have their index-contrasts ranging between the GaAs/ AlGaAs system to Si/SiO2 system. It has been shown that the error in the effective indices values obtained from MCMT and CCMT is higher than RGVM-GSOP especially in the case of higher index-contrast. Therefore, for accurate calculations of the modal characteristics of planar waveguide arrays, even at higher index-contrasts, RGVM-GSOP is the best choice. Moreover, we obtain obviously orthogonal supermode fields and Hermitian matrix from RGVM-GSOP.

Numerical simulation of adverse-pressure-gradient boundary layer with or without roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mottaghian, Pouya; Yuan, Junlin; Piomelli, Ugo

2014-11-01

Large-eddy and direct numerical simulations are carried out on flat-plate boundary layer over smooth and rough surfaces, with adverse pressure gradient.The deceleration is achieved by imposing a wall-normal freestream velocity profile, and is strong enough to cause separation at the wall. The Reynolds number based on momentum thickness and freestream velocity at inlet is 600. Numerical sandgrain roughness is applied based on an immersed boundary method, yielding a flow that is transitionally rough. The turbulence intensity increases before separation, and reaches a higher value for the rough case, indicating stronger mixing. Roughness also causes higher momentum deficit near the wall, leading to earlier separation. This is consistent with previous observation made on rough-wall flow separation over a ramp. In both cases, the turbulent kinetic energy peaks inside the shear layer above the detachment region, with higher values in the rough case; it then decreases approaching the reattachment region. Near the wall inside the separation bubble, the near-zero turbulent intensity indicates that the turbulent structures are lifted up in the separation region. Compared with the smooth case, the shear layer is farther from the wall and the reattachment length is longer on the rough wall.

Thermoelectric and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 3} and Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 4}: Promising thermoelectric materials

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

Tyagi, Kriti; Gahtori, Bhasker; Bathula, Sivaiah

2014-12-29

We report the synthesis of thermoelectric compounds, Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 3} and Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 4}, employing the conventional fusion method followed by spark plasma sintering. Their thermoelectric properties indicated that despite its higher thermal conductivity, Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 4} exhibited a much larger value of thermoelectric figure-of-merit as compared to Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 3}, which is primarily due to its higher electrical conductivity. The thermoelectric compatibility factor of Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 4} was found to be ∼1.2 as compared to 0.2 V{sup −1} for Cu{sub 3}SbSe{sub 3} at 550 K. The results of the mechanical properties of these two compounds indicated that their microhardness and fracturemore » toughness values were far superior to the other competing state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials.« less

Stable isotopes of fossil teeth corroborate key general circulation model predictions for the Last Glacial Maximum in North America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohn, Matthew J.; McKay, Moriah

2010-11-01

Oxygen isotope data provide a key test of general circulation models (GCMs) for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in North America, which have otherwise proved difficult to validate. High δ18O pedogenic carbonates in central Wyoming have been interpreted to indicate increased summer precipitation sourced from the Gulf of Mexico. Here we show that tooth enamel δ18O of large mammals, which is strongly correlated with local water and precipitation δ18O, is lower during the LGM in Wyoming, not higher. Similar data from Texas, California, Florida and Arizona indicate higher δ18O values than in the Holocene, which is also predicted by GCMs. Tooth enamel data closely validate some recent models of atmospheric circulation and precipitation δ18O, including an increase in the proportion of winter precipitation for central North America, and summer precipitation in the southern US, but suggest aridity can bias pedogenic carbonate δ18O values significantly.

[Effect of atmospheric CO2 concentration and nitrogen application level on absorption and transportation of nutrient elements in oilseed rape].

PubMed

Wang, Wen-ming; Zhang, Zhen-hua; Song, Hai-xing; Liu, Qiang; Rong, Xiang-min; Guan, Chun-yun; Zeng, Jing; Yuan, Dan

2015-07-01

Effect of elevated atmospheric-CO2 (780 µmol . mol-1) on the absorption and transportation of secondary nutrient elements (calcium, magnesium, sulphur) and micronutrient elements (iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum and boron) in oilseed rape at the stem elongation stage were studied by greenhouse simulated method. Compared with the ambient CO2 condition, the content of Zn in stem was increased and the contents of other nutrient elements were decreased under the elevated atmospheric-CO2 with no nitrogen (N) application; the contents of Ca, S, B and Zn were increased, and the contents of Mg, Mn, Mo and Fe were decreased under the elevated atmospheric CO2 with N application (0.2 g N . kg-1 soil); except the content of Mo in leaf was increased, the contents of other nutrient elements were decreased under the elevated atmospheric-CO2 with two levels of N application. Compared with the ambient CO2 condition, the amounts of Ca and S relative to the total amount of secondary nutrient elements in stem and the amounts of B and Zn relative to the total amount of micronutrient elements in stem were increased under the elevated-CO2 treatment with both levels of N application, and the corresponding values of Mg, Fe, Mn and Mo were decreased; no-N application treatment increased the proportion of Ca distributed into the leaves, and the proportion of Mg distributed into leaves was increased by the normal-N application level; the proportions of Mn, Zn and Mo distributed into the leaves were increased at both N application levels. Without N application, the elevation of atmospheric CO2 increased the transport coefficients of SFe, Mo and SS,B, but decreased the transport coefficients of SMg,Fe, SMg, Mn and SS,Fe, indicating the proportions of Mo, S transported into the upper part of plant tissues was higher than that of Fe, and the corresponding value of B was higher than that observed for S, the corresponding value of Mg was higher than that of Fe and Mn. Under normal-N application, the elevation of atmospheric CO2 increased the transport coefficients of SMg,Fe, SMg,Mn and SS,B, but decreased the transport coefficients of SCa, Mg, SFe,Mo and SS,Fe indicating the proportions of Fe, Mn and Ca transported into the upper part of plant tissues was higher than that of Mg; the corresponding value of B was higher than that observed for S, the corresponding value of Fe was higher than that of Mo, and the corresponding value of S was higher than that of Fe.

Ammonia in ground water from the Mississippi River alluvium, Fort Madison, Iowa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Linhart, S. Mike

2001-01-01

Water samples were collected from three municipal wells, two industrial wells, one watersupply well at the Iowa State Penitentiary, one domestic well, two creeks, and the Mississippi River. Tritium analytical results indicate that the time of recharge was after 1953 for water from the municipal wells (where tritium samples were collected). The ammonia concentration, 5.1 milligrams per liter, was considerably higher in ground water collected from well Fort Madison #4 compared to samples collected from other wells. The dissolved organic carbon concentration was also highest in ground water collected from well Fort Madison #4 (5.5 milligrams per liter) although samples from other wells were also relatively high, 2.6 to 5.3 milligrams per liter. The most likely process producing the high ammonia concentration in ground water in the vicinity of well Fort Madison #4 is decomposition of organic matter (ammonification). Nitrogen isotope values, when compared to nitrogen isotope values found in ground water in the vicinity of some of the other wells, indicate the possibility that a higher percentage of the ammonia found in ground water in the vicinity of well Fort Madison #4 may be from human and(or) other animal wastes. Higher concentrations of dissolved phosphorus, orthophosphate, and a higher chloride-to-sodium mole ratio found in ground water sampled from well Fort Madison #4 could be indicative of a sewage or septic source. Potential sources include existing or abandoned septic systems, leaking sanitary sewer lines, commercial or residential waste-disposal sites, and agricultural runoff upgradient from well Fort Madison #4, or possibly, bed sediments of the Mississippi River.

Cholesterol values in free-ranging gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla and Gorilla beringei) and Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus).

PubMed

Schmidt, Debra A; Ellersieck, Mark R; Cranfield, Michael R; Karesh, William B

2006-09-01

Cholesterol concentrations in captive gorillas and orangutans vary widely within species and average approximately 244 mg/dl for gorillas and 169 mg/dl for orangutans as published previously. The International Species Inventory System reports higher concentrations of 275 and 199 mg/dl for gorillas and orangutans, respectively. It is unknown whether these values were typical, influenced by captive management, or both. To answer this question, banked serum samples from free-ranging mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei), western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), and Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Mountain gorillas did not differ significantly from free-ranging western lowland gorillas in cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, indicating mountain gorilla values could be a model for western lowland gorillas. Captive gorilla total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in free-ranging groups. Triglyceride concentrations for captive gorillas were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the male mountain and western lowland gorillas, but they were not significantly different from the female mountain gorillas. Captive orangutan total cholesterol concentrations were only higher (P < 0.05) than the free-ranging female orangutans, whereas captive orangutan low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than both free-ranging male and female orangutans. Calculated and measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were compared for all free-ranging animals and were significantly different (P < 0.05) for all groups, indicating Friedewald's equation for calculating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not appropriate for use with nonfasted apes. The higher total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in captive apes may predispose them to cardiovascular disease and might be attributed to diets, limited energy expenditure, and genetics.

Anthropometric and metabolic indices in assessment of type and severity of dyslipidemia.

PubMed

Zaid, Muhammad; Ameer, Fatima; Munir, Rimsha; Rashid, Rida; Farooq, Nimrah; Hasnain, Shahida; Zaidi, Nousheen

2017-02-28

It has been shown that obesity is associated with increased rates of dyslipidemia. The present work revisits the association between plasma lipid levels and classical indicators of obesity including body mass index (BMI). The significance of various anthropometric/metabolic variables in clinical assessment of type and severity of dyslipidemia was also determined. Recently described body indices, a body shape index (ABSI) and body roundness index (BRI), were also assessed in this context. For the present cross-sectional analytical study, the participants (n = 275) were recruited from the patients visiting different health camps. Participants were anthropometrically measured and interviewed, and their fasting intravenous blood was collected. Plasma lipid levels were accordingly determined. The values for different anthropometric parameters are significantly different between dyslipidemic and non-dyslipidemic participants. Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses revealed that all the tested variables gave the highest area under the curve (AUC) values for predicting hypertriglyceridemia in comparison to other plasma lipid abnormalities. BRI gave slightly higher AUC values in predicting different forms of dyslipidemia in comparison to BMI, whereas ABSI gave very low values. Several anthropometric/metabolic indices display increased predictive capabilities for detecting hypertriglyceridemia in comparison to any other form of plasma lipid disorders. The capacity of BRI to predict dyslipidemia was comparable but not superior to the classical indicators of obesity, whereas ABSI could not detect dyslipidemia.

Neural Correlates of Emotional Personality: A Structural and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

PubMed Central

Koelsch, Stefan; Skouras, Stavros; Jentschke, Sebastian

2013-01-01

Studies addressing brain correlates of emotional personality have remained sparse, despite the involvement of emotional personality in health and well-being. This study investigates structural and functional brain correlates of psychological and physiological measures related to emotional personality. Psychological measures included neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness scores, as assessed using a standard personality questionnaire. As a physiological measure we used a cardiac amplitude signature, the so-called E κ value (computed from the electrocardiogram) which has previously been related to tender emotionality. Questionnaire scores and E κ values were related to both functional (eigenvector centrality mapping, ECM) and structural (voxel-based morphometry, VBM) neuroimaging data. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were obtained from 22 individuals (12 females) while listening to music (joy, fear, or neutral music). ECM results showed that agreeableness scores correlated with centrality values in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens). Individuals with higher E κ values (indexing higher tender emotionality) showed higher centrality values in the subiculum of the right hippocampal formation. Structural MRI data from an independent sample of 59 individuals (34 females) showed that neuroticism scores correlated with volume of the left amygdaloid complex. In addition, individuals with higher E κ showed larger gray matter volume in the same portion of the subiculum in which individuals with higher E κ showed higher centrality values. Our results highlight a role of the amygdala in neuroticism. Moreover, they indicate that a cardiac signature related to emotionality (E κ) correlates with both function (increased network centrality) and structure (grey matter volume) of the subiculum of the hippocampal formation, suggesting a role of the hippocampal formation for emotional personality. Results are the first to show personality-related differences using eigenvector centrality mapping, and the first to show structural brain differences for a physiological measure associated with personality. PMID:24312166

Optical vortex beam transmission with different OAM in scattering beads and brain tissue media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. B.; Shi, Lingyan; Lindwasser, Lukas; Marque, Paulo; Lavery, M. P. J.; Alfano, R. R.

2016-03-01

Light transmission of Laguerre Gaussian (LG) vortex beams with different orbital angular momentum (OAM) values (L) in scattering beads and mouse brain tissue media were experimentally investigated for the first time in comparison with Gaussian (G) beams. The LG beams with different OAM were generated using a spatial light modulator (SLM) in reflection mode. The scattering beads media consist of various sizes and concentrations of latex beads in water solutions. The transmissions of LG and G beams through scattering beads and brain tissue media were measured with different ratios of sample thicknesses (z) to scattering mean free path (ls) of the turbid media, z/ls. The results indicate that within the ballistic region where z/ls is small, the LG and G beams show no significant difference, while in the diffusive region where z/ls is higher, the vortex beams show higher transmission than G beams. In the diffusive region, the LG beams with higher L values show higher transmission than the beams with lower L values due to the eigen channels in the media. The transition points from the ballistic to diffusive regions for different scattering beads and brain tissue media were studied.

Assessment of groundwater vulnerability using supervised committee to combine fuzzy logic models.

PubMed

Nadiri, Ata Allah; Gharekhani, Maryam; Khatibi, Rahman; Moghaddam, Asghar Asghari

2017-03-01

Vulnerability indices of an aquifer assessed by different fuzzy logic (FL) models often give rise to differing values with no theoretical or empirical basis to establish a validated baseline or to develop a comparison basis between the modeling results and baselines, if any. Therefore, this research presents a supervised committee fuzzy logic (SCFL) method, which uses artificial neural networks to overarch and combine a selection of FL models. The indices are expressed by the widely used DRASTIC framework, which include geological, hydrological, and hydrogeological parameters often subject to uncertainty. DRASTIC indices represent collectively intrinsic (or natural) vulnerability and give a sense of contaminants, such as nitrate-N, percolating to aquifers from the surface. The study area is an aquifer in Ardabil plain, the province of Ardabil, northwest Iran. Improvements on vulnerability indices are achieved by FL techniques, which comprise Sugeno fuzzy logic (SFL), Mamdani fuzzy logic (MFL), and Larsen fuzzy logic (LFL). As the correlation between estimated DRASTIC vulnerability index values and nitrate-N values is as low as 0.4, it is improved significantly by FL models (SFL, MFL, and LFL), which perform in similar ways but have differences. Their synergy is exploited by SCFL and uses the FL modeling results "conditioned" by nitrate-N values to raise their correlation to higher than 0.9.

Bioindication of human-induced soil degradation in enclosed karst depressions (dolines) using Ellenberg indicator values (Classical Karst, Slovenia).

PubMed

Breg Valjavec, Mateja; Zorn, Matija; Čarni, Andraž

2018-05-29

One of the frequently used bioindication methods is Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs), which are commonly applied in Central Europe as bioindicators of ecological characteristics. However, very few studies have tested EIVs as a bioindication of human-induced soil degradation. We tested the ability of EIVs to distinguish between localities of degraded karst depressions (dolines) and localities of semi-natural (agricultural) soils in preserved dolines on the Kras Plateau (Classical Karst, SW Slovenia). We compared the results of bioindications of soil nutrient content (N), soil reaction (R) and soil moisture (M) with measured soil parameters. Low values of organic carbon, a slightly alkaline soil reaction and low organic sulphur content are chemical indicators of soil degradation in dolines, in comparison with preserved reference dolines (high organic carbon, slightly acid reaction, higher S). EIV reaction is the most reliable plant indicator value that can distinguish between degraded and non-degraded soil plots. According to a regression tree, sulphur (S) and C/N are the most important factors for division on the basis of EIV reaction. By applying the EIV reaction of diagnostic plant species, we significantly improved bioindication of soil degradation, although in the case of EIV nutrients, bioindication was not improved. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The dissolved organic matter as a potential soil quality indicator in arable soils of Hungary.

PubMed

Filep, Tibor; Draskovits, Eszter; Szabó, József; Koós, Sándor; László, Péter; Szalai, Zoltán

2015-07-01

Although several authors have suggested that the labile fraction of soils could be a potential soil quality indicator, the possibilities and limitations of using the dissolved organic matter (DOM) fraction for this purpose have not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that DOM is an adequate indicator of soil quality. To test this, the soil quality indices (SQI) of 190 arable soils from a Hungarian dataset were estimated, and these values were compared to DOM parameters (DOC and SUVA254). A clear difference in soil quality was found between the soil types, with low soil quality for arenosols (average SQI 0.5) and significantly higher values for gleysols, vertisols, regosols, solonetzes and chernozems. The SQI-DOC relationship could be described by non-linear regression, while a linear connection was observed between SQI and SUVA. The regression equations obtained for the dataset showed only one relatively weak significant correlation between the variables, for DOC (R (2) = 0.157(***); n = 190), while non-significant relationships were found for the DOC and SUVA254 values. However, an envelope curve operated with the datasets showed the robust potential of DOC to indicate soil quality changes, with a high R (2) value for the envelope curve regression equation. The limitations to using the DOM fraction of soils as a quality indicator are due to the contradictory processes which take place in soils in many cases.

Using Ellenberg-Pignatti values to estimate habitat preferences of wild food and medicinal plants: an example from northeastern Istria (Croatia).

PubMed

Vitasović Kosić, Ivana; Juračak, Josip; Łuczaj, Łukasz

2017-06-02

The paper presents the first ethnobotanical application of Ellenberg indicator values, which are widely used in European plant ecology. The aim of the study was to find out if Ellenberg values (indicating habitat preferences) differ for wild food and medicinal plants used in north-eastern Istria (Croatia). We used Ellenberg-Pignatti values (the version of Ellenberg values used in this part of Europe). Fifty semi-structured interviews were carried out among local key informants, asking which wild food and medicinal plants they used. The mean number of food and medicinal plants mentioned per interview was 30. Altogether, 121 species were recorded as food or medicine used or previously used in the study area. Thirty-one species are used exclusively as food or everyday drink, 50 species are used exclusively as medicine and 40 species are used for both food and medicine. There were no significant differences between Ellenberg values for food and medicinal plants, apart from the Nitrogen indicator value - the plants used exclusively as food had a significantly higher index than those used in medicine. This probably stems from the fact that plants with soft fleshy shoots are attractive as food and they are more likely to come from nitrogen-rich ruderal habitats. Food plants and medicinal plants are collected from a variety of habitats and no clear difference between the two categories of plants was detected, however further testing of Ellenberg values in ethnobotanical studies could be interesting.

Factors associated with low vitamin D status of Australian alpacas.

PubMed

Judson, G J; McGregor, B A; Partington, D L

2008-12-01

To investigate factors associated with low vitamin D status of alpacas at pasture in southern Australia. A 2-year survey of alpacas from two farms in South Australia and three in Victoria. Blood samples were collected from 20 to 30 alpacas on each farm on five occasions each year. Breed, gender, age and fleece colour of animals were recorded. Blood samples were assayed for plasma 2.5-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH D(3)) and plasma inorganic phosphorus (Pi). Data sets from 802 animal samples were analysed by multiple regression to determine variables associated with low vitamin D status of alpacas. The relationship between plasma 25-OH D(3) and plasma Pi was also investigated. Vitamin D status was significantly affected by month of sampling, with low values in late winter and high values in summer. Plasma vitamin D concentrations increased with age, were higher in alpacas with light fleeces than in those with dark fleeces and were also higher in the Suri than in the Huacaya breed. Plasma Pi concentrations were generally lower in alpacas with plasma 25-OH D(3) values < 25 nmol/L. Young alpacas with dark fleeces are most at risk from vitamin D insufficiency in late winter in southern Australia. The present study indicates that plasma Pi values are not a reliable indicator of vitamin D status of alpacas as assessed by plasma 25-OH D(3) concentrations.

Updated folate data in the Dutch Food Composition Database and implications for intake estimates

PubMed Central

Westenbrink, Susanne; Jansen-van der Vliet, Martine; van Rossum, Caroline

2012-01-01

Background and objective Nutrient values are influenced by the analytical method used. Food folate measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by microbiological assay (MA) yield different results, with in general higher results from MA than from HPLC. This leads to the question of how to deal with different analytical methods in compiling standardised and internationally comparable food composition databases? A recent inventory on folate in European food composition databases indicated that currently MA is more widely used than HPCL. Since older Dutch values are produced by HPLC and newer values by MA, analytical methods and procedures for compiling folate data in the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO) were reconsidered and folate values were updated. This article describes the impact of this revision of folate values in the NEVO database as well as the expected impact on the folate intake assessment in the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS). Design The folate values were revised by replacing HPLC with MA values from recent Dutch analyses. Previously MA folate values taken from foreign food composition tables had been recalculated to the HPLC level, assuming a 27% lower value from HPLC analyses. These recalculated values were replaced by the original MA values. Dutch HPLC and MA values were compared to each other. Folate intake was assessed for a subgroup within the DNFCS to estimate the impact of the update. Results In the updated NEVO database nearly all folate values were produced by MA or derived from MA values which resulted in an average increase of 24%. The median habitual folate intake in young children was increased by 11–15% using the updated folate values. Conclusion The current approach for folate in NEVO resulted in more transparency in data production and documentation and higher comparability among European databases. Results of food consumption surveys are expected to show higher folate intakes when using the updated values. PMID:22481900

A new four-step hierarchy method for combined assessment of groundwater quality and pollution.

PubMed

Zhu, Henghua; Ren, Xiaohua; Liu, Zhizheng

2017-12-28

A new four-step hierarchy method was constructed and applied to evaluate the groundwater quality and pollution of the Dagujia River Basin. The assessment index system is divided into four types: field test indices, common inorganic chemical indices, inorganic toxicology indices, and trace organic indices. Background values of common inorganic chemical indices and inorganic toxicology indices were estimated with the cumulative-probability curve method, and the results showed that the background values of Mg 2+ (51.1 mg L -1 ), total hardness (TH) (509.4 mg L -1 ), and NO 3 - (182.4 mg L -1 ) are all higher than the corresponding grade III values of Quality Standard for Groundwater, indicating that they were poor indicators and therefore were not included in the groundwater quality assessment. The quality assessment results displayed that the field test indices were mainly classified as grade II, accounting for 60.87% of wells sampled. The indices of common inorganic chemical and inorganic toxicology were both mostly in the range of grade III, whereas the trace organic indices were predominantly classified as grade I. The variabilities and excess ratios of the indices were also calculated and evaluated. Spatial distributions showed that the groundwater with poor quality indices was mainly located in the northeast of the basin, which was well-connected with seawater intrusion. Additionally, the pollution assessment revealed that groundwater in well 44 was classified as "moderately polluted," wells 5 and 8 were "lightly polluted," and other wells were classified as "unpolluted."

Middle ear impedance measurements in large vestibular aqueduct syndrome.

PubMed

Bilgen, Cem; Kirkim, Günay; Kirazli, Tayfun

2009-06-01

To assess the effect of inner ear pressure on middle ear impedance in patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS). Data from admittance tympanometry and multifrequency tympanometry on 8 LVAS patients and control subjects were studied. Static acoustic compliance (SAC) values for the ears with stable sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were within the limits of the mean values of control groups except for two ears. The resonance frequency (RF) values of the ears with stable SNHL were lower than the mean values of control groups except for three ears. SAC values for the two ears with fluctuating SNHL were lower and the RF values were higher than the mean values of control groups. Decreased SAC values and increased RF values found in the ears with fluctuating SNHL might be an indirect indicator of increased inner ear pressure, while low RF values in the ears with stable SNHL might reflect the decreased inner ear impedance.

Models for Delivering Written Business Communication Skills: Improving the Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Penrod, Catherine B.; Tucker, Mary; Hartman, Katherine B.

2017-01-01

Employers, higher education faculty, and accrediting bodies value communication as an important entry-level job skill. Unfortunately, research indicates that college graduates have inadequate communication skills and, in particular, lack strong business writing acumen. The ways business communication is taught, integrated, and assessed varies by…

Chemometric perspectives on plankton community responses to natural iron fertilisation over and downstream of the Kerguelen Plateau in the Southern Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trull, T. W.; Davies, D. M.; Dehairs, F.; Cavagna, A.-J.; Lasbleiz, M.; Laurenceau-Cornec, E. C.; d'Ovidio, F.; Planchon, F.; Leblanc, K.; Quéguiner, B.; Blain, S.

2015-02-01

We examined phytoplankton community responses to natural iron fertilisation at 32 sites over and downstream from the Kerguelen Plateau in the Southern Ocean during the austral spring bloom in October-November 2011. The community structure was estimated from chemical and isotopic measurements (particulate organic carbon - POC; 13C-POC; particulate nitrogen - PN; 15N-PN; and biogenic silica - BSi) on size-fractionated samples from surface waters (300, 210, 50, 20, 5, and 1 μm fractions). Higher values of 13C-POC (vs. co-located 13C values for dissolved inorganic carbon - DIC) were taken as indicative of faster growth rates and higher values of 15N-PN (vs. co-located 15N-NO3 source values) as indicative of greater nitrate use (rather than ammonium use, i.e. higher f ratios). Community responses varied in relation to both regional circulation and the advance of the bloom. Iron-fertilised waters over the plateau developed dominance by very large diatoms (50-210 μm) with high BSi / POC ratios, high growth rates, and significant ammonium recycling (lower f ratios) as biomass built up. In contrast, downstream polar frontal waters with a similar or higher iron supply were dominated by smaller diatoms (20-50 μm) and exhibited greater ammonium recycling. Stations in a deep-water bathymetrically trapped recirculation south of the polar front with lower iron levels showed the large-cell dominance observed on the plateau but much less biomass. Comparison of these communities to surface water nitrate (and silicate) depletions as a proxy for export shows that the low-biomass recirculation feature had exported similar amounts of nitrogen to the high-biomass blooms over the plateau and north of the polar front. This suggests that early spring trophodynamic and export responses differed between regions with persistent low levels vs. intermittent high levels of iron fertilisation.

Human health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in smoked fish species from markets in Southern Nigeria.

PubMed

Tongo, Isioma; Ogbeide, Ozekeke; Ezemonye, Lawrence

2017-01-01

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels in four commonly consumed smoked fish species from markets in Southern Nigeria were assessed to evaluate possible human health risks associated with consumption. Varying levels of PAH congeners were observed in the fish tissues with the highest total concentration of PAHs in Scomber scombrus . High concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene was observed in Clarias gariepinus and Ethmalosa fimbriata with values above the guideline value of 0.05 mg/kg. The Dietary Daily Intake (DDI) value for total PAHs (∑PAHs) was highest for S. scombrus while the DDI value for the total carcinogenic PAHs (∑CPAHs) was highest for E. fimbriata . Carcinogenic human health risk assessment using carcinogenic toxic equivalents (TEQ), indicated that consumption of E. fimbriata has a higher potential to cause carcinogenic risks. TEQ values for all the fish species were however, below the estimated screening value (SV) of 3.556 mg/kg, while the estimated cumulative excess cancer risk (ECR) for E. fimbriata and C. gariepinus and PAH4 index for all the assessed fish species exceeded threshold values indicating potential carcinogenic risk from consumption.

Function of minerals in the natural radioactivity level of Vaigai River sediments, Tamilnadu, India--spectroscopical approach.

PubMed

Ramasamy, V; Paramasivam, K; Suresh, G; Jose, M T

2014-01-03

Using Gamma ray and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques, level of natural radioactivity ((238)U, (232)Th and (40)K) and mineralogical characterization of Vaigai River sediments have been analyzed with the view of evaluating the radiation risk and its relation to available minerals. Different radiological parameters are calculated to know the entire radiological characterization. The average of activity concentrations and all radiological parameters are lower than the recommended safety limit. However, some sites are having higher radioactivity values than the safety limit. From the FTIR spectroscopic technique, the minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, kaolinite, gibbsite, calcite, montmorillonite and organic carbon are identified and they are characterized. The extinction co-efficient values are calculated to know the relative distribution of major minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar and kaolinite. The calculated values indicate that the amount of quartz is higher than orthoclase feldspar, microcline feldspar and much higher than kaolinite. Crystallinity index is calculated to know the crystalline nature of quartz and the result indicates that the presence of ordered crystalline quartz in the present sediment. The role of minerals in the level of radioactivity is assessed by multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson's correlation and Cluster analysis). The statistical analysis confirms that the clay mineral kaolinite is the major factor than other major minerals to induce the important radioactivity variables such as absorbed dose rate and concentrations of (232)Th and (238)U. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of variations in relative spectral response on the retrieval of land surface parameters from multiple sources of remotely sensed imagery

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meyer, D.J.; Chander, G.

2008-01-01

Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) images , collected over Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were used to quantify the effect of spectral response on different surface materials and to develop spectral "figures-of-merit" for spectral responses covering similar, but not identical spectral bands. In this simulation, AVIRIS images were converted to radiance, then spectrally resampled to six wavelength bands commonly used for terrestrial observation. Preliminary results indicate that differences between the simulations can be attributed to variations in surface reflectance within spectral bands, and suggest influences due to water vapor absorption. Radiance simulated from the spectrally narrow Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Relative Spectral Responses (RSR) was generally higher than that using the broader Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) RSRs over most targets encountered over the test area. This is consistent with many MODIS bands being biased toward shorter wavelengths compared to corresponding ETM+ bands when viewing targets whose radiance decreases with wavelength. In some cases the higher radiance values appeared to occur where the MODIS RSR is better situated over peak reflected wavelengths. Simulation differences between MODIS & ETM+ bands in the near-infrared indicated higher MODIS radiance values that suggest the influence of water vapor absorption at 820 nanometers. This result agreed with water vapor values retrieved from the AVIRIS images themselves at around 2.7 cm precipitable water, and measurements made at a nearby AERONET node at around 2.8cm during the AVIRIS overflight ?? 2007 IEEE.

Ecological risk assessment of trace metal accumulation in sediments of Veraval Harbor, Gujarat, Arabian Sea.

PubMed

Sundararajan, S; Khadanga, Mukunda Kesari; Kumar, J Prince Prakash Jeba; Raghumaran, S; Vijaya, R; Jena, Basanta Kumar

2017-01-15

In this study, different types of indices were used to assess the ecological risk of trace metal contamination in sediments on the basis of sediment quality guidelines at Veraval Fishery Harbor. Sediment samples were collected from three sectors in pre-, post-, and monsoon seasons in 2006. Trace metal concentrations were higher in the inner sector during post-monsoon, and it showed the highest statistical significance (p<0.01) among the stations. Pollution load index was higher than unity, indicating alternation by effluent discharge from industries. Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index showed that Cd, Pb, and Zn were enriched in the northern part of the harbor and Pb had accumulated in the harbor sediment. The ecological risk assessment index revealed that Ni, Zn, and Pb were higher than the effect range median values, indicating their potential toxicity to the aquatic environment in the Veraval Harbor. Hence, the harbor is dominated by anthropogenic activities rather than natural process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The value of quantitative shear wave elastography in differentiating the cervical lymph nodes in patients with thyroid nodules.

PubMed

You, Jun; Chen, Juan; Xiang, Feixiang; Song, Yue; Khamis, Simai; Lu, Chengfa; Lv, Qing; Zhang, Yanrong; Xie, Mingxing

2018-04-01

This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic performance of quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) in differentiating metastatic cervical lymph nodes from benign nodes in patients with thyroid nodules. One hundred and forty-one cervical lymph nodes from 39 patients with thyroid nodules that were diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancer had been imaged with SWE. The shear elasticity modulus, which indicates the stiffness of the lymph nodes, was measured in terms of maximum shear elasticity modulus (maxSM), minimum shear elasticity modulus (minSM), mean shear elasticity modulus (meanSM), and standard deviation (SD) of the shear elasticity modulus. All the patients underwent thyroid surgery, 50 of the suspicious lymph nodes were resected, and 91 lymph nodes were followed up for 6 months. The maxSM value, minSM value, meanSM value, and SD value of the metastatic lymph nodes were significantly higher than those of the benign nodes. The area under the curve of the maxSM value, minSM value, meanSM value, and SD value were 0.918, 0.606, 0.865, and 0.915, respectively. SWE can differentiate metastasis from benign cervical lymph nodes in patients with thyroid nodules, and the maxSM, meanSM, and SD may be valuable quantitative indicators for characterizing cervical lymph nodes.

Multiparticle azimuthal correlations in p -Pb and Pb-Pb collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

DOE PAGES

Abelev, B.; Adam, J.; Adamová, D.; ...

2014-11-03

Our measurements of multiparticle azimuthal correlations (cumulants) for charged particles in p-Pb at √s NN=5.02 TeV and Pb-Pb at √s NN=2.76 TeV collisions are presented. They help address the question of whether there is evidence for global, flowlike, azimuthal correlations in the p-Pb system. These comparisons are made to measurements from the larger Pb-Pb system, where such evidence is established. In particular, the second harmonic two-particle cumulants are found to decrease with multiplicity, characteristic of a dominance of few-particle correlations in p-Pb collisions. However, when a |Δη| gap is placed to suppress such correlations, the two-particle cumulants begin to risemore » at high multiplicity, indicating the presence of global azimuthal correlations. The Pb-Pb values are higher than the p-Pb values at similar multiplicities. In both systems, the second harmonic four-particle cumulants exhibit a transition from positive to negative values when the multiplicity increases. Furthermore, the negative values allow for a measurement of v 2{4} to be made, which is found to be higher in Pb-Pb collisions at similar multiplicities. The second harmonic six-particle cumulants are also found to be higher in Pb-Pb collisions. In Pb-Pb collisions, we generally find v 2{4}≃v 2{6}≠0 which is indicative of a Bessel-Gaussian function for the v 2 distribution. For very high-multiplicity Pb-Pb collisions, we observe that the four- and six-particle cumulants become consistent with 0. Finally, third harmonic two-particle cumulants in p-Pb and Pb-Pb are measured. These are found to be similar for overlapping multiplicities, when a |Δη|>1.4 gap is placed.« less

Multiparticle azimuthal correlations in p -Pb and Pb-Pb collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abelev, B.; Adam, J.; Adamová, D.; Aggarwal, M. M.; Aglieri Rinella, G.; Agnello, M.; Agostinelli, A.; Agrawal, N.; Ahammed, Z.; Ahmad, N.; Ahmed, I.; Ahn, S. U.; Ahn, S. A.; Aimo, I.; Aiola, S.; Ajaz, M.; Akindinov, A.; Alam, S. N.; Aleksandrov, D.; Alessandro, B.; Alexandre, D.; Alici, A.; Alkin, A.; Alme, J.; Alt, T.; Altinpinar, S.; Altsybeev, I.; Alves Garcia Prado, C.; Andrei, C.; Andronic, A.; Anguelov, V.; Anielski, J.; Antičić, T.; Antinori, F.; Antonioli, P.; Aphecetche, L.; Appelshäuser, H.; Arcelli, S.; Armesto, N.; Arnaldi, R.; Aronsson, T.; Arsene, I. C.; Arslandok, M.; Augustinus, A.; Averbeck, R.; Awes, T. C.; Azmi, M. D.; Bach, M.; Badalà, A.; Baek, Y. W.; Bagnasco, S.; Bailhache, R.; Bala, R.; Baldisseri, A.; Baltasar Dos Santos Pedrosa, F.; Baral, R. C.; Barbera, R.; Barile, F.; Barnaföldi, G. G.; Barnby, L. S.; Barret, V.; Bartke, J.; Basile, M.; Bastid, N.; Basu, S.; Bathen, B.; Batigne, G.; Batista Camejo, A.; Batyunya, B.; Batzing, P. C.; Baumann, C.; Bearden, I. G.; Beck, H.; Bedda, C.; Behera, N. K.; Belikov, I.; Bellini, F.; Bellwied, R.; Belmont-Moreno, E.; Belmont, R.; Belyaev, V.; Bencedi, G.; Beole, S.; Berceanu, I.; Bercuci, A.; Berdnikov, Y.; Berenyi, D.; Berger, M. E.; Bertens, R. A.; Berzano, D.; Betev, L.; Bhasin, A.; Bhat, I. R.; Bhati, A. K.; Bhattacharjee, B.; Bhom, J.; Bianchi, L.; Bianchi, N.; Bianchin, C.; Bielčík, J.; Bielčíková, J.; Bilandzic, A.; Bjelogrlic, S.; Blanco, F.; Blau, D.; Blume, C.; Bock, F.; Bogdanov, A.; Bøggild, H.; Bogolyubsky, M.; Böhmer, F. V.; Boldizsár, L.; Bombara, M.; Book, J.; Borel, H.; Borissov, A.; Bossú, F.; Botje, M.; Botta, E.; Böttger, S.; Braun-Munzinger, P.; Bregant, M.; Breitner, T.; Broker, T. A.; Browning, T. A.; Broz, M.; Bruna, E.; Bruno, G. E.; Budnikov, D.; Buesching, H.; Bufalino, S.; Buncic, P.; Busch, O.; Buthelezi, Z.; Caffarri, D.; Cai, X.; Caines, H.; Calero Diaz, L.; Caliva, A.; Calvo Villar, E.; Camerini, P.; Carena, F.; Carena, W.; Castillo Castellanos, J.; Casula, E. A. R.; Catanescu, V.; Cavicchioli, C.; Ceballos Sanchez, C.; Cepila, J.; Cerello, P.; Chang, B.; Chapeland, S.; Charvet, J. L.; Chattopadhyay, S.; Chattopadhyay, S.; Chelnokov, V.; Cherney, M.; Cheshkov, C.; Cheynis, B.; Chibante Barroso, V.; Chinellato, D. D.; Chochula, P.; Chojnacki, M.; Choudhury, S.; Christakoglou, P.; Christensen, C. H.; Christiansen, P.; Chujo, T.; Chung, S. U.; Cicalo, C.; Cifarelli, L.; Cindolo, F.; Cleymans, J.; Colamaria, F.; Colella, D.; Collu, A.; Colocci, M.; Conesa Balbastre, G.; Conesa Del Valle, Z.; Connors, M. E.; Contreras, J. G.; Cormier, T. M.; Corrales Morales, Y.; Cortese, P.; Cortés Maldonado, I.; Cosentino, M. R.; Costa, F.; Crochet, P.; Cruz Albino, R.; Cuautle, E.; Cunqueiro, L.; Dainese, A.; Dang, R.; Danu, A.; Das, D.; Das, I.; Das, K.; Das, S.; Dash, A.; Dash, S.; de, S.; Delagrange, H.; Deloff, A.; Dénes, E.; D'Erasmo, G.; de Caro, A.; de Cataldo, G.; de Cuveland, J.; de Falco, A.; de Gruttola, D.; De Marco, N.; de Pasquale, S.; de Rooij, R.; Diaz Corchero, M. A.; Dietel, T.; Dillenseger, P.; Divià, R.; di Bari, D.; di Liberto, S.; di Mauro, A.; di Nezza, P.; Djuvsland, Ø.; Dobrin, A.; Dobrowolski, T.; Domenicis Gimenez, D.; Dönigus, B.; Dordic, O.; Dørheim, S.; Dubey, A. K.; Dubla, A.; Ducroux, L.; Dupieux, P.; Dutta Majumdar, A. K.; Hilden, T. E.; Ehlers, R. J.; Elia, D.; Engel, H.; Erazmus, B.; Erdal, H. A.; Eschweiler, D.; Espagnon, B.; Esposito, M.; Estienne, M.; Esumi, S.; Evans, D.; Evdokimov, S.; Fabris, D.; Faivre, J.; Falchieri, D.; Fantoni, A.; Fasel, M.; Fehlker, D.; Feldkamp, L.; Felea, D.; Feliciello, A.; Feofilov, G.; Ferencei, J.; Fernández Téllez, A.; Ferreiro, E. G.; Ferretti, A.; Festanti, A.; Figiel, J.; Figueredo, M. A. S.; Filchagin, S.; Finogeev, D.; Fionda, F. M.; Fiore, E. M.; Floratos, E.; Floris, M.; Foertsch, S.; Foka, P.; Fokin, S.; Fragiacomo, E.; Francescon, A.; Frankenfeld, U.; Fuchs, U.; Furget, C.; Furs, A.; Fusco Girard, M.; Gaardhøje, J. J.; Gagliardi, M.; Gago, A. M.; Gallio, M.; Gangadharan, D. R.; Ganoti, P.; Garabatos, C.; Garcia-Solis, E.; Gargiulo, C.; Garishvili, I.; Gerhard, J.; Germain, M.; Gheata, A.; Gheata, M.; Ghidini, B.; Ghosh, P.; Ghosh, S. K.; Gianotti, P.; Giubellino, P.; Gladysz-Dziadus, E.; Glässel, P.; Gomez Ramirez, A.; González-Zamora, P.; Gorbunov, S.; Görlich, L.; Gotovac, S.; Graczykowski, L. K.; Grelli, A.; Grigoras, A.; Grigoras, C.; Grigoriev, V.; Grigoryan, A.; Grigoryan, S.; Grinyov, B.; Grion, N.; Grosse-Oetringhaus, J. F.; Grossiord, J.-Y.; Grosso, R.; Guber, F.; Guernane, R.; Guerzoni, B.; Guilbaud, M.; Gulbrandsen, K.; Gulkanyan, H.; Gumbo, M.; Gunji, T.; Gupta, A.; Gupta, R.; Khan, K. H.; Haake, R.; Haaland, Ø.; Hadjidakis, C.; Haiduc, M.; Hamagaki, H.; Hamar, G.; Hanratty, L. D.; Hansen, A.; Harris, J. W.; Hartmann, H.; Harton, A.; Hatzifotiadou, D.; Hayashi, S.; Heckel, S. T.; Heide, M.; Helstrup, H.; Herghelegiu, A.; Herrera Corral, G.; Hess, B. A.; Hetland, K. F.; Hippolyte, B.; Hladky, J.; Hristov, P.; Huang, M.; Humanic, T. J.; Hussain, N.; Hutter, D.; Hwang, D. S.; Ilkaev, R.; Ilkiv, I.; Inaba, M.; Innocenti, G. M.; Ionita, C.; Ippolitov, M.; Irfan, M.; Ivanov, M.; Ivanov, V.; Jachołkowski, A.; Jacobs, P. M.; Jahnke, C.; Jang, H. J.; Janik, M. A.; Jayarathna, P. H. S. Y.; Jena, C.; Jena, S.; Jimenez Bustamante, R. T.; Jones, P. G.; Jung, H.; Jusko, A.; Kadyshevskiy, V.; Kalcher, S.; Kalinak, P.; Kalweit, A.; Kamin, J.; Kang, J. H.; Kaplin, V.; Kar, S.; Karasu Uysal, A.; Karavichev, O.; Karavicheva, T.; Karpechev, E.; Kebschull, U.; Keidel, R.; Keijdener, D. L. D.; Keil Svn, M.; Khan, M. M.; Khan, P.; Khan, S. A.; Khanzadeev, A.; Kharlov, Y.; Kileng, B.; Kim, B.; Kim, D. W.; Kim, D. J.; Kim, J. S.; Kim, M.; Kim, M.; Kim, S.; Kim, T.; Kirsch, S.; Kisel, I.; Kiselev, S.; Kisiel, A.; Kiss, G.; Klay, J. L.; Klein, J.; Klein-Bösing, C.; Kluge, A.; Knichel, M. L.; Knospe, A. G.; Kobdaj, C.; Kofarago, M.; Köhler, M. K.; Kollegger, T.; Kolojvari, A.; Kondratiev, V.; Kondratyeva, N.; Konevskikh, A.; Kovalenko, V.; Kowalski, M.; Kox, S.; Koyithatta Meethaleveedu, G.; Kral, J.; Králik, I.; Kravčáková, A.; Krelina, M.; Kretz, M.; Krivda, M.; Krizek, F.; Kryshen, E.; Krzewicki, M.; Kučera, V.; Kucheriaev, Y.; Kugathasan, T.; Kuhn, C.; Kuijer, P. G.; Kulakov, I.; Kumar, J.; Kurashvili, P.; Kurepin, A.; Kurepin, A. B.; Kuryakin, A.; Kushpil, S.; Kweon, M. J.; Kwon, Y.; Ladron de Guevara, P.; Lagana Fernandes, C.; Lakomov, I.; Langoy, R.; Lara, C.; Lardeux, A.; Lattuca, A.; La Pointe, S. L.; La Rocca, P.; Lea, R.; Leardini, L.; Lee, G. R.; Legrand, I.; Lehnert, J.; Lemmon, R. C.; Lenti, V.; Leogrande, E.; Leoncino, M.; León Monzón, I.; Lévai, P.; Li, S.; Lien, J.; Lietava, R.; Lindal, S.; Lindenstruth, V.; Lippmann, C.; Lisa, M. A.; Ljunggren, H. M.; Lodato, D. F.; Loenne, P. I.; Loggins, V. R.; Loginov, V.; Lohner, D.; Loizides, C.; Lopez, X.; López Torres, E.; Lu, X.-G.; Luettig, P.; Lunardon, M.; Luparello, G.; Ma, R.; Maevskaya, A.; Mager, M.; Mahapatra, D. P.; Mahmood, S. M.; Maire, A.; Majka, R. D.; Malaev, M.; Maldonado Cervantes, I.; Malinina, L.; Mal'Kevich, D.; Malzacher, P.; Mamonov, A.; Manceau, L.; Manko, V.; Manso, F.; Manzari, V.; Marchisone, M.; Mareš, J.; Margagliotti, G. V.; Margotti, A.; Marín, A.; Markert, C.; Marquard, M.; Martashvili, I.; Martin, N. A.; Martinengo, P.; Martínez, M. I.; Martínez García, G.; Martin Blanco, J.; Martynov, Y.; Mas, A.; Masciocchi, S.; Masera, M.; Masoni, A.; Massacrier, L.; Mastroserio, A.; Matyja, A.; Mayer, C.; Mazer, J.; Mazzoni, M. A.; Meddi, F.; Menchaca-Rocha, A.; Meninno, E.; Mercado Pérez, J.; Meres, M.; Miake, Y.; Mikhaylov, K.; Milano, L.; Milosevic, J.; Mischke, A.; Mishra, A. N.; Miśkowiec, D.; Mitra, J.; Mitu, C. M.; Mlynarz, J.; Mohammadi, N.; Mohanty, B.; Molnar, L.; Montaño Zetina, L.; Montes, E.; Morando, M.; Moreira de Godoy, D. A.; Moretto, S.; Morreale, A.; Morsch, A.; Muccifora, V.; Mudnic, E.; Mühlheim, D.; Muhuri, S.; Mukherjee, M.; Müller, H.; Munhoz, M. G.; Murray, S.; Musa, L.; Musinsky, J.; Nandi, B. K.; Nania, R.; Nappi, E.; Nattrass, C.; Nayak, K.; Nayak, T. K.; Nazarenko, S.; Nedosekin, A.; Nicassio, M.; Niculescu, M.; Nielsen, B. S.; Nikolaev, S.; Nikulin, S.; Nikulin, V.; Nilsen, B. S.; Noferini, F.; Nomokonov, P.; Nooren, G.; Norman, J.; Nyanin, A.; Nystrand, J.; Oeschler, H.; Oh, S.; Oh, S. K.; Okatan, A.; Olah, L.; Oleniacz, J.; Oliveira da Silva, A. C.; Onderwaater, J.; Oppedisano, C.; Ortiz Velasquez, A.; Oskarsson, A.; Otwinowski, J.; Oyama, K.; Ozdemir, M.; Sahoo, P.; Pachmayer, Y.; Pachr, M.; Pagano, P.; Paić, G.; Painke, F.; Pajares, C.; Pal, S. K.; Palmeri, A.; Pant, D.; Papikyan, V.; Pappalardo, G. S.; Pareek, P.; Park, W. J.; Parmar, S.; Passfeld, A.; Patalakha, D. I.; Paticchio, V.; Paul, B.; Pawlak, T.; Peitzmann, T.; Pereira da Costa, H.; Pereira de Oliveira Filho, E.; Peresunko, D.; Pérez Lara, C. E.; Pesci, A.; Peskov, V.; Pestov, Y.; Petráček, V.; Petran, M.; Petris, M.; Petrovici, M.; Petta, C.; Piano, S.; Pikna, M.; Pillot, P.; Pinazza, O.; Pinsky, L.; Piyarathna, D. B.; Płoskoń, M.; Planinic, M.; Pluta, J.; Pochybova, S.; Podesta-Lerma, P. L. M.; Poghosyan, M. G.; Pohjoisaho, E. H. O.; Polichtchouk, B.; Poljak, N.; Pop, A.; Porteboeuf-Houssais, S.; Porter, J.; Potukuchi, B.; Prasad, S. K.; Preghenella, R.; Prino, F.; Pruneau, C. A.; Pshenichnov, I.; Puddu, G.; Pujahari, P.; Punin, V.; Putschke, J.; Qvigstad, H.; Rachevski, A.; Raha, S.; Rak, J.; Rakotozafindrabe, A.; Ramello, L.; Raniwala, R.; Raniwala, S.; Räsänen, S. S.; Rascanu, B. T.; Rathee, D.; Rauf, A. W.; Razazi, V.; Read, K. F.; Real, J. S.; Redlich, K.; Reed, R. J.; Rehman, A.; Reichelt, P.; Reicher, M.; Reidt, F.; Renfordt, R.; Reolon, A. R.; Reshetin, A.; Rettig, F.; Revol, J.-P.; Reygers, K.; Riabov, V.; Ricci, R. A.; Richert, T.; Richter, M.; Riedler, P.; Riegler, W.; Riggi, F.; Rivetti, A.; Rocco, E.; Rodríguez Cahuantzi, M.; Rodriguez Manso, A.; Røed, K.; Rogochaya, E.; Rohni, S.; Rohr, D.; Röhrich, D.; Romita, R.; Ronchetti, F.; Ronflette, L.; Rosnet, P.; Rossi, A.; Roukoutakis, F.; Roy, A.; Roy, C.; Roy, P.; Rubio Montero, A. J.; Rui, R.; Russo, R.; Ryabinkin, E.; Ryabov, Y.; Rybicki, A.; Sadovsky, S.; Šafařík, K.; Sahlmuller, B.; Sahoo, R.; Sahu, P. K.; Saini, J.; Sakai, S.; Salgado, C. A.; Salzwedel, J.; Sambyal, S.; Samsonov, V.; Sanchez Castro, X.; Sánchez Rodríguez, F. J.; Šándor, L.; Sandoval, A.; Sano, M.; Santagati, G.; Sarkar, D.; Scapparone, E.; Scarlassara, F.; Scharenberg, R. P.; Schiaua, C.; Schicker, R.; Schmidt, C.; Schmidt, H. R.; Schuchmann, S.; Schukraft, J.; Schulc, M.; Schuster, T.; Schutz, Y.; Schwarz, K.; Schweda, K.; Scioli, G.; Scomparin, E.; Scott, R.; Segato, G.; Seger, J. E.; Sekiguchi, Y.; Selyuzhenkov, I.; Seo, J.; Serradilla, E.; Sevcenco, A.; Shabetai, A.; Shabratova, G.; Shahoyan, R.; Shangaraev, A.; Sharma, N.; Sharma, S.; Shigaki, K.; Shtejer, K.; Sibiriak, Y.; Siddhanta, S.; Siemiarczuk, T.; Silvermyr, D.; Silvestre, C.; Simatovic, G.; Singaraju, R.; Singh, R.; Singha, S.; Singhal, V.; Sinha, B. C.; Sinha, T.; Sitar, B.; Sitta, M.; Skaali, T. B.; Skjerdal, K.; Slupecki, M.; Smirnov, N.; Snellings, R. J. M.; Søgaard, C.; Soltz, R.; Song, J.; Song, M.; Soramel, F.; Sorensen, S.; Spacek, M.; Spiriti, E.; Sputowska, I.; Spyropoulou-Stassinaki, M.; Srivastava, B. K.; Stachel, J.; Stan, I.; Stefanek, G.; Steinpreis, M.; Stenlund, E.; Steyn, G.; Stiller, J. H.; Stocco, D.; Stolpovskiy, M.; Strmen, P.; Suaide, A. A. P.; Sugitate, T.; Suire, C.; Suleymanov, M.; Sultanov, R.; Šumbera, M.; Susa, T.; Symons, T. J. M.; Szabo, A.; Szanto de Toledo, A.; Szarka, I.; Szczepankiewicz, A.; Szymanski, M.; Takahashi, J.; Tangaro, M. A.; Tapia Takaki, J. D.; Tarantola Peloni, A.; Tarazona Martinez, A.; Tarzila, M. G.; Tauro, A.; Tejeda Muñoz, G.; Telesca, A.; Terrevoli, C.; Thäder, J.; Thomas, D.; Tieulent, R.; Timmins, A. R.; Toia, A.; Trubnikov, V.; Trzaska, W. H.; Tsuji, T.; Tumkin, A.; Turrisi, R.; Tveter, T. S.; Ullaland, K.; Uras, A.; Usai, G. L.; Vajzer, M.; Vala, M.; Valencia Palomo, L.; Vallero, S.; Vande Vyvre, P.; van der Maarel, J.; van Hoorne, J. W.; van Leeuwen, M.; Vargas, A.; Vargyas, M.; Varma, R.; Vasileiou, M.; Vasiliev, A.; Vechernin, V.; Veldhoen, M.; Velure, A.; Venaruzzo, M.; Vercellin, E.; Vergara Limón, S.; Vernet, R.; Verweij, M.; Vickovic, L.; Viesti, G.; Viinikainen, J.; Vilakazi, Z.; Villalobos Baillie, O.; Vinogradov, A.; Vinogradov, L.; Vinogradov, Y.; Virgili, T.; Viyogi, Y. P.; Vodopyanov, A.; Völkl, M. A.; Voloshin, K.; Voloshin, S. A.; Volpe, G.; von Haller, B.; Vorobyev, I.; Vranic, D.; Vrláková, J.; Vulpescu, B.; Vyushin, A.; Wagner, B.; Wagner, J.; Wagner, V.; Wang, M.; Wang, Y.; Watanabe, D.; Weber, M.; Wessels, J. P.; Westerhoff, U.; Wiechula, J.; Wikne, J.; Wilde, M.; Wilk, G.; Wilkinson, J.; Williams, M. C. S.; Windelband, B.; Winn, M.; Yaldo, C. G.; Yamaguchi, Y.; Yang, H.; Yang, P.; Yang, S.; Yano, S.; Yasnopolskiy, S.; Yi, J.; Yin, Z.; Yoo, I.-K.; Yushmanov, I.; Zaccolo, V.; Zach, C.; Zaman, A.; Zampolli, C.; Zaporozhets, S.; Zarochentsev, A.; Závada, P.; Zaviyalov, N.; Zbroszczyk, H.; Zgura, I. S.; Zhalov, M.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, X.; Zhang, Y.; Zhao, C.; Zhigareva, N.; Zhou, D.; Zhou, F.; Zhou, Y.; Zhou, Zhuo; Zhu, H.; Zhu, J.; Zhu, X.; Zichichi, A.; Zimmermann, A.; Zimmermann, M. B.; Zinovjev, G.; Zoccarato, Y.; Zyzak, M.; Alice Collaboration

2014-11-01

Measurements of multiparticle azimuthal correlations (cumulants) for charged particles in p -Pb at √{sNN}=5.02 TeV and Pb-Pb at √{sNN}=2.76 TeV collisions are presented. They help address the question of whether there is evidence for global, flowlike, azimuthal correlations in the p -Pb system. Comparisons are made to measurements from the larger Pb-Pb system, where such evidence is established. In particular, the second harmonic two-particle cumulants are found to decrease with multiplicity, characteristic of a dominance of few-particle correlations in p -Pb collisions. However, when a |Δ η | gap is placed to suppress such correlations, the two-particle cumulants begin to rise at high multiplicity, indicating the presence of global azimuthal correlations. The Pb-Pb values are higher than the p -Pb values at similar multiplicities. In both systems, the second harmonic four-particle cumulants exhibit a transition from positive to negative values when the multiplicity increases. The negative values allow for a measurement of v2{4 } to be made, which is found to be higher in Pb-Pb collisions at similar multiplicities. The second harmonic six-particle cumulants are also found to be higher in Pb-Pb collisions. In Pb-Pb collisions, we generally find v2{4 } ≃v2{6 } ≠0 which is indicative of a Bessel-Gaussian function for the v2 distribution. For very high-multiplicity Pb-Pb collisions, we observe that the four- and six-particle cumulants become consistent with 0. Finally, third harmonic two-particle cumulants in p -Pb and Pb-Pb are measured. These are found to be similar for overlapping multiplicities, when a |Δ η |>1.4 gap is placed.

Risk assessment of water pollution sources based on an integrated k-means clustering and set pair analysis method in the region of Shiyan, China.

PubMed

Li, Chunhui; Sun, Lian; Jia, Junxiang; Cai, Yanpeng; Wang, Xuan

2016-07-01

Source water areas are facing many potential water pollution risks. Risk assessment is an effective method to evaluate such risks. In this paper an integrated model based on k-means clustering analysis and set pair analysis was established aiming at evaluating the risks associated with water pollution in source water areas, in which the weights of indicators were determined through the entropy weight method. Then the proposed model was applied to assess water pollution risks in the region of Shiyan in which China's key source water area Danjiangkou Reservoir for the water source of the middle route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project is located. The results showed that eleven sources with relative high risk value were identified. At the regional scale, Shiyan City and Danjiangkou City would have a high risk value in term of the industrial discharge. Comparatively, Danjiangkou City and Yunxian County would have a high risk value in terms of agricultural pollution. Overall, the risk values of north regions close to the main stream and reservoir of the region of Shiyan were higher than that in the south. The results of risk level indicated that five sources were in lower risk level (i.e., level II), two in moderate risk level (i.e., level III), one in higher risk level (i.e., level IV) and three in highest risk level (i.e., level V). Also risks of industrial discharge are higher than that of the agricultural sector. It is thus essential to manage the pillar industry of the region of Shiyan and certain agricultural companies in the vicinity of the reservoir to reduce water pollution risks of source water areas. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Continuous glucose monitoring and HbA1c in the evaluation of glucose metabolism in children at high risk for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Helminen, Olli; Pokka, Tytti; Tossavainen, Päivi; Ilonen, Jorma; Knip, Mikael; Veijola, Riitta

2016-10-01

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) parameters, self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), HbA1c and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were studied during preclinical type 1 diabetes mellitus. Ten asymptomatic children with multiple (⩾2) islet autoantibodies (cases) and 10 age and sex-matched autoantibody-negative controls from the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Study were invited to 7-day CGM with Dexcom G4 Platinum Sensor. HbA1c and two daily SMBG values (morning and evening) were analyzed. Five-point OGTTs were performed and carbohydrate intake was assessed by food records. The matched pairs were compared with the paired sample t-test. The cases showed higher mean values and higher variation in glucose levels during CGM compared to the controls. The time spent ⩾7.8mmol/l was 5.8% in the cases compared to 0.4% in the controls (p=0.040). Postprandial CGM values were similar except after the dinner (6.6mmol/l in cases vs. 6.1mmol/l in controls; p=0.023). When analyzing the SMBG values higher mean level, higher evening levels, as well as higher variation were observed in the cases when compared to the controls. HbA1c was significantly higher in the cases [5.7% (39mmol/mol) vs. 5.3% (34mmol/mol); p=0.045]. No differences were observed in glucose or C-peptide levels during OGTT. Daily carbohydrate intake was slightly higher in the cases (254.2g vs. 217.7g; p=0.034). Glucose levels measured by CGM and SMBG are useful indicators of dysglycemia during preclinical type 1 diabetes mellitus. Increased evening glucose values seem to be common in children with preclinical type 1 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mineral Elements Bio-Accessibility and Antioxidant Indices of Blanched Basella rubra at Different Phases of in vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

PubMed Central

Olukemi, Bukola Eugenia; Asikhia, Ikuosho Charity; Akindahunsi, Akintunde Afolabi

2018-01-01

The present investigation was designed to evaluate the mineral element bio-accessibility and antioxidant indices of blanched Basella rubra at different phases of simulated in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal). The phenolic composition of processed vegetable was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode-array detection method. Mineral composition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of the in vitro digested blanched and raw vegetable were also determined. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of some phenolic compounds, with higher levels (mg/g) of polyphenols in raw B. rubra (catechin, 1.12; p-coumaric acid, 6.17; caffeic acid, 2.05) compared with the blanched counterpart, with exeption of chlorogenic acid (2.84), that was higher in blanched vegetable. The mineral content (mg/100 g) showed a higher value in enzyme treated raw vegetable compared to their blanched counterparts, with few exceptions. The results revealed a higher level of some of the evaluated minerals at the intestinal phase of digestion (Zn, 6.36/5.31; Mg, 5.29/8.97; Ca, 2,307.69/1,565.38; Na, 5,128/4,128.21) for raw and blanched respectively, with the exception of Fe, K, and P. The results of the antioxidant indices of in vitro digested B. rubra revealed a higher value at the intestinal phase of in vitro digestion, with raw vegetal matter ranking higher (TPC, 553.56 mg/g; TFC, 518.88 mg/g; FRAP, 8.15 mg/g; TAA, 5,043.16 μM Trolox equivalent/g) than the blanched counterpart. The studied vegetable contains important minerals and antioxidant molecules that would be readily available after passing through the gastrointestinal tract and could be harnessed as functional foods. PMID:29662844

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of defected silicene nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, W.; Guo, Z. X.; Zhang, Y.; Ding, J. W.; Zheng, X. J.

2016-02-01

Based on non-equilibrium Green's function method, we investigate the thermoelectric performance for both zigzag (ZSiNRs) and armchair (ASiNRs) silicene nanoribbons with central or edge defects. For perfect silicene nanoribbons (SiNRs), it is shown that with its width increasing, the maximum of ZT values (ZTM) decreases monotonously while the phononic thermal conductance increases linearly. For various types of edges and defects, with increasing defect numbers in longitudinal direction, ZTM increases monotonously while the phononic thermal conductance decreases. Comparing with ZSiNRs, defected ASiNRs possess higher thermoelectric performance due to higher Seebeck coefficient and lower thermal conductance. In particular, about 2.5 times enhancement to ZT values is obtained in ASiNRs with edge defects. Our theoretical simulations indicate that by controlling the type and number of defects, ZT values of SiNRs could be enhanced greatly which suggests their very appealing thermoelectric applications.

Can education change the world? Education amplifies differences in liberalization values and innovation between developed and developing countries.

PubMed

Van Hiel, Alain; Van Assche, Jasper; De Cremer, David; Onraet, Emma; Bostyn, Dries; Haesevoets, Tessa; Roets, Arne

2018-01-01

The present study investigated the relationship between level of education and liberalization values in large, representative samples administered in 96 countries around the world (total N = 139,991). These countries show meaningful variation in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI), ranging from very poor, developing countries to prosperous, developed countries. We found evidence of cross-level interactions, consistently showing that individuals' level of education was associated with an increase in their liberalization values in higher HDI societies, whereas this relationship was curbed in lower HDI countries. This enhanced liberalization mindset of individuals in high HDI countries, in turn, was related to better scores on national indices of innovation. We conclude that this 'education amplification effect' widens the gap between lower and higher HDI countries in terms of liberalized mentality and economic growth potential. Policy implications for how low HDI countries can counter this gap are discussed.

Sensitivity and specificity of blood leukocyte counts as an indicator of mortality in horses after colic surgery.

PubMed

Salciccia, A; Sandersen, C; Grulke, S; de la Rebière de Pouyade, G; Caudron, I; Serteyn, D; Detilleux, J

2013-09-21

The objectives of this study were to describe and relate perioperative changes in blood leukocyte counts to the outcome of surgical colic horses, determine a cut-off value in the early postoperative period to obtain an indicator of the outcome, and compare the obtained value to a validation population of horses. Fifty-three horses undergoing colic surgery were included in the descriptive part of the study. Total leukocyte counts were performed before, during and serially after surgery. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed on the leukocyte counts of 45 of these horses to determine a cut-off value for the outcome. The results obtained were validated on a second set of 50 horses that underwent colic surgery in similar conditions. The kinetics of blood leukocytes in survivors was higher than in non-survivors during the first days. Non-survivor horses were more likely to have at least one blood leukocyte count ≤ 3.9 × 10(3)/mm(3) between 28 and 60 hours after surgery than survivor horses. This cut-off value was confirmed in the validation population. These results suggest that routine values of blood leukocyte counts can be used as an additional prognostic indicator after colic surgery alongside other predictors previously associated with the outcome.

Tethered balloon-born and ground-based measurements of black carbon and particulate profiles within the lower troposphere during the foggy period in Delhi, India.

PubMed

Bisht, D S; Tiwari, S; Dumka, U C; Srivastava, A K; Safai, P D; Ghude, S D; Chate, D M; Rao, P S P; Ali, K; Prabhakaran, T; Panickar, A S; Soni, V K; Attri, S D; Tunved, P; Chakrabarty, R K; Hopke, P K

2016-12-15

The ground and vertical profiles of particulate matter (PM) were mapped as part of a pilot study using a Tethered balloon within the lower troposphere (1000m) during the foggy episodes in the winter season of 2015-16 in New Delhi, India. Measurements of black carbon (BC) aerosol and PM <2.5 and 10μm (PM 2.5 & PM 10 respectively) concentrations and their associated particulate optical properties along with meteorological parameters were made. The mean concentrations of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , BC 370 nm, and BC 880 nm were observed to be 146.8±42.1, 245.4±65.4, 30.3±12.2, and 24.1±10.3μgm -3 , respectively. The mean value of PM 2.5 was ~12 times higher than the annual US-EPA air quality standard. The fraction of BC in PM 2.5 that contributed to absorption in the shorter visible wavelengths (BC 370 nm ) was ~21%. Compared to clear days, the ground level mass concentrations of PM 2.5 and BC 370 nm particles were substantially increased (59% and 24%, respectively) during the foggy episode. The aerosol light extinction coefficient (σ ext ) value was much higher (mean: 610Mm -1 ) during the lower visibility (foggy) condition. Higher concentrations of PM 2.5 (89μgm -3 ) and longer visible wavelength absorbing BC 880 nm (25.7μgm -3 ) particles were observed up to 200m. The BC 880 nm and PM 2.5 aerosol concentrations near boundary layer (1km) were significantly higher (~1.9 and 12μgm -3 ), respectively. The BC (i.e BC tot ) aerosol direct radiative forcing (DRF) values were estimated at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), surface (SFC), and atmosphere (ATM) and its resultant forcing were - 75.5Wm -2 at SFC indicating the cooling effect at the surface. A positive value (20.9Wm -2 ) of BC aerosol DRF at TOA indicated the warming effect at the top of the atmosphere over the study region. The net DRF value due to BC aerosol was positive (96.4Wm -2 ) indicating a net warming effect in the atmosphere. The contribution of fossil and biomass fuels to the observed BC aerosol DRF values was ~78% and ~22%, respectively. The higher mean atmospheric heating rate (2.71Kday -1 ) by BC aerosol in the winter season would probably strengthen the temperature inversion leading to poor dispersion and affecting the formation of clouds. Serious detrimental impacts on regional climate due to the high concentrations of BC and PM (especially PM 2.5 ) aerosol are likely based on this study and suggest the need for immediate, stringent measures to improve the regional air quality in the northern India. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Repair, Evaluation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation Research Program: Redevelopment of Relief Wells, Upper Wood River Drainage and Levee District, Madison County, Illinois

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-01

indicate that the wel rnproved to nearly their original effec- tiveness as a result of the prolongf., eriod of flow during the flood. Evalua- tion of... flow data from the Flood of. )73 indicated restored yields in some of the test wells of slightly higher than 100 percent of the original values. Tests...redevelopment and flushing of bacterial residue occurred as a result of the high flows . The same studies indicated that the test wells of the Upper Wood

Correlation of 18F-FDG PET and MRI Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Histogram Metrics with Survival in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: A Report from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium.

PubMed

Zukotynski, Katherine A; Vajapeyam, Sridhar; Fahey, Frederic H; Kocak, Mehmet; Brown, Douglas; Ricci, Kelsey I; Onar-Thomas, Arzu; Fouladi, Maryam; Poussaint, Tina Young

2017-08-01

The purpose of this study was to describe baseline 18 F-FDG PET voxel characteristics in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and to correlate these metrics with baseline MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram metrics, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival. Methods: Baseline brain 18 F-FDG PET and MRI scans were obtained in 33 children from Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium clinical DIPG trials. 18 F-FDG PET images, postgadolinium MR images, and ADC MR images were registered to baseline fluid attenuation inversion recovery MR images. Three-dimensional regions of interest on fluid attenuation inversion recovery MR images and postgadolinium MR images and 18 F-FDG PET and MR ADC histograms were generated. Metrics evaluated included peak number, skewness, and kurtosis. Correlation between PET and MR ADC histogram metrics was evaluated. PET pixel values within the region of interest for each tumor were plotted against MR ADC values. The association of these imaging markers with survival was described. Results: PET histograms were almost always unimodal (94%, vs. 6% bimodal). None of the PET histogram parameters (skewness or kurtosis) had a significant association with PFS, although a higher PET postgadolinium skewness tended toward a less favorable PFS (hazard ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-16.28 [ P = 0.11]). There was a significant association between higher MR ADC postgadolinium skewness and shorter PFS (hazard ratio, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.11-5.91 [ P = 0.028]), and there was the suggestion that this also led to shorter overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.18; 95% CI, 0.95-5.04 [ P = 0.067]). Higher MR ADC postgadolinium kurtosis tended toward shorter PFS (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98-1.74 [ P = 0.073]). PET and MR ADC pixel values were negatively correlated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Further, the level of PET and MR ADC correlation was significantly positively associated with PFS; tumors with higher values of ADC-PET correlation had more favorable PFS (hazard ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03-0.89 [ P = 0.036]), suggesting that a higher level of negative ADC-PET correlation leads to less favorable PFS. A more significant negative correlation may indicate higher-grade elements within the tumor leading to poorer outcomes. Conclusion: 18 F-FDG PET and MR ADC histogram metrics in pediatric DIPG demonstrate different characteristics with often a negative correlation between PET and MR ADC pixel values. A higher negative correlation is associated with a worse PFS, which may indicate higher-grade elements within the tumor. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

RADIATION STABILITY OF ORGANIC LIQUIDS. Semi-Annual Report No. 3 for January 1 to June 30, 1958

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

Wagner, R.M.; Towle, L.H.

1958-06-30

2 1 9 0 5 - completed on the nature and amount of the radiolysis products of tributyl phosphate containing equilibration quantities of 2M aqueous HNO/sub 3/, a 1: 2 volume ratio two-phase TBP-2M aqueous HNO/sub 3/ system, a 5% TBP-95% Amsco-2M HNO/sub 3/ two-phase system, four different (15-30- 45-60%) TBP-Amsco phases containing equilibration quantities of 2M HNO/sub 3/, didecyl decanephosphonate, diethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate containing equilibration quantities of 1M HNO/sub 3/, di-(2ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid, tri- n-octyl phosphine oxide, and tri-iso-octyl amine. The effect of nitric acid on tributyl phosphate radiolysis was tested in a variety of situations. G(MBP) valuesmore » obtained from the two TBPHNO/sub 3/ studies indicated that 2M HNO/sub 3/ resent either in an acid-saturated single phase, or as a second phase, increased the G(MBP) value by a factor of four. Amsco solutions of TBP in the presence of HrO/sub 3/ did not differ in G(MBP) yield from pure TBP irradiations. Acidsatarated TBP produced G(gas) values twice that of pure TBP. Amsco solutions of TBP, equilibrated with 2M HNO/sub 3/ prior to irradiation, produced G(gas) values roughly one-half of the value for pure TBP. Studies of new alternate solvents for TBP were extended to include a detailed study of diethyl carbonate for process application. Diethyl carbonate, when saturated by equilibration with 2M HNO/sub 3/, yielded G(gas) values 20% higher than pure diethyl carbonate. G(acid) levels were 1% of those found for irradiated TBP. Irradiations of didecyl decanephosphonate and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide indicated that the two compounds had comparable G(gas) values, but the phosphine oxide produced G(acid) values three to four factors smaller. Irradiation of a commercial tri-iso-octyl amine to 1795 whr/liter dose level produced a gross target destruction by radiolysis of almost 60%. Irradiation of pure tributyl phosphate to the same dose results in about 35% destruction. Irradiation of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid produced a G(dibasic actd) value roughly one-third of that from DBP. However, the G(phosphoric acid) value for the compound exceeded that of DBP by a factor of six. The G/sub M/ (polymer) value was one-third that of DBP and one-half that of TBP. The G/sub M/(target) value was 50% higher than the value for TBP and 20% lower than that for DBP. Studies of factors causing poor process performance were made by evaluation of U retention and emulsification. Spinner column studies indicated that 65% of the U retention of irradiated TBP was due to DBP and only 20% due to radiation polymer. Irradiation of HNO/sub 3/-saturated TBP-Amsco systems increased the U retention, compared to that of unirradiated systems, by factors of three to four at 400 whr/liter levels. Emulsification studies indicated that radiation polymer is the main contributor to emulsification phenomena with irradiated TBP at dose levels from 25-100 whr/ liter. Degree of emulsification was increased by factors of three to four when HNO/sub 3/-saturated TBP-Amsco systems were irradiated to 400 whr/liter. Several properties of diethyl carbonate of process interest were studied. Separatory funnel studies indicated diethyl carbonate to be 50% as efficient as 25% TBP- Amsco systems for extraction of U from acidic 2M Al(NO/sub 3/)sub 3/ aqueous systems. The U retention of HNO/sub 3/-saturated diethyl carbonate, after irradiation to 380 whr/liter dose, was higher than that observed with pure irradiated diethyl carbonate at 980 whr/liter levels by a factor of two. This higher level of retention, however, is equal to that or unirradiated 25% tributyl phosphate-Amsco systems. Diethyl carbonate was evaluated as an extractant for Th from aqueous 0.2M Th(NO/sub 3/)/sub 4/-2M Al(NO/sub 3/)/sub 3/ solutions of varying HNO/sub 3/ content (0 to 4M). The solubility of diethyl« less

Carbon Isotope Composition as an Indicator of DOC Sources to a Stream During Events in a Temperate Forested Catchment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doctor, D. H.; Sebestyen, S. D.; Aiken, G. R.; Shanley, J. B.; Kendall, C.; Boyer, E. W.

2006-12-01

Increased DOC flux in streams and rivers is commonly observed during high runoff regimes, however DOC concentrations alone do not provide information about multiple sources or pathways of DOC to streams. In an effort to gain this information, we measured DOC concentrations and stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C-DOC) on samples collected at high-frequency during events at Sleepers River Research Watershed in Vermont, USA. During snowmelt and storm events, peaks in stream DOC concentration (up to 10.5 mg/L) were coincident with peaks in flow. Stream water δ13C-DOC measurements ranged between -23.7‰ and - 28.9‰ and indicated changing sources of DOC during events; the highest δ13C-DOC values occurred consistently at the lowest flows, and the lowest δ13C-DOC values occurred with peaks in discharge. Water samples collected from shallow wells and stacked soil lysimeters showed the highest DOC concentrations in the most shallow (<0.5 m) lysimeter waters, and the lowest concentrations in the deeper (>1.5 m) well waters. Wells and lysimeters exhibited a range of δ13C-DOC values similar to those observed in the stream; however, samples collected from shallow horizons at nested wells and lysimeters consistently showed lower δ13C-DOC values than those from greater depths. Maple leaf litter collected from across the watershed provided an end-member of fresh organic material, with average δ13C composition of -31.3±0.7‰ (n=57), which is lower than the lowest measured DOC values in any of the stream, well, or lysimeter waters. A subset of stream waters were fractionated onto XAD4 and XAD8 resins; the hydrophobic acid fraction (XAD8) had consistently lower δ13C values than the transphilic acid fraction (XAD4), and both of these were lower than those of the bulk DOC. Samples with lower δ13C-DOC values also exhibited higher SUVA-254 values, i.e. greater aromaticity. Thus, lower δ13C-DOC values are interpreted as an indicator of relatively "fresh", more aromatic and more biologically labile material while higher δ13C-DOC values indicate relatively more degraded material. Since lower δ13C-DOC values were observed in the shallowest well and lysimeter waters and in stream water during periods of highest DOC flux, we surmise that fresh DOC is mobilized to the stream along relatively shallow flowpaths during high flows, and that a second source of more degraded DOC supplies background concentrations to the stream at lower flows.

Excessive exercise habits of runners as new signs of hypertension and arrhythmia.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Joo; Kim, Chul-Hyun; Park, Kyoung-Min

2016-08-15

Excessive exercise may induce arrhythmia, and this risk is higher in middle-aged people. The study aim was to compare the exercise characteristics of middle-aged runners participating in excessive endurance exercise. The subjects of this study were 552 runners (mean age; 49.0±7.4years) without structural heart disease who performed exercise at least twice per week, had consistently exercised for at least three years, and had finished at least five marathons. The arrhythmia runner group (ARG, n=14) and normal runner group (NRG, n=538) were compared with regard to hemodynamic response, cardiorespiratory fitness level, training history, number of finished races, finishing times, and exercise habits. The mean resting systolic (134.0±15.8mmHg) and diastolic (85.8±10.9mmHg) blood pressure values indicated pre-hypertension, while the mean maximal SBP (213.7±27.4mmHg) values indicated exercise-induced hypertension. The VO2max was significantly higher and the maximal DBP was significantly lower in the ARG than in the NRG (p<0.05). Training history was significantly longer in the ARG than in the NRG (p<0.05), while the number of finished marathons, the finishing times in marathons and the exercise frequency per week didn't differ significantly between the two groups. Exercise intensity was significantly higher in the ARG than in the NRG (p<0.01). Middle-aged long-distance runners showed pre-hypertension and exercise-induced hypertension, and the ARG had higher VO2max values, greater exercise intensities, and longer training histories than the NRG. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Socioeconomic factors and mortality in urban settings: the case of Barcelona, Spain.

PubMed Central

Borrell, C; Arias, A

1995-01-01

STUDY OBJECTIVE--This study aimed to describe the relationship between health and socioeconomic indicators in the 38 neighbourhoods of the city of Barcelona, Spain. DESIGN--Mortality data for 1983-89 and socioeconomic data for each of the 38 neighbourhoods of Barcelona were used. Mortality indicators used were the comparative mortality figure, the ratio of potential years of life lost, and life expectancy at birth. Socioeconomic indicators were the percentage of unemployed, the percentage of illiteracy, monthly telephone usage, the average power and age of cars, and the average rateable value of buildings and of land. The statistical correlation between socioeconomic indicators and mortality indicators was studied by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. SETTING--The 38 neighbourhoods of Barcelona, Spain. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--The comparative mortality figure ranged from 87.41-152.43 and the ratio of potential years of life lost from 74.94-237.31 in both sexes. Both the absolute difference and the ratio of the value for the neighbourhood with lowest mortality and that with highest mortality were larger when premature mortality was examined. Life expectancy at birth ranged from 64.77-75.32 years in men and 75.04-81.51 in women. All correlations between mortality and socioeconomic indicators were high and statistically significant: the higher the unemployment and illiteracy levels and the older the cars, the greater the comparative mortality figure and ratio of potential years of life lost, and the lower the life expectancy (negative correlations). Conversely, the higher the telephone use, the more powerful the cars, and the greater the rateable value, the lower the mortality (negative correlations) and the greater the life expectancy. These correlations were greater in males than in females. The highest correlations were with illiteracy. CONCLUSIONS--This study has detected significant differences in mortality in a large town in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Images PMID:7499987

Arterial stiffness estimation in healthy subjects: a validation of oscillometric (Arteriograph) and tonometric (SphygmoCor) techniques.

PubMed

Ring, Margareta; Eriksson, Maria Jolanta; Zierath, Juleen Rae; Caidahl, Kenneth

2014-11-01

Arterial stiffness is an important cardiovascular risk marker, which can be measured noninvasively with different techniques. To validate such techniques in healthy subjects, we compared the recently introduced oscillometric Arteriograph (AG) technique with the tonometric SphygmoCor (SC) method and their associations with carotid ultrasound measures and traditional risk indicators. Sixty-three healthy subjects aged 20-69 (mean 48 ± 15) years were included. We measured aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and augmentation index (AIx) by AG and SC, and with SC also the PWVao standardized to 80% of the direct distance between carotid and femoral sites (St-PWVaoSC). The carotid strain, stiffness index and intima-media thickness (cIMTmean) were evaluated by ultrasound. PWVaoAG (8.00 ± 2.16 m s(-1)) was higher (P<0.001) than PWVaoSC (6.87 ± 1.47 m s(-1)), but did not differ from St-PWVaoSC (7.68 ± 1.58 m s(-1)), and correlated (P<0.001) with both (r = 0.54 and 0.59). St-PWVaoSC was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than PWVaoAG for values below median (7.4 m s(-1)). PWVao by SC and AG differed significantly in females (P<0.001), but not in males (P=0.40). AIxaoAG (27.5 ± 14.5%) was higher (P < 0.001) than AIxaoSC (20.5 ± 17.4%), but related closely (r=0.97, P<0.001). St-PWVaoSC, PWVao and AIxao by SC, and PWVao and AIxao by AG were all related to serum cholesterol and to cIMTmean (P<0.001). Arterial stiffness indices by AG and SC correlate with vascular risk markers in healthy subjects. AIxao results by AG and SC are closely interrelated, but higher values are obtained by AG. In the lower range, PWVao values by AG and SC are similar, but differ for higher values. Our results imply the necessity to apply one and the same technique for repeated studies.

Looking on the bright side: the role of identity status and gender on positive orientations during emerging adulthood.

PubMed

Padilla-Walker, Laura M; Barry, Carolyn McNamara; Carroll, Jason S; Madsen, Stephanie D; Nelson, Larry J

2008-08-01

Emerging adulthood has been characterized as an age of possibilities that involves heightened identity exploration and risk-taking. Although some scholars have investigated the relation between identity status and risk behaviors in emerging adulthood, less attention has been paid to the relation between identity status and prosocial orientations. Thus, the current study examined how emerging adults' engagement in positive behaviors (i.e., prosocial tendencies, internalization of values, religiosity) varied as a function of identity status and gender. Results indicated that emerging adults who were in identity diffusion reported fewer prosocial tendencies, lower scores on internalization of values and lower religiosity, but emerging adults who were experiencing moratorium reported prosocial tendencies and levels of religiosity as frequently as emerging adults who had reached identity achievement. Also, young women reported higher levels of emotional and altruistic prosocial tendencies, higher levels of internalization of values, and higher levels of religiosity than did young men. The discussion focuses on emerging adulthood as a period of possibilities and exploration for not only risk behaviors, but prosocial behaviors as well.

Subcritical Butane Extraction of Wheat Germ Oil and Its Deacidification by Molecular Distillation.

PubMed

Li, Jinwei; Sun, Dewei; Qian, Lige; Liu, Yuanfa

2016-12-07

Extraction and deacidification are important stages for wheat germ oil (WGO) production. Crude WGO was extracted using subcritical butane extraction (SBE) and compared with traditional solvent extraction (SE) and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SCE) based on the yield, chemical index and fatty acid profile. Furthermore, the effects of the molecular distillation temperature on the quality of WGO were also investigated in this study. Results indicated that WGO extracted by SBE has a higher yield of 9.10% and better quality; at the same time, its fatty acid composition has no significant difference compared with that of SE and SCE. The molecular distillation experiment showed that the acid value, peroxide value and p -anisidine value of WGO were reduced with the increase of the evaporation temperatures, and the contents of the active constituents of tocopherol, polyphenols and phytosterols are simultaneously decreased. Generally, the distillation temperature of 150 °C is an appropriate condition for WGO deacidification with the higher deacidification efficiency of 77.78% and the higher retention rate of active constituents.

Power analysis as a tool to identify statistically informative indicators for monitoring coral reef disturbances.

PubMed

Van Wynsberge, Simon; Gilbert, Antoine; Guillemot, Nicolas; Heintz, Tom; Tremblay-Boyer, Laura

2017-07-01

Extensive biological field surveys are costly and time consuming. To optimize sampling and ensure regular monitoring on the long term, identifying informative indicators of anthropogenic disturbances is a priority. In this study, we used 1800 candidate indicators by combining metrics measured from coral, fish, and macro-invertebrate assemblages surveyed from 2006 to 2012 in the vicinity of an ongoing mining project in the Voh-Koné-Pouembout lagoon, New Caledonia. We performed a power analysis to identify a subset of indicators which would best discriminate temporal changes due to a simulated chronic anthropogenic impact. Only 4% of tested indicators were likely to detect a 10% annual decrease of values with sufficient power (>0.80). Corals generally exerted higher statistical power than macro-invertebrates and fishes because of lower natural variability and higher occurrence. For the same reasons, higher taxonomic ranks provided higher power than lower taxonomic ranks. Nevertheless, a number of families of common sedentary or sessile macro-invertebrates and fishes also performed well in detecting changes: Echinometridae, Isognomidae, Muricidae, Tridacninae, Arcidae, and Turbinidae for macro-invertebrates and Pomacentridae, Labridae, and Chaetodontidae for fishes. Interestingly, these families did not provide high power in all geomorphological strata, suggesting that the ability of indicators in detecting anthropogenic impacts was closely linked to reef geomorphology. This study provides a first operational step toward identifying statistically relevant indicators of anthropogenic disturbances in New Caledonia's coral reefs, which can be useful in similar tropical reef ecosystems where little information is available regarding the responses of ecological indicators to anthropogenic disturbances.

Trait Values, Not Trait Plasticity, Best Explain Invasive Species' Performance in a Changing Environment

PubMed Central

Matzek, Virginia

2012-01-01

The question of why some introduced species become invasive and others do not is the central puzzle of invasion biology. Two of the principal explanations for this phenomenon concern functional traits: invasive species may have higher values of competitively advantageous traits than non-invasive species, or they may have greater phenotypic plasticity in traits that permits them to survive the colonization period and spread to a broad range of environments. Although there is a large body of evidence for superiority in particular traits among invasive plants, when compared to phylogenetically related non-invasive plants, it is less clear if invasive plants are more phenotypically plastic, and whether this plasticity confers a fitness advantage. In this study, I used a model group of 10 closely related Pinus species whose invader or non-invader status has been reliably characterized to test the relative contribution of high trait values and high trait plasticity to relative growth rate, a performance measure standing in as a proxy for fitness. When grown at higher nitrogen supply, invaders had a plastic RGR response, increasing their RGR to a much greater extent than non-invaders. However, invasive species did not exhibit significantly more phenotypic plasticity than non-invasive species for any of 17 functional traits, and trait plasticity indices were generally weakly correlated with RGR. Conversely, invasive species had higher values than non-invaders for 13 of the 17 traits, including higher leaf area ratio, photosynthetic capacity, photosynthetic nutrient-use efficiency, and nutrient uptake rates, and these traits were also strongly correlated with performance. I conclude that, in responding to higher N supply, superior trait values coupled with a moderate degree of trait variation explain invasive species' superior performance better than plasticity per se. PMID:23119098

Health risks of thallium in contaminated arable soils and food crops irrigated with wastewater from a sulfuric acid plant in western Guangdong province, China.

PubMed

Wang, Chunlin; Chen, Yongheng; Liu, Juan; Wang, Jin; Li, Xiangping; Zhang, Yongbo; Liu, Yimin

2013-04-01

Thallium (Tl) contamination in soils poses a significant threat to human health due to the high toxicity of Tl and its ready assimilation by crops. Consumption of food crops contaminated with Tl is a major food chain route for human exposure. The health risks of Tl in contaminated food crops irrigated with wastewater from a sulfuric acid factory were investigated in this paper. Results indicate that long-term Tl-containing wastewater irrigation resulted in Tl contamination of arable soils and crops. The pollution load index values indicated that the arable soils were moderately enriched with Tl. Tl was highly accumulated in the crops. The content of Tl in the edible plant portions of crops ranged from 1.2 mg/kg to 104.8 mg/kg, exceeding the recommended permissible limits for food crops. The daily intake of metals (DIM) values of Tl for both adults and children via the consumption of the food crops except soya beans were higher than the reference oral dose (RfD) limit recommend by the United States environmental protection agency (US-EPA). Health risk index (HRI) values were generally higher than 1, indicating that health risks associated with Tl exposure are significant and assumed to be dangerous to the health of local villagers. Therefore, much attention should be paid to avoid consumption of these Tl-contaminated crops that can cause great potential risks. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of Neck Circumference and Obesity with Blood Pressure among Adolescents in Urban and Rural Population in North Tamil Nadu.

PubMed

Rajagopalan, Archana; Balaji, Nisha

2017-01-01

Since a few studies exist on the association of neck circumference (NC) and obesity with blood pressure (BP) among adolescents in India, we found it highly relevant to measure the NC and body mass index (BMI) using them as indicators of upper body subcutaneous fat and obesity and relate them to BP in a rural and urban adolescent population in North Tamil Nadu. This is a community-based cross-sectional study of descriptive design where 500 students from urban and rural areas were selected, and their BMI, NC, and BP were measured using standardized instruments. Among urban and rural population high and normal NC positively correlated with BMI, systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), indicating that the data clearly reflects increase in BMI, SBP, and DBP values with increase in NC or vice versa. The correlation was statistically significant ( P < 0.001) significantly higher BMI ( P < 0.01), SBP ( P < 0.05), and NC ( P < 0.001) was observed in urban population than rural. DBP was not significantly different in rural and urban population. 95 th percentile values are significantly higher than rest in both urban and rural population. Only the 95 th percentile values correlate and reflect similar changes in BMI, SBP, and DBP. Our studies indicate a strong association of elevation in BP with high NC and increase in BMI. Overweight and obesity were positively correlated with increase in SBP and DBP.

Development of the Likelihood of Low Glucose (LLG) algorithm for evaluating risk of hypoglycemia: a new approach for using continuous glucose data to guide therapeutic decision making.

PubMed

Dunn, Timothy C; Hayter, Gary A; Doniger, Ken J; Wolpert, Howard A

2014-07-01

The objective was to develop an analysis methodology for generating diabetes therapy decision guidance using continuous glucose (CG) data. The novel Likelihood of Low Glucose (LLG) methodology, which exploits the relationship between glucose median, glucose variability, and hypoglycemia risk, is mathematically based and can be implemented in computer software. Using JDRF Continuous Glucose Monitoring Clinical Trial data, CG values for all participants were divided into 4-week periods starting at the first available sensor reading. The safety and sensitivity performance regarding hypoglycemia guidance "stoplights" were compared between the LLG method and one based on 10th percentile (P10) values. Examining 13 932 hypoglycemia guidance outputs, the safety performance of the LLG method ranged from 0.5% to 5.4% incorrect "green" indicators, compared with 0.9% to 6.0% for P10 value of 110 mg/dL. Guidance with lower P10 values yielded higher rates of incorrect indicators, such as 11.7% to 38% at 80 mg/dL. When evaluated only for periods of higher glucose (median above 155 mg/dL), the safety performance of the LLG method was superior to the P10 method. Sensitivity performance of correct "red" indicators of the LLG method had an in sample rate of 88.3% and an out of sample rate of 59.6%, comparable with the P10 method up to about 80 mg/dL. To aid in therapeutic decision making, we developed an algorithm-supported report that graphically highlights low glucose risk and increased variability. When tested with clinical data, the proposed method demonstrated equivalent or superior safety and sensitivity performance. © 2014 Diabetes Technology Society.

[Speciation Distribution and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Typical Material Roof Dusts].

PubMed

Li, Dun-zhu; Guan, Yun-tao; Liu, An; Li, Si-yuan

2015-09-01

With the modified BCR sequential extraction procedure, the chemical speciation and risk for 10 heavy metals (Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr and Zn) in roof dusts were investigated. The subjects of this study were collected from four typical material paved roofs (i. e., ceramic tile, concrete, metal and asphalt) in southeast China. The results indicated that the average contents of heavy metals in roof dust significantly exceeded road dust. The analysis of chemical fraction showed that the acid soluble/exchangeable fraction of Zn was much higher than other elements, the existence of Pb and Cu was mainly in oxidization fraction, while other heavy metals dominated by the residual fraction. The mobility sequence percentages for all roof dust samples decreased in the order of Pb > Zn > Cu >Mn > Co >Sr > Sb > Ni > Ba > Cr, and it should be noted that Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn and Co all have more than 50% proportion in mobility sequence. Based on environmental risk assessment, the highest values of contamination factors (Cf) and risk assessment code (RAC) consistently was observed in Zn, which indicated that Zn had relatively high ecological risk. Health risk assessment showed that the non-carcinogenic hazard indexes (HI) of heavy metals decreased in the order of Pb > Cr > Sb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ba > Ni > Co > Sr, the HI of heavy metals for adults were lower than safe value while the HI of Pb for children was higher than safe value, suggesting that they will not harm the adult's health except Pb for children. The carcinogenic risk for Cr, Co and Ni were all below the threshold values, which indicated that there was no carcinogenic risk.

Shear bond strength in zirconia veneered ceramics using two different surface treatments prior veneering.

PubMed

Gasparić, Lana Bergman; Schauperl, Zdravko; Mehulić, Ketij

2013-03-01

Aim of the study was to assess the effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of the veneering ceramics to zirconia core. In a shear test the influence of grinding and sandblasting of the zirconia surface on bonding were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical package (version 17.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and Microsoft Office Excel 2003 (Microsoft, Seattle, WA, USA). There was a significant difference between the groups considering shear bond strength (SBS) values, i.e. ground and sandblasted samples had significantly higher SBS values than only ground samples (mean difference = -190.67; df = 10, t = -6.386, p < 0.001). The results of the present study indicate that ground and sandblasted cores are superior to ground cores, allowing significantly higher surface roughness and significantly higher shear bond strength between the core and the veneering material.

The effect of socioeconomic indicators and macronutrient intake rate on body composition in adolescents 12 to 16 years old in Merida, Yucatan.

PubMed

Datta Banik, Sudip; Andrade Olalde, Ana Carolina; Rodriguez, Luis; Dickinson, Federico

2014-01-01

Intake pattern of macronutrients (protein, lipid, carbohydrate) and socioeconomic status (SES) are major causes of high child and adolescent overweight and obesity prevalences in Mexico. An evaluation was done of the relationship between body mass index (BMI)-based nutritional status and body composition (BC), macronutrient intake rates (MIR) and SES indicators in 127 boys and 156 girls aged 12 to 16 years attending schools in Merida, Mexico. Anthropometric variables included height, weight, and BMI. The BC (body fat mass, fat-free mass, dry lean mass) was estimated by bioelectrical impedance (Bodystat 1500 MDD). The MIR were estimated following FAO/WHO/UNO standard (1985). Proxy socioeconomic indicators included parents' age (as a maturity indicator) and education, fathers' occupation, school type and monthly household food expenditure per capita. Excess weight (overweight + obesity) assessed by BMI, was higher in boys (40.16 %) than in girls (33.97 %). Boys had higher BMI, less fat mass and higher fat-free mass than girls. The MIR did not vary significantly in response to age, sex, BC or SES. Participants with higher SES were taller and heavier, had higher fat-free mass and lower fat mass. In the studied adolescents, anthropometric and BC values, and overweight and obesity rates were more associated with SES than MIR.

Strategic Reporting Tool: Balanced Scorecards in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyddon, Jan W.; McComb, Bruce E.

2008-01-01

In this toolbox article, the authors describe the recommended steps for creating a community college balanced scorecard that measures and reports on key performance indicators based on targets and signal values to end-users, college constituents and external stakeholders. Based on extensive experience in the field, the authors provide a…

Correlations between cephalometric and photographic measurements of facial attractiveness in Chinese and US patients after orthodontic treatment.

PubMed

Oh, Hee Soo; Korn, Edward L; Zhang, Xiaoyun; Liu, Yan; Xu, Tianmin; Boyd, Robert; Baumrind, Sheldon

2009-12-01

Orthodontists rely on esthetic judgments from facial photographs. Concordance between estimates of facial attractiveness made from lateral cephalograms and those made from clinical photographs has not been determined. We conducted a preliminary examination to correlate clinicians' rankings of facial attractiveness from standardized end-of-treatment facial photographs (Photo Attractiveness Rank) with cephalometric measurements of facial attractiveness made for the same subjects at the same time. Forty-five Chinese and US orthodontic clinicians ranked end-of-treatment photographs of separate samples of 45 US and 48 Chinese adolescent patients for facial attractiveness. Separately for each sample, the photographic rankings were correlated with the values of 21 conventional hard- and soft-tissue measures from lateral cephalograms taken at the same visits as the photographs. Among US patients, higher rank for facial attractiveness on the photographs was strongly associated with higher values for profile angle, chin prominence, lower lip prominence, and Z-angle, and also with lower values for angle of convexity, H-angle, and ANB. Among Chinese patients, higher rank for facial attractiveness on the photographs was strongly associated with higher values for Z-angle and chin prominence, and also with lower values for angle of convexity, H-angle, B-line to upper lip, and mandibular plane angle. Chinese patients whose %lower face height values approximated the ethnic "ideal" (54%) tended to rank higher for facial attractiveness than patients with either higher or lower values for %lower face height. The absolute values of the correlations for the 7 US measures noted above ranged from 0.41 to 0.59; those of the 7 Chinese measures ranged from 0.39 to 0.49.The P value of the least statistically significant of these 14 correlations was 0.006, unadjusted for multiple comparisons. On the other hand, many cephalometric measures believed by clinicians to be indicators of facial attractiveness failed to correlate with facial attractiveness rank for either ethnicity at even the P <0.05 level, including SN-pogonion angle, lower incisor to mandibular plane angle, and Wits appraisal. In general, there was less association than expected or desired between objective measurements on the lateral cephalograms and clinicians' rankings of facial attractiveness on sets of clinical photographs.

Effects of α-thalassaemia mutations on the haematological parameters of β-thalassaemia carriers.

PubMed

Saleh-Gohari, Nasrollah; Khademi Bami, Maryam; Nikbakht, Roya; Karimi-Maleh, Hassan

2015-07-01

Thalassaemia is a haemoglobin disorder caused by a reduction in, or a complete absence of, the production of α- or β-globin genes. Detection of β-thalassaemia carriers is the first step in the prenatal diagnosis of the disease and is based primarily on the differences between levels of blood cell indices. Since co-inheritance of β- and α-thalassaemia mutations modulates the haematological parameters of heterozygote β-thalassaemia indices, understanding the influence of this interaction is helpful for identification of disease carriers. To determine the effects of α-thalassaemia mutations on the haematological parameters of β-thalassaemia carriers. We used gap-PCR and amplification refractory mutation system techniques to find any α- and/or β-thalassaemia mutations in 270 subjects who were suspected to be thalassaemia carriers. The mean values of the haematological parameters in α, β-thalassaemia and β-thalassaemia carriers were compared. Significant differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and HbA2 were found between the two groups. Patients who were α, β-thalassaemia carriers had higher mean values of MCV and MCH, whereas HbA2 levels were higher in simple β-thalassaemia. No marked differences were found in mean cell haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Hb blood cell indices. The value of MCV, MCH and HbA2 were significantly different between α,β-thalassaemia and simple β-thalassaemia in men and women, but the mean values of Hb in the two groups differed markedly only in men. We conclude that co-inheritance of α- and β-thalassaemia mutations may result in misdiagnosis of β-thalassaemia carriers. Therefore, in genetic counselling of patients with a near-normal range of blood cell indices the possibility that they may carry α, β-thalassaemia mutations must be considered. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Masculine Norms, Avoidant Coping, Asian Values and Depression among Asian American Men.

PubMed

Iwamoto, Derek Kenji; Liao, Liang; Liu, William Ming

2010-01-01

Contrary to the "model minority" myth, growing research indicates that the rates of mental health problems among Asian Americans may be higher than initially assumed. This study seeks to add to the scant knowledge regarding the mental health of Asian American men by examining the role of masculine norms, coping and cultural values in predicting depression among this population (N=149). Results reveal that Asian American men who used avoidant coping strategies and endorsed the masculine norm Dominance reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. In contrast, endorsing Winning masculine norms was associated to lower levels of depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that adherence to masculine norms and avoidant coping strategies play a salient role in the mental health of Asian American men.

Experimental determination of the turbulence in a liquid rocket combustion chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hara, J.; Smith, L. O.; Partus, F. P.

1972-01-01

The intensity of turbulence and the Lagrangian correlation coefficient for a liquid rocket combustion chamber were determined experimentally using the tracer gas diffusion method. The results indicate that the turbulent diffusion process can be adequately modeled by the one-dimensional Taylor theory; however, the numerical values show significant disagreement with previously accepted values. The intensity of turbulence is higher by a factor of about two, while the Lagrangian correlation coefficient which was assumed to be unity in the past is much less than unity.

Effect of Diwali Firecrackers on Air Quality and Aerosol Optical Properties over Mega City (Delhi) in India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sateesh, M.; Soni, V. K.; Raju, P. V. S.

2018-06-01

In this paper, the variations of aerosol properties due to crackers burning during Diwali event (11th-18th 2012) over mega city Delhi were investigated. The sky radiometer POM-2 aerosol optical property data from Skynet-India along with ambient air pollution data were critically analyzed. The aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 500 nm was 1.60 on 13th November, the Diwali day, and its value a maximum of 1.84 on 16th November. Due to stable atmosphere over Delhi during post Diwali, aerosols accumulate and remain in the atmosphere for longer time, which leads to higher AOD on 16th November. A lower value of single-scattering albedo (SSA) was observed at a longer wavelength (1020 nm) during the entire period that clearly indicates the dominance of absorbing-type black carbon aerosol. SSA showed a steep decrease after 16th November. Asymmetry parameter decreased to a maximum of 0.79 for the shorter wavelength at 340 nm and 0.632 is reported at the higher wavelength 1020 nm. Asymmetry parameter showed a decrease in value just after Diwali on 14th November, this suggesting the dominance of fine-mode aerosol from anthropogenic activities. The lowest value of the refractive index (1.4527) on 14th and 15th November indicates the higher loading of absorbing-type aerosol which may be associated with firecracker burning of Diwali festival. The significant correlation with the value of r = 0.9 was observed between sky radiometer and MODIS AOD with a standard deviation of 0.31 and an RMSE of 0.17 during the event. Radiative forcing and heating rate were estimated using SBDART. The maximum average concentrations 2641 and 1876 μg/m3 of PM10 and PM2.5, respectively, were observed on the Diwali night. A highest of 109 ppb surface ozone was reported in the night at 23:00 IST, which can be attributed to burning of the firecrackers.

Water indicators based on SPOT 6 satellite images in irrigated area at the Paracatu River Basin, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leivas, Janice F.; de C. Teixeira, Antônio Heriberto; Bayma-Silva, Gustavo; Monteiro Garçon, Edlene A.; Ronquim, Carlos Cesar

2017-10-01

The Paracatu River is the largest affluent of the São Francisco River, Brazil. The main water use in the Paracatu river basin is irrigation, which occupies an area of 37,150 ha. The objective in this study was to obtain water indicators at irrigated areas using the SAFER (Simple Algorithm For Evapotranspiration Retrieving) and the Penman-Monteith models with images of SPOT 6 satellite (without the thermal band). The parameters obtained are evapotranspiration (ET), albedo (α), biomass (BIO), surface temperature (Tsup) and water productivity (PA) in irrigated areas of Paracatu River Basin. We used 2 satellite images by the sensor SPOT6 (by Astrium Company) with a spatial resolution of 6 m (August 8, 2014 and August 23, 2015) and data from meteorological stations. In irrigated areas, the NDVI reached values higher than 0.76, due the response of vegetation to irrigation. The daily average albedo was 0.18 ± 0.01 and 0.02 ± 0.17 respectively. In the analysis of the surface temperature (Tsup), it can be observed that in the image of 2015, mean values higher than those observed in the image of 2014 (303.03 +/- 1.97 K and 299.34 +/- 3.47 K, respectively). In 2015, due to increased atmospheric evaporative demand, ET reached values higher than those seen in the scene in 2014. The average daily evapotranspiration rate in Paracatu for 2014 scene was of 0.81+/-1.49 mm, with a maximum value of 8.96 mm at the irrigated areas. In image of 2015 the average evapotranspiration (ET) values was 1.87+/-1.27 mm. The results obtained in this study may assist in the monitoring of irrigated agriculture to face a trend of scarcity of water resources and of increasing conflicts over water use as occurs in the Paracatu River Basin.

[Physical activity and respiratory function: corporal composition and spirometric values analysis].

PubMed

Paulo, Rui; Petrica, João; Martins, Júlio

2013-01-01

The main aim of this research project was to measure the effects of physical activity on corporal composition (BMI and waist circumference) on spirometric values and relate these indicators to the respiratory/ventilator function. The sample consisted of 86 individuals, higher education students, with an average age of 21.3 ± 2.4 years, who were divided into two groups: the control group consisted of 28 sedentary subjects (20.9 ± 1.3 years), and the experimental group consisting of 58 subjects (21.5 ± 2.8 years) who undertook supervised exercise. To characterize the sample of the type of physical activity, we used an adaptation of the questionnaire Telama et al.19 We assessed the value of spirometry (PEF, FVC and FEV₁) with a Microquark Cosmed spirometer and the BMI and waist circumference. The figures obtained were processed with the S.P.S.S. 19.0, the t-test, the Levene test, the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation test, adopting a significance level of 5%. The experimental group achieved significantly better BMI and waist circumference results (p = 0.05) and in all of the values assessed by spirometry (PEF, FVC and FEV₁) compared to the control group. We also found that there is a tendency for a negative correlation between the values of body composition and spirometric values, only observable in some variables (PEF, FEV₁), i.e., the higher the values of body composition, the lower the spirometric values. The students that performed supervised exercise had higher levels of body composition and lung function. Poor BMI and waist circumference values may lead to respiratory dysfunction in terms of ventilation and the respective lung volumes, limiting the practice of physical activity and increasing the probability of respiratory pathologies.

Changes in Cross-Correlations as an Indicator for Systemic Risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zeyu; Podobnik, Boris; Feng, Ling; Li, Baowen

2012-11-01

The 2008-2012 global financial crisis began with the global recession in December 2007 and exacerbated in September 2008, during which the U.S. stock markets lost 20% of value from its October 11 2007 peak. Various studies reported that financial crisis are associated with increase in both cross-correlations among stocks and stock indices and the level of systemic risk. In this paper, we study 10 different Dow Jones economic sector indexes, and applying principle component analysis (PCA) we demonstrate that the rate of increase in principle components with short 12-month time windows can be effectively used as an indicator of systemic risk--the larger the change of PC1, the higher the increase of systemic risk. Clearly, the higher the level of systemic risk, the more likely a financial crisis would occur in the near future.

Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Sponge Cakes with Rubus coreanus Powder

PubMed Central

Lee, Jun Ho

2015-01-01

To develop new type of sponge cake, the effects of partial (0~40%) replacement with Rubus coreanus powder (RCP) on the quality characteristics of sponge cakes were investigated. The pH level and moisture content ranged from 4.05~8.23 and 28.49~36.59, respectively, and significantly decreased upon addition of RCP (P<0.05). Baking loss rate and cake firmness significantly increased with higher RCP content in the formulation, whereas morphological characteristics of cakes such as height, volume, and symmetry indices significantly decreased (P<0.05). For crumb color values, L*- and b*-values significantly decreased while a*-value significantly increased as a result of RCP substitution (P<0.05). Hedonic sensory results indicated that sponge cakes supplemented with 30~40% RCP showed the most favorable acceptance scores for most of the sensory attributes evaluated. Overall, Rubus coreanus sponge cake could be developed with comparable physicochemical qualities without sacrificing consumer acceptability. PMID:26451358

Canopy Level Chlorophyll Fluorescence and the PRI in a Cornfield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Cheng, Yen-Ben; Corp, Lawrence A.; Campbell, Petya K. E.; Huemmrich, K. Fred; Zhang, Qingyuan; Kustas, William P.

2012-01-01

Two bio-indicators, the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and solar-induced red and far-red Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF), were derived from directional hyperspectral observations and studied in a cornfield on two contrasting days in the growing season. Both red and far-red SIF exhibited higher values on the day when the canopy in the early senescent stage, but only the far-red SIF showed sensitivity to viewing geometry. Consequently, the red/far-red SIF ratio varied greatly among azimuth positions while the largest values were obtained for the "hotspot" at both growth stages. This ratio was lower (approx.0.88 +/- 0.4) in early July than in August when the ratio approached equivalence (near approx.1). In concert, the PRI exhibited stronger responses to both zenith and azimuth angles and different values on the two growth stages. The potential of using these indices to monitor photosynthetic activities needs further investigation

Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Sponge Cakes with Rubus coreanus Powder.

PubMed

Lee, Jun Ho

2015-09-01

To develop new type of sponge cake, the effects of partial (0~40%) replacement with Rubus coreanus powder (RCP) on the quality characteristics of sponge cakes were investigated. The pH level and moisture content ranged from 4.05~8.23 and 28.49~36.59, respectively, and significantly decreased upon addition of RCP (P<0.05). Baking loss rate and cake firmness significantly increased with higher RCP content in the formulation, whereas morphological characteristics of cakes such as height, volume, and symmetry indices significantly decreased (P<0.05). For crumb color values, L*- and b*-values significantly decreased while a*-value significantly increased as a result of RCP substitution (P<0.05). Hedonic sensory results indicated that sponge cakes supplemented with 30~40% RCP showed the most favorable acceptance scores for most of the sensory attributes evaluated. Overall, Rubus coreanus sponge cake could be developed with comparable physicochemical qualities without sacrificing consumer acceptability.

Quality of Tourist Beaches in Huatulco, SW of Mexico: Multiproxy Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Retama, I.; Jonathan, M. P.; Rodriguez-Espinosa, P. F.

2014-12-01

40 beach water and sediment samples were collected from the inter-tidal zones of tourist beaches of Huatulco in the State of Oaxaca, South Western part of Mexico. The samples were collected in an aim to know the concentration pattern of metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe, As, Hg) in sediments and microplastics. Physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and total dissolved solids, salinity and redox potential. Collection of samples was done during the peak season in April 2013. Our results from water samples indicate that the physico-chemical conditions of the beach water have been altered due to human activities in large numbers. The bioavailable metal concentrations indicate that enrichment of Pb, Cd, Cr and As and it is also supported by the higher values observed from the calculation of enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index. The higher values in the sediments is either due to natural sources like chemical weathering of rocks and external sources, which points to high tourism, agricultural activities in the region. Identification of micro-plastics was done through SEM photographs, indicating the type of plastic wastes deposited into the beach regions which can indicate the density, durability and the persistence level in the sediments. Eventhough the enrichment of metals and modification of beach water quality is observed, care need to be taken to avoid further damage to the coastal ecosystem. Keywords: Tourism, Beach sediments, Beach water, Micro plastics, Trace metals, Contamination indices, Huatulco, Mexico.

Adherence to outpatient epilepsy quality indicators at a tertiary epilepsy center

PubMed Central

Pourdeyhimi, R.; Wolf, B.J.; Simpson, A.N.; Martz, G.U.

2014-01-01

Introduction Quality indicators for the treatment of people with epilepsy were published in 2010. This is the first report of adherence to all measures in routine care of people with epilepsy at a level 4 comprehensive epilepsy center in the US. Methods Two hundred patients with epilepsy were randomly selected from the clinics of our comprehensive epilepsy center, and all visits during 2011 were abstracted for documentation of adherence to the eight quality indicators. Alternative measures were constructed to evaluate failure of adherence. Detailed descriptions of all equations are provided. Results Objective measures (EEG, imaging) showed higher adherence than counseling measures (safety). Initial visits showed higher adherence. Variations in the interpretation of the quality measure result in different adherence values. Advanced practice providers and physicians had different adherence patterns. No patient-specific patterns of adherence were seen. Discussion This is the first report of adherence to all the epilepsy quality indicators for a sample of patients during routine care in a level 4 epilepsy center in the US. Overall adherence was similar to that previously reported on similar measures. Precise definitions of adherence equations are essential for accurate measurement. Complex measures result in lower adherence. Counseling measures showed low adherence, possibly highlighting a difference between practice and documentation. Adherence to the measures as written does not guarantee high quality care. Conclusion The current quality indicators have value in the process of improving quality of care. Future approaches may be refined to eliminate complex measures and incorporate features linked to outcomes. PMID:25171260

Predictive Validity of a Cigarette Purchase Task in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Contingent Vouchers for Smoking in Individuals With Substance Use Disorders

PubMed Central

Mackillop, James; Murphy, Cara M.; Martin, Rosemarie A.; Stojek, Monika; Tidey, Jennifer W.; Colby, Suzanne M.

2016-01-01

Abstract Introduction: A cigarette purchase task (CPT) is a behavioral economic measure of the reinforcing value of smoking in monetary terms (ie, cigarette demand). This study investigated whether cigarette demand predicted response to contingent monetary rewards for abstinence among individuals with substance use disorders. It also sought to replicate evidence for greater price sensitivity at whole-dollar pack price transitions (ie, left-digit effects). Methods: Participants ( N = 338) were individuals in residential substance use disorder treatment who participated in a randomized controlled trial that compared contingent vouchers to noncontingent vouchers for smoking abstinence. Baseline demand indices were used to predict number of abstinent days during the 14-day voucher period (after the reduction lead-in) and at 1 and 3 months afterward. Results: Demand indices correlated with measures of smoking and nicotine dependence. As measured by elasticity, intensity and Omax , higher demand significantly predicted fewer abstinent exhaled carbon monoxide readings during voucher period for individuals in the noncontingent vouchers condition. Breakpoint exhibited a trend-level association with abstinent exhaled carbon monoxide readings. Demand indices did not predict abstinence in the contingent vouchers group, and did not predict abstinence at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Left-digit price transitions were associated with significantly greater reductions in consumption. Conclusions: The association of cigarette demand with smoking behavior only in the group for whom abstinence was not incentivized indicates that CPT assesses the value of smoking more than the value of money per se and that vouchers counteract the effects of the intrinsic reinforcing value of cigarettes. Results provide initial short-term evidence of predictive validity for the CPT indices. Implications: This study provides the first evidence of the validity of the CPT for predicting early response to brief advice for smoking cessation plus nicotine replacement in smokers with substance dependence. However, demand for cigarettes did not predict voucher-based treatment response, indicating that incentives serve as a powerful motivator not to smoke that acts in opposition to the intrinsic reinforcing value of cigarettes and that the indices reflect the value of smoking more than the value of money per se. PMID:26498173

Sensitivity and Bias in Decision-Making under Risk: Evaluating the Perception of Reward, Its Probability and Value

PubMed Central

Sharp, Madeleine E.; Viswanathan, Jayalakshmi; Lanyon, Linda J.; Barton, Jason J. S.

2012-01-01

Background There are few clinical tools that assess decision-making under risk. Tests that characterize sensitivity and bias in decisions between prospects varying in magnitude and probability of gain may provide insights in conditions with anomalous reward-related behaviour. Objective We designed a simple test of how subjects integrate information about the magnitude and the probability of reward, which can determine discriminative thresholds and choice bias in decisions under risk. Design/Methods Twenty subjects were required to choose between two explicitly described prospects, one with higher probability but lower magnitude of reward than the other, with the difference in expected value between the two prospects varying from 3 to 23%. Results Subjects showed a mean threshold sensitivity of 43% difference in expected value. Regarding choice bias, there was a ‘risk premium’ of 38%, indicating a tendency to choose higher probability over higher reward. An analysis using prospect theory showed that this risk premium is the predicted outcome of hypothesized non-linearities in the subjective perception of reward value and probability. Conclusions This simple test provides a robust measure of discriminative value thresholds and biases in decisions under risk. Prospect theory can also make predictions about decisions when subjective perception of reward or probability is anomalous, as may occur in populations with dopaminergic or striatal dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. PMID:22493669

Sensitivity and bias in decision-making under risk: evaluating the perception of reward, its probability and value.

PubMed

Sharp, Madeleine E; Viswanathan, Jayalakshmi; Lanyon, Linda J; Barton, Jason J S

2012-01-01

There are few clinical tools that assess decision-making under risk. Tests that characterize sensitivity and bias in decisions between prospects varying in magnitude and probability of gain may provide insights in conditions with anomalous reward-related behaviour. We designed a simple test of how subjects integrate information about the magnitude and the probability of reward, which can determine discriminative thresholds and choice bias in decisions under risk. Twenty subjects were required to choose between two explicitly described prospects, one with higher probability but lower magnitude of reward than the other, with the difference in expected value between the two prospects varying from 3 to 23%. Subjects showed a mean threshold sensitivity of 43% difference in expected value. Regarding choice bias, there was a 'risk premium' of 38%, indicating a tendency to choose higher probability over higher reward. An analysis using prospect theory showed that this risk premium is the predicted outcome of hypothesized non-linearities in the subjective perception of reward value and probability. This simple test provides a robust measure of discriminative value thresholds and biases in decisions under risk. Prospect theory can also make predictions about decisions when subjective perception of reward or probability is anomalous, as may occur in populations with dopaminergic or striatal dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

Physiogenomic analysis of CYP450 drug metabolism correlates dyslipidemia with pharmacogenetic functional status in psychiatric patients

PubMed Central

Ruaño, Gualberto; Villagra, David; Szarek, Bonnie; Windemuth, Andreas; Kocherla, Mohan; Gorowski, Krystyna; Berrezueta, Christopher; Schwartz, Harold I; Goethe, John

2011-01-01

Aims To investigate associations between novel human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) combinatory (multigene) and substrate-specific drug metabolism indices, and elements of metabolic syndrome, such as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides and BMI, using physiogenomic analysis. Methods CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes and clinical data were obtained for 150 consecutive, consenting hospital admissions with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and who were treated with psychotropic medications. Data analysis compared clinical measures of LDLc, HDLc, triglyceride and BMI with novel combinatory and substrate-specific CYP450 drug metabolism indices. Results We found that a greater metabolic reserve index score is related to lower LDLc and higher HDLc, and that a greater metabolic alteration index score corresponds with higher LDLc and lower HLDc values. We also discovered that the sertraline drug-specific indices correlated with cholesterol and triglyceride values. Conclusions Overall, we demonstrated how a multigene approach to CYP450 genotype analysis yields more accurate and significant results than single-gene analyses. Ranking the individual with respect to the population represents a potential tool for assessing risk of dyslipidemia in major depressive disorder patients who are being treated with psychotropics. In addition, the drug-specific indices appear useful for modeling a variable of potential relevance to an individual’s risk of drug-related dyslipidemia. PMID:21861666

Physiogenomic analysis of CYP450 drug metabolism correlates dyslipidemia with pharmacogenetic functional status in psychiatric patients.

PubMed

Ruaño, Gualberto; Villagra, David; Szarek, Bonnie; Windemuth, Andreas; Kocherla, Mohan; Gorowski, Krystyna; Berrezueta, Christopher; Schwartz, Harold I; Goethe, John

2011-08-01

To investigate associations between novel human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) combinatory (multigene) and substrate-specific drug metabolism indices, and elements of metabolic syndrome, such as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides and BMI, using physiogenomic analysis. CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes and clinical data were obtained for 150 consecutive, consenting hospital admissions with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and who were treated with psychotropic medications. Data analysis compared clinical measures of LDLc, HDLc, triglyceride and BMI with novel combinatory and substrate-specific CYP450 drug metabolism indices. We found that a greater metabolic reserve index score is related to lower LDLc and higher HDLc, and that a greater metabolic alteration index score corresponds with higher LDLc and lower HLDc values. We also discovered that the sertraline drug-specific indices correlated with cholesterol and triglyceride values. Overall, we demonstrated how a multigene approach to CYP450 genotype analysis yields more accurate and significant results than single-gene analyses. Ranking the individual with respect to the population represents a potential tool for assessing risk of dyslipidemia in major depressive disorder patients who are being treated with psychotropics. In addition, the drug-specific indices appear useful for modeling a variable of potential relevance to an individual's risk of drug-related dyslipidemia.

Physiological outperformance at the morphologically-transformed edge of the cyanobacteriosponge Terpios hoshinota (Suberitidae: Hadromerida) when confronting opponent corals.

PubMed

Wang, Jih-Terng; Hsu, Chia-Min; Kuo, Chao-Yang; Meng, Pei-Jie; Kao, Shuh-Ji; Chen, Chaolun Allen

2015-01-01

Terpios hoshinota, an encrusting cyanosponge, is known as a strong substrate competitor of reef-building corals that kills encountered coral by overgrowth. Terpios outbreaks cause significant declines in living coral cover in Indo-Pacific coral reefs, with the damage usually lasting for decades. Recent studies show that there are morphological transformations at a sponge's growth front when confronting corals. Whether these morphological transformations at coral contacts are involved with physiological outperformance (e.g., higher metabolic activity or nutritional status) over other portions of Terpios remains equivocal. In this study, we compared the indicators of photosynthetic capability and nitrogen status of a sponge-cyanobacteria association at proximal, middle, and distal portions of opponent corals. Terpios tissues in contact with corals displayed significant increases in photosynthetic oxygen production (ca. 61%), the δ13C value (ca. 4%), free proteinogenic amino acid content (ca. 85%), and Gln/Glu ratio (ca. 115%) compared to middle and distal parts of the sponge. In contrast, the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), which is the indicator usually used to represent the integrity of photosystem II, of cyanobacteria photosynthesis was low (0.256~0.319) and showed an inverse trend of higher values in the distal portion of the sponge that might be due to high and variable levels of cyanobacterial phycocyanin. The inconsistent results between photosynthetic oxygen production and Fv/Fm values indicated that maximum quantum yields might not be a suitable indicator to represent the photosynthetic function of the Terpios-cyanobacteria association. Our data conclusively suggest that Terpios hoshinota competes with opponent corals not only by the morphological transformation of the sponge-cyanobacteria association but also by physiological outperformance in accumulating resources for the battle.

Quality Properties of Sausages Made with Replacement of Pork with Corn Starch, Chicken Breast and Surimi during Refrigerated Storage

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

This effect of replacing pork with corn starch, chicken breast and surimi on the chemical composition, physical, texture and sensory properties of sausage were investigated during storage. Five treatments of sausage such as; T1 (10:0:0, %), T2 (10:5:0, %), T3 (10:10:5, %), T4 (10:15:10, %) and T5 (10:20:15, %) were prepared with replacement of pork with corn starch, chicken breast and surimi. The sausage made with pork meat served as control (C). The sausage in the control had higher moisture and fat contents, but lower protein content than the treatments (p<0.05). The sausages in the T2 and T5 had decreased pH values after 3 wk storage (p<0.05). The lightness value was lowest in the T3, while the yellowness values were lowest in the T5 during the storage. The TBARS (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) values were lowest in the control in all storage times (p<0.05). However, the sausage in the control had higher VBN (volatile basic nitrogen) value than the treatments during the 1 wk storage (p<0.05). All treatments had significantly higher hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness values (p<0.05) than the control. The results indicated that corn starch, chicken breast and surimi can used as a pork replacer, that it also improves the physicochemical and texture properties of pork sausages. PMID:26761892

Impact of skeletal maturation on bone metabolism biomarkers and bone mineral density in healthy Brazilian male adolescents.

PubMed

Silva, Carla C; Goldberg, Tamara B L; Nga, Hong S; Kurokawa, Cilmery S; Capela, Renata C; Teixeira, Altamir S; Dalmas, José C

2011-01-01

To evaluate the behavior of biomarkers of bone formation and resorption in healthy male Brazilian adolescents according to their biological maturation. Eighty-seven volunteers were divided into age groups according to bone age (BA): 10-12 years (n = 25), 13-15 years (n = 36), and 16-18 years (n = 26). Weight (kg), height (m), body mass index (kg/m(2)), calcium intake from 3 days assessed by 24-h food recall (mg/day), pubertal event evaluation by Tanner criteria, and serum biomarker levels (osteocalcin [OC] [ng/mL], bone alkaline phosphatase [BAP] [U/L], and serum carboxyterminal telopeptide [S-CTx] [ng/mL]) were recorded and correlated to bone mineral density (BMD) (g/cm(2)) measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and whole body. Biomarkers showed similar behaviors, presenting higher median values in the 13-15 year group (BAP = 154.71 U/L, OC = 43.0 ng/mL, S-CTx = 2.09 ng/mL; p < 0.01) and when adolescents were in the pubertal stage G4. Median biomarker values decreased with advancing BA and sexual maturation. Biomarker values showed parallelism with peak height velocity, and, interestingly, bone formation biomarkers indicated significant negative correlation with BMD in the different evaluated locations, i.e., higher BMD values correlated with lower bone biomarker values. This is the first study of healthy Brazilian adolescents with rigid and careful inclusion and exclusion criteria to assess the correlation of bone markers and BMD with biological maturation indicators. Our results can help understand bone turnover and monitor bone metabolism.

The relationship between breakfast skipping, chronotype, and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Reutrakul, Sirimon; Hood, Megan M; Crowley, Stephanie J; Morgan, Mary K; Teodori, Marsha; Knutson, Kristen L

2014-02-01

Breakfast skipping is associated with obesity and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Later chronotypes, individuals who have a preference for later bed and wake times, often skip breakfast. The aim of the study was to explore the relationships among breakfast skipping, chronotype, and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. We collected sleep timing and 24-h dietary recall from 194 non-shift-working type 2 diabetes patients who were being followed in outpatient clinics. Mid-sleep time on free days (MSF) was used as an indicator of chronotype. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) values were obtained from medical records. Hierarchical linear regression analyses controlling for demographic, sleep, and dietary variables were computed to determine whether breakfast skipping was associated with HbA1C. Additional regression analyses were performed to test if this association was mediated by chronotype. There were 22 participants (11.3%) who self-reported missing breakfast. Breakfast skippers had significantly higher HbA1C levels, higher body mass indices (BMI), and later MSF than breakfast eaters. Breakfast skipping was significantly associated with higher HbA1C values (B = 0.108, p = 0.01), even after adjusting for age, sex, race, BMI, number of diabetes complications, insulin use, depressive symptoms, perceived sleep debt, and percentage of daily caloric intake at dinner. The relationship between breakfast skipping and HbA1C was partially mediated by chronotype. In summary, breakfast skipping is associated with a later chronotype. Later chronotype and breakfast skipping both contribute to poorer glycemic control, as indicated by higher HbA1C levels. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine whether behavioral interventions targeting breakfast eating or sleep timing may improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Studies on seasonal pollution of heavy metals in water, sediment, fish and oyster from the Meiliang Bay of Taihu Lake in China.

PubMed

Rajeshkumar, Sivakumar; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Xiangyang; Ravikumar, Boopalan; Bai, Ge; Li, Xiaoyu

2018-01-01

The present study, seasonal pollution of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) in water, sediment, tissues of fish Carassius carassius and oyster Crassostrea gigas were determined at seven sampling sites from Meiliang Bay, Taihu Lake during one year calendar, 2016. The total heavy metal concentrations in water samples were higher in winter and summer than in spring and autumn season, whereas in sediment they were higher in winter and summer seasons, respectively. The trend of metal mean contents found in the fish and oyster were in decreasing order of Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd and Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd, respectively. The tissues of fish and oyster captured during winter and summer accumulated a higher significant different amount of metals relative to other season, which was attributed to a higher influx of agricultural waste, sewage and sludge by heavy rainfall and floods. In addition, the pollution load index (PLI) values were above one (>1), indicating an advanced decline of the sediment quality, and contamination factor (CF) confirmed that the sediment samples were moderate to high contamination by Pb and Cr. Thus, comparative studies with seasonal pollution of heavy metals in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu regions indicate considerable heavy metal enrichment in water, sediments as well as in various organs of fish and oyster. Finally, our results indicated that the metal concentration values increased statistically significant different related to season (p < 0.001). The determination of heavy metal stress biomarkers in fish along with seasonal variations may serve as a convenient approach during pollution bio-monitoring programme. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

No Causal Association between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Features of Skin Aging: Evidence from a Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

PubMed

Noordam, Raymond; Hamer, Merel A; Pardo, Luba M; van der Nat, Tamara; Kiefte-de Jong, Jessica C; Kayser, Manfred; Slagboom, P Eline; Uitterlinden, André; Zillikens, M Carola; Beekman, Marian; Nijsten, Tamar; van Heemst, Diana; Gunn, David A

2017-11-01

Data from in vitro experiments suggest that vitamin D reduces the rate of skin aging, whereas population studies suggest the opposite, most likely due to confounding by UV exposure. We investigated whether there are causal associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and features of skin aging in a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. In the Rotterdam Study (N = 3,831; 58.2% women, median age 66.5 years) and Leiden Longevity Study (N = 661; 50.5% women, median age 63.1 years), facial skin aging features (perceived age, wrinkling, pigmented spots) were assessed either manually or digitally. Associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and skin aging features were tested by multivariable linear regression. Mendelian randomization analyses were performed using single nucleotide polymorphisms identified from previous genome-wide association studies. After meta-analysis of the two cohorts, we observed that higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was associated with a higher perceived age (P-value = 3.6 × 10 -7 ), more skin wrinkling (P-value = 2.6 × 10 -16 ), but not with more pigmented spots (P-value = 0.30). In contrast, a genetically determined 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was not associated with any skin aging feature (P-values > 0.05). Furthermore, a genetically determined higher degree of pigmented spots was not associated with higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P-values > 0.05). Our study did not indicate that associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and features of skin aging are causal. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatial relationship between climatic diversity and biodiversity conservation value.

PubMed

Wang, Junjun; Wu, Ruidong; He, Daming; Yang, Feiling; Hu, Peijun; Lin, Shiwei; Wu, Wei; Diao, Yixin; Guo, Yang

2018-06-04

Capturing the full range of climatic diversity in a reserve network is expected to improve the resilience of biodiversity to climate change. Therefore, a study on systematic conservation planning for climatic diversity that explicitly or implicitly hypothesizes that regions with higher climatic diversity will support greater biodiversity is needed. However, little is known about the extent and generality of this hypothesis. This study utilized the case of Yunnan, southwest China, to quantitatively classify climatic units and modeled 4 climatic diversity indicators, including the variety of climatic units (VCU), rarity of climatic units (RCU), endemism of climatic units (ECU) and a composite index of climatic units (CICD). We used 5 reliable priority conservation area (PCA) schemes to represent the areas with high biodiversity conservation value. We then investigated the spatial relationships between the 4 climatic diversity indicators and the 5 PCA schemes and assessed the representation of climatic diversity within the existing nature reserves. The CICD exhibited the best performance for indicating high conservation value areas, followed by the ECU and RCU. However, contrary to conventional knowledge, VCU did not show a positive association with biodiversity conservation value. The rarer or more endemic climatic units tended to have higher reserve coverage than the more common units. However, only 28 units covering 10.5% of the land in Yunnan had more than 17% of their areas protected. In addition to climatic factors, topography and human disturbances also significantly affected the relationship between climatic diversity and biodiversity conservation value. This analysis suggests that climatic diversity can be an effective surrogate for establishing a more robust reserve network under climate change in Yunnan. Our study improves the understanding of the relationship between climatic diversity and biodiversity and helps build an evidence-based foundation for systematic conservation planning that targets climatic diversity in response to climate change. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Radiobiological modeling of two stereotactic body radiotherapy schedules in patients with stage I peripheral non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Huang, Bao-Tian; Lin, Zhu; Lin, Pei-Xian; Lu, Jia-Yang; Chen, Chuang-Zhen

2016-06-28

This study aims to compare the radiobiological response of two stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) schedules for patients with stage I peripheral non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using radiobiological modeling methods. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)-based SBRT plans were designed using two dose schedules of 1 × 34 Gy (34 Gy in 1 fraction) and 4 × 12 Gy (48 Gy in 4 fractions) for 19 patients diagnosed with primary stage I NSCLC. Dose to the gross target volume (GTV), planning target volume (PTV), lung and chest wall (CW) were converted to biologically equivalent dose in 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) for comparison. Five different radiobiological models were employed to predict the tumor control probability (TCP) value. Three additional models were utilized to estimate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) value for the lung and the modified equivalent uniform dose (mEUD) value to the CW. Our result indicates that the 1 × 34 Gy dose schedule provided a higher EQD2 dose to the tumor, lung and CW. Radiobiological modeling revealed that the TCP value for the tumor, NTCP value for the lung and mEUD value for the CW were 7.4% (in absolute value), 7.2% (in absolute value) and 71.8% (in relative value) higher on average, respectively, using the 1 × 34 Gy dose schedule.

Public awareness of aesthetic and other forest values associated with sustainable forest management: a cross-cultural comparison among the public in four countries.

PubMed

Lim, Sang Seop; Innes, John L; Meitner, Michael

2015-03-01

Korea, China, Japan and Canada are all members of the Montreal Process (MP). However, there has been little comparative research on the public awareness of forest values within the framework of Sustainable Forest Management, not only between Asia and Canada, but also among these three Asian countries. This is true of aesthetic values, especially as the MP framework has no indicator for aesthetic values. We conducted surveys to identify similarities and differences in the perceptions of various forest values, including aesthetic values, between residents of the four countries: university student groups in Korea, China, Japan and Canada, as well as a more detailed assessment of the attitudes of Koreans by including two additional groups, Korean office workers, and Koreans living in Canada. A multivariate analysis of variance test across the four university student groups revealed significant differences in the rating of six forest functions out of 31. However the same test across the three Korean groups indicated no significant differences indicating higher confidence in the generalizability of our university student comparisons. For the forest aesthetic values, an analysis of variance test showed no significant differences across all groups. The forest aesthetic value was rated 6.95 to 7.98 (out of 10.0) depending on the group and rated relatively highly among ten social values across all the groups. Thurstone scale rankings and relative distances of six major forest values indicated that climate change control was ranked as the highest priority and scenic beauty was ranked the lowest by all the groups. Comparison tests of the frequencies of preferred major forest values revealed no significant differences across the groups with the exception of the Japanese group. These results suggest that public awareness of aesthetic and other forest values are not clearly correlated with the cultural backgrounds of the individuals, and the Korean university students' awareness could potentially be representative of the Koreans general public's opinion. We expect this research to contribute to the development of aesthetic and social indicators, and to the enhancement of balancing social with environmental and economic values within the SFM framework. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[A study of work values, professional commitment, turnover intention and related factors among clinical nurses].

PubMed

Wang, Kuei-Ying; Chou, Chuan-Chiang; Huang, Jui-Lan

2010-02-01

The high rate of turnover in nursing positions is a global problem. There have been few studies done addressing the relationship between work values and nurse turnover intention. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between work values, professional commitment and turnover intention among clinical nurses. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February 1st to March 10th, 2008 on a convenience sample of nurses, all of whom had at least a half year of work experience at one of four teaching hospitals in Taiwan. A total of 289 valid responses were received, with a response rate of 96.3%. Major findings included: (1) Nurses who were older, had more years of school, had worked more years, held specific job duties, earned a higher salary, held Buddhist beliefs, or were married with two or more children presented higher work values and professional commitment and lower turnover intention; (2) As a group, total work values and professional commitment scores corresponded negatively with turnover intention scores; (3) Significant factors affecting turnover intent in clinical nurses included professional commitment, institution characteristics, Buddhist beliefs and salary. These four variables accounted for 52.2% of the variation in turnover intention. This study indicated that nurses with higher work values and professional commitment tend to exhibit less turnover intention. It is highly recommended to develop strategies to bolster the teaching of altruistic values and professional commitment in nursing education in order to reduce turnover intent. Also, further studies on the influence of religious beliefs and organizational attributes on nurse turnover intentions are also suggested.

Simulating the impacts of fire: A computer program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ffolliott, Peter F.; Guertin, D. Phillip; Rasmussen, William D.

1988-11-01

Recurrent fire has played a dominant role in the ecology of southwestern ponderosa pine forests. To assess the benefits or losses of fire in these forests, a computer simulation model, called BURN, considers vegetation (mortality, regeneration, and production of herbaceous vegetation), wildlife (populations and habitats), and hydrology (streamflow and water quality). In the formulation of the model, graphical representations (time-trend response curves) of increases or losses (compared to an unburned control) after the occurrence of fire are converted to fixedterm annual ratios, and then annuities for the simulation components. Annuity values higher than 1.0 indicate benefits, while annuity values lower than 1.0 indicate losses. Studies in southwestern ponderosa pine forests utilized in the development of BURN are described briefly.

Dietary protein intakes and risk of ulcerative colitis.

PubMed

Rashvand, Samaneh; Somi, Mohammad Hossein; Rashidkhani, Bahram; Hekmatdoost, Azita

2015-01-01

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is rising in populations with western-style diet, rich in fat and protein, and low in fruits and vegetables. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association between dietary protein intakes and the risk of developing incident UC. Sixty two cases of UC and 124 controls were studied using country-specific food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Group comparisons by each factor were done using χ2 test, and significance level was set at α= 0.05. Logistic regression adjusted for potential confounding variables was carried out. Univariate analysis suggested positive associations between processed meat, red meat and organ meat with risk of ulcerative colitis. Comparing highest versus lowest categories of consumption, multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis accounting for potential confounding variables indicated that patients who consumed a higher amount of processed meat were at a higher risk for developing UC (P value for trend= 0.02). Similarly, patients who consumed higher amounts of red meat were at a higher risk for UC (P value for trend= 0.01). The highest tertile of intake of organ meat was associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis with a statistically significant trend across tertiles (P value for trend= 0.01) when adjusted. In this case-control study we observed that higher consumptions of processed meat, red meat and organ meat were associated with increased risk for UC.

Spatiotemporal variation and statistical characteristic of extreme precipitation in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin during 1960-2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yin; Xia, Jun; She, Dunxian

2018-01-01

In recent decades, extreme precipitation events have been a research hotspot worldwide. Based on 12 extreme precipitation indices, the spatiotemporal variation and statistical characteristic of precipitation extremes in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin (MRYRB) during 1960-2013 were investigated. The results showed that the values of most extreme precipitation indices (except consecutive dry days (CDD)) increased from the northwest to the southeast of the MRYRB, reflecting that the southeast was the wettest region in the study area. Temporally, the precipitation extremes presented a drying trend with less frequent precipitation events. Generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution was selected to fit the time series of all indices, and the quantiles values under the 50-year return period showed a similar spatial extent with the corresponding precipitation extreme indices during 1960-2013, indicating a higher risk of extreme precipitation in the southeast of the MRYRB. Furthermore, the changes in probability distribution functions of indices for the period of 1960-1986 and 1987-2013 revealed a drying tendency in our study area. Both El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) were proved to have a strong influence on precipitation extremes in the MRYRB. The results of this study are useful to master the change rule of local precipitation extremes, which will help to prevent natural hazards caused.

Simultaneous monitoring of maternal and fetal heart rate variability during labor in relation with fetal gender.

PubMed

Gonçalves, Hernâni; Fernandes, Diana; Pinto, Paula; Ayres-de-Campos, Diogo; Bernardes, João

2017-11-01

Male gender is considered a risk factor for several adverse perinatal outcomes. Fetal gender effect on fetal heart rate (FHR) has been subject of several studies with contradictory results. The importance of maternal heart rate (MHR) monitoring during labor has also been investigated, but less is known about the effect of fetal gender on MHR. The aim of this study is to simultaneously assess maternal and FHR variability during labor in relation with fetal gender. Simultaneous MHR and FHR recordings were obtained from 44 singleton term pregnancies during the last 2 hr of labor (H 1, H 2 ). Heart rate tracings were analyzed using linear (time- and frequency-domain) and nonlinear indices. Both linear and nonlinear components were considered in assessing FHR and MHR interaction, including cross-sample entropy (cross-SampEn). Mothers carrying male fetuses (n = 22) had significantly higher values for linear indices related with MHR average and variability and sympatho-vagal balance, while the opposite occurred in the high-frequency component and most nonlinear indices. Significant differences in FHR were only observed in H 1 with higher entropy values in female fetuses. Assessing the differences between FHR and MHR, statistically significant differences were obtained in most nonlinear indices between genders. A significantly higher cross-SampEn was observed in mothers carrying female fetuses (n = 22), denoting lower synchrony or similarity between MHR and FHR. The variability of MHR and the synchrony/similarity between MHR and FHR vary with respect to fetal gender during labor. These findings suggest that fetal gender needs to be taken into account when simultaneously monitoring MHR and FHR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The gas/particle partitioning of nitro- and oxy-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere of northern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei; Shen, Guofeng; Yuan, Chenyi; Wang, Chen; Shen, Huizhong; Jiang, Huai; Zhang, Yanyan; Chen, Yuanchen; Su, Shu; Lin, Nan; Tao, Shu

2016-05-01

The gas/particle partitioning of nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nPAHs) and oxy-PAHs (oPAHs) is pivotal to estimate their environmental fate. Simultaneously measured atmospheric concentrations of nPAHs and oPAHs in both gaseous and particulate phases at 18 sites in northern China make it possible to investigate their partitioning process in a large region. The gas/particle partitioning coefficients (Kp) in this study were higher than those measured in the emission exhausts. The Kp for most individual nPAHs was higher than those for their corresponding parent PAHs. Generally higher Kp values were found at rural field sites compared to values in the rural villages and cities. Temperature, subcooled liquid-vapor pressure (Pl0) and octanol-air partition coefficient (Koa) were all significantly correlated with Kp. The slope values between log Kp and log Pl0, ranging from - 0.54 to - 0.34, indicate that the equilibrium of gas/particle partitioning might not be reached, which could be also revealed from a positive correlation between log Kp and particulate matter (PM) concentrations. Underestimation commonly exists in all three partitioning models, but the predicted values of Kp from the dual model are closer to the measured Kp for derivative PAHs in northern China.

Relationships between botanical and chemical composition of forages: a multivariate approach to grasslands in the Western Italian Alps.

PubMed

Ravetto Enri, Simone; Renna, Manuela; Probo, Massimiliano; Lussiana, Carola; Battaglini, Luca M; Lonati, Michele; Lombardi, Giampiero

2017-03-01

Plant composition of species-rich mountain grasslands can affect the sensorial and chemical attributes of dairy and meat products, with implications for human health. A multivariate approach was used to analyse the complex relationships between vegetation characteristics (botanical composition and plant community variables) and chemical composition (proximate constituents and fatty acid profile) in mesophilic and dry vegetation ecological groups, comprising six different semi-natural grassland types in the Western Italian Alps. Mesophilic and dry grasslands were comparable in terms of phenology, biodiversity indices and proportion of botanical families. The content of total fatty acids and that of the most abundant fatty acids (alpha-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acids) were mainly associated to nutrient-rich plant species, belonging to the mesophilic grassland ecological group. Mesophilic grasslands showed also higher values of crude protein, lower values of fibre content and they were related to higher pastoral values of vegetation compared to dry grasslands. The proximate composition and fatty acid profile appeared mainly single species dependent rather than botanical family dependent. These findings highlight that forage from mesophilic grasslands can provide higher nutritive value for ruminants and may be associated to ruminant-derived food products with a healthier fatty acid profile. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prediction of genetic values of quantitative traits in plant breeding using pedigree and molecular markers.

PubMed

Crossa, José; Campos, Gustavo de Los; Pérez, Paulino; Gianola, Daniel; Burgueño, Juan; Araus, José Luis; Makumbi, Dan; Singh, Ravi P; Dreisigacker, Susanne; Yan, Jianbing; Arief, Vivi; Banziger, Marianne; Braun, Hans-Joachim

2010-10-01

The availability of dense molecular markers has made possible the use of genomic selection (GS) for plant breeding. However, the evaluation of models for GS in real plant populations is very limited. This article evaluates the performance of parametric and semiparametric models for GS using wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays) data in which different traits were measured in several environmental conditions. The findings, based on extensive cross-validations, indicate that models including marker information had higher predictive ability than pedigree-based models. In the wheat data set, and relative to a pedigree model, gains in predictive ability due to inclusion of markers ranged from 7.7 to 35.7%. Correlation between observed and predictive values in the maize data set achieved values up to 0.79. Estimates of marker effects were different across environmental conditions, indicating that genotype × environment interaction is an important component of genetic variability. These results indicate that GS in plant breeding can be an effective strategy for selecting among lines whose phenotypes have yet to be observed.

Can Nor'wester events initiate stratospheric moistening?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganguly, Nandita D.; Chakraborty, Rohit; Maitra, Animesh

2017-11-01

The possibility of stratospheric moistening being initiated by deep convective Nor'wester events has been investigated over a period of three years spanning from 2013 to 2015 at a tropical location Kolkata, in India using radiosonde and satellite data. The back trajectories, instability indices, outgoing long wave radiation (OLR), convective available potential energy (CAPE), geopotential height maps, vertical pressure velocity, specific humidity, wind vectors and precipitable water vapour (PWV) have been examined to assess the convective activity prevailing over the atmosphere during these events. Increase in specific humidity, wind velocity at various levels of the lower atmosphere and CAPE values indicate an upwelling of moist air from the troposphere to lower stratosphere during Nor'westers. Decrease in OLR and large differences in the values of instability indices, relative humidity and precipitable water vapour during Nor'westers compared to normal convection also signify high intensity of convection and hence the possibility of higher stratospheric moistening during Nor'wester events.

TWO NOVEL PARAMETERS TO EVALUATE THE GLOBAL COMPLEXITY OF THE SUN'S MAGNETIC FIELD AND TRACK THE SOLAR CYCLE

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

Zhao, L.; Landi, E.; Gibson, S. E., E-mail: lzh@umich.edu

2013-08-20

Since the unusually prolonged and weak solar minimum between solar cycles 23 and 24 (2008-2010), the sunspot number is smaller and the overall morphology of the Sun's magnetic field is more complicated (i.e., less of a dipole component and more of a tilted current sheet) compared with the same minimum and ascending phases of the previous cycle. Nearly 13 yr after the last solar maximum ({approx}2000), the monthly sunspot number is currently only at half the highest value of the past cycle's maximum, whereas the polar magnetic field of the Sun is reversing (north pole first). These circumstances make itmore » timely to consider alternatives to the sunspot number for tracking the Sun's magnetic cycle and measuring its complexity. In this study, we introduce two novel parameters, the standard deviation (SD) of the latitude of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) and the integrated slope (SL) of the HCS, to evaluate the complexity of the Sun's magnetic field and track the solar cycle. SD and SL are obtained from the magnetic synoptic maps calculated by a potential field source surface model. We find that SD and SL are sensitive to the complexity of the HCS: (1) they have low values when the HCS is flat at solar minimum, and high values when the HCS is highly tilted at solar maximum; (2) they respond to the topology of the HCS differently, as a higher SD value indicates that a larger part of the HCS extends to higher latitude, while a higher SL value implies that the HCS is wavier; (3) they are good indicators of magnetically anomalous cycles. Based on the comparison between SD and SL with the normalized sunspot number in the most recent four solar cycles, we find that in 2011 the solar magnetic field had attained a similar complexity as compared to the previous maxima. In addition, in the ascending phase of cycle 24, SD and SL in the northern hemisphere were on the average much greater than in the southern hemisphere, indicating a more tilted and wavier HCS in the north than the south, associated with the early reversal of the polar magnetic field in the north relative to the south.« less

Temperature dependence of autoxidation of perilla oil and tocopherol degradation.

PubMed

Wang, Seonyeong; Hwang, Hyunsuk; Yoon, Sukhoo; Choe, Eunok

2010-08-01

Temperature dependence of the autoxidation of perilla oil and tocopherol degradation was studied with corn oil as a reference. The oils were oxidized in the dark at 20, 40, 60, and 80 degrees C. Oil oxidation was determined by peroxide and conjugated dienoic acid values. Tocopherols in the oils were quantified by HPLC. The oxidation of both oils increased with oxidation time and temperature. Induction periods for oil autoxidation decreased with temperature, and were longer in corn oil than in perilla oil, indicating higher sensitivity of perilla oil to oxidation. However, time lag for tocopherol degradation was longer in perilla oil, indicating higher stability of tocopherols in perilla oil than in corn oil. Activation energies for oil autoxidation and tocopherol degradation were higher in perilla oil (23.9 to 24.2, 9.8 kcal/mol, respectively) than in corn oil (12.5 to 15.8, 8.8 kcal/mol, respectively) indicating higher temperature-dependence in perilla oil. Higher stability of tocopherols in perilla oil was highly related with polyphenols. The study suggests that more careful temperature control is required to decrease the autoxidation of perilla oil than that of corn oil, and polyphenols contributed to the oxidative stability of perilla oil by protecting tocopherols from degradation, especially at the early stage of oil autoxidation.

A multi proxy reconstruction of paleoproductivity of Cleland Lake British Columbia, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihindukulasooriya, L. N.; Pompeani, D. P.; Ortiz, J. D.; Steinman, B. A.; Abbott, M. B.

2013-12-01

In small closed-basin lakes in semi arid regions, variations in precipitation/evaporation (P/E) balance affect the physical, biological, and chemical composition of the lake water and sediment. This study presents color reflectance, XRF derived elemental concentrations and δ18O values of carbonates (δ18Ocarb) in sediment cores from Cleland Lake, British Columbia to provide insight into paleolimnological variations during the past 7500 years. Principal Component (PC) 1 of the reflectance data, i.e, Illite+ sphalerite is used as a clay mineral proxy, and PC 4, diatoms+ cyanobacteria, is used as a paleoproductivity proxy. Lake paleoproductivity history is divided into three temporal periods, 400 to 2500 (denoted as P1), 2500 to 5000 (P2) and 5000 to 7500 (P3) calibrated years before present (Cal yr BP). Fe and Mn concentrations gradually increase during P3, reach high values during P2 and rapidly drop to the lowest values after 2600 Cal yr BP. Diatom abundances have a positive correlation with illite (r= 0.79, n=73 α=0.01) throughout the record. In contrast, negative correlations (table 1) exists between δ18Ocarb and diatom abundances during P2 and P3, indicating higher diatom abundance during wet periods. After 3000 cal yr BP, the correlation reverses (table 1), indicating low diatom abundance during wet periods. Variability in diatom abundances is greater than that of the δ18Ocarb values, indicating that factors other than the P/E balance affects phytoplankton abundance. P 1 is characterized by three periods (centered at 2500, 2100 and 1400 Cal yr BP) of predominantly low diatom abundance that occur simultaneously with low Mn and Cr concentrations. Low Mn and Cr levels may indicate intense reducing conditions, while the observed peaks in Ni and Cu concentration might indicate reducing conditions resulting from high rates of organic matter decomposition (Tribovillard et al., 2006). Contemporaneous with the abrupt δ18Ocarb depletion around 2600 Cal yr BP, trace metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Ni and Zn) as well as nutrient (P, S) levels increase, suggesting a higher rate of groundwater inflow and mineral delivery. Despite these increases, diatom abundance remains low. This may indicate the competitive appearance of Cyanobacteria in place of diatoms. Three rapid increases in diatom abundances centered at 1500, 900 and 700 Cal yr BP are associated with peaks in Cr and δ18Ocarb. Cr enrichment and low Mn may indicate reducing conditions in the absence of free H2S (Tribovillard et al., 2006). Such conditions can develop due to restricted water mass renewal in a well stratified lake (Tribovillard et al., 2006). In contrast, around 900 Cal yr BP P, S and Si levels increase. Relatively high δ18Ocarb values at this time do not provide support for a groundwater associated inflow of nutrients to the lake. Therefore it is possible that this peak could have resulted from other climatic factors including higher wind speeds and a greater flux of fine clastic material.Table 1

Children's motivation in elementary physical education: an expectancy-value model of achievement choice.

PubMed

Xiang, Ping; McBride, Ron; Guan, Jianmin; Solmon, Melinda

2003-03-01

This study examined children's motivation in elementary physical education within an expectancy-value model developed by Eccles and her colleagues. Four hundred fourteen students in second and fourth grades completed questionnaires assessing their expectancy-related beliefs, subjective task values, and intention for future participation in physical education. Results indicated that expectancy-related beliefs and subjective task values were clearly distinguishable from one another across physical education and throwing. The two constructs were related to each other positively. Children's intention for future participation in physical education was positively associated with their subjective task values and/or expectancy-related beliefs. Younger children had higher motivation for learning in physical education than older children. Gender differences emerged and the findings provided empirical evidence supporting the validity of the expectancy-value model in elementary physical education.

Local Stability of the Trunk in Patients with Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia During Walking.

PubMed

Chini, Giorgia; Ranavolo, Alberto; Draicchio, Francesco; Casali, Carlo; Conte, Carmela; Martino, Giovanni; Leonardi, Luca; Padua, Luca; Coppola, Gianluca; Pierelli, Francesco; Serrao, Mariano

2017-02-01

This study aims to evaluate trunk local stability in a group of patients with degenerative primary cerebellar ataxia and to correlate it with spatio-temporal parameters, clinical variables, and history of falls. Sixteen patients affected by degenerative cerebellar ataxia and 16 gender- and age-matched healthy adults were studied by means of an inertial sensor to measure trunk kinematics and spatio-temporal parameters during over-ground walking. Trunk local dynamic stability was quantified by the maximum Lyapunov exponent with short data series of the acceleration data. According to this index, low values indicate more stable trunk dynamics, while high values denote less stable trunk dynamics. Disease severity was assessed by means of International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) according to which higher values correspond to more severe disease, while lower values correspond to less severe disease.Patients displayed a higher short-term maximum Lyapunov exponent than controls in all three spatial planes, which was correlated with the age, onset of the disease, and history of falls. Furthermore, the maximum Lyapunov exponent was negatively correlated with ICARS balance, ICARS posture, and ICARS total scores.These findings indicate that trunk local stability during gait is lower in patients with cerebellar degenerative ataxia than that in healthy controls and that this may increase the risk of falls. Local dynamic stability of the trunk seems to be an important aspect in patients with ataxia and could be a useful tool in the evaluation of rehabilitative and pharmacological treatment outcomes.

Response of marine bacterioplankton to a massive under-ice phytoplankton bloom in the Chukchi Sea (Western Arctic Ocean)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortega-Retuerta, E.; Fichot, C. G.; Arrigo, K. R.; Van Dijken, G. L.; Joux, F.

2014-07-01

The activity of heterotrophic bacterioplankton and their response to changes in primary production in the Arctic Ocean is essential to understand biogenic carbon flows in the area. In this study, we explored the patterns of bacterial abundance (BA) and bacterial production (BP) in waters coinciding with a massive under-ice phytoplankton bloom in the Chukchi Sea in summer 2011, where chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations were up to 38.9 mg m-3. Contrary to our expectations, BA and BP did not show their highest values coinciding with the bloom. In fact, bacterial biomass was only 3.5% of phytoplankton biomass. Similarly, average DOC values were similar inside (average 57.2±3.1 μM) and outside (average 64.3±4.8 μM) the bloom patch. Regression analyses showed relatively weak couplings, in terms of slope values, between chl a or primary production and BA or BP. Multiple regression analyses indicated that both temperature and chl a explained BA and BP variability in the Chukchi Sea. This temperature dependence was confirmed experimentally, as higher incubation temperatures (6.6 °C vs. 2.2 °C) enhanced BA and BP, with Q10 values of BP up to 20.0. Together, these results indicate that low temperatures in conjunction with low dissolved organic matter release can preclude bacteria to efficiently process a higher proportion of carbon fixed by phytoplankton, with further consequences on the carbon cycling in the area.

Reference Values for Weight, Height, Head Circumference, and Body Mass Index in Turkish Children.

PubMed

Neyzi, Olcay; Bundak, Rüveyde; Gökçay, Gülbin; Günöz, Hülya; Furman, Andrzej; Darendeliler, Feyza; Baş, Firdevs

2015-12-01

This study aimed to integrate the existing updated reference standards for the growth of Turkish infants and children and to compare these values with World Health Organization (WHO) reference data, data from some European countries, and also with previous local data. Weight, height, and head circumference measurements were obtained on 2,391 boys and 2,102 girls who were regular attenders of a well child clinic and on 1,100 boys and 1,020 girls attending schools in relatively well-off districts in İstanbul. Mean number of measurements per child was 8.2±3.6 in the age group 0-5 years and 5.5±3.3 in the age group 6-18 years. All children were from well-to-do families and all were healthy. All measurements with the exception of measurements at birth, which were based on reported values, were done by trained personnel. The LMS method was used in the analyses and in the construction of the percentile charts. There is an increase in weight for age and body mass index values for age starting in prepubertal ages, indicating an increasing trend for obesity. Compared to WHO reference data, weight and height values in Turkish children were slightly higher in infants and in children younger than 5 years, while they showed similarity to those reported for children from Norway and Belgium. Head circumference values, which were slightly higher than the WHO references in the first 5 years, were comparable to the data on Belgian and Norwegian children in the first 9 years of life. At older ages, Turkish children showed higher values for head circumference. The relatively larger head circumference values were interpreted to reflect a genetic characteristic.

Ruminant Methane δ (13C/12C) - Values: Relation to Atmospheric Methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rust, Fleet

1981-03-01

The δ (13C/12C) - values of methane produced by fistulated steers, dairy cattle, and wethers, and dairy and beef cattle herds show a bimodal distribution that appears to be correlated with the plant type (C3 or C4, that is, producing either a three- or a four-carbon acid in the first step of photosynthesis) consumed by the animals. These results indicate that cattle and sheep, on a global basis, release methane with an average δ (13C/12C) value of -60 and -63 per mil, respectively. Together they are a source of atmospheric methane whose δ (13C/12C) is similar to published values for marsh gas and cannot explain the 20 per mil higher values for atmospheric methane.

Potential for enhancing external beam radiotherapy for lung cancer using high-Z nanoparticles administered via inhalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Yao; Altundal, Yucel; Moreau, Michele; Sajo, Erno; Kumar, Rajiv; Ngwa, Wilfred

2015-09-01

Nanoparticle-aided radiation therapy is emerging as a promising modality to enhance radiotherapy via the radiosensitizing action of high atomic number (Z) nanoparticles. However, the delivery of sufficiently potent concentrations of such nanoparticles to the tumor remain a challenge. This study investigates the dose enhancement to lung tumors due to high-Z nanoparticles (NPs) administered via inhalation during external beam radiotherapy. Here NPs investigated include: cisplatin nanoparticles (CNPs), carboplatin nanoparticles (CBNPs), and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Using Monte Carlo-generated megavoltage energy spectra, a previously employed analytic method was used to estimate dose enhancement to lung tumors due to radiation-induced photoelectrons from the NPs administered via inhalation route (IR) in comparison to intravenous (IV) administration. Previous studies have indicated about 5% of FDA-approved cisplatin concentrations reach the lung via IV. Meanwhile recent experimental studies indicate that 3.5-14.6 times higher concentrations of NPs can reach the lung by IR compared to IV. Taking these into account, the dose enhancement factor (DEF) defined as the ratio of the radiotherapy dose with and without nanoparticles was calculated for a range of NPs concentrations and tumor sizes. The DEF for IR was then compared with that for IV. For IR with 3.5 times higher concentrations than IV, and 2 cm diameter tumor, clinically significant DEF values of up to 1.19, 1.26, and 1.51 were obtained for CNPs, CBNPs and GNPs. In comparison values of 1.06, 1.08, and 1.15 were obtained via IV administration. For IR with 14.6 times higher concentrations, even higher DEF values were obtained e.g. 1.81 for CNPs. Results also showed that the DEF increased with increasing field size or decreasing tumor volume, as expected. The results of this work indicate that IR administration of targeted high-Z CNPs/CBNPs/GNPs could enable clinically significant DEF to lung tumors compared to IV administration during external beam radiotherapy. For FDA approved concentrations of CNPs or CBNPs considered, this could allow for additional dose enhancement to tumors via photoelectric mechanism during concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

WE-G-BRE-06: New Potential for Enhancing External Beam Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer Using FDA-Approved Concentrations of Cisplatin Or Carboplatin Nanoparticles Administered Via Inhalation

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

Hao, Y; Altundal, Y; Sajo, E

Purpose: This study investigates, for the first time, the dose enhancement to lung tumors due to cisplatin nanoparticles (CNPs) and carboplatin nanoparticles (CBNPs) administered via inhalation route (IR) during external beam radiotherapy. Methods: Using Monte Carlo generated 6 MV energy fluence spectra, a previously employed analytic method was used to estimate dose enhancement to lung tumor due to radiation-induced photoelectrons from CNPs administered via IR in comparison to intravenous (IV) administration. Previous studies have indicated about 5% of FDA-approved cisplatin concentrations reach the lung tumor via IV. Meanwhile recent experimental studies indicate that 3.5–14.6 times higher concentrations of CNPs canmore » reach the lung tumors by IR compared to IV. Taking these into account, the dose enhancement factor (DEF) defined as the ratio of the dose with and without CNPs was calculated for field size of 10 cm × 10 cm (sweeping gap), for a range of tumor depths and tumor sizes. Similar calculations were done for CBNPs. Results: For IR with 3.5 times higher concentrations than IV, and 2 cm diameter tumor, clinically significant DEF values of 1.19–1.30 were obtained for CNPs at 3–10 cm depth, respectively, in comparison to 1.06–1.09 for IV. For CBNPs, DEF values of 1.26–1.41 were obtained in comparison to 1.07–1.12 for IV. For IR with 14.6 times higher concentrations, higher DEF values were obtained e.g. 1.81–2.27 for CNPs. DEF increased with increasing field size or decreasing tumor size. Conclusions: Our preliminary results indicate that major dose enhancement to lung tumors can be achieved using CNPs/CBNPs administered via IR, in contrast to IV administration during external beam radiotherapy. These findings highlight a potential new approach for radiation boosting to lung tumors using CNPs/CBNPs administered via IR. This would, especially, be applicable during concomitant chemoradiotherapy, potentially allowing for dose enhancement while minimizing normal tissue toxicities.« less

Higher Education in East Germany.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Legters, Lyman

Scholars trained to deal with the Soviet realm or more generally with the communist phenomenon have not typically included the DDR within their purview. A study of East German educational systems is of value since the decisions any society makes about its own educational system are revealing indicators both of where the society has been and where…

An Investigation of U.S. Undergraduate Business School Rankings Using Data Envelopment Analysis with Value-Added Performance Indicators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palocsay, Susan W.; Wood, William C.

2014-01-01

"Bloomberg Businessweek" ranks U.S. undergraduate business programs annually. These rankings provide a convenient overall measure of quality, which is important in today's environment of concern about higher education costs and employment after graduation. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has advantages over previous regression…

Relationships Among Job Structural Attributes, Retention, Task Descriptions, Aptitudes, and Work Values. Technical Report No. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barrett, Gerald V.; And Others

The report describes field studies involving nonsupervisory Naval maintenance and monitoring electronics personnel. The studies' results indicated that Naval retention was related to a number of individual and job attributes. Extended Naval tenure was associated with lower verbal and clerical aptitudes (Naval Test Battery); higher levels of…

The Price Differential's Impact on Retention, Recruitment, and Quality in a Public University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Little, Michale W.; O'Toole, Dennis; Wetzel, James

1997-01-01

A survey of 467 business students at Virginia Commonwealth University investigated results of the business school's tuition differential pricing strategy, which charges a higher tuition in order to provide students with strong computer and technological instruction and support. Results indicated the additional services created added value for…

Strategies for Multicultural Management: Communication and a Common Set of Values

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castaneda, Mario E.; Bateh, Justin

2013-01-01

In the last 30 years, there has been a shift towards using multicultural strategies. The constant shifts taking place in multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multinational workforces indicate that both administrators of these organizations and higher education practices must evolve to adapt to needs for changing skill sets. In the future,…

Multiple free-radical scavenging (MULTIS) capacity in cattle serum.

PubMed

Sueishi, Yoshimi; Kamogawa, Erisa; Kimura, Anna; Kitahara, Go; Satoh, Hiroyuki; Asanuma, Taketoshi; Oowada, Shigeru

2017-01-01

Multiple free-radical scavenging (MULTIS) activity in cattle and human sera was evaluated with electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Scavenging rates against six active species, namely hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, alkoxyl radical, alkylperoxyl radical, methyl radical, and singlet oxygen were quantified. The difference in the electron spin resonance signal intensity in the presence and absence of the serum was converted into the scavenging rates. Comparative MULTIS measurements were made in sera from eight beef cattle, three fetal calves and fifteen healthy human volunteers. Further, we determined the MULTIS value of albumin, the most abundant component in serum. MULTIS values in cattle sera indicated higher scavenging activity against most free radical species tested than human sera. In particular, cattle serum scavenging activities against superoxide and methyl radical were higher than human serum by 2.6 and 3.7 fold, respectively. In cattle serum, albumin appears to play a dominant role in MULTIS activity, but in human serum that is not the case. Previous data indicated that the abundance of uric acid in bovine blood is nearly 80% less than humans; however, this difference does not explain the deviation in MULTIS profile.

Study of natural radioactivity in Mansehra granite, Pakistan: environmental concerns.

PubMed

Qureshi, Aziz Ahmed; Jadoon, Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan; Wajid, Ali Abbas; Attique, Ahsan; Masood, Adil; Anees, Muhammad; Manzoor, Shahid; Waheed, Abdul; Tubassam, Aneela

2014-03-01

A part of Mansehra Granite was selected for the assessment of radiological hazards. The average activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were found to be 27.32, 50.07 and 953.10 Bq kg(-1), respectively. These values are in the median range when compared with the granites around the world. Radiological hazard indices and annual effective doses were estimated. All of these indices were found to be within the criterion limits except outdoor external dose (82.38 nGy h(-1)) and indoor external dose (156.04 nGy h(-1)), which are higher than the world's average background levels of 51 and 55 nGy h(-1), respectively. These values correspond to an average annual effective dose of 0.867 mSv y(-1), which is less than the criterion limit of 1 mSv y(-1) (ICRP-103). Some localities in the Mansehra city have annual effective dose higher than the limit of 1 mSv y(-1). Overall, the Mansehra Granite does not pose any significant radiological health hazard in the outdoor or indoor.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Metalloid in Foodstuffs from Agricultural Soils around Tarkwa Area in Ghana, and Associated Human Health Risks.

PubMed

Bortey-Sam, Nesta; Nakayama, Shouta M M; Akoto, Osei; Ikenaka, Yoshinori; Fobil, Julius N; Baidoo, Elvis; Mizukawa, Hazuki; Ishizuka, Mayumi

2015-07-28

This study was carried out to assess the extent of heavy metals and metalloid accumulation from agricultural soils to foodstuffs (viz, M. esculenta (cassava) and Musa paradisiaca (plantain)) around thirteen neighboring communities within Tarkwa, Ghana; and to estimate the human health risk associated with consumption of these foodstuffs. Concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured with an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer and mercury analysis was done using a mercury analyzer. From the results, 30% of cassava samples collected, contained higher concentrations of Pb when compared to Codex Alimentarius Commission standard values. Bioconcentration factor indicated that Ni had higher capacity of absorption into food crops from soil than the other heavy metals. For both children and adults, the target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb in cassava in communities such as Techiman, Wangarakrom, Samahu, and Tebe (only children) were greater than 1, which is defined as an acceptable risk value. This indicated that residents could be exposed to significant health risks associated with cassava consumption.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Metalloid in Foodstuffs from Agricultural Soils around Tarkwa Area in Ghana, and Associated Human Health Risks

PubMed Central

Bortey-Sam, Nesta; Nakayama, Shouta M. M.; Akoto, Osei; Ikenaka, Yoshinori; Fobil, Julius N.; Baidoo, Elvis; Mizukawa, Hazuki; Ishizuka, Mayumi

2015-01-01

This study was carried out to assess the extent of heavy metals and metalloid accumulation from agricultural soils to foodstuffs (viz, M. esculenta (cassava) and Musa paradisiaca (plantain)) around thirteen neighboring communities within Tarkwa, Ghana; and to estimate the human health risk associated with consumption of these foodstuffs. Concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured with an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer and mercury analysis was done using a mercury analyzer. From the results, 30% of cassava samples collected, contained higher concentrations of Pb when compared to Codex Alimentarius Commission standard values. Bioconcentration factor indicated that Ni had higher capacity of absorption into food crops from soil than the other heavy metals. For both children and adults, the target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb in cassava in communities such as Techiman, Wangarakrom, Samahu, and Tebe (only children) were greater than 1, which is defined as an acceptable risk value. This indicated that residents could be exposed to significant health risks associated with cassava consumption. PMID:26225988

Anomalous cross-B field transport and spokes in HiPIMS plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hecimovic, Ante; Maszl, Christian; Schulz-von der Gathen, Volker; von Keudell, Achim

2016-09-01

The rotation of localised ionisation zones, i.e. spokes, in magnetron discharge is investigated as a function of discharge current, ranging from 10 mA (current density 0.5 mA cm-2) to 140 A (7 A cm-2) . The presence of spokes throughout the complete discharge current range indicates that the spokes are an intrinsic property of a magnetron sputtering plasma discharge. Up to discharge currents of several amperes, the spokes rotate in a retrograde ExB direction and beyond the spokes rotate in a ExB direction. In this contribution we present experimental evidence that anomalous diffusion is triggered by the appearance of spokes rotating in the ExB direction. The Hall parameter ωceτc , product of the electron cyclotron frequency and the classical collision time, reduces from Bohm diffusion values (16 and higher) down to the value of 3 as spokes appear, indicating anomalous cross-B field transport. The ion diffusion coefficients calculated from a sideways image of the spoke is six times higher than Bohm diffusion coefficients, which is consistent with the reduction of the Hall parameter.

Parameters for screening music performance anxiety.

PubMed

Barbar, Ana E; Crippa, José A; Osório, Flávia L

2014-09-01

To assess the discriminative capacity of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI), in its version adapted for Brazil, in a sample of 230 Brazilian adult musicians. The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was used to assess the presence of social anxiety indicators, adopting it as the gold standard. The Mann-Whitney U test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis, with p ≤ 0.05 set as the significance level. Subjects with social anxiety indicators exhibited higher mean total K-MPAI scores, as well as higher individual scores on 62% of its items. The area under the ROC curve was 0.734 (p = 0.001), and considered appropriate. Within the possible cutoff scores presented, the score -15 had the best balance of sensitivity and specificity values. However, the score -7 had greater specificity and accuracy. The K-MPAI showed appropriate discriminant validity, with a marked association between music performance anxiety and social anxiety. The cutoff scores presented in the study have both clinical and research value, allowing screening for music performance anxiety and identification of possible cases.

Electromagnetic cloaking in higher order spherical cloaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidhwa, H. H.; Aiyar, R. P. R. C.; Kulkarni, S. V.

2017-06-01

The inception of transformation optics has led to the realisation of the invisibility devices for various applications, one of which is spherical cloaking. In this paper, a formulation for a higher-order spherical cloak has been proposed to reduce its physical thickness significantly by introducing a nonlinear relation between the original and transformed coordinate systems and it has been verified using the ray tracing approach. Analysis has been carried out to observe the anomalies in the variation of refractive index for higher order cloaks indicating the presence of poles in the relevant equations. Furthermore, a higher-order spherical cloak with predefined values of the material characteristics on its inner and outer surfaces has been designed for practical application.

Geochemistry characterization, biomarker and determination of correlation, maturity of petroleum from Bangko-Rohil and Duri Bengkalis, Riau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamboesai, Emrizal Mahidin

2017-11-01

Petroleum is the main source of the energy for industry, transportation. Thedemand for crude oil in Indonesia is much higher than its production which leads to current energy crisis. One of solutions for this crisis is to conduct correlation study, which determines the genetic relationship at each oil well. This study is aimed to provide the indication of the genetic relationship (source matter, source rock and the origins) of Bangko and Duri crude oil. The saturated fraction was analyzed using Gas Chromatography (GC). On the basis of the abundance of hydrocarbon aliphatic, the crude oils samples have small ratio value, which is 0,38-0,50 forPr/n-C17 and 0,16-0,18Ph/n-C18. This values indicated that the samples were originated from higher vascular plants (terrestrial). The samples derived from lacustrine environments (lake) have ratio valueof Pr/Ph (2,50-2,90). The calculation from Star diagram have showed that the oil samples in area MB-07, MB-076 dan MB-172 of Bangko with the oil sample in Duri (MD-01) are negatively correlated. The negative correlation indicated that the oil samples have different the genetic relationship source matter and different in enhance oil recovery.

The Mexican American Cultural Values scales for Adolescents and Adults

PubMed Central

Knight, George P.; Gonzales, Nancy A.; Saenz, Delia S.; Bonds, Darya D.; Germán, Miguelina; Deardorff, Julianna; Roosa, Mark W.; Updegraff, Kimberly A.

2009-01-01

This research evaluates the properties of a measure of culturally linked values of Mexican Americans in early adolescence and adulthood. The items measure were derived from qualitative data provided by focus groups in which Mexican Americans’ (adolescents, mothers and fathers) perceptions of key values were discussed. The focus groups and a preliminary item refinement resulted in the fifty-item Mexican American Cultural Values Scales (identical for adolescents and adults) that includes nine value subscales. Analyses of data from two large previously published studies sampling Mexican American adolescents, mothers, and fathers provided evidence of the expected two correlated higher order factor structures, reliability, and construct validity of the subscales of the Mexican American Cultural Values Scales as indicators of values that are frequently associated with Mexican/Mexican American culture. The utility of this measure for use in longitudinal research, and in resolving some important theoretical questions regarding dual cultural adaptation, are discussed. PMID:20644653

Recognizing What Matters: Value Improves Recognition by Selectively Enhancing Recollection

PubMed Central

Hennessee, Joseph P.; Castel, Alan D.; Knowlton, Barbara J.

2017-01-01

We examined the effects of value on recognition by assessing its contribution to recollection and familiarity. In three experiments, participants studied English words, each associated with a point-value they would earn for correct recognition, with the goal of maximizing their score. In Experiment 1, participants provided Remember/Know judgments. In Experiment 2 participants indicated whether items were recollected or if not, their degree of familiarity along a 6-point scale. In Experiment 3, recognition of words was accompanied by a test of memory for incidental details. Across all experiments, participants were more likely to recognize items with higher point-value. Furthermore, value appeared to primarily enhance recollection, as effects on familiarity were small and not consistent across experiments. Recollection of high-value items appears to be accompanied by fewer incidental details, suggesting that value increases focus on items at the expense of irrelevant information. PMID:28827894

Vertical distribution of soil saturated hydraulic conductivity and its influencing factors in a small karst catchment in Southwest China.

PubMed

Fu, Tonggang; Chen, Hongsong; Zhang, Wei; Nie, Yunpeng; Wang, Kelin

2015-03-01

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is one of the most important soil hydraulic parameters influencing hydrological processes. This paper aims to investigate the vertical distribution of Ks and to analyze its influencing factors in a small karst catchment in Southwest China. Ks was measured in 23 soil profiles for six soil horizons using a constant head method. These profiles were chosen in different topographical locations (upslope, downslope, and depression) and different land-use types (forestland, shrubland, shrub-grassland, and farmland). The influencing factors of Ks, including rock fragment content (RC), bulk density (BD), capillary porosity (CP), non-capillary porosity (NCP), and soil organic carbon (SOC), were analyzed by partial correlation analysis. The mean Ks value was higher in the entire profile in the upslope and downslope, but lower value, acting as a water-resisting layer, was found in the 10-20 cm soil depth in the depression. Higher mean Ks values were found in the soil profiles in the forestland, shrubland, and shrub-grassland, but lower in the farmland. These results indicated that saturation-excess runoff could occur primarily in the hillslopes but infiltration-excess runoff in the depression. Compared with other land-use types, surface runoff is more likely to occur in the farmlands. RC had higher correlation coefficients with Ks in all categories concerned except in the forestland and farmland with little or no rock fragments, indicating that RC was the dominant influencing factor of Ks. These results suggested that the vertical distributions of Ks and RC should be considered for hydrological modeling in karst areas.

Digestive capacities, inbreeding and growth capacities in juvenile Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus.

PubMed

Ditlecadet, D; Blier, P U; Le François, N R; Dufresne, F

2009-12-01

Genetic variation in growth performance was estimated in 26 families from two commercial strains of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus. Physiological determinants of growth and metabolic capacities were also assessed through enzymatic assays. A relatedness coefficient was attributed to each family using parental genotypes at seven microsatellite loci. After 15 months of growth, faster growing families had significantly lower relatedness coefficients than slower growing families, suggesting their value as indicators of growth potential. Individual fish that exhibited higher trypsin activity also displayed higher growth rate, suggesting that superior protein digestion capacities can be highly advantageous at early stages. Capacities to use amino acids as expressed by glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities were lower in the liver of fast-growing fish (13-20%), whereas white muscle of fast-growing fish showed higher activities than that of slow-growing fish for amino acid metabolism and aerobic capacity [22-32% increase for citrate synthase (CS), aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) and GDH]. The generally higher glycolytic capacities (PK and LDH) in white muscle of fast-growing fish indicated higher burst swimming capacities and hence better access to food.

Monitoring Auroral Electrojet from Polar Cap Stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, A.; Lyatsky, W.; Lyatskaya, S.

2004-12-01

The auroral electrojet AL and AE geomagnetic activity indices are important for monitoring geomagnetic substorms. In the northern hemisphere these indices are derived from measurements at a set of geomagnetic observatories located in the auroral zone. In the southern hemisphere the major portion of the auroral zone is located on the ocean; this does not allow us to derive the auroral electrojet indices in the same way. We showed that monitoring the auroral electrojet is possible from magnetic field measurements at polar cap stations. For this purpose we used hourly values of geomagnetic field variations at four polar cap stations, distributed along polar cap boundary and occupying a longitudinal sector of about 14 hours, and calculated mean values of the total magnetic field disturbance T = (X2 + Y2 + Z2)1/2 where X, Y, and Z are geomagnetic field components measured at these polar cap stations. The set of the obtained values were called the T index. This index has a clear physical mining: it is the summary of geomagnetic disturbance in all three components averaged over the polar cap boundary. We found that correlation coefficients for the dependence of the T index on both AL and AE indices are as high as ~0.9 and higher. The high correlation of the T index with the AL and AE indices takes place for any UT hour when the stations were located at the night side. The T index further shows good correlation with solar wind parameters: the correlation coefficient for the dependence of the T index on the solar wind-geomagnetic activity coupling function is ~0.8 and higher, which is close to the correlation coefficient for AL index. The T index may be especially important in the cases when ground-based measurements in the auroral zone are impossible as in the southern hemisphere.

Prognostic value of severity indicators of nursing-home-acquired pneumonia versus community-acquired pneumonia in elderly patients.

PubMed

Ugajin, Motoi; Yamaki, Kenichi; Hirasawa, Natsuko; Kobayashi, Takanori; Yagi, Takeo

2014-01-01

The credibility of prognostic indicators in nursing-home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) is not clear. We previously reported a simple prognostic indicator in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin (B/A) ratio. This retrospective study investigated the prognostic value of severity indicators in NHAP versus CAP in elderly patients. Patients aged ≥65 years and hospitalized because of NHAP or CAP within the previous 3 years were enrolled. Demographics, coexisting illnesses, laboratory and microbiological findings, and severity scores (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age ≥65 [CURB-65] scale; age, dehydration, respiratory failure, orientation disturbance, and pressure [A-DROP] scale; and pneumonia severity index [PSI]) were retrieved from medical records. The primary outcome was mortality within 28 days of admission. In total, 138 NHAP and 307 CAP patients were enrolled. Mortality was higher in NHAP (18.1%) than in CAP (4.6%) (P<0.001). Patients with NHAP were older and had lower functional status and a higher rate of do-not-resuscitate orders, heart failure, and cerebrovascular diseases. The NHAP patients more frequently had typical bacterial pathogens. Using the receiver-operating characteristics curve for predicting mortality, the area under the curve in NHAP was 0.70 for the A-DROP scale, 0.69 for the CURB-65 scale, 0.67 for the PSI class, and 0.65 for the B/A ratio. The area under the curve in CAP was 0.73 for the A-DROP scale, 0.76 for the CURB-65 scale, 0.81 for the PSI class, and 0.83 for the B/A ratio. Patient mortality was greater in NHAP than in CAP. Patient characteristics, coexisting illnesses, and detected pathogens differed greatly between NHAP and CAP. The existing severity indicators had less prognostic value for NHAP than for CAP.

Changes in Cross-Correlations as an Indicator for Systemic Risk

PubMed Central

Zheng, Zeyu; Podobnik, Boris; Feng, Ling; Li, Baowen

2012-01-01

The 2008–2012 global financial crisis began with the global recession in December 2007 and exacerbated in September 2008, during which the U.S. stock markets lost 20% of value from its October 11 2007 peak. Various studies reported that financial crisis are associated with increase in both cross-correlations among stocks and stock indices and the level of systemic risk. In this paper, we study 10 different Dow Jones economic sector indexes, and applying principle component analysis (PCA) we demonstrate that the rate of increase in principle components with short 12-month time windows can be effectively used as an indicator of systemic risk—the larger the change of PC1, the higher the increase of systemic risk. Clearly, the higher the level of systemic risk, the more likely a financial crisis would occur in the near future. PMID:23185692

Masculine Norms, Avoidant Coping, Asian Values and Depression among Asian American Men

PubMed Central

Iwamoto, Derek Kenji; Liao, Liang; Liu, William Ming

2010-01-01

Contrary to the “model minority” myth, growing research indicates that the rates of mental health problems among Asian Americans may be higher than initially assumed. This study seeks to add to the scant knowledge regarding the mental health of Asian American men by examining the role of masculine norms, coping and cultural values in predicting depression among this population (N=149). Results reveal that Asian American men who used avoidant coping strategies and endorsed the masculine norm Dominance reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. In contrast, endorsing Winning masculine norms was associated to lower levels of depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that adherence to masculine norms and avoidant coping strategies play a salient role in the mental health of Asian American men. PMID:20657794

Investigating Sustainability Impacts of Bioenergy Usage Within the Eisenwurzen Region in Austria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putzhuber, F.; Hasenauer, H.

2009-04-01

Within the past few years sustainability and bioenergy usage become a key term in emphasizing the relationship between economic progress and the protection of the environment. One key difficulty is the definition of criteria and indicators for assessing sustainability issues and their change over time. This work introduces methods to create linear parametric models of the sustainable impact issues relevant in the establishment of new bio-energetic heating systems. Our application example is the Eisenwurzen region in Austria. The total area covers 5743 km km² and includes 99 municipalities. A total of 11 impact issues covering the economic, social and environmental areas are proposed for developing the linear parametric models. The indicator selection for deriving the impact issues is based on public official data from 68 indicators, as well as stakeholder interviews and the impact assessment framework. In total we obtained 415 variables from the 99 municipalities to create the 68 indicators for the Local Administration Unit 2 (LAU2) over the last (if available) 25 years. The 68 indicators are on a relative scale to address the size differences of the municipalities. The idea of the analysis is to create linear models which derive 11 defined impact issues related to the establishment of new bio-energetic heating systems. Each analysis follows a strict statistical procedure based on (i) independent indicator selection, (ii) remove indicators with higher VIF value grater then 6, (iii) remove indicators with α higher than 0,05, (iv) possible linear transformation, (v) remove the non-significant indicators (p-value >0,05), (vi) model valuation, (vii) remove the out-lines plots and (viii) test of the normality distribution of the residual with a Kolmogorov- Smirnov test. The results suggest that for the 11 sustainable impact issues 21 of the 68 indicators are significant drives. The models revealed that it is possible to create tools for assessing impact issues in a municipality level. In this case impact issues related to bio-energy usages on a rural mountain region.

Microbial loop contribution to exergy in the sediments of the Marsala lagoon (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pusceddu, A.; Danovaro, R.

2003-04-01

Recent advances in ecological modelling have stressed the need for new descriptors of ecosystem health, able to consider the actual transfer of energy through food webs, including also the potential transfer/loss of (genetic) information. In ecological terms, exergy is defined as a goal function which, as sum of energy (biomass) and (genetic) information contained in a given system due to living organisms, acts as a quality indicator of ecosystems. Biopolymeric organic carbon (BPC) quantity and biochemical composition, bacteria, heterotrophic nanoflagellate and meiofauna abundance, biomass and exergy contents were investigated, on a seasonal basis, in the Marsala lagoon (Mediterranean Sea), at two stations characterized by contrasting hydrodynamic conditions. Carbohydrate (2.8 mg g-1), protein (1.6 mg g-1) and lipid (0.86 mg g-1) contents were extremely high, with values at the more exposed station about 3 times lower than those at the sheltered one. BPC (on average 2.5 mg C g-1), dominated by carbohydrates (50%), was mostly refractory and largely unaccounted for by primary organic matter (4% of BPC), indicating that the Marsala lagoon sediments act as a "detritus sink". At both stations, bacterial (on average 0.3 mg C g-1) and heterotrophic nanoflagellate (9.8 μgC g-1) biomass values were rather high, whereas meiofauna biomass was extremely low (on average 7.2 μg C cm-2). The exergy transfer along the benthic microbial loop components in the Marsala lagoon appeared largely bottlenecked by the refractory composition of organic detritus. In the more exposed station, the exergy transfer towards the higher trophic levels was more efficient than in the sheltered one. Although total exergy values were significantly higher in summer than in winter, at both stations the exergy transfer in winter was more efficient than in summer. Our results indicate that, in 'detritus sink' systems, auxiliary energy (e.g., wind-induced sediment resuspension) might be of paramount importance for increasing efficiency of organic detritus channeling to higher trophic levels.

Using δ15N of Chironomidae as an index of nitrogen sources and processing within watersheds as part of EPA's National Aquatic Resource Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brooks, J. R.; Compton, J.; Herlihy, A.; Sobota, D. J.; Stoddard, J.; Weber, M.

2014-12-01

Nitrogen (N) removal in watersheds is an important regulating ecosystem service that can help reduce N pollution in the nation's waterways. However, processes that remove N such as denitrification are generally determined at point locations. Measures that integrate N processing within watersheds and over time would be particularly useful for assessing the degree of this vital service. Because most N removal processes isotopically enrich the N remaining, δ15N from basal food-chain organisms in aquatic ecosystems can provide information on watershed N processing. As part of EPA's National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS), we measured δ15N of Chironomidae in lakes, rivers and streams because these larval aquatic insects were found in abundance in almost every lake and stream in the U.S. Using information on nitrogen loading to the watershed, and total N concentrations within the water, we assessed when elevated chironomid δ15N would indicate N removal rather than possible enriched sources of N. Chironomid δ15N values ranged from -4 to +20 ‰, and were higher in rivers and streams than in lakes (median = 7.6 ‰ vs. 4.8 ‰, respectively), indicating that N was processed to a greater degree in lotic chironomids than in lentic ones. For both, δ15N increased with watershed-level agricultural land cover and N loading, and decreased as precipitation increased. In rivers and streams with high synthetic N loading, we found lower N concentrations in streams with higher chironomid δ15N values, suggesting greater N removal. At low levels of synthetic N loading, the pattern reversed, and streams with enriched chironomid δ15N had higher N concentrations, suggesting enriched sources such as manure or sewage. Our results indicate that chironomid δ15N values can provide valuable information about watershed-level N inputs and processing for national water quality monitoring efforts.

Comparison of risk of malignancy indices; RMI 1-4 in borderline ovarian tumor.

PubMed

Yenen, M C; Alanbay, I; Aktürk, E; Ercan, C M; Coksuer, H; Karaşahin, E; Ozan, H; Dede, M

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic values of the risk of malignancy index (RMI)/1-4 in patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs). The study consisted of 50 patients with BOT diagnosed and treated between 2005-2010 and 50 patients with benign adnexal massses between 2009-2010 as a control comparison group in the retropsective study. Preoperative serum CA125, U score, tumor size (S), and menopausal status were recorded. The RMI 1-3 was calculated according to the formula; UxMxCA125 and RMI4 formulation was; UxMxCA125xS. S equaled 1 for tumor size <7 cm and was 2 when size a 7 cm. The RMI 1-4 indices were calculated for all patients together with the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy (DA). The performances of RMI indices were evaluated by McNemar's test and determined the best score cutoff value by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The mean age, median value of CA125, ultrasound score, menopausal status, median values of RMI 1-4 of BOTs were statistically higher than benign adnexal masses. The sensitivity of RMI 1-4 was 26, 36, 62, and 60% at cutoff 200 level, respectively. The areas under curve of RMI 1-4 were found to be 0.676, 0.665, 0.668 and 0.734, respectively. DA of RMI 1-4 was found to be 56, 59, 50, and 71, respectively. When RMI 1-4 indices were compared with each other RMI 4 was the best RMI for BOTs. RMI 4 was the best predictive RMI for preoperative discrimination of BOT at a cutoff level of 200.

Gender disparities in scholarly productivity within academic otolaryngology departments.

PubMed

Eloy, Jean Anderson; Svider, Peter; Chandrasekhar, Sujana S; Husain, Qasim; Mauro, Kevin M; Setzen, Michael; Baredes, Soly

2013-02-01

To examine whether there are gender disparities in scholarly productivity within academic otolaryngology departments, as measured by academic rank and the h-index, a published, objective measure of research contributions that quantifies the number and significance of papers published by a given author. Analysis of bibliometric data of academic otolaryngologists. Faculty listings from academic otolaryngology departments were used to determine academic rank and gender. The Scopus database was used to determine h-index and publication range (in years) of these faculty members. In addition, 20 randomly chosen institutions were used to compare academic otolaryngologists to faculty members in other surgical specialties. Mean h-indices increased through the rank of professor. Among academic otolaryngologists, men had significantly higher h-indices than women, a finding also noted on examination of faculty members from other specialties. Men had higher research productivity rates at earlier points in their career than women did. The productivity rates of women increased and equaled or surpassed those of men later in their careers. Men had higher absolute h-index values at junior academic ranks. Women academic otolaryngologists of senior rank had higher absolute h-indices than their male counterparts. The h-index measures research significance in an objective manner and indicates that although men have higher overall research productivity in academic otolaryngology, women demonstrate a different productivity curve. Women produce less research output earlier in their careers than men do, but at senior levels, they equal or exceed the research productivity of men.

Spatial trends and pollution assessment for mercury in the surface soils of the Nansi Lake catchment, China.

PubMed

Ren, Ming-Yi; Yang, Li-Yuan; Wang, Long-Feng; Han, Xue-Mei; Dai, Jie-Rui; Pang, Xu-Gui

2018-01-01

Surface soil samples collected from Nansi Lake catchment were analyzed for mercury (Hg) to determine its spatial trends and environmental impacts. Results showed that the average soil Hg contents were 0.043 mg kg -1 . A positive correlation was shown between TOC and soil Hg contents. The main type of soil with higher TOC contents and lower pH values showed higher soil Hg contents. Soil TOC contents and CV values were both higher in the eastern catchment. The eastern part of the catchment, where the industry is developed, had relatively high soil Hg contents and a banding distribution of high Hg contents was corresponded with the southwest-northeast economic belt. Urban soils had higher Hg contents than rural soils. The urbanization pattern that soil Hg contents presented a decreasing trend from city center to suburb was shown clearly especially in the three cities. Soil Hg contents in Jining City showed a good consistency with the urban land expansion. The spatial trends of soil Hg contents in the catchment indicated that the type and the intensity of human activities have a strong influence on the distribution of Hg in soils. Calculated risk indices showed that the western part of the catchment presented moderately polluted condition and the eastern part of the catchment showed moderate to strong pollution level. The area with high ecological risk appeared mainly along the economic belt.

Psychometric properties and Dutch norm values of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire in toddlers.

PubMed

Steur, Lindsay Martina Helena; Visser, Eva Henriëtte; Grootenhuis, Martha Alexandra; Terwee, Caroline Barbara; Kaspers, Gerardus Johannes Laurentius; van Litsenburg, Raphaële Reine Lydie

2017-06-01

The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was developed in the USA for children aged 4-10 years. The Dutch CSHQ has been validated for this age group, but not yet for toddlers. Furthermore, Dutch norm values for toddlers are unavailable. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties and collect norm values of the Dutch CSHQ in toddlers. Data collection was conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres Netherlands Institute for Public Opinion (TNS-NIPO), a Dutch market research agency. The TNS-NIPO provided access to the TNS-NIPO base, which comprises a panel of respondents who have indicated that they are willing to regularly participate in research. Parents of children aged 2-3 years were invited to complete the CSHQ. The CSHQ is a multidimensional questionnaire to detect sleep problems in children. It is a 33-item, one-week retrospective (parent-)proxy survey. A higher score indicates more sleep problems. The response rate was 61% (n = 201). The original eight-factor structure did not fit well in this population and a more appropriate structure could not be achieved with explorative factor analyses. The mean total score was 41.9 (SD 5.6), and was higher (indicating more sleep problems) compared to Dutch school-aged children. The one-dimensionality of the subscales of the CSHQ could not be confirmed in Dutch toddlers. Clinicians and researcher should be aware of the difficulty of reliably measuring sleep in this age group when using the CSHQ. For research purposes, it is therefore recommended to only use the total score. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Am I a 6 or a 10? Mate Value Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer and Healthy Peers.

PubMed

Lehmann, Vicky; Tuinman, Marrit A; Keim, Madelaine C; Hagedoorn, Mariët; Gerhardt, Cynthia A

2018-02-01

This study focused on self-perceived mate value of young adult survivors of childhood cancer relative to healthy peers. Qualitative studies indicate potential problems surrounding romantic relationships among survivors, but systematic studies are missing. One-hundred forty-nine childhood cancer survivors and 149 matched controls completed online questionnaires about their mate value, social comparison strategies (i.e., upward/downward identifying/contrasting strategies), and marital status. Survivors and controls were aged 20-40 (M = 27.8), 55% were female, and survivors had been treated for brain tumors (n = 52; 35%), leukemia (n = 42; 28%), lymphoma (n = 31; 21%), or other solid tumors (n = 24; 16%) at 5-33 years before study participation. Survivors and controls did not differ on overall mate value, but on individual characteristics: Survivors thought they had a better sense of humor (d = 0.36), were more loyal (d = 0.32), had higher social status (d = 0.26), and were more ambitious (d = 0.19), while also considering themselves less sexually adventurous (d = 0.31), less healthy (d = 0.26), having less desire to have children (d = 0.21), and a less attractive face (d = 0.20). Higher mate value was related to being partnered, more upward-identifying, less upward-contrasting, and less downward-identifying strategies. Moreover, less downward-identifying was associated with higher mate value in survivors, but not controls; whereas greater downward-contrasting was associated with higher mate value among controls only (R 2  = 30.8%). Survivors do not generally view themselves as less valuable (potential) romantic partners, but they evaluate different characteristics either more positively or more negatively. Social comparison strategies offer targetable points of interventions to intervene on negative self-evaluations, potentially enhancing well-being.

Spatial variation of air quality index and urban driving factors linkages: evidence from Chinese cities.

PubMed

Pu, Haixia; Luo, Kunli; Wang, Pin; Wang, Shaobin; Kang, Shun

2017-02-01

Daily air quality index (AQI) of 161 Chinese cities obtained from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China in 2015 is conducted. In this study, to better explore spatial distribution and regional characteristic of AQI, global and local spatial autocorrelation is utilized. Pearson's correlation is introduced to determine the influence of single urban indicator on AQI value. Meanwhile, multiple linear stepwise regression is chosen to estimate quantitatively the most influential urban indicators on AQI. The spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates that the AQI value of Chinese 161 cities shows a spatial dependency. Higher AQI is mainly located in north and northwest regions, whereas low AQI is concentrated in the south and the Qinghai-Tibet regions. The low AQI and high AQI values in China both exhibit relative immobility through seasonal variation. The influence degree of three adverse urban driving factors on AQI value is ranked from high to low: coal consumption of manufacturing > building area > coal consumption of the power industry. It is worth noting that the risk of exposed population to poor quality is greater in the northern region than in other regions. The results of the study provide a reference for the formulation of urban policy and improvement of air quality in China.

Monitoring atmospheric nitrogen pollution in Guiyang (SW China) by contrasting use of Cinnamomum Camphora leaves, branch bark and bark as biomonitors.

PubMed

Xu, Yu; Xiao, Huayun; Guan, Hui; Long, Chaojun

2018-02-01

Moss (as a reference material) and camphor (Cinnamomum Camphora) leaf, branch bark and bark samples were systematically collected across an urban-rural gradient in Guiyang (SW China) to determine the efficacy of using these bio-indicators to evaluate nitrogen (N) pollution. The tissue N concentrations (0.13%-2.70%) and δ 15 N values (-7.5‰ to +9.3‰) of all of these bio-indicators exhibited large spatial variations, as they recorded higher values in urban areas that quickly decreased with distance from the city center; moreover, both soil N concentrations and soil δ 15 N values were found no significant differences within each 6 km from the urban to the rural area. This not only suggests that the different N uptake strategies and variety of N responses of these bio-indicators can be reflected by their different susceptibilities to variations in N deposition but also reveals that they are able to indicate that urban N deposition is mostly from traffic and industry (NO x -N), whereas rural N deposition is mainly from agriculture (NH x -N). Compared to previously collected urban moss and camphor leaf samples, the significantly increased δ 15 N values in current urban moss and camphor leaf samples further indicate a greater contribution of NO x -N than NH x -N to urban N deposition. The feasibility of using the N concentrations and δ 15 N values of branch bark and bark as biomarkers of N deposition thus was further confirmed through the comparative use of these bio-indicators. It can be concluded that vascular plant leaves, branch bark and bark can be used as useful biomonitoring tools for evaluating atmospheric N pollution. For further study, quantitative criteria for the practical use of these bio-indicators in response to N deposition should be developed and the differences in the δ 15 N values of different plant parts should also be considered, particularly in urban environments that are severely disrupted by atmospheric pollution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Workplace Programs, Policies, And Environmental Supports To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease.

PubMed

Goetzel, Ron Z; Henke, Rachel Mosher; Head, Michael A; Benevent, Richele; Calitz, Chris

2017-02-01

Using a novel approach, we provide a preliminary "snapshot" of how the comprehensiveness of workplace cardiovascular health initiatives is related to measures of employees' health risks, disease prevalence, and medical expenditures. We linked scores for the twenty large organizations that voluntarily completed the American Heart Association's newly launched Worksite Health Achievement Index (WHAI) for 2015 to individual-level MarketScan® data for 373,478 of their workers with employer benefits that year. Higher aggregate WHAI scores were associated with lower values for four of seven modifiable indicators of cardiovascular risk and a higher value for one. Although also associated with lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, higher aggregate scores were associated with higher spending on the condition. These and other findings provide useful benchmarks and norms for employer practices related to cardiovascular disease prevention. As employers continue to complete the annual WHAI, we expect to gain further insights into the policies, programs, and environmental supports employers can implement to positively influence cardiovascular health and related spending. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Properties of Frankfurter-type Sausages with Pork Back-fat Replaced with Bovine Heart Surimi-like Materials

PubMed Central

Seo, Jin-Kyu; Yum, Hyeon-Woong; Kim, Gap-Don; Jeong, Jin-Yeon; Yang, Han-Sul

2016-01-01

This study investigates the effect of bovine heart surimi-like material (BHSM) used as a back fat replacer, on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of frankfurter-type sausages. Frankfurter-type sausage with added BHSM had a higher moisture content and lower fat content than the control. In addition, the samples with added BHSM had higher pH, cooking loss and 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) value and lower water exudation than the control. The sausage formulation with 40% BHSM was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation without affecting cooking loss compared to the 60% BHSM treatment sample. Results showed that hardness values increased upon replacement with BHSM, and sausages manufactured with 40% BHSM had higher lightness and lower redness values. Panelists found there were no differences in color, odor, and tenderness scores and the overall acceptability score found that treatment samples containing 20% and 40% BHSM were preferable to the control after storage for 14 d. These results indicate that fat replacement with BHSM was beneficial to the quality of frankfurter-type sausages, and acceptable reduced-fat products can be produced when back fat is replaced with up to 40% BHSM. PMID:27621694

Properties of Frankfurter-type Sausages with Pork Back-fat Replaced with Bovine Heart Surimi-like Materials.

PubMed

Seo, Jin-Kyu; Yum, Hyeon-Woong; Kim, Gap-Don; Jeong, Jin-Yeon; Yang, Han-Sul

2016-01-01

This study investigates the effect of bovine heart surimi-like material (BHSM) used as a back fat replacer, on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of frankfurter-type sausages. Frankfurter-type sausage with added BHSM had a higher moisture content and lower fat content than the control. In addition, the samples with added BHSM had higher pH, cooking loss and 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) value and lower water exudation than the control. The sausage formulation with 40% BHSM was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation without affecting cooking loss compared to the 60% BHSM treatment sample. Results showed that hardness values increased upon replacement with BHSM, and sausages manufactured with 40% BHSM had higher lightness and lower redness values. Panelists found there were no differences in color, odor, and tenderness scores and the overall acceptability score found that treatment samples containing 20% and 40% BHSM were preferable to the control after storage for 14 d. These results indicate that fat replacement with BHSM was beneficial to the quality of frankfurter-type sausages, and acceptable reduced-fat products can be produced when back fat is replaced with up to 40% BHSM.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS: Optimization of optical film waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamson, P. V.

1990-10-01

Theoretical investigations were made of the possibility of optimization of the effective thickness, of the optical confinement factor Γ1, and of the birefringence of a planar dielectric waveguide as a function of the waveguide parameter V and the waveguide asymmetry. For a given value of V it is possible to ensure higher values of Γ1, for an asymmetric waveguide than for a symmetric one. An approximate expression is proposed for the factor Γ1, of an asymmetric waveguide directly in terms of its thickness and the refractive indices of the layers.

Use of multiple chemical tracers to define habitat use of Indo-Pacific mangrove crab, Scylla serrata (Decapoda: Portunidae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Demopoulos, A.W.J.; Cormier, N.; Ewel, K.C.; Fry, B.

2008-01-01

The mangrove or mud crab, Scylla serrata, is an important component of mangrove fisheries throughout the Indo-Pacific. Understanding crab diets and habitat use should assist in managing these fisheries and could provide additional justification for conservation of the mangrove ecosystem itself. We used multiple chemical tracers to test whether crab movements were restricted to local mangrove forests, or extended to include adjacent seagrass beds and reef flats. We sampled three mangrove forests on the island of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia at Lelu Harbor, Okat River, and Utwe tidal channel. Samples of S. serrata and likely food sources were analyzed for stable carbon (??13C), nitrogen (??15N), and sulfur (??34S) isotopes. Scylla serrata tissues also were analyzed for phosphorus (P), cations (K, Ca, Mg, Na), and trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and B). Discriminant analysis indicated that at least 87% of the crabs remain in each site as distinct populations. Crab stable isotope values indicated potential differences in habitat use within estuaries. Values for ??13C and ??34S in crabs from Okat and Utwe were low and similar to values expected from animals feeding within mangrove forests, e.g., feeding on infauna that had average ??13C values near -26.5???. In contrast, crabs from Lelu had higher ?? 13C and ??34S values, with average values of -21.8 and 7.8???, respectively. These higher isotope values are consistent with increased crab foraging on reef flats and seagrasses. Given that S. serrata have been observed feeding on adjacent reef and seagrass environments on Kosrae, it is likely that they move in and out of the mangroves for feeding. Isotope mixing model results support these conclusions, with the greatest mangrove ecosystem contribution to S. serrata diet occurring in the largest mangrove forests. Conserving larger island mangrove forests (> 1 km deep) appears to support crab foraging activities. ?? 2007 Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation.

A comparative study of oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) seedling physiology during summer drought in southern California.

PubMed

Mahall, Bruce E; Tyler, Claudia M; Cole, E Shelly; Mata, Catarina

2009-04-01

Natural recruitment of oaks appears to be declining throughout the northern hemisphere. Summer drought poses a potentially important barrier to oak recruitment in southern California. To evaluate this barrier, we grew evergreen Quercus agrifolia and deciduous Q. lobata from seeds near parental trees. We measured water relations, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas exchange during these seedlings' fourth and fifth summers and compared them to neighboring adults. Most seedlings had substantially lower values for predawn xylem pressure potential (Ψ(pd)), minimum photosystem II (PSII) quantum efficiency (Φ(PSIIMIN)), maximum quantum efficiency for PSII under dark-adapted leaf conditions (Fv/Fm), and maximum photosynthetic assimilation (Amax), and higher values for maximum nonphotochemical quenching (NPQmax) than did conspecific adults. The high, unvarying Ψ(pd) values of the adults suggest they use perennially available groundwater. Quercus lobata seedlings commonly had lower values for Ψ(pd) than did Q. agrifolia, and values for Ψ(pd) and Φ(PSIIMIN) were significantly related to size in Q. lobata but not in Q. agrifolia. These data suggest important interspecific differences in root architecture. Lower values for Φ(PSIIMIN), Fv/Fm, and higher NPQmax in Q. agrifolia indicate that Q. agrifolia seedlings were usually under more stress than Q. lobata, which typically had higher Amax rates than did Q. agrifolia seedlings. Diurnal photosynthesis curves were quite flat for Q. agrifolia, but they peaked in the morning for Q. lobata. Established seedlings appeared to be under more stress than adults, but this stress did not appear severe enough to cause death. Access to perennially available groundwater may be crucial for the seedling to sapling transition.

Accumulation and transfer of 137Cs and 90Sr in the plants of the forest ecosystem near the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant.

PubMed

Lukšienė, B; Marčiulionienė, D; Gudelienė, I; Schönhofer, F

2013-02-01

The radioecological state of the forest ecosystem in the vicinity of the Ignalina Power Plant prior to decommissioning was analysed with specific emphasis on (137)Cs and (90)Sr activity concentrations in plant species growing in two reference sampling sites (Tilze and Grikiniskes). In the period of 1996-2008 the mean contamination of plants with (137)Cs was from 45 to 119 Bq/kg and with (90)Sr - from 3 to 42 Bq/kg. Measured (137)Cs TF values for soil-root transfer mainly ranged between 1.0-1.4, except for Calamagrostis arundinacea which had a TF value of 0.1. On average, the (137)Cs TF value from root to shoot was 1.7 fold higher than for soil to root transfer. (90)Sr TF values (soil-root) were in the range of 1.2-1.8 but for Calluna vulgaris it was 0.2. The mean root to shoot TF value for (90)Sr was 7.7 fold higher. These results indicate the higher (90)Sr bioavailability than that of (137)Cs in the forested area. The Grikiniskes reference site is located nearby the Ignalina NPP, specifically the heated water outlet channel, which results in altered microclimatic conditions. These specific microclimatic conditions result in relationships between (137)Cs TF (soil-root) values and pH, moisture and organic matter content in the soil at Grikiniskes which appear to be different to those at the Tilze reference sampling site. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A comparison of the neutrophil-lymphocyte, platelet-lymphocyte and monocyte-lymphocyte ratios in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients - a retrospective file review.

PubMed

Özdin, Selçuk; Sarisoy, Gökhan; Böke, Ömer

2017-10-01

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) have recently been used as indicators of inflammation. Higher MLR and PLR values have been determined in the euthymic and manic periods in patients with bipolar disorder compared to a control group. High NLR values were determined in the only study investigating this ratio in schizophrenia patients. The purpose of this study was to compare NLR, PLR and MLR values and complete blood count elements in patients receiving treatment and hospitalized due to schizophrenic psychotic episode and bipolar disorder manic episode. All patients meeting the inclusion criteria among subjects receiving treatment and hospitalized due to schizophrenia-psychotic episode and bipolar affective disorder-manic episode at the Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty Psychiatry Department, Turkey, in 2012-2016 were included in our study. A total of 157 healthy donors were included as a control group. White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet and monocyte numbers were noted retrospectively from complete blood counts at time of admission, and NLR, PLR and MLR were calculated from these. NLR, PLR and MLR values and platelet numbers in this study were higher and lymphocyte numbers were lower in bipolar disorder patients compared to the controls. Elevation in NLR, MLR and PLR values and neutrophil numbers and lower lymphocyte numbers were determined in schizophrenia patients compared to the controls. Higher NLR and MLR values were found in schizophrenia patients compared to bipolar disorder. Findings of our study supported the inflammation hypothesis for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Adherence to outpatient epilepsy quality indicators at a tertiary epilepsy center.

PubMed

Pourdeyhimi, R; Wolf, B J; Simpson, A N; Martz, G U

2014-10-01

Quality indicators for the treatment of people with epilepsy were published in 2010. This is the first report of adherence to all measures in routine care of people with epilepsy at a level 4 comprehensive epilepsy center in the US. Two hundred patients with epilepsy were randomly selected from the clinics of our comprehensive epilepsy center, and all visits during 2011 were abstracted for documentation of adherence to the eight quality indicators. Alternative measures were constructed to evaluate failure of adherence. Detailed descriptions of all equations are provided. Objective measures (EEG, imaging) showed higher adherence than counseling measures (safety). Initial visits showed higher adherence. Variations in the interpretation of the quality measure result in different adherence values. Advanced practice providers and physicians had different adherence patterns. No patient-specific patterns of adherence were seen. This is the first report of adherence to all the epilepsy quality indicators for a sample of patients during routine care in a level 4 epilepsy center in the US. Overall adherence was similar to that previously reported on similar measures. Precise definitions of adherence equations are essential for accurate measurement. Complex measures result in lower adherence. Counseling measures showed low adherence, possibly highlighting a difference between practice and documentation. Adherence to the measures as written does not guarantee high quality care. The current quality indicators have value in the process of improving quality of care. Future approaches may be refined to eliminate complex measures and incorporate features linked to outcomes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical and functional properties of peeled and unpeeled pumpkin flour.

PubMed

Noor Aziah, A A; Komathi, C A

2009-09-01

This study was intended to investigate the potential of peeled and unpeeled pumpkin pulp as a raw material for the production of flour that could be used in composite blend with wheat flour or as a functional ingredient in food products. The peeled and unpeeled pumpkin pulp were soaked in sodium metabisulphite solution, sliced and dried overnight in a hot air oven, followed by milling into peeled pumpkin pulp flour (PPPF) and unpeeled pumpkin pulp flour (UPPF), respectively. The flours were then evaluated for physicochemical attributes (color, proximate compositions, and water activity) and functional properties (water holding capacity and oil holding capacity), in comparison to the commercial wheat flour. PPPF and UPPF were observed to be more attractive in terms of color than wheat flour, as indicated by the significantly higher results (P or= 0.05) was shown in water holding capacity of PPPF and wheat flour. However, the oil holding capacity of PPPF and UPPF was shown to be significantly higher (P

Entropy Drives the Formation of Salt Bridges in the Protein GB3.

PubMed

Zhang, Ning; Wang, Yefei; An, Liaoyuan; Song, Xiangfei; Huang, Qingshan; Liu, Zhijun; Yao, Lishan

2017-06-19

Salt bridges are very common in proteins. But what drives the formation of protein salt bridges is not clear. In this work, we determined the strength of four salt bridges in the protein GB3 by measuring the ΔpK a values of the basic residues that constitute the salt bridges with a highly accurate NMR titration method at different temperatures. The results show that the ΔpK a values increase with temperature, thus indicating that the salt bridges are stronger at higher temperatures. Fitting of ΔpK a values to the van't Hoff equation yields positive ΔH and ΔS values, thus indicating that entropy drives salt-bridge formation. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the protein and solvent make opposite contributions to ΔH and ΔS. Specifically, the enthalpic gain contributed from the protein is more than offset by the enthalpic loss contributed from the solvent, whereas the entropic gain originates from the desolvation effect. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Isotopically enriched ammonium shows high nitrogen transformation in the pile top zone of dairy manure compost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Koki; Toyoda, Sakae; Yano, Midori; Hattori, Shohei; Fukasawa, Makoto; Nakajima, Keiichi; Yoshida, Naohiro

2016-03-01

Nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) of NH4+ in dairy manure compost piles with and without bulking agent (10 % w/w) were compared to understand the effects of the use of bulking agent on nitrogen conversion during manure composting. The δ15N-NH4+ values in each of three pile zones (top, side and core) were also compared. At the end of the process, piles with bulking agent showed significantly higher δ15N values (17.7 ± 1.3 ‰) than piles without bulking agent (11.8 ± 0.9 ‰), reflecting the significantly higher nitrogen conversion and NH3 loss in the former. The samples from the top zone, especially in the piles with bulking agent, showed very high NH4+ concentrations with significantly high 15N (δ15N: 12.7-29.8 ‰) values, indicating that extremely high nitrogen conversion, nitrification-denitrification activity of the microbes and NH3 volatilization occurred in this zone.

Partial replacement of animal fat by oleogels structured with monoglycerides and phytosterols in frankfurter sausages.

PubMed

Kouzounis, Dimitrios; Lazaridou, Athina; Katsanidis, Eugenios

2017-08-01

Sunflower oil was structured with monoglycerides and phytosterols. The properties of the oleogels were studied by optical microscopy, large deformation mechanical measurements, dynamic rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry. The interaction between monoglycerides and phytosterols resulted in stronger oleogel networks with a differentiated crystalline structure, increased hardness and gel strength, increased storage modulus (G') values and decreased melting temperatures compared to monoglycerides oleogels. The oleogel structured with 15:5 monoglycerides to phytosterols weight ratio was selected to replace 50% of the pork backfat in frankfurter sausages. The control treatment (FSS1) presented higher values of hardness, brittleness, gumminess and chewiness than the oleogel-substituted samples (FSS2), whereas cohesiveness and elasticity did not present any differences. Instrumental color measurements indicated that FSS1 samples had higher a*, lower L* and similar b* values compared to FSS2. No differences were detected in the oxidation levels and sensory evaluation revealed similar overall liking for the two treatments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The study of correlation among different scattering parameters in an aggregate dust model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazarbhuiya, A. M.; Das, H. S.

2017-09-01

We study the light scattering properties of aggregate particles in a wide range of complex refractive indices (m = n + i k, where 1.4 ≤ n ≤ 2.0, 0.001 ≤ k ≤1.0) and wavelengths (0.45 ≤ λ≤1.25 μ m) to investigate the correlation among different parameters e.g., the positive polarization maximum (P_{max}), the amplitude of the negative polarization (P_{min}), geometric albedo (A), (n,k) and λ. Numerical computations are performed by the Superposition T-matrix code with Ballistic Cluster-Cluster Aggregate (BCCA) particles of 128 monomers and Ballistic Aggregates (BA) particles of 512 monomers, where monomer's radius of aggregates is considered to be 0.1 μm. At a fixed value of k, P_{max} and n are correlated via a quadratic regression equation and this nature is observed at all wavelengths. Further, P_{max} and k are found to be related via a polynomial regression equation when n is taken to be fixed. The degree of the equation depends on the wavelength, higher the wavelength lower is the degree. We find that A and P_{max} are correlated via a cubic regression at λ= 0.45 μ m whereas this correlation is quadratic at higher wavelengths. We notice that |P_{min}| increases with the decrease of P_{max} and a strong linear correlation between them is observed when n is fixed at some value and k is changed from higher to lower value. Further, at a fix value of k, P_{min} and P_{max} can be fitted well via a quartic regression equation when n is changed from higher to lower value. We also find that P_{max} increases with λ and they are correlated via a quartic regression.

Seasonal changes in serum oxidative stress biomarkers in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system.

PubMed

Mirzad, Ahmad Nawid; Tada, Takashi; Ano, Hitoshi; Kobayashi, Ikuo; Yamauchi, Takenori; Katamoto, Hiromu

2018-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress during hot summer season using serum oxidative stress biomarkers and elucidate the effects of serum antioxidant vitamin levels in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system. Blood samples were collected once a month from eight Holstein Friesian (HF) and 10 Japanese Black (JB) cows from November 2013 to October 2014. Serum values of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) tended to be higher in March in both breeds and those in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.001) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum levels of biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in both breeds were maintained at almost the same values during study period. The OSI [(d-ROMs/BAP) × 100] values in both breeds showed similar seasonal changes, i. e. increase from December to March and decrease from March to August or September. In addition, the OSI values in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.01) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, blood urea nitrogen and total cholesterol showed similar seasonal changes in both breeds, low in the winter and high from spring to summer, which may be attributed to the pasture grass intake. Opposite changes in OSI values and serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene indicated that antioxidant vitamin levels could affect oxidative stress status.

Seasonal changes in serum oxidative stress biomarkers in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system

PubMed Central

MIRZAD, Ahmad Nawid; TADA, Takashi; ANO, Hitoshi; KOBAYASHI, Ikuo; YAMAUCHI, Takenori; KATAMOTO, Hiromu

2017-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress during hot summer season using serum oxidative stress biomarkers and elucidate the effects of serum antioxidant vitamin levels in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system. Blood samples were collected once a month from eight Holstein Friesian (HF) and 10 Japanese Black (JB) cows from November 2013 to October 2014. Serum values of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) tended to be higher in March in both breeds and those in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.001) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum levels of biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in both breeds were maintained at almost the same values during study period. The OSI [(d-ROMs/BAP) × 100] values in both breeds showed similar seasonal changes, i. e. increase from December to March and decrease from March to August or September. In addition, the OSI values in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.01) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, blood urea nitrogen and total cholesterol showed similar seasonal changes in both breeds, low in the winter and high from spring to summer, which may be attributed to the pasture grass intake. Opposite changes in OSI values and serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene indicated that antioxidant vitamin levels could affect oxidative stress status. PMID:29142148

The role of carboxyhemoglobin measured with CO-oximetry in the detection of hemolysis in newborns with ABO alloimmunization.

PubMed

Lozar-Krivec, Jana; Bratanic, Borut; Paro-Panjan, Darja

2016-01-01

To evaluate carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) values measured with a CO-oximeter (Roche-cobas b 221) in jaundiced newborns with or without hemolysis and healthy controls in order to assess whether COHb measurement determined with a CO-oximeter could be used as an indicator of hemolysis in newborns with ABO alloimmunization. A total of 86 term newborn infants were prospectively studied. The study cohort consisted of three subgroups: 18 infants with ABO HDN, 21 infants with hyperbilirubinemia without hemolytic disease who required phototherapy, and 47 healthy controls. The COHb, bilirubin, and Hb levels were measured. The three subgroups did not differ significantly with respect to birth weight, gestational age, gender, Apgar score, or mode of delivery. The ABO HDN infants had significantly higher COHb values than the healthy controls (median 2.4% versus 1.3%, p < 0.0005) and the group with hyperbilirubinemia without hemolytic disease (median 2.4% versus 1.3%, p < 0.0005), although the infants with hyperbilirubinemia without hemolytic disease did not have significantly higher COHb values compared with the healthy controls. The cut-off value of 1.7% COHb had 72% sensitivity and 97% specificity for confirming hemolysis in ABO alloimmunization. Our data show that COHb values determined with CO-oximeters are higher in newborns with hemolysis than in those without hemolysis. COHb measured with CO-oximeters could be used to confirm hemolysis in infants with ABO alloimmunization.

Anti-Muellerian hormone concentration in bitches with histopathologically diagnosed ovarian tumours and cysts.

PubMed

Walter, B; Coelfen, A; Jäger, K; Reese, S; Meyer-Lindenberg, A; Aupperle-Lellbach, H

2018-06-01

Increased concentrations of Anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) can indicate a granulosa cell tumour as shown in women, mares and cows. To investigate AMH to differentiate canine granulosa cell tumour from other ovarian pathologies, we evaluated the ovaries of 63 bitches. Blood serum samples were collected before surgery for AMH analysis. Ovaries were submitted for histopathological examination. Fourteen bitches showed normal ovaries. These bitches had AMH values between 0.12 and 0.99 ng/ml. In 20 bitches ovarian cysts i.e., follicular cysts (n = 8), corpora lutea cysts (n = 7), subsurface cysts (n = 5) were diagnosed. These dogs had AMH values of 0.11-2.09 ng/ml. Bitches with small luteinized follicular cysts had slightly higher AMH values than those without ovarian alteration. In 29 cases ovarian neoplasms i.e., granulosa cell tumour (n = 9), epithelial tumours (n = 16), dysgerminomas (n = 3) and one sarcoma were identified. Anti-Muellerian hormone values of bitches with an ovarian neoplasm except granulosa cell tumour ranged from 0.18 to 1.18 ng/ml. The AMH values of bitches with granulosa cell tumour ranged from 1.12 to ≤23 ng/ml and were significantly higher (p < .05) than in all of the other bitches. The cut-off of 0.99 ng/ml gave a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.44% to diagnose granulosa cell tumour. In conclusion, markedly elevated AMH concentrations in bitches are indicative for a granulosa cell tumour. However, negative testing does not rule out the existence of small one. Differentiation of GCT from luteinized follicular cysts may especially be difficult. © 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Protective effect of selenium on lung cancer in smelter workers.

PubMed Central

Gerhardsson, L; Brune, D; Nordberg, I G; Wester, P O

1985-01-01

A possible protective effect of selenium against lung cancer has been indicated in recent studies. Workers in copper smelters are exposed to a combination of airborne selenium and carcinogens. In this study lung tissue concentrations of selenium, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lanthanum, and lead from 76 dead copper smelter workers were compared with those of 15 controls from a rural area and 10 controls from an urban area. The mean exposure time for the dead workers was 31.2 years, and the mean retirement time after the end of exposure 7.2 years. Lung cancer appeared in the workers with the lowest selenium lung tissue levels (selenium median value 71 micrograms/kg wet weight), as compared with both the controls (rural group, median value 110; urban group, median value 136) and other causes of death among the workers (median value 158). The quotient between the metals and selenium was used for comparison: a high quotient indicating a low protective effect of selenium and vice versa. The median values of the quotients between antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lanthanum, lead, chromium, and cobalt versus selenium were all numerically higher among the cases of lung cancer, the first five significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in 28 of the 35 comparisons between the lung cancer group and all other groups of smelter workers and controls. The different lung metal concentrations for each person were weighted according to their carcinogenic potency (Crx4 + Asx3 + Cdx2 + Sbx1 + Cox1 + Lax1 + Pbx1) against their corresponding selenium concentrations. From these calculations the protective effect of selenium was even more pronounced. PMID:4041390

A Brief Critique of the TATES Procedure.

PubMed

Aliev, Fazil; Salvatore, Jessica E; Agrawal, Arpana; Almasy, Laura; Chan, Grace; Edenberg, Howard J; Hesselbrock, Victor; Kuperman, Samuel; Meyers, Jacquelyn; Dick, Danielle M

2018-03-01

The Trait-based test that uses the Extended Simes procedure (TATES) was developed as a method for conducting multivariate GWAS for correlated phenotypes whose underlying genetic architecture is complex. In this paper, we provide a brief methodological critique of the TATES method using simulated examples and a mathematical proof. Our simulated examples using correlated phenotypes show that the Type I error rate is higher than expected, and that more TATES p values fall outside of the confidence interval relative to expectation. Thus the method may result in systematic inflation when used with correlated phenotypes. In a mathematical proof we further demonstrate that the distribution of TATES p values deviates from expectation in a manner indicative of inflation. Our findings indicate the need for caution when using TATES for multivariate GWAS of correlated phenotypes.

Revised reference values for selenium intake.

PubMed

Kipp, A P; Strohm, D; Brigelius-Flohé, R; Schomburg, L; Bechthold, A; Leschik-Bonnet, E; Heseker, H

2015-10-01

The German, Austrian and Swiss nutrition societies are the joint editors of the 'reference values for nutrient intake'. They have revised the reference values for the intake of selenium and published them in February 2015. The saturation of selenoprotein P (SePP) in plasma is used as a criterion for the derivation of reference values for selenium intake in adults. For persons from selenium-deficient regions (China) SePP saturation was achieved with a daily intake of 49μg of selenium. When using the reference body weights the D-A-CH reference values are based upon, the resulting estimated value for selenium intake is 70μg/day for men and 60μg/day for women. The estimated value for selenium intake for children and adolescents is extrapolated using the estimated value for adults in relation to body weight. For infants aged 0 to under 4 months the estimated value of 10μg/day was derived from the basis of selenium intake via breast milk. For infants aged 4 to under 12 months this estimated value was used and taking into account the differences regarding body weight an estimated value of 15μg/day was derived. For lactating women compared to non-lactating women a higher reference value of 75μg/day is indicated due to the release of selenium with breast milk. The additional selenium requirement for pregnant women is negligible, so that no increased reference value is indicated. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.

[Effect of white spot syndrome virus envelope protein Vp28 expressed in silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae on disease resistence in Procambarus clarkii].

PubMed

Wei, Ke Qiang; Xu, Zi Rong

2005-06-01

The vaccine made of recombinant envelope protein (rVp28) of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) expressed in silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae using a baculovirus vector was used to investigate the efficacy of oral administration on WSSV disease resistance of Procambarus clarkii. Vaccine was mixed with diet at a ratio of 2% (w/w), and Procambarus clarkii were orally administered throughout 75 days. Vaccination with rVP28 showed the significantly higher cumulative survival compared with positive and negative control (P < 0.05) following an oral challenge on the 35th day post-vaccination (dpv), with PRP values 54.16% and 59.26%, respectively. rVP28 induced higher resistance via IM (intramuscular) injection challenge with WSSV stock, with PRP value of 46.12% and 49.99%, respectively. The survivors were subsequently re-challenged on the 55th dpv. rVP28 induced the significantly higher resistance to oral re-challenge (P < 0.05), with both PRP values 55.80% and 63.16%, respectively. rVP28 induced higher resistance to IM injection re-challenge, with both PRP values 31.25%. A DIG labeled WSSV DNA probe was used to detect WSSV by in situ hybridization. The positive cells were observed in epithelial cells of stomach, hepatopancreas and gut of the infected control crayfish, while negative reaction were observed in the tissues of survivors-vaccinated. These results indicated that vaccination of crayfish with recombinant protein had significant effect on oral infection, and had higher resistance against intramuscular injection challenge. This suggested the protection against WSSV could be induced in crayfish by recombinant protein rVp28 expressed in silkworm pupae.

Selection index based on the relative importance of traits and possibilities in breeding popcorn.

PubMed

Vieira, R A; Rocha, R; Scapim, C A; Amaral Júnior, A T; Vivas, M

2016-04-26

One of the major difficulties faced by popcorn breeders is the negative correlation between popping expansion (PE) and grain yield (GY). It is necessary to overcome this difficulty to obtain promising genotypes. One helpful tool in this process is a selection index because it allows multiple features of interest to be selected. Thus, the present study proposes a new and comprehensive selection index applied in 169 half-sib families in UEM-Co1 and UEM-Co2 composites during two cycles of recurrent selection. An experiment was conducted in a 13 x 13 lattice square in the 2004/2005 and 2006/2007 crop years in Maringá, Paraná State, and PE and GY were evaluated. To calculate Fi statistics, the following relative importance (RI) assignments were used: 0.5 for both PE and GY, and 0.70 and 0.30 for PE and GY, respectively. Families were classified according to Fi values such that Fi = 0 indicated that genotypes met the average of those selected by direct selection, Fi < 0 indicated that genotypes fell below the average of those selected, and Fi > 0 indicated that genotypes exceeded the average of those selected. Thus, desirable values of Fi were positive, indicating that the selected families were higher than those families that would be selected by direct selection for both traits. Therefore, we concluded that the novel Fi statistic was satisfactory for family selection because simultaneous and higher gains for both traits in both composites were obtained.

Faculty Development in Higher Education: Long-Term Impact of a Summer Teaching and Learning Workshop

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Persellin, Diane; Goodrick, Terry

2010-01-01

Past participants of the Associated Colleges of the South Summer Teaching and Learning Workshop were surveyed to determine long-term impact of this type of professional development experience. Results indicate a large majority of participants across rank and academic discipline continued to view the workshop as effective and valued feedback from…

Dollar’s Vulnerability and the Implications for National Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

higher inflation leads to exchange - rate depreciation as well as increased volatility. 36 This indicates that expansionary monetary policy would also...resulted in debasement and depreciation.7 Thus, exchange rate and currency convertibility problems...creation and evolution of international currencies. The problems of establishing and maintaining exchange rates and retaining value led to a system

Introducing Sustainability into University Curricula: An Indicator and Baseline Survey of the Views of University Teachers at the University of Valencia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aznar Minguet, Pilar; Martinez-Agut, M. Pilar; Palacios, Belen; Pinero, Albert; Ull, M. Angeles

2011-01-01

Many higher education institutions have assumed the role of diffusing knowledge, values, attitudes and behaviours that favour sustainability. A key objective in such work is training university teachers to apply sustainability criteria to their respective disciplines. While university teachers' active participation is essential to achieving this…

Development of Creative Activity of Students in the System of the Organizational Culture of the Modern University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khairullina, Nursafa; Bakhtizin, Ramil; Gaisina, Lyutsiya; Kosintseva, Tamara; Belonozhko, Lidia

2016-01-01

Student creativity today is indicative of the successful operation of the higher education institution in the training of specialists. Organizational culture, being a complex of common and shared by all subjects of teaching and educational activity such as values, norms, beliefs, acts as an important integration factor influencing the creative…

A New Generation of Leaders for Eastern Europe: Values and Attitudes for Active Citizenship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Humphreys, Melanie J.

2011-01-01

Higher education has a crucial role in developing active citizenship within students. Even though active citizenship skills and competencies have been identified as essential life skills for Europe there is very little progress to date in establishing measures or indicators as to how this might be accomplished. This study provides the first data…

Troubled by the Past: History, Identity and the University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murphy, Mark

2011-01-01

Much emphasis is currently placed on the impact of marketisation on higher education and the damage it has caused to forms of academic and student identity. Evident is a concern that much of value in these identities has been lost amidst the pressure of audit, performance indicators and consumerism. This paper explores the changes to these…

Moderators of Language Acquisition Models and Reading Achievement for English Language Learners: The Role of Emotional Warmth and Instructional Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopez, Francesca A.

2012-01-01

Background: Cumulatively, research indicates that teachers who are emotionally supportive and create positive classroom climates influence the outcomes of at-risk students in nontrivial ways. Prior research has also established that teacher behaviors that support autonomy, provide higher level thinking opportunities, and value students' social and…

Fields of Education, Gender and the Labour Market. Education Indicators in Focus. No. 45

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

OECD Publishing, 2016

2016-01-01

More and more adults are earning a tertiary qualification, but not all tertiary degrees have the same value on the labour market. In general, postgraduate degrees such as master's and doctoral degrees are associated with higher employment rates and earnings than bachelor's degrees. Labour market outcomes also vary by field of education. Some…

Young Women in a Male Periphery: Experiences from the Scandinavian North.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dahlstrom, Margareta

1996-01-01

Suggests that young women migrate from rural to urban areas in northern Scandinavia because the rural "periphery" is dominated by male economic and leisure activities. A study in northern Norway indicates that more young women than young men valued higher education and highly qualified careers, both of which were more attainable in urban…

Determination of ferrous and total iron in refractory spinels

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

Amonette, James E.; Matyas, Josef

2015-12-30

Accurate and precise determination of the redox state of iron (Fe) in spinels presents a significant challenge due to their refractory nature. The resultant extreme conditions needed to obtain complete dissolution generally oxidize some of the Fe(II) initially present and thus prevent the use of colorimetric methods for Fe(II) measurements. To overcome this challenge we developed a hybrid oxidimetric/colorimetric approach, using Ag(I) as the oxidimetric reagent for determination of Fe(II) and 1,10-phenanthroline as the colorimetric reagent for determination of total Fe. This approach, which allows determination of Fe(II) and total Fe on the same sample, was tested on a seriesmore » of four geochemical reference materials and then applied to the analysis of Fe(Ni) spinel crystals isolated from simulated high-level-waste (HLW) glass and of several reagent magnetites. Results for the reference materials were in excellent agreement with published values, with the exception of USGS BIR-1, for which higher Fe(II) values and lower total Fe values were obtained. The Fe(Ni) spinels showed Fe(II) values at the detection limit (ca. 0.05 wt% Fe) and total Fe values slightly higher than obtained by total elemental analysis. For the magnetite samples, total Fe values were in agreement with reference results, but a wide range in Fe(II) values was obtained indicating various degrees of conversion to maghemite.« less

[Characterization of Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Zhoushan fishery using excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC)].

PubMed

Zhou, Qian-qian; Su, Rong-guo; Bai, Ying; Zhang, Chuan-song; Shi, Xiao-yong

2015-01-01

The composition, distribution characteristics and sources of chromophoric dissolved organic matter(CDOM) in Zhoushan Fishery in spring were evaluated by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) combined with parallel factor analysis (EEMs-PARAFAC). Three humic-like components [C1 (330/420 nm)], C2 [(290) 365/440 nm] and C3 [(260) 370/490 nm)] and two protein-like components [C4(285/340 nm) and C5 (270/310 nm)] were identified by EEMs-PARAFAC. The horizontal distribution patterns of the five components were almost the same with only slight differences, showing decreasing trends with increasing distance from shore. In the surface and middle layers, the high value areas were located in the north of Hangzhou Bay estuary and the outlet of Xiazhimen channel, and the former's was higher in the surface layer while the latter's was higher in the middle layer. In the bottom layer, CDOM decreased gradiently from the inshore to offshore, with higher CDOM near Zhoushan Island. The distributions of fluorescence components showed an opposite trend with salinity, and no significant linear relationship with Chl-a concentration was found, which indicated that CDOM in the surface and middle layers were dominated by terrestrial input and human activities of Zhoushan Island and that of the bottom layer was attribute to human activities of Zhoushan Island. The vertical distribution of five fluorescent components along 30.5 degrees N transect showed a decreasing trend from the surface and middle layers to bottom layer with high values in inshore and offshore areas, which were correlated with the lower salinity and higher Chl-a concentration, respectively. On this transect, CDOM was mainly affected by Yangtze River input in coastal area but by bioactivities in offshore waters. Along the 30 degrees N transect, the vertical distribution patterns of CDOM were similar to those of 30.5 degrees N transect but there was a high value area in the bottom layer near the shore, attributing to the CDOM release from the marine sediment pore water to the water body because of physical force role like tidal, the underlying upwelling and so on. A strong correlation occurred between C1 and C3, C4, indicating that they had similar sources; a weak correlation was found between C1 and C2, C5, reflecting some differences among their sources. CDOM in Zhoushan Fishery in spring had low humification index (HIX) values, which reflected a low degree of humification, poor stability and a short resident time in the environment. For biological index (BIX), its higher values appeared in the offshore waters and the lower values occurred in the inshore area, reflecting a greater influence of human and biological activities, respectively.

Self-benefiting in the allocation of scarce resources: leader-follower effects and the moderating effect of social value orientations.

PubMed

van Dijk, Eric; De Cremer, David

2006-10-01

Previous research on the allocation of scarce resources suggests that people who are assigned to higher positions (e.g., leaders) are more likely to make self-benefiting allocations than people who are assigned to lower positions (e.g., followers). In this article, the authors investigated the proposition that these findings would be moderated by people's social value orientations. In two experimental studies, the authors assigned participants either to the role of leader or follower and assessed the participants' social value orientations. In agreement with predictions, the findings show that position effects are moderated by social value orientation. Social value orientations only affected the allocation behavior of the leaders: Proself leaders allocated more resources to themselves than did prosocial leaders. Additional analyses indicate that these effects are mediated by feelings of entitlement.

Antioxidative potential, nutritional value and sensory profiles of confectionery fortified with green and yellow tea leaves (Camellia sinensis).

PubMed

Gramza-Michałowska, Anna; Kobus-Cisowska, Joanna; Kmiecik, Dominik; Korczak, Józef; Helak, Barbara; Dziedzic, Krzysztof; Górecka, Danuta

2016-11-15

This paper presents a study on development of functional food products containing green and yellow tea leaves. The results indicated that green and yellow tea are significant tools in the creation of the nutritional value, antioxidative potential and stability of the lipid fraction of cookies. Tea-fortified cookies showed considerably higher contents of dietary fiber, especially hemicellulose and insoluble fractions, and were characterized by significantly higher antioxidant potential associated with their phenolics content. Results of ABTS, DPPH, ORACFL and PCL assay showed significantly higher antioxidant potential of tea cookies, highest for yellow tea. The antioxidative potential of applied teas was significant in terms of the inhibition of hydroperoxide content, while formation of secondary lipid oxidation products was less spectacular. It is concluded that tea leaves could be widely used as a source of polyphenols with high antioxidative potential, as well as fiber; thus introducing numerous health benefits for the consumer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Initial comparison of single cylinder Stirling engine computer model predictions with test results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tew, R. C., Jr.; Thieme, L. G.; Miao, D.

1979-01-01

A NASA developed digital computer code for a Stirling engine, modelling the performance of a single cylinder rhombic drive ground performance unit (GPU), is presented and its predictions are compared to test results. The GPU engine incorporates eight regenerator/cooler units and the engine working space is modelled by thirteen control volumes. The model calculates indicated power and efficiency for a given engine speed, mean pressure, heater and expansion space metal temperatures and cooler water inlet temperature and flow rate. Comparison of predicted and observed powers implies that the reference pressure drop calculations underestimate actual pressure drop, possibly due to oil contamination in the regenerator/cooler units, methane contamination in the working gas or the underestimation of mechanical loss. For a working gas of hydrogen, the predicted values of brake power are from 0 to 6% higher than experimental values, and brake efficiency is 6 to 16% higher, while for helium the predicted brake power and efficiency are 2 to 15% higher than the experimental.

Application of the Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) for Pre-grading Tuna Freshness On-board

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheevaporanapivat, Mongkol; Sakai, Hisaharu; Mine, Yuuji; Watanabe, Manabu; Suzuki, Toru

Application of ORP as a rapid indicator for grading tuna's freshness on the ship was studied. The long line trawling process was used for catching the sample tuna in the South Pacific Ocean. All captured sample tuna were weighed, gender identified and investigated for their mortality, then measured ORP and K value. Three species of tuna were caught: blue marlin (Makaira mazara), yellow fin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and swordfish (Xiphia gladius). Most of the fish captured were male and they had been dead after picking onboard. The measured ORP values of blue marlin varied in the range of 0.295-0.362 Volt, with pH between 5.35-5.84. Both ORP and pH of swordfish was similar to that of blue marlin. But for yellow fin tuna, the ORP value was about the same as blue marlin while its pH was significantly higher. ORP value in all species tended to increase with pH of the fish meat decrease. It is interesting that ORP value of tuna increased in correlation with K value. These results suggested that ORP and pH change, which are measured in the short time, are the effective indicators for grading tuna's freshness on-board.

The impact of epidermal melanin on objective measurements of human skin colour.

PubMed

Alaluf, Simon; Atkins, Derek; Barrett, Karen; Blount, Margaret; Carter, Nik; Heath, Alan

2002-04-01

Objective measurements of human skin colour were made with a tristimulus (L*a*b*) chromameter in a range of different ethnic skin types. These were compared with biochemical measurements of melanin content, melanin composition and melanosome size in skin biopsies obtained from the same sites. L*, a* and b* values were found to vary significantly with ethnicity. In general, constitutively dark skin types have lower L* values, higher a* values and higher b* values than constitutively light skin types. Total epidermal melanin content appears to be the primary determinant of L* values in human skin (r = -0.88; P < 0.00001), whilst melanosome size also has a significant but more subtle influence on L* values (r = -0.73; P < 0.00001). There is also a strong positive contribution to a* values from epidermal melanin (r = 0.66, P < 0.00001), which accounts for the ethnic variation in a* values observed in this study. Melanin is also a major contributor to b* values in lighter skin types (r = 0.71, P < 0.00001). However, this relationship breaks down in darker skin types where b* values actually reach a maximum and then decrease as the concentration of melanin in the skin increases. This appears to be because of optical masking of yellow light by high concentrations of melanin in the epidermis. Analysis of the relationships between L*, a* and b* values in human skin indicate that they are very closely interrelated, and suggest that the optical properties of melanin in the epidermis are very similar to those of a dye on a fabric substrate.

Widespread Anthropogenic Nitrogen in Northwestern Pacific Ocean Sediment.

PubMed

Kim, Haryun; Lee, Kitack; Lim, Dhong-Il; Nam, Seung-Il; Kim, Tae-Wook; Yang, Jin-Yu T; Ko, Young Ho; Shin, Kyung-Hoon; Lee, Eunil

2017-06-06

Sediment samples from the East China and Yellow seas collected adjacent to continental China were found to have lower δ 15 N values (expressed as δ 15 N = [ 15 N: 14 N sample / 15 N: 14 N air - 1] × 1000‰; the sediment 15 N: 14 N ratio relative to the air nitrogen 15 N: 14 N ratio). In contrast, the Arctic sediments from the Chukchi Sea, the sampling region furthest from China, showed higher δ 15 N values (2-3‰ higher than those representing the East China and the Yellow sea sediments). Across the sites sampled, the levels of sediment δ 15 N increased with increasing distance from China, which is broadly consistent with the decreasing influence of anthropogenic nitrogen (N ANTH ) resulting from fossil fuel combustion and fertilizer use. We concluded that, of several processes, the input of N ANTH appears to be emerging as a new driver of change in the sediment δ 15 N value in marginal seas adjacent to China. The present results indicate that the effect of N ANTH has extended beyond the ocean water column into the deep sedimentary environment, presumably via biological assimilation of N ANTH followed by deposition. Further, the findings indicate that N ANTH is taking over from the conventional paradigm of nitrate flux from nitrate-rich deep water as the primary driver of biological export production in this region of the Pacific Ocean.

Geochemical indicators of the origins and evolution of methane in groundwater: Gippsland Basin, Australia.

PubMed

Currell, Matthew; Banfield, Dominic; Cartwright, Ian; Cendón, Dioni I

2017-05-01

Recent expansion of shale and coal seam gas production worldwide has increased the need for geochemical studies in aquifers near gas deposits, to determine processes impacting groundwater quality and better understand the origins and behavior of dissolved hydrocarbons. We determined dissolved methane concentrations (n = 36) and δ 13 C and δ 2 H values (n = 31) in methane and groundwater from the 46,000-km 2 Gippsland Basin in southeast Australia. The basin contains important water supply aquifers and is a potential target for future unconventional gas development. Dissolved methane concentrations ranged from 0.0035 to 30 mg/L (median = 8.3 mg/L) and were significantly higher in the deep Lower Tertiary Aquifer (median = 19 mg/L) than the shallower Upper Tertiary Aquifer (median = 3.45 mg/L). Groundwater δ 13 C DIC values ranged from -26.4 to -0.4 ‰ and were generally higher in groundwater with high methane concentrations (mean δ 13 C DIC  = -9.5 ‰ for samples with >3 mg/L CH 4 vs. -16.2 ‰ in all others), which is consistent with bacterial methanogenesis. Methane had δ 13 C CH4 values of -97.5 to -31.8 ‰ and δ 2 H CH4 values of -391 to -204 ‰ that were also consistent with bacterial methane, excluding one site with δ 13 C CH4 values of -31.8 to -37.9 ‰, where methane may have been thermogenic. Methane from different regions and aquifers had distinctive stable isotope values, indicating differences in the substrate and/or methanogenesis mechanism. Methane in the Upper Tertiary Aquifer in Central Gippsland had lower δ 13 C CH4 (-83.7 to -97.5 ‰) and δ 2 H CH4 (-236 to -391 ‰) values than in the deeper Lower Tertiary Aquifer (δ 13 C CH4  = -45.8 to -66.2 ‰ and δ 2 H CH4  = -204 to -311 ‰). The particularly low δ 13 C CH4 values in the former group may indicate methanogenesis at least partly through carbonate reduction. In deeper groundwater, isotopic values were more consistent with acetate fermentation. Not all methane at a given depth and location is interpreted as being necessarily produced in situ. We propose that high dissolved sulphate concentrations in combination with high methane concentrations can indicate gas resulting from contamination and/or rapid migration as opposed to in situ bacterial production or long-term migration. Isotopes of methane and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) serve as further lines of evidence to distinguish methane sources. The study demonstrates the value of isotopic characterisation of groundwater including dissolved gases in basins containing hydrocarbons.

Construction of an environmental quality index for public health research

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background A more comprehensive estimate of environmental quality would improve our understanding of the relationship between environmental conditions and human health. An environmental quality index (EQI) for all counties in the U.S. was developed. Methods The EQI was developed in four parts: domain identification; data source acquisition; variable construction; and data reduction. Five environmental domains (air, water, land, built and sociodemographic) were recognized. Within each domain, data sources were identified; each was temporally (years 2000–2005) and geographically (county) restricted. Variables were constructed for each domain and assessed for missingness, collinearity, and normality. Domain-specific data reduction was accomplished using principal components analysis (PCA), resulting in domain-specific indices. Domain-specific indices were then combined into an overall EQI using PCA. In each PCA procedure, the first principal component was retained. Both domain-specific indices and overall EQI were stratified by four rural–urban continuum codes (RUCC). Higher values for each index were set to correspond to areas with poorer environmental quality. Results Concentrations of included variables differed across rural–urban strata, as did within-domain variable loadings, and domain index loadings for the EQI. In general, higher values of the air and sociodemographic indices were found in the more metropolitan areas and the most thinly populated areas have the lowest values of each of the domain indices. The less-urbanized counties (RUCC 3) demonstrated the greatest heterogeneity and range of EQI scores (−4.76, 3.57) while the thinly populated strata (RUCC 4) contained counties with the most positive scores (EQI score ranges from −5.86, 2.52). Conclusion The EQI holds promise for improving our characterization of the overall environment for public health. The EQI describes the non-residential ambient county-level conditions to which residents are exposed and domain-specific EQI loadings indicate which of the environmental domains account for the largest portion of the variability in the EQI environment. The EQI was constructed for all counties in the United States, incorporating a variety of data to provide a broad picture of environmental conditions. We undertook a reproducible approach that primarily utilized publically-available data sources. PMID:24886426

Cultural values associated with substance use among Hispanic emerging adults in Southern California.

PubMed

Escobedo, Patricia; Allem, Jon-Patrick; Baezconde-Garbanati, Lourdes; Unger, Jennifer B

2018-02-01

Hispanic emerging adults are a priority population for substance use prevention, yet few studies have examined whether traditional Hispanic cultural values serve as risk or protective factors for substance use among emerging adults. This study examined the relationship between familism, respeto, fatalism, and substance use among Hispanic emerging adults. Participants (ages 18 to 25) completed surveys indicating identification with familism, respeto, and fatalism, past month use of tobacco, marijuana, hard drugs and binge drinking. Separate logistic regression models examined the association between cultural values and each substance use outcome, controlling for acculturation, age and gender. Among participants (n=1445, mean age=23, 60% female), 21% reported past month cigarette use, 18% reported past month alternative tobacco product (ATP) use, 25% reported past month marijuana use, 44% reported past month binge drinking, and 7% reported past month hard drug use. Higher fatalism scores were associated with increased ATP use. Higher familism scores were associated with binge drinking, while higher respeto scores were associated with decreased binge drinking, marijuana, and hard drug use. These findings suggest that substance use prevention and intervention programs should emphasize how substance use interferes with caring and honoring parents (respeto) and family cohesion and functioning (familism). Programs that highlight these cultural values and beliefs may be beneficial for Hispanic emerging adults and members of other collectivistic cultures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

13C discriminations of Pinus sylvestris vs. Pinus ponderosa at a dry site in Brandenburg (eastern Germany): 100-year growth comparison.

PubMed

Wagner, Ralf; Insinna, Patrick A; Götz, Bernhard; Junge, Sebastian; Boettger, Tatjana

2007-06-01

The carbon isotope composition (delta(13)C, per thousand) and discrimination (Delta, per thousand) of old grown North American Pinus ponderosa Dougl. Ex P. et C. Laws. and European Pinus sylvestris L. were determined using trees grown under almost identical growing conditions in a mixed stand in Bralitz, Northeast Germany. Single-tree delta(13)C analyses of tree-ring cellulose of both species were carried out at a yearly resolution for the period 1901-2001 and the results compared with growth (basal area increment). Annual mean delta(13)C values for P. ponderosa ranged from-21.6 per thousand to-25.2 per thousand and for P. sylvestris from-21.4 per thousand to-24.4 per thousand. Accordingly, (13)C discrimination (Delta) showed higher values for P. ponderosa throughout the investigation period. Five characteristic periods of Delta were identified for both the tree species, reflecting positive and negative influences of environmental factors. Good growing conditions such as after-thinning events had a positive effect on Delta, reflecting higher values, while poor conditions like aridity and air pollution had a negative influence, reflecting lower values. The dynamics of Delta were likewise reflected in the growth (basal area increment, BAI). Higher (13)C discrimination values of P. ponderosa led to higher BAIs of P. ponderosa in comparison with P. sylvestris. Correlation function analyses confirmed that P. sylvestris was more dependent on precipitation than P. ponderosa, which showed a closer relationship with temperature. The results confirm that under predominantly dry growing conditions, P. ponderosa showed better growth performance than P. sylvestris, indicating better common intrinsic water-use efficiency and, therefore, higher rates of net photosynthesis at a given transpiration. In view of the prospect of climate change, the results are very significant for assessing both trees' physiological properties and, hence, their potential for coping with future growing conditions.

Exploring definitions of financial abuse in elderly Korean immigrants: the contribution of traditional cultural values.

PubMed

Lee, Hee Yun; Lee, Sang E; Eaton, Charissa K

2012-10-01

The purpose of this study is to explore the cultural definitions of financial abuse from the perspective of 124 elderly Korean immigrants and to examine the role of traditional cultural values in their definitions by using a mixed methods approach. The qualitative analysis generated four themes relevant to definition of financial abuse. A binary logistic regression indicated that those with stronger cultural adherence to traditional values had higher odds of providing culture-based definitions of financial abuse. Education is needed for health professionals, social service providers, and adult protective workers to increase their understanding of culture-specific experiences of financial abuse among ethnic minority elders.

Dimensional optimization of nanowire--complementary metal oxide--semiconductor inverter.

PubMed

Hashim, Yasir; Sidek, Othman

2013-01-01

This study is the first to demonstrate dimensional optimization of nanowire-complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor inverter. Noise margins and inflection voltage of transfer characteristics are used as limiting factors in this optimization. Results indicate that optimization depends on both dimensions ratio and digital voltage level (Vdd). Diameter optimization reveals that when Vdd increases, the optimized value of (Dp/Dn) decreases. Channel length optimization results show that when Vdd increases, the optimized value of Ln decreases and that of (Lp/Ln) increases. Dimension ratio optimization reveals that when Vdd increases, the optimized value of Kp/Kn decreases, and silicon nanowire transistor with suitable dimensions (higher Dp and Ln with lower Lp and Dn) can be fabricated.

Bioaccumulation of metals in the soft tissue of Patella aspera: Application of metal/shell weight indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cravo, A.; Bebianno, M. J.

2005-11-01

Patella aspera limpets were taken from a marine clean site (MCS) and an estuarine contaminated site (ECS). The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni and Co were determined individually over the available size range. Since there were significant differences in the soft tissue weight between populations, but shell characteristics were similar (length and weight), metal/shell weight indices (MSI) were calculated in order to compare populations. For both populations iron, zinc and manganese/shell weight indices were consistently higher, in the order Fe ≫ Zn ≫ Mn than those of Cu, Ni, Co and Cd. The results exhibited a marked intra- and inter-population variability. The highest intra-variability was observed at ECS, particularly where a strong effect of shell weight upon the metal accumulation in the soft tissue was evident. Due to this effect, the comparison of populations was carried out between three selected shell weight ranges representative of light shells (0.45-1.95 g), intermediate shells (2.95-4.45 g) and heavy shells (5.45-7.33 g). The results indicate that, in general, MSI at ECS (a sewage contaminated site), except for Cd, was higher than at MCS possibly reflecting a higher environmental bioavailability of these metals. The resolution between populations was higher when the smallest range of limpets was considered and it decreased with the increase of shell weight. The highest discrimination amongst populations was found for zinc/shell weight index that showed much higher values than those of Mn, Cu, Cd, Ni and Co/shell weight indices, and spatial differentiation between populations persisted amongst the selected shell weight ranges.

Bioenergy residues as novel sorbents to clean up pesticide pollution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Santanu

2016-04-01

Worldwide, water contamination from agricultural use of pesticides has received increasing attention within the last decades. In general, sources of pesticide water pollution are categorized into diffuse (stemming from treated fields) and point sources (stemming from farmyards and spillages). Research has demonstrated that 40 to 90% of surface water pesticide contamination is due to point source pollution. To reduce point pollution from farm yards, where the spray equipment is washed, biobed or biofilter systems are used to treat the washing water. The organic material usually used in these systems is often not environmentally sustainable (e.g. peat) and incorporated organic material such as straw leads to a highly heterogeneous water flow, with negative effects on the retention and degradation behavior of the pesticides. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the suitability of alternative materials based on bioenergy residues (biochar and digestate) for use in biofilters. To this aim the sorption-desorption potential of three contrasting pesticides (bentazone, boscalid, and pyrimethanil) on mixtures of soil with digestate and/or biochar were investigated in laboratory batch equilibrium experiments. The results indicate that the mixture of digestate and biochar increased pesticide sorption potential, whereby in all cases, the Kd des / Kf des values were lower than the Kd ads / Kf ads values indicating that the retention of the pesticides was weak. Thus, as Kf des were lower than the Kf ads values and H values were below 1, it can be concluded that the biomixtures presented negative desorption (higher hysteresis) in those cases. A higher Kd (>78 L kg-1), Kf (>400 μM1-1/nf L1/nfkg-1) and KL (>40 L kg-1) was obtained for all pesticides for the digestate and biochar based mixtures, which had a higher organic matter content. However, lower sorption of the pesticides was observed in blank soil compared to the other biomixtures, which was attributed to the lower organic carbon content of the blank soil. Our results showed that boscalid and pyrimethanil are highly sorbed to the mixture of digestate and biochar. SUVA254 values justified the aromatic character of digestate (5%) and biochar (5%) mixture which showed highest Koc values among all mixtures for all pesticides. This mixture was found to be the most promising substrate amongst the tested ones for a biobed setup and can be used as an effective and alternative adsorbent for removing pesticides, because of its higher adsorption capacity.

Autonomy, positive relationships, and IL-6: evidence for gender-specific effects.

PubMed

Eisenlohr-Moul, Tory; Segerstrom, Suzanne

2013-05-01

A body of evidence indicates that women value relationship-centred aspects of well-being more than men do, while men value autonomy-centred aspects of well-being more than women do. The current study examined whether gender moderates relations between autonomy and positive relationships and interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine associated with inflammatory processes. Aspects of well-being consistent with gender-linked values were expected to be most health protective such that positive relationships would predict lower IL-6 only or more strongly in women, and autonomy would predict lower IL-6 only or more strongly in men. In the first study, a sample of 119 older adults (55% female) living in Kentucky were visited in their homes for interviews and blood draws. In the second study, a sample of 1,028 adults (45% female) living across the United States underwent a telephone interview followed by a visit to a research centre for blood draws. In the Kentucky sample, autonomy was quadratically related to IL-6 such that moderate autonomy predicted higher IL-6; this effect was stronger in men. In the US national sample, more positive relationships were associated with lower IL-6 in women only. When the national sample was restricted to match the Kentucky sample, moderate autonomy was again associated with higher IL-6 in men only. Results provide preliminary evidence for gender-specific effects of positive relationships and autonomy on IL-6. Further work is needed to establish the generalizability of these effects to different ages, cultures, and health statuses. What is already known on this subject? A host of previous work indicates that women value relationship-centred aspects of well-being more than men, while men value autonomy-centred aspects of well-being more than women. Further, there is some evidence suggesting that well-being consistent with gender-linked values is more health protective, such that relationships are more protective for women than for men, while autonomy is more protective for men than for women. What does this study add We provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that gender moderates the associations of autonomy and positive relationships with IL-6. Specifically, higher levels of positive relationships may be associated with lower IL-6 in women only, whereas moderate levels of autonomy may be associated with higher IL-6 in males only, particularly among older adults. ©2012 The British Psychological Society.

Does mindfulness prepare adolescents for value-behavior concordance? Examining the role of value content.

PubMed

Warren, Michael T; Wray-Lake, Laura

2017-07-01

Great thinkers throughout history advocated living one's values, yet little research has examined factors that contribute to adolescents' value-behavior concordance (VBC). Mindfulness may foster VBC via heightened awareness of values, but VBC for intrinsic values may be more adaptive than VBC for extrinsic values. To situate mindfulness in developmental context, we examined age and attachment security as predictors of mindfulness. We collected self- and parent-report data from 299 families (M age-adolescents  = 14.45, SD = 1.68; 51% female) from 42 US states to test these ideas. Results indicated that mindfulness was positively associated with intrinsic VBC but was negatively linked with extrinsic VBC, and both kinds of VBC partially mediated the link from mindfulness to meaning (but not life satisfaction). Attachment security was associated with higher mindfulness. Overall, mindfulness may deliver its benefits by helping young people avoid behaviors that align with extrinsic values. Copyright © 2017 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of technological factors on water activity of extruded corn product with an addition of whey proteins.

PubMed

Makowska, Agnieszka; Cais-Sokolińska, Dorota; Lasik, Agata

2014-01-01

The value of water activity in extruded products constitutes a significant indicator of their quality and stability. The state, in which water is found in extruded products, is an indicator of the conducted extrusion process and the used raw material. The aim of the study was to assess water activity in extruded products made from a mixture of com grits with 12.5 and 15.0% moisture contents and different level of addition of whey proteins. It was shown that the degree of mixture moisture content did not have an effect on the value of aw in produced puffs. The greatest difference was recorded when introducing 3% proteins in comparison to aw of puffs produced solely from corn grits. Δaw = 0.023. The greater the content of whey proteins, the lower the aw value. A 3-month storage at a temperature of 18 ±0.5°C influenced aw of snacks produced from a mixture with a higher moisture content.

Surviving a brain tumor in childhood: impact on family functioning in adolescence.

PubMed

Beek, Laura; Schappin, Renske; Gooskens, Rob; Huisman, Jaap; Jongmans, Marian

2015-01-01

To investigate family functioning in families with an adolescent survivor of a pediatric brain tumor. We explored whether adolescent, parent, disease and treatment factors, and demographic characteristics predicted family functioning. In this cross-sectional study, 45 adolescent survivors of pediatric brain tumors and their parents completed self-report questionnaires on family functioning, and emotional and behavioral problems. Parents completed questionnaires on their own mental health and the burden of treatment. Compared to general population norms, adolescents reported higher levels of cohesion, expressiveness, organization, control, family values and social orientation, and absence of conflict. Parents reported higher levels of social orientation and lower levels of conflict and family values. The only predictor of family functioning was current age of the adolescent; older adolescents reported less family conflict. No relation was found between family functioning and emotional and behavioral problems, disease- or treatment factors, and demographic variables. In this exploratory study, adolescent survivors of a pediatric brain tumor characterized their families by higher levels of cohesion, expressiveness, organization, control, family values and social orientation, and absence of conflict, which differs from the more normative view held by their parents. A higher adolescent age predicted less family conflict, which may indicate deviant autonomy development in these survivors. Because of limitations of this study, conclusions should be considered provisional; they provide clues for further research in this area. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Is hypertension the fate of aortic coarctation patients treated with Cheatham Platinum (CP) stent?

PubMed

Baykan, Ali; Demiraldi, Ayse G; Tasci, Onur; Pamukcu, Ozge; Sunkak, Suleyman; Uzum, Kazım; Sezer, Sadettin; Narin, Nazmi

2018-04-01

The aim of this study is to address the presence of hypertension and risk for cardiovascular diseases in patients with Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) who were treated with endovascular stent placement. Twenty patients (mean age: 14.2 ± 3.9 years) who were treated with stent and 20 age- and sex-matched controls were included to the study. Structure and functions of left ventricle were assessed by echocardiography. Carotid intima media (CIM) thickness was measured by using sonography as a marker for detecting cardiovascular risk. As indirect marker of arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity, and augmentation index were recorded by ambulatory blood pressure monitorization/arteriography device. By ambulatory blood pressure monitorization, 24 h and daytime systolic and mean arterial pressure values were found to be significantly higher in patient group. Based on percentile values, 15% and 5% of patients were pre-hypertensive and hypertensive, respectively. Pulse wave velocity and cardiac output values were found to be significantly higher than control group. CIM thickness was also found to be significantly higher in patient group when compared to controls. It was shown that hypertension incidence as demonstrated by ambulatory blood pressure monitorization and risk for cardiovascular diseases as indicated by CIM thickness and Pulse wave velocity were higher than those in healthy population even after CoA is corrected. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Enological Tannin Effect on Red Wine Color and Pigment Composition and Relevance of the Yeast Fermentation Products.

PubMed

García-Estévez, Ignacio; Alcalde-Eon, Cristina; Puente, Víctor; Escribano-Bailón, M Teresa

2017-11-23

Enological tannins are widely used in the winemaking process either to improve different wine characteristics (color stability, among others) or to compensate for low tannin levels. In this work, the influence of the addition of two different enological tannins, mainly composed of hydrolysable (ellagitannins) and condensed tannins, on the evolution of color and pigment composition of two different types of model systems containing the five main grape anthocyanins was studied. In addition, the effect of the addition of an enological tannin on the color and pigment composition of red wines made from Vitis vinifera L. cv Tempranillo grapes was also studied by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). Results showed that, in model systems, the addition of the enological tannin favored the formation of anthocyanin-derived pigments, such as A-type and B-type vitisins and flavanol-anthocyanin condensation products, provided that the yeast precursors were previously supplied. Moreover, model systems containing the enological tannins were darker and showed higher values of chroma at the end of the study than control ones. The higher formation of these anthocyanin-derived pigments was also observed in the red wines containing the enological tannin. Moreover, these wine also showed lower lightness (L*) values and higher chroma (C* ab ) values than control wines, indicating a higher stabilization of color.

Acoustic and phonatory characterization of the Fado voice.

PubMed

Mendes, Ana P; Rodrigues, Aira F; Guerreiro, David Michael

2013-09-01

Fado is a Portuguese musical genre, instrumentally accompanied by a Portuguese and an acoustic guitar. Fado singers' voice is perceptually characterized by a low pitch, hoarse, and strained voice. The present research study sketches the acoustic and phonatory profile of the Fado singers' voice. Fifteen Fado singers produced spoken and sung phonatory tasks. For the spoken voice measures, the maximum phonation time and s/z ratio of Fado singers were near the inefficient physiological threshold. Fundamental frequency was higher than that found in nonsingers and lower than that found in Western Classical singers. Jitter and shimmer mean values were higher compared with nonsingers. Harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) was similar to the mean values for nonsingers. For the sung voice, jitter was higher compared with Country, Musical Theater, Soul, Jazz, and Western Classical singers and lower than Pop singers. Shimmer mean values were lower than Country, Musical Theater, Pop, Soul, and Jazz singers and higher than Western Classical singers. HNR was similar for Western Classical singers. Maximum phonational frequency range of Fado singers indicated that male and female subjects had a lower range compared with Western Classical singers. Additionally, Fado singers produced vibrato, but singer's formant was rarely produced. These sung voice characteristics could be related with life habits, less/lack of singing training, or could be just a Fado voice characteristic. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of genetic and vintage factors in flavan-3-ol composition of grape seeds of a segregating Vitis vinifera population.

PubMed

Hernández, Maria M; Song, Shiren; Menéndez, Cristina M

2017-01-01

Flavan-3-ol compounds are important secondary metabolites which show high antioxidant activity and are responsible for bitterness and astringency of food products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential for selecting grape materials with higher seed flavanol content from a breeding population. The composition and content of flavan-3-ols from 151 genotypes obtained from crossing wine grape varieties was evaluated by UPLC in three consecutive years. Chromatograms of flavan-3-ol compounds showed the same 12 compounds for all samples, but quantitative differences were observed between genotypes as well as parental varieties. The most abundant compounds were (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin followed by proanthocyanidins A2 and B2. Progeny showed higher values than the parental genotypes for every detected compound indicating directional transgressive segregation. With these results genotypes with as much as five times more flavanols than their parents could be identified. The year effect was significant; however, high correlations between years for each compound indicated that there is a strong genetic component in the determination of flavanol content. Higher contents of seed flavan-3-ols can be obtained by hybridisation, and those genotypes could be used for extracting healthy phytochemicals, adding value to seeds as a sub-product in wine elaboration. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hygienic effects and gas production of plastic bio-digesters under tropical conditions.

PubMed

Yen-Phi, Vo Thi; Clemens, Joachim; Rechenburg, Andrea; Vinneras, Björn; Lenssen, Christina; Kistemann, Thomas

2009-12-01

Plastic plug-flow bio-digesters have been promoted as a good option for improved treatment of manure and wastewater in developing countries although minimal information has been published on their hygienic status. This bench-scale study replicates bio-digester conditions to evaluate the reduction of pathogen and indicator microorganisms at three different hydraulic retention times (HRT) in the anaerobic treatment of pig manures at 30 degrees C for 50 days. Results showed that physicochemical values differed between HRTs. Gas production efficiency was better for longer HRTS. The accumulated sludge at the reactor's base increased with longer HRT. Phages and bacteria examined were reduced, but none was completely eliminated. Log10 reduction of bacteria ranged from 0.54 to 2.47. Phages ranged from 1.60 to 3.42. The reduction of organisms at HRT = 30 days was about one log10 unit higher than HRT = 15 days and about two log10 units higher than HRT = 3 days. The results indicate that the reduction of tested organisms increases with HRT. However the hygienic quality of the liquid effluent does not meet required quality values for surface and irrigation water. Longer HRTs are recommended to increase gas yield and achieve higher pathogen reduction. More barriers should be applied while handling bio-digester outputs to minimise risks to environmental and human health.

Synthesis and thermoluminescence characterizations of Sr2B5O9Cl:Dy3+ phosphor for TL dosimetry.

PubMed

Oza, Abha H; Dhoble, N S; Park, K; Dhoble, S J

2015-09-01

The photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) displayed by Dy-activated strontium haloborate (Sr2 B5 O9 Cl) were studied. A modified solid-state reaction was employed for the preparation of the phosphor. Photoluminescence spectra showed blue (484 nm) and yellow (575 nm) emissions due to incorporation of Dy(3+) into host matrix. The Dy-doped (0.5 mol%) Sr2 B5 O9 Cl was studied after exposure to γ-irradiation and revealed a prominent glow curve at 261°C with a small hump around 143°C indicating that two types of traps were generated. The glow peak at the higher temperature side (261°C) was more stable than the lower temperature glow peak. The TL intensity was 1.17 times less than that of the standard CaSO4 :Dy thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) phosphor, the phosphor showed a linear dose-response curve for different γ-ray irradiation doses (0.002-1.25 Gy) and fading of 5-7% was observed for higher temperature peaks upon storage. Trapping parameters and their estimated error values have been calculated by Chen's peak shape method and by the initial rise method. Values of activation energies estimated by both these techniques were comparable. The slight difference in activation energy values calculated by Chen's peak shape method indicated the formation of two kinds of traps Furthermore, slight differences in frequency values are due to various escaping and retrapping probabilities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of protein and glycerol concentration on the mechanical, optical, and water vapor barrier properties of canola protein isolate-based edible films.

PubMed

Chang, Chang; Nickerson, Michael T

2015-01-01

Biodegradable edible films prepared using proteins are both economically and environmentally important to the food packaging industry relative to traditional petroleum-derived synthetic materials. In the present study, the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of casted canola protein isolate edible films were investigated as a function of protein (5.0% and 7.5%) and glycerol (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50%) content. Specifically, tensile strength and elongation, elastic modulus, puncture strength and deformation, opacity, and water vapor permeability were measured. Results indicated that tensile strength, puncture strength, and elastic modulus decreased, while tensile elongation and puncture deformation values increased as glycerol concentration increased for both 5.0% and 7.5% canola protein isolate films. Furthermore, tensile strength, puncture strength, and elastic modulus values were found to increase at higher protein concentrations within the canola protein isolate films, whereas puncture deformation values decreased. Tensile elongation was found to be similar for both canola protein isolate protein levels. Canola protein isolate films became more transparent with increasing of glycerol concentration and decreasing of canola protein isolate concentration. Water vapor permeability value was also found to increase with increasing glycerol and protein contents. Overall, results indicated that canola protein isolate films were less brittle, more malleable and transparent, and had greater water vapor permeability at higher glycerol levels. However, as protein level increased, canola protein isolate films were more brittle, less malleable and more opaque, and also had increased water vapor permeability. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Extractable atrazine and its metabolites in agricultural soils from the temperate humid zone.

PubMed

Mahía, J; Martín, A; Díaz-Raviña, M

2008-04-01

Extractable atrazine and its metabolites (hydroxyatrazine, deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine) were evaluated in agricultural soils from the temperate humid zone (Galicia, NW Spain) under laboratory conditions. The experiment was performed with five soils with different properties (organic C, soil texture and atrazine application history), both unamended and treated with atrazine at field application rate. Measurements of the atrazine compounds were made at different time intervals (1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks) during a 3-month incubation period. Results showed that only hydroxyatrazine was detected in the extractable fraction of the unamended soils, with values remaining relatively constant throughout the incubation period. Atrazine addition notably increased the concentration of the parent compound and its degradation products; deisopropylatrazine and hydroxyatrazine were the main metabolites detected in the extractable fraction of the treated soils, whereas deethylatrazine was not detected. After 7 days incubation, values of total extractable residues, expressed as percentage of initially added atrazine, ranged from 75 to 86% (25-68% of atrazine, 7-11% of hydroxyatrazine and 9-57% of deisopropylatrazine). The values decreased rapidly during the first 3 weeks of incubation, showing values of 2-8% in soils with higher atrazine application and from 28 to 30% in soils with lower application history. At the end of the incubation, 2-8% of total extractable residues were still detected (0-4% of atrazine, 2-3% of hydroxyatrazine and 0-2% of deisopropylatrazine), indicating a residual effect of atrazine addition. These variations in the extractable fraction indicated that most added atrazine was rapidly degraded, especially in soils with higher application history.

Dysregulation of glucose metabolism even in Chinese PCOS women with normal glucose tolerance.

PubMed

Li, Weiping; Li, Qifu

2012-01-01

To clarify the necessity of improving glucose metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women as early as possible, 111 PCOS women with normal glucose tolerance and 92 healthy age-matched controls were recruited to investigate glucose levels distribution, insulin sensitivity and β cell function. 91 PCOS women and 33 controls underwent hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to assess their insulin sensitivity, which was expressed as M value. β cell function was estimated by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-β index after adjusting insulin sensitivity (HOMA-βad index). Compared with lean controls, lean PCOS women had similar fasting plasma glucose (FPG), higher postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) (6.03±1.05 vs. 5.44±0.97 mmol/L, P<0.05), lower M value but similar HOMA-βad index, while overweight/obese PCOS women had higher levels of both FPG (5.24±0.58 vs. 4.90±0.39, P<0.05) and PPG (6.15±0.84 vs. 5.44±0.97 mmol/L, P<0.05), and lower levels of both M value and HOMA-βad index. Linear regression and ROC analysis found BMI was independently associated with M value and HOMA-βad index in PCOS women separately, and the cutoff of BMI indicating impaired β cell function of PCOS women was 25.545kg/m². In conclusion, insulin resistance and dysregulation of glucose metabolism were common in Chinese PCOS women with normal glucose tolerance. BMI ≥ 25.545kg/m² indicated impaired β cell function in PCOS women with normal glucose tolerance.

Design of Edible Oil Degradation Tool by Using Electromagnetic Field Absorbtion Principle which was Characterized to Peroxide Number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isnen, M.; Nasution, T. I.; Perangin-angin, B.

2016-08-01

The identification of changes in oil quality has been conducted by indicating the change of dielectric constant which was showed by sensor voltage. Sensor was formed from two parallel flats that worked by electromagnetic wave propagation principle. By measuring its amplitude of electromagnetic wave attenuation caused by interaction between edible oil samples and the sensor, dielectric constant could be identified and estimated as well as peroxide number. In this case, the parallel flats were connected to an electric oscillator 700 kHz. Furthermore, sensor system could showed measurable voltage differences for each different samples. The testing carried out to five oil samples after undergoing an oxidation treatment at fix temperature of 235oC for 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. Iodometry method testing showed peroxide values about 1.99, 9.95, 5.96, 11.86, and 15.92 meq/kg respectively with rising trend. Besides that, the testing result by sensor system showed voltages values 1.139, 1.147, 1.165, 1.173, and 1.176 volts with rising trend, respectively. It means that the higher sensor voltages showed the higher damage rate of edible oil when the change in sensor voltage was caused by the change in oil dielectric constant in which heating process caused damage in edible oil molecules structure. The more damage of oil structure caused the more difficulties of oil molecules to polarize and it is indicated by smaller dielectric constant. Therefore electric current would be smaller when sensor voltage was higher. On the other side, the higher sensor voltage means the smaller dielectric constant and the higher peroxide number.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING - THE MODERATING ROLE OF BODY DISSATISFACTION.

PubMed

Brdarić, Dragana; Jovanović, Veljko; Gavrilov Jerković, Vesna

2015-01-01

Excess bodyweight and obesity are widespread health problems throughout the world. In Serbia, over 50% of the adult population is overweight and the Province of Vojvodina is one of the regions with the highest percentage of obesity. The relationship between obesity and health complications has been consistently demonstrated. However, research on the relationship between obesity and subjective well-being has not provided clear results. Body dissatisfaction is considered to be an important factor for understanding this relationship. The main objective of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of body dissatisfaction in the relationship between body mass index and subjective well-being. The study sample included 731 respondents (72.6% women), with the mean age 28.93 years (SD = 8.47) from the Province of Vojvodina who had completed an online set of tests consisting of Body Shape Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Scale of Positive and Negative Experience and a self-assessment of bodyweight and body height. The results indicate that the moderating effect of body dissatisfaction in the relationship between body mass index and indicators of subjective well-being is statistically significant in both sexes. Specifically, the women with higher body mass index values who expressed lower body dissatisfaction reported lower levels of emotional distress and higher levels of pleasant emotions than those with lower body mass index. On the other hand, the men with higher bodyweight preoccupation and low body mass index reported significantly higher levels of pleasant emotions than those with higher body mass index values. These results suggest the necessity of a more detailed study of this relationship on both clinical and general population samples from Serbia.

Vertically resolved characteristics of air pollution during two severe winter haze episodes in urban Beijing, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qingqing; Sun, Yele; Xu, Weiqi; Du, Wei; Zhou, Libo; Tang, Guiqian; Chen, Chen; Cheng, Xueling; Zhao, Xiujuan; Ji, Dongsheng; Han, Tingting; Wang, Zhe; Li, Jie; Wang, Zifa

2018-02-01

We conducted the first real-time continuous vertical measurements of particle extinction (bext), gaseous NO2, and black carbon (BC) from ground level to 260 m during two severe winter haze episodes at an urban site in Beijing, China. Our results illustrated four distinct types of vertical profiles: (1) uniform vertical distributions (37 % of the time) with vertical differences less than 5 %, (2) higher values at lower altitudes (29 %), (3) higher values at higher altitudes (16 %), and (4) significant decreases at the heights of ˜ 100-150 m (14 %). Further analysis demonstrated that vertical convection as indicated by mixing layer height, temperature inversion, and local emissions are three major factors affecting the changes in vertical profiles. Particularly, the formation of type 4 was strongly associated with the stratified layer that was formed due to the interactions of different air masses and temperature inversions. Aerosol composition was substantially different below and above the transition heights with ˜ 20-30 % higher contributions of local sources (e.g., biomass burning and cooking) at lower altitudes. A more detailed evolution of vertical profiles and their relationship with the changes in source emissions, mixing layer height, and aerosol chemistry was illustrated by a case study. BC showed overall similar vertical profiles as those of bext (R2 = 0.92 and 0.69 in November and January, respectively). While NO2 was correlated with bext for most of the time, the vertical profiles of bext / NO2 varied differently for different profiles, indicating the impact of chemical transformation on vertical profiles. Our results also showed that more comprehensive vertical measurements (e.g., more aerosol and gaseous species) at higher altitudes in the megacities are needed for a better understanding of the formation mechanisms and evolution of severe haze episodes in China.

Application of dynamic recurrent neural networks in nonlinear system identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Yun; Wu, Xueli; Sun, Huiqin; Zhang, Suying; Tian, Qiang

2006-11-01

An adaptive identification method of simple dynamic recurrent neural network (SRNN) for nonlinear dynamic systems is presented in this paper. This method based on the theory that by using the inner-states feed-back of dynamic network to describe the nonlinear kinetic characteristics of system can reflect the dynamic characteristics more directly, deduces the recursive prediction error (RPE) learning algorithm of SRNN, and improves the algorithm by studying topological structure on recursion layer without the weight values. The simulation results indicate that this kind of neural network can be used in real-time control, due to its less weight values, simpler learning algorithm, higher identification speed, and higher precision of model. It solves the problems of intricate in training algorithm and slow rate in convergence caused by the complicate topological structure in usual dynamic recurrent neural network.

Quality control in QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube for screening latent tuberculosis infection in health care workers.

PubMed

Igari, Hidetoshi; Watanabe, Akira; Ichimura, Yasunori; Sakurai, Takayuki; Taniguchi, Toshibumi; Ishiwada, Naruhiko

2017-04-01

QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube has been used for screening latent tuberculosis infection in newly employed health care workers in Japan. There have been a few studies concerning quality control. We retrospectively analysed QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube results in a hospital in Japan. Interferon-γ values in three blood collection tubes for QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube were analysed in association with the positivity rate. The data set consisted of health care workers aged 20-29 years during the 7 years between 2010 and 2016. The yearly QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube positivity rate was 0.9%, 16.4%, 3.0%, 39.3%, 2.8%, 0.9% and 1.5%, and was extremely high in 2011 and 2013. The interferon-γ values in the tuberculosis antigen tube were elevated in these two years, as indicated by higher median and wider interquartile range. The interferon-γ value in the negative control tube was also higher in 2011. The higher interferon-γ values in collection tubes (tuberculosis antigen tube and/or negative control tube) resulted in higher QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube positivity rate. The distribution of interferon-γ in tuberculosis antigen tube and negative control tube, as evaluated by median and interquartile range, proved to be an effective index for the quality control of QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Xanthan gum as a fat replacer in goshtaba-a traditional meat product of India: effects on quality and oxidative stability.

PubMed

Rather, Sajad A; Masoodi, F A; Akhter, Rehana; Gani, Adil; Wani, S M; Malik, A H

2015-12-01

Goshtaba is a restructured meat product of Kashmiri wazwan prepared from meat emulsion with added fat (20 %), salt, spices and condiments and cooked in the curd. The present study was undertaken for the development of low fat goshtaba with the addition of xanthan gum as a fat replacer and was evaluated for proximate composition, pH, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, texture, microstructure and sensory properties. Low fat goshtaba formulations containing xanthan gum were higher in protein and moisture contents but, lower in fat content and pH value than the high fat control (p < 0.05). Colour evaluation revealed that high fat goshtaba had significantly higher L* value, but lower a* value than its low fat counterparts (p < 0.05). The significant decrease of TBARS values, protein carbonyls and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in low fat goshtaba formulations reflects the potential antioxidant activity of xanthan gum (p < 0.05). Hardness was significantly higher in high fat control but, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness did not show any significant difference. Springiness increased with the increasing concentration of xanthan gum (0.5-1.5 %) and was higher in low fat product containing 1.5 % xanthan gum. SEM results indicate that xanthan gum lead to formation of an additional gel network which holds more water. Sensory evaluation revealed that goshtaba product with 0.5 % xanthan gum had quality characteristics that were similar to the control product containing 20 % fat.

The use of operant technology to measure behavioral priorities in captive animals.

PubMed

Cooper, J J; Mason, G J

2001-08-01

Addressing the behavioral priorities of captive animals and the development of practical, objective measures of the value of environmental resources is a principal objective of animal welfare science. In theory, consumer demand approaches derived from human microeconomics should provide valid measures of the value of environmental resources. In practice, however, a number of empirical and theoretical problems have rendered these measures difficult to interpret in studies with animals. A common approach has been to impose a cost on access to resources and to use time with each resource as a measure of consumption to construct demand curves. This can be recorded easily by automatic means, but in a number of studies, it has been found that animals compensate for increased cost of access with longer visit time. Furthermore, direct observation of the test animals' behavior has shown that resource interaction is more intense once the animals have overcome higher costs. As a consequence, measures based on time with the resource may underestimate resource consumption at higher access costs, and demand curves derived from these measures may not be a true reflection of the value of different resources. An alternative approach to demand curves is reservation price, which is the maximum price individual animals are prepared to pay to gain access to resources. In studies using this approach, farmed mink (Mustela vison) paid higher prices for food and swimming water than for resources such as tunnels, water bowls, pet toys, and empty compartments. This indicates that the mink placed a higher value on food and swimming water than on other resources.

Does agreement on institutional values and leadership issues between deans and surgery chairs predict their institutions' performance?

PubMed

Souba, Wiley W; Mauger, David; Day, David V

2007-03-01

To gain a better understanding of the values that medical school deans and surgery chairs consider most essential for effective leadership, to assess their perceptions of the values and leadership climate in their institutions, and to test the premise that agreement on leadership values and climate predict greater organizational effectiveness and performance. From June 2005 through March 2006, questionnaires designed to assess leadership core values and organizational leadership climate were mailed to medical school deans and surgery chairs of the 125 U.S. academic health centers. Institutional performance measures used were the National Institutes of Health (NIH) standing and U.S. News and World Report ranking of each institution. Sixty-eight surgery chairs (54%) and 60 deans (48%) returned surveys. Q-sort results on 38 positive leadership values indicated that integrity, trust, and vision were considered the most important core values for effective leadership by both chairs and deans. Both groups ranked business acumen, authority, and institutional reputation as least important. Deans consistently ranked the leadership climate as being healthier (more positive) than did their surgery chairs on multiple scale items: leadership is widely shared (P = .005), information is widely shared (P = .002), missions are aligned (P = .003), open communication is the norm (P = .009), good performance is rewarded (P = .01), teamwork is widely practiced (P = .01), and leaders are held accountable (P = 002). Tighter alignment between chairs and deans on core values and on the leadership climate scale correlated with higher school and department NIH standing and higher U.S. News and World Report medical school and hospital ranking (P < .05). Although surgery chairs and deans espouse similar core leadership values, deans believe that a healthier leadership climate exists in their institutions than their surgery chairs do. The study findings suggest that tighter leadership alignment between deans and surgery chairs may predict a higher level of institutional performance in the clinical and academic arenas.

Seasonal variations of stable carbon isotopic composition of bulk aerosol carbon from Gosan site, Jeju Island in the East China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, Shuvashish; Kawamura, Kimitaka

2014-09-01

This study explores the usefulness of stable isotopic composition (δ13C) along with other chemical tracers and air mass trajectory to identify the primary and secondary sources of carbonaceous aerosols. Aerosol samples (n = 84) were collected continuously from April 2003 to April 2004 at Gosan site in Jeju Island, South Korea. The concentrations of total carbon (TC), HCl fumed carbonate-free total carbon (fumed-TC) and their δ13C were measured online using elemental analyzer interfaced to isotope ratio mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS). Similar concentrations of TC and fumed-TC and their similar δ13C values suggest the insignificant contribution of inorganic carbon to Gosan aerosols. The monthly averaged δ13CTC showed the lowest in April/May (-24.2 to -24.4‰), which is related with the highest concentrations of oxalic acid (a secondary tracer). The result indicates an enhanced contribution of TC from secondary sources. The monthly averaged δ13CTC in July/August (-23.0 to -22.5‰) were similar to those in January/February (-23.1‰ to -22.7‰). However, chemical tracers and air mass transport pattern suggest that the pollution source regions in January/February are completely different from those in July/August. Higher δ13C values in July/August are aligned with higher concentration ratios of marine tracers (azelaic acid/TC and methanesulfonate/TC), suggesting an enhanced contribution of marine organic matter to the aerosol loading. Higher δ13C values in January/February are associated with higher concentrations of phthalic acid and K+/TC, indicating more contributions of carbonaceous aerosols from fossil fuel and C4-plant biomass combustion. This study demonstrates that δ13CTC, along with other chemical tracers and air mass trajectory, can be used as a tracer to understand the importance of primary versus secondary pollution sources of carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere.

Effects of transportation during the hot season, breed and electrical stimulation on histochemical and meat quality characteristics of goat longissimus muscle.

PubMed

Kadim, Isam T; Mahgoub, Osman; Al-Marzooqi, Waleed; Khalaf, Samera; Al-Sinawi, Shadia S H; Al-Amri, Issa

2010-06-01

The effects of transportation and electrical stimulation (90 V) on physiological, histochemical and meat quality characteristics of two breeds of Omani goats were assessed. Twenty 1-year-old male goats from each breed (Batina and Dhofari) were divided into two groups: 3 h transported during the hot season (42 degrees C day time temperature) and non-transported. Animals were blood-sampled before loading and prior to slaughter. Electrical stimulation was applied 20 min postmortem to 50% randomly selected carcasses of both breeds. Temperature and pH decline of the Longissimus was monitored. Ultimate pH, shear force, sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation index, expressed juice, cooking loss and colour were measured from samples of Longissimus dorsi muscles. Electrical stimulation and transportation had a significant effect on most biochemical and meat quality characteristics of Longissimus dorsi. The transported goats had higher plasma cortisol (P < 0.01), adrenaline, nor-adrenaline and dopamine concentrations (P < 0.05) than non-transported goats. Electrical stimulation resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) more rapid muscle pH fall during the first 12 h after slaughter. Muscles from electrically-stimulated carcasses had significantly (P < 0.05) longer sarcomeres, lower shear force value, a lighter colour (higher L* value), higher expressed juice and myofibrillar fragmentation index than those from non-stimulated ones. Meat from transported goats had significantly higher pH, expressed juice and shear force, but contained significantly lower sarcomere length and L* values than non-transported goats. The proportion of the myosin ATPase staining did not change as a function of stimulation, transportation or breed. These results indicated that subjecting goats to transportation for 3 h under high ambient temperatures can generate major physiological and muscle metabolism responses. Electrical stimulation improved quality characteristics of meat from both groups. This indicates that electrical stimulation may reduce detrimental effects of transportation on meat quality of Omani goats.

Climate variability in the past ∼19,000 yr in NE Tibetan Plateau inferred from biomarker and stable isotope records of Lake Donggi Cona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, Jeetendra; Günther, Franziska; Aichner, Bernhard; Mischke, Steffen; Herzschuh, Ulrike; Zhang, Chengjun; Mäusbacher, Roland; Gleixner, Gerd

2017-02-01

We investigated 4.84-m-long sediment record spanning over the Late Glacial and Holocene from Lake Donggi Cona to be able to reconstruct circulation pattern on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Presently, Lake Donggi Cona is located at the boundaries of Westerlies and Asian monsoon circulations in the northeastern TP. However, the exact timing and stimulating mechanisms for climatic changes and monsoon shifts in this region are still debated. We used a 19-ka-long stable isotope record of sedimentary n-alkanes to address this discrepancy by providing insights into paleohydrological conditions. The δD of nC23 is influenced by lake water evaporation; the δD values of sedimentary nC29 are mainly controlled by moisture source and temperature changes. Long-chain n-alkanes dominate over the core whereas three mean clusters (i.e. microbial, aquatic and terrestrial) can be inferred. Multi-proxies suggest five major episodes in the history of Lake Donggi Cona. The Lake Donggi Cona record indicates that the Late Glacial (18.4-14.8 cal ka BP) was dominated by low productivity of mainly microbial and aquatic organisms. Relatively low δD values suggest low temperatures and moist conditions eventually caused by stronger Westerlies, winter monsoon and melt-water influence. Likely, the shift (∼17.9 cal ka BP) from microbial to enhanced aquatic input suggests either a change from deep to shallow water lake or a break in local stratification. Between 14.8 and 13.0 cal ka BP, variable climatic conditions prevailed. Although the Westerlies weekend, the increase in temperature enhanced the permafrost and snow melting (displayed by a high sedimentary accumulation rate). Higher δD values indicate increasingly arid conditions with higher temperatures which eventually lead to high evaporative conditions and lowest lake levels. Low vegetation cover and high erosion rates led to high sediment accumulation resulting in stratification followed by anoxia in the terminal lake. From 13.0 to 9.2 cal ka BP, lowered values of δD along with high contents of terrestrial organic matter marked the early-Holocene warming indicating a further strengthening of summer precipitation and higher lake levels. A cooling trend was observed in the mid-Holocene between 9.2 and 3.0 cal ka BP accompanied by higher moisture availability (displayed by lowered δD values) caused by reduced evaporative conditions due to a drop in temperature and recovering Westerlies. After 3.0 cal ka BP, a decrease in lake productivity and cold and semi-arid conditions prevailed suggesting lower lake levels and reduced moisture from recycled air masses and Westerlies. We propose that the summer monsoon was the predominant moisture source during the Bølling-Allerød warm complex and early-Holocene followed by Westerlies in mid-to-late Holocene period. Stable carbon isotope values ∼ - 32‰ indicate the absence of C4-type vegetation in the region contradicting with their presence in the Lake Qinghai record. The δD record from lake Donggi Cona highlights the importance of the interplay between Westerlies and summer monsoon circulation at this location, which is highly dynamic in northeastern plateau compared to the North Atlantic circulation and insolation changes. Consequently lake Donggi Cona might be an important anchor point for environmental reconstructions on the Tibetan Plateau.

Enrichment of acetogenic bacteria in high rate anaerobic reactors under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions.

PubMed

Ryan, P; Forbes, C; McHugh, S; O'Reilly, C; Fleming, G T A; Colleran, E

2010-07-01

The objective of the current study was to expand the knowledge of the role of acetogenic Bacteria in high rate anaerobic digesters. To this end, acetogens were enriched by supplying a variety of acetogenic growth supportive substrates to two laboratory scale high rate upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors operated at 37 degrees C (R1) and 55 degrees C (R2). The reactors were initially fed a glucose/acetate influent. Having achieved high operational performance and granular sludge development and activity, both reactors were changed to homoacetogenic bacterial substrates on day 373 of the trial. The reactors were initially fed with sodium vanillate as a sole substrate. Although % COD removal indicated that the 55 degrees C reactor out performed the 37 degrees C reactor, effluent acetate levels from R2 were generally higher than from R1, reaching values as high as 5023 mg l(-1). Homoacetogenic activity in both reactors was confirmed on day 419 by specific acetogenic activity (SAA) measurement, with higher values obtained for R2 than R1. Sodium formate was introduced as sole substrate to both reactors on day 464. It was found that formate supported acetogenic activity at both temperatures. By the end of the trial, no specific methanogenic activity (SMA) was observed against acetate and propionate indicating that the methane produced was solely by hydrogenotrophic Archaea. Higher SMA and SAA values against H(2)/CO(2) suggested development of a formate utilising acetogenic population growing in syntrophy with hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Throughout the formate trial, the mesophilic reactor performed better overall than the thermophilic reactor. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence of long-term NAO influence on East-Central Europe winter precipitation from a guano-derived δ15N record.

PubMed

Cleary, Daniel M; Wynn, Jonathan G; Ionita, Monica; Forray, Ferenc L; Onac, Bogdan P

2017-10-26

Currently there is a scarcity of paleo-records related to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), particularly in East-Central Europe (ECE). Here we report δ 15 N analysis of guano from a cave in NW Romania with the intent of reconstructing past variation in ECE hydroclimate and examine NAO impacts on winter precipitation. We argue that the δ 15 N values of guano indicate that the nitrogen cycle is hydrologically controlled and the δ 15 N values likely reflect winter precipitation related to nitrogen mineralization prior to the growing season. Drier conditions indicated by δ 15 N values at AD 1848-1852 and AD 1880-1930 correspond to the positive phase of the NAO. The increased frequency of negative phases of the NAO between AD 1940-1975 is contemporaneous with higher δ 15 N values (wetter conditions). A 4‰ decrease in δ 15 N values at the end of the 1970's corresponds to a strong reduction in precipitation associated with a shift from negative to positive phase of the NAO. Using the relationship between NAO index and δ 15 N values in guano for the instrumental period, we reconstructed NAO-like phases back to AD 1650. Our results advocate that δ 15 N values of guano offer a proxy of the NAO conditions in the more distant past, helping assess its predictability.

Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound value for middle-aged and elderly Malaysian Chinese men and its association with age and body anthropometry.

PubMed

Chin, Kok-Yong; Ima-Nirwana, Soelaiman; Isa Naina, Mohamed; Norazlina, Mohamed; Ahmad Nazrun, Shuid; Norliza, Muhammad; Faizah, Othman; Farihah, H Suhaimi; Elvy Suhana, Mohd Ramli; Wan Zurinah, Wan Ngah

2012-01-01

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a relatively easy, reliable, and safe method for bone status assessment, but reference data for Asian males remain scarce. Our study aimed to determine the values for one QUS parameter, the speed of sound (SOS) at the calcaneus, in Malaysian Chinese men and to determine the association between the SOS and several demographic characteristics, such as age, weight, height, and body mass index. Three hundred forty-eight Malaysian Chinese men aged 40 yr and older were recruited, and their calcaneal QUS value was determined using the CM-200 densitometer (Furuno Electric, Nishinomiya City, Japan). The results indicated a significant correlation between SOS and age, and multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that age and height were important predictors of SOS. A significant reduction in SOS value was observed when men 60 yr and older were compared with men aged 40-49 yr. Compared with the reference data for Japanese males, Chinese men in Malaysia showed higher SOS values across all the age groups studied. In conclusion, there is an age-related decrease in SOS values in Malaysian Chinese men, and the SOS values established in this study can be used as a reference for future studies. Copyright © 2012 The International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Values and love styles in Turkey and Great Britain: an intercultural and intracultural comparison.

PubMed

Sanrı, Çağla; Goodwin, Robin

2013-01-01

Little previous research has examined the relationship between values and love styles, and none has done so across cultures or intracultural regions. This research was the first attempt to explore the correlation between individual-level values and love styles, and examined both within- and between-cultural variations in love styles. In this study 224 participants from Turkey and Britain, from urban or rural locations, completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire and the Love Attitudes Scale measure of love styles. Pancultural analyses demonstrated significant correlations between certain value dimensions and love styles. In particular, agape (selfless love) was positively correlated with self-transcendence, ludus (game-playing love) was positively correlated with self-enhancement, and pragma (realistic love) was positively correlated with conservation. The inclusion of location and nationality and their interactions with values in the multiple regression analyses significantly increased the variance explained by values for five of the six love styles. Multivariate analyses indicated that ludus, storge, mania, and pragma were all significantly higher among Turkish respondents; pragma, mania, and agape all higher amongst rural respondents. Eros was highest among rural British respondents; storge, pragma, and agape highest among rural Turks. When these culture effects were explored, conservation significantly mediated the relationship between the groups of more conservative rural Turks (versus other participants) and both pragmatic and storgic love styles. Findings are discussed in the light of disparities in values and relationship styles within cultures, and the need to include both intracultural and intercultural variations in cross cultural research.

CSF lactate alone is not a reliable indicator of bacterial ventriculitis in patients with ventriculostomies.

PubMed

Hill, Emily; Bleck, Thomas P; Singh, Kamaljit; Ouyang, Bichun; Busl, Katharina M

2017-06-01

In a febrile patient with a ventriculostomy, diagnosing or excluding bacterial or microbial ventriculitis is difficult, as conventional markers in analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not applicable due to presence of blood and inflammation. CSF lactate has been shown to be a useful indicator of bacterial meningitis in CSF obtained via lumbar puncture, but little and heterogenous data exist on patients with ventriculostomies. We reviewed all CSF analyses obtained via ventriculostomy in patients admitted to our tertiary medical center between 2008 and 2013, and constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the accuracy of CSF lactate concentration in discriminating a positive CSF culture from a negative one in setting of ventriculostomy and prophylactic antibiosis. Among 467 CSF lactate values, there were 22 corresponding CSF cultures with bacterial growth. Sensitivities and specificities for CSF lactate at threshold values 3, 4, 5 and 6mmol/L showed sensitivity and specificity greater than 70% for CSF lactate threshold 4mmol/L. The lowest threshold value of 3mmol/L resulted in higher sensitivity of 81.8%, and the highest chosen threshold value resulted in high specificity of 94.2%, but these values had poor corresponding specificity and sensitivity, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.82 (95% CI 0.72, 0.91). Our data from a large sample of CSF studies in patients with ventriculostomy indicate that no single value of CSF lactate provided both sensitivity and specificity high enough to be regarded as reliable test. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

I Plan Therefore I Choose: Free-Choice Bias Due to Prior Action-Probability but Not Action-Value

PubMed Central

Suriya-Arunroj, Lalitta; Gail, Alexander

2015-01-01

According to an emerging view, decision-making, and motor planning are tightly entangled at the level of neural processing. Choice is influenced not only by the values associated with different options, but also biased by other factors. Here we test the hypothesis that preliminary action planning can induce choice biases gradually and independently of objective value when planning overlaps with one of the potential action alternatives. Subjects performed center-out reaches obeying either a clockwise or counterclockwise cue-response rule in two tasks. In the probabilistic task, a pre-cue indicated the probability of each of the two potential rules to become valid. When the subsequent rule-cue unambiguously indicated which of the pre-cued rules was actually valid (instructed trials), subjects responded faster to rules pre-cued with higher probability. When subjects were allowed to choose freely between two equally rewarded rules (choice trials) they chose the originally more likely rule more often and faster, despite the lack of an objective advantage in selecting this target. In the amount task, the pre-cue indicated the amount of potential reward associated with each rule. Subjects responded faster to rules pre-cued with higher reward amount in instructed trials of the amount task, equivalent to the more likely rule in the probabilistic task. Yet, in contrast, subjects showed hardly any choice bias and no increase in response speed in favor of the original high-reward target in the choice trials of the amount task. We conclude that free-choice behavior is robustly biased when predictability encourages the planning of one of the potential responses, while prior reward expectations without action planning do not induce such strong bias. Our results provide behavioral evidence for distinct contributions of expected value and action planning in decision-making and a tight interdependence of motor planning and action selection, supporting the idea that the underlying neural mechanisms overlap. PMID:26635565

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Potential Radiological Risks of Common Building Materials Used in Bangladeshi Dwellings.

PubMed

Asaduzzaman, Khandoker; Mannan, Farhana; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Farook, Mohideen Salihu; Elkezza, Aeman; Amin, Yusoff Bin Mohd; Sharma, Sailesh; Abu Kassim, Hasan Bin

2015-01-01

The concentrations of primordial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in commonly used building materials (brick, cement and sand), the raw materials of cement and the by-products of coal-fired power plants (fly ash) collected from various manufacturers and suppliers in Bangladesh were determined via gamma-ray spectrometry using an HPGe detector. The results showed that the mean concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in all studied samples slightly exceeded the typical world average values of 50 Bq kg(-1), 50 Bq kg(-1) and 500 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity concentrations (especially 226Ra) of fly-ash-containing cement in this study were found to be higher than those of fly-ash-free cement. To evaluate the potential radiological risk to individuals associated with these building materials, various radiological hazard indicators were calculated. The radium equivalent activity values for all samples were found to be lower than the recommended limit for building materials of 370 Bq kg(-1), with the exception of the fly ash. For most samples, the values of the alpha index and the radiological hazard (external and internal) indices were found to be within the safe limit of 1. The mean indoor absorbed dose rate was observed to be higher than the population-weighted world average of 84 nGy h(-1), and the corresponding annual effective dose for most samples fell below the recommended upper dose limit of 1 mSv y(-1). For all investigated materials, the values of the gamma index were found to be greater than 0.5 but less than 1, indicating that the gamma dose contribution from the studied building materials exceeds the exemption dose criterion of 0.3 mSv y(-1) but complies with the upper dose principle of 1 mSv y(-1).

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Potential Radiological Risks of Common Building Materials Used in Bangladeshi Dwellings

PubMed Central

Asaduzzaman, Khandoker; Mannan, Farhana; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Farook, Mohideen Salihu; Elkezza, Aeman; Amin, Yusoff Bin Mohd; Sharma, Sailesh; Abu Kassim, Hasan Bin

2015-01-01

The concentrations of primordial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in commonly used building materials (brick, cement and sand), the raw materials of cement and the by-products of coal-fired power plants (fly ash) collected from various manufacturers and suppliers in Bangladesh were determined via gamma-ray spectrometry using an HPGe detector. The results showed that the mean concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in all studied samples slightly exceeded the typical world average values of 50 Bq kg−1, 50 Bq kg−1 and 500 Bq kg−1, respectively. The activity concentrations (especially 226Ra) of fly-ash-containing cement in this study were found to be higher than those of fly-ash-free cement. To evaluate the potential radiological risk to individuals associated with these building materials, various radiological hazard indicators were calculated. The radium equivalent activity values for all samples were found to be lower than the recommended limit for building materials of 370 Bq kg-1, with the exception of the fly ash. For most samples, the values of the alpha index and the radiological hazard (external and internal) indices were found to be within the safe limit of 1. The mean indoor absorbed dose rate was observed to be higher than the population-weighted world average of 84 nGy h–1, and the corresponding annual effective dose for most samples fell below the recommended upper dose limit of 1 mSv y–1. For all investigated materials, the values of the gamma index were found to be greater than 0.5 but less than 1, indicating that the gamma dose contribution from the studied building materials exceeds the exemption dose criterion of 0.3 mSv y-1 but complies with the upper dose principle of 1 mSv y−1. PMID:26473957

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Uraniferous Supergene Minerals; CARACTERISTIQUES PHYSICO-CHIMIQUES DES MINERAUX URANIFERES SUPERGENES

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

Semat, M.A.

1960-01-01

Transport and deposit conditions of uraniferous minerals are breifly described. The synthesis of crystallograpic, physical, optical, and thermal properties permits defining the main characteristics of this mineralogical group. Tables to facilicate identification of the supergene uranium minerals are given on investigation by anion and cation; system, cleavages, cell parameters, interplanar spacings, refractive indices, optical barings; classification by decreasing values of the most intense line of the powder diagram; diagram for the three higher interplanar spacings; and diagram of the refractive indices. (auth)

Expression of interleukine-8 as an independent prognostic factor for sporadic colon cancer dissemination

PubMed Central

Nastase, A; Paslaru, L; Herlea, V; Ionescu, M; Tomescu, D; Bacalbasa, N; Dima, S; Popescu, I

2014-01-01

Abstract Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the gene and serum protein expression profiles of IL-8 in colon cancer and associated hepatic metastasis and to correlate these results with clinicopathologic variables of the patients. Materials and methods: IL-8 was evaluated by qPCR and ELISA in a total number of 62 colon cancer patients (n=42 by qPCR and n=20 by ELISA) in normal and tumoral tissue specimens and serum samples respectively. Additionally synchronous metastasis from 5 of these patients were also collected at the time of surgery and analyzed by qPCR. Results: IL-8 was up regulated in all analyzed tumoral samples compared with normal tissue (P-value = 0.01) and higher expressed in metastatic tissues compared with tumoral tissues (P -value= 0.03). The median expression of IL-8 in patients over 60 years old was found to be higher compared with the median expression of IL8 in patients less than 60 years old (3.89 compared with 14.69, P -value= 0.005). According to tumor grading, we found that IL-8 in tumors with well differentiated adenocarcinoma have a median mRNA expression of 9.78 compared with a median mRNA IL8 expression of 26.63 in moderate or poor differentiated adenocarcinoma. Levels of IL-8 determined in serum were statistically significant correlated with preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level (P -value= 0.003, R=0.57) and with distant metastasis (P-value =0.008). Serum level of IL-8 increased proportionally along with TNM tumor stage and was found to be statistically significant correlated with C-reactive protein (P -value, R=0.64). Colon cancer patients had higher IL-8 levels as determined by ELISA (median value= 29.64 pg/ml) compared with healthy controls (median value= 4.86 pg/ml). Discussions: Our results provide additional support for the role of inflammation in colon cancer and indicate that IL-8 could be further validated in association with other already used markers for prognostic and diagnostic of evolutional disease in colon cancer patients. Brief abstract By investigating the gene and serum protein expression profiles of IL-8 in colon cancer and associated hepatic metastasis, we found correlations between these results and clinicopathological variables of the patients. IL-8 is involved in colon cancer progression and could be monitored in a panel with other biomarkers as an early indicator of the tumor’s evolution. PMID:25408728

Loading and fate of particulate organic carbon from the Himalaya to the Ganga Brahmaputra delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galy, Valier; France-Lanord, Christian; Lartiges, Bruno

2008-04-01

We use the evolution of river sediment characteristics and sedimentary C org from the Himalayan range to the delta to study the transport of C org in the Ganga-Brahmaputra system and especially its fate during floodplain transit. A detailed characterisation of both mineral and organic particles for a sampling set of river sediments allows taking into account the sediment heterogeneity characteristic of such large rivers. We study the relationships between sediment characteristics (mineralogy, grain size, specific area) and C org content in order to evaluate the controls on C org loading. Contributions of C3 and C4 plants are estimated from C org stable isotopic composition (δ 13C org). We use the evolution of δ 13C org values from the Himalayan range to the delta in order to study the fate of C org during floodplain transit. Ganga and Brahmaputra sediments define two distinct linear relations with specific area. In spite of 4-5 times higher specific area, Ganga sediments have similar C org content, grain size and mineralogy as Brahmaputra sediments, indicating that specific area does not exert a primary control on C org loading. The general correlation between the total C org content and Al/Si ratio indicates that C org loading is mainly related to: (1) segregation of organic particles under hydrodynamic forces in the river, and (2) the ability of mineral particles to form organo-mineral aggregates. Bed and suspended sediments have distinct δ 13C org values. In bed sediments, δ 13C org values are compatible with a dominant proportion of fossil C org derived from Himalayan rocks erosion. Suspended sediments from Himalayan tributaries at the outflow of the range have low δ 13C org values (-24.8‰ average) indicating a dominant proportion of C3 plant inputs. In the Brahmaputra basin, δ 13C org values of suspended sediments are constant along the river course in the plain. On the contrary, suspended sediments of the Ganga in Bangladesh have higher δ 13C org values (-22.4‰ to -20.0‰), consistent with a significant contribution of C4 plant derived from the floodplain. Our data indicate that, during the plain transit, more than 50% of the recent biogenic C org coming from the Himalaya is oxidised and replaced by floodplain C org. This renewal process likely occurs during successive deposition-erosion cycles and river course avulsions in the plain.

Total and free iodothyronine changes in response to transport of Equidae (Equus asinus and Equus caballus).

PubMed

Fazio, Esterina; Medica, Pietro; Cravana, Cristina; Ferlazzo, Adriana

2017-03-31

In this study the effects of short distance road transport on total and free iodothyronine changes in 12 stallions (Equus asinus and Equus caballus) were evaluated. Donkeys (n = 6) and horses (n = 6) were transported for a distance of 50 km. Blood samples were collected 1 week before transport in basal conditions, 1 week later immediately before loading, and after transport and unloading. After transport, donkeys showed significant increases in circulating T4 (P≤0.01), fT3 (P≤0.001), and fT4 (P≤0.01) levels; while horses had significant increases in circulating T3, fT3 and fT4 (P≤0.01) levels. Compared to donkeys' values, horses showed lower T4 values in basal condition, before and after transport (P≤0.001); higher fT3 values in basal condition and before (P≤0.001), and lower values (P≤0.001) after transport; higher fT4 values (P≤0.001) in basal condition. The results indicate that short road transport of donkeys and horses induces the activation of the thyroid gland, with the same release of fT3 and fT4 iodothyronines, but with different preferential release of T3 in horses and T4 in donkeys after transport.

Compositional segmentation and complexity measurement in stock indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haifeng; Shang, Pengjian; Xia, Jianan

2016-01-01

In this paper, we introduce a complexity measure based on the entropic segmentation called sequence compositional complexity (SCC) into the analysis of financial time series. SCC was first used to deal directly with the complex heterogeneity in nonstationary DNA sequences. We already know that SCC was found to be higher in sequences with long-range correlation than those with low long-range correlation, especially in the DNA sequences. Now, we introduce this method into financial index data, subsequently, we find that the values of SCC of some mature stock indices, such as S & P 500 (simplified with S & P in the following) and HSI, are likely to be lower than the SCC value of Chinese index data (such as SSE). What is more, we find that, if we classify the indices with the method of SCC, the financial market of Hong Kong has more similarities with mature foreign markets than Chinese ones. So we believe that a good correspondence is found between the SCC of the index sequence and the complexity of the market involved.

Leadership transitions in multisectoral health care alliances: Implications for member perceptions of participation value.

PubMed

Hearld, Larry R; Alexander, Jeffrey A; Shi, Yunfeng

2015-01-01

Collaborative forms of organizations such as multisectoral health care alliances play an increasingly prominent role in the U.S. health care system. A key feature of these organizations highlighted in previous research is leadership, yet little research has examined what happens when there is a change in leadership. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between leadership transitions in an alliance and member assessments of the benefits and costs of participation, indicators of the value that members derive from their involvement in the alliance. The study used quantitative data collected from three rounds of surveys of alliance members participating in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Aligning Forces for Quality Program. Qualitative interview data supplemented this analysis by providing examples of why leadership transitions may affect participation benefits and costs. Quantitative analysis indicated that alliance members who experienced a change in leadership reported both higher and lower levels of participation benefits and costs, depending on the type of leadership change (i.e., alliance leader vs. programmatic leader). Qualitative analysis suggested that the scope of responsibilities of different types of leaders plays an important role in how members perceive changes. Likewise, interviews indicated that timing influences how disruptive a leadership transition is and whether it is perceived positively or negatively. Leadership transitions present both challenges and opportunities; whether the effects are felt positively or negatively depends on when a transition occurs and how it is handled by incoming leaders and remaining members. Furthermore, different types of members report higher levels of participation benefits and lower levels of participation costs, suggesting that efforts to maintain a sense of alliance value during times of transitions may be able to target certain types of individuals.

Second to Fourth Digit Ratio and Numerical Competence in Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fink, Bernhard; Brookes, Helen; Neave, Nick; Manning, John T.; Geary, David C.

2006-01-01

The ratio between the 2nd and 4th fingers (2D:4D)--a potential proxy for prenatal testosterone (T) exposure--shows a sex difference, with males usually having lower mean values; the latter potentially indicates higher prenatal T exposure. We studied relations between 2D:4D and competencies in the domains of counting, number knowledge, and…

The Workplace Experiences of Beginning Teachers in Three Countries: A Message for Initial Teacher Education from the Field

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

du Plessis, Anna Elizabeth; Sunde, Eva

2017-01-01

Previous research indicates that beginning teachers are not fully prepared for what awaits them in the workforce. This study highlights the value of partnerships among higher education providers, schools and employers and links the experiences of beginning teachers to initial teacher education (ITE). Real-life experiences from the field provide…

Exploring the Relationship between Professor/Student Rapport and Students' Expectancy for Success and Values/Goals in College of Agriculture Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estepp, Christopher M.; Roberts, T. Grady

2013-01-01

Recent reports have indicated that many undergraduate students have become unmotivated and unengaged in the learning process. As a result, calls have been made for instructors in higher education to implement classroom interventions to help better engage students in the learning process. Research has shown that creating a hospitable learning…

Preparing College Students for Real-World 2.0: Towards a Recipe for the "Secret Sauce"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Steven; Gayeski, Diane

2013-01-01

In light of considerable debate centering on the value of higher education and its effect on student preparation for the world of work, this article describes new methods employed in teaching an introductory professional course and the outcomes of its initial offerings. This case study supports research indicating that problem-based learning is an…

Case Report: The Impact of a Resubmission Intervention on Level 1 Distance Learning Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinchbeck, Jessica; Heaney, Caroline

2017-01-01

Student retention and success are key performance indicators within higher education. One of the key opportunities to address both of these lies with the support offered to students who fail a module but are entitled to resubmit. This study investigates the value of implementing a resubmission intervention to improve the quantity and quality of…

How Experienced SoTL Researchers Develop the Credibility of Their Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Billot, Jennie; Rowland, Susan; Carnell, Brent; Amundsen, Cheryl; Evans, Tamela

2017-01-01

Teaching and learning research in higher education, often referred to as the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), is still relatively novel in many academic contexts compared to the mainstay of disciplinary research. One indication of this is the challenges those who engage in SoTL report in terms of how this work is valued or considered…

Mechanical properties of dust collected by dust separators in iron ore sinter plants.

PubMed

Lanzerstorfer, Christof

2015-01-01

The flow-related mechanical properties of dusts from the de-dusting systems of several sinter plants were investigated. The mass median diameters of the dusts were in the range from approximately 3 to 100 µm. Also, the bulk density of the dusts varied in a wide range (approximately 400 to 2300 kg/m³). A good correlation between the bulk density and the mass median diameter for most of the dusts was found. In contrast, the angles of repose did not vary very much, only for the coarsest dust a significantly lower value was measured. The angles of internal friction as well as the wall friction angles were lower for coarse dust and higher for fine dust. The shear tests showed that both angles depend considerably on the stress level. At low stress, the angles decreased significantly with increasing values of stress, whereas at higher stress, the dependence was small or even disappeared. The only exception to this behaviour was shown by the finest dust. The flowability decreased with the particle size. The flowability categories suggested by the three flowability indicators were passable only for the coarser dusts. For the finer dusts, the flowability was overestimated by all flowability indicators.

The Technical Efficiency of Specialised Milk Farms: A Regional View

PubMed Central

Špička, Jindřich; Smutka, Luboš

2014-01-01

The aim of the article is to evaluate production efficiency and its determinants of specialised dairy farming among the EU regions. In the most of European regions, there is a relatively high significance of small specialised farms including dairy farms. The DEAVRS method (data envelopment analysis with variable returns to scale) reveals efficient and inefficient regions including the scale efficiency. In the next step, the two-sample t-test determines differences of economic and structural indicators between efficient and inefficient regions. The research reveals that substitution of labour by capital/contract work explains the variability of the farm net value added per AWU (annual work unit) income indicator by more than 30%. The significant economic determinants of production efficiency in specialised dairy farming are farm size, herd size, crop output per hectare, productivity of energy, and capital (at α = 0.01). Specialised dairy farms in efficient regions have significantly higher farm net value added per AWU than inefficient regions. Agricultural enterprises in inefficient regions have a more extensive structure and produce more noncommodity output (public goods). Specialised dairy farms in efficient regions have a slightly higher milk yield, specific livestock costs of feed, bedding, and veterinary services per livestock unit. PMID:25050408

Salt Toxicity (Sodium Intake): A Serious Threat to Infants and Children of Pakistan

PubMed Central

WASEEM, Amir; NAFEES, Muhammad; MURTAZA, Ghulam; SAJJAD, Ashif; MEHMOOD, Zahid; SIDDIQI, Abdul Rauf

2014-01-01

Abstract Background Excess sodium intake can lead to hypertension, the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the sodium and potassium contents of foodstuff used by infants and children of Pakistan. Methods We analyzed the sodium and potassium contents of infant milk formula (<6 months), follow up milk formula (>6 months), baby food (cereals), biscuits, fruit juices, potato chips (crisps), cheese puffs, roasted cereals (salty), ice cream cones (kulfi) all of which are the processed food extensively used by the children. The amount of sodium and potassium contents in drinking water of few cities of Pakistan were also considered to assess the additional sodium/potassium in the preparation of milk using infant milk formula. Results Na to K ratio (Na:K) was determined 0.3-1.23, 0.3-1.16, 0.33-0.82, 0.54-2.68, 0.51-0.85, 2.86 and 1.02 for infant milk formula (<6 months), follow up milk formula (>6 months), baby food (cereals), biscuits, fruit juices, potato chips (crisps, cheese puffs, roasted cereals), ice cream cones (kulfi), respectively. Conclusion The higher sodium content is present than most of the quoted values; whereas lower potassium is present than the recommended values. The higher Na:K ratio indicates the severity of the situation where it is commonly stated that “higher an individual’s salt intake, the higher an individual’s blood pressure". Present study indicates that nearly all Pakistani children consume substantially more salt than they need which will affect health status in later life. PMID:26175974

Statistics Refresher for Molecular Imaging Technologists, Part 2: Accuracy of Interpretation, Significance, and Variance.

PubMed

Farrell, Mary Beth

2018-06-01

This article is the second part of a continuing education series reviewing basic statistics that nuclear medicine and molecular imaging technologists should understand. In this article, the statistics for evaluating interpretation accuracy, significance, and variance are discussed. Throughout the article, actual statistics are pulled from the published literature. We begin by explaining 2 methods for quantifying interpretive accuracy: interreader and intrareader reliability. Agreement among readers can be expressed simply as a percentage. However, the Cohen κ-statistic is a more robust measure of agreement that accounts for chance. The higher the κ-statistic is, the higher is the agreement between readers. When 3 or more readers are being compared, the Fleiss κ-statistic is used. Significance testing determines whether the difference between 2 conditions or interventions is meaningful. Statistical significance is usually expressed using a number called a probability ( P ) value. Calculation of P value is beyond the scope of this review. However, knowing how to interpret P values is important for understanding the scientific literature. Generally, a P value of less than 0.05 is considered significant and indicates that the results of the experiment are due to more than just chance. Variance, standard deviation (SD), confidence interval, and standard error (SE) explain the dispersion of data around a mean of a sample drawn from a population. SD is commonly reported in the literature. A small SD indicates that there is not much variation in the sample data. Many biologic measurements fall into what is referred to as a normal distribution taking the shape of a bell curve. In a normal distribution, 68% of the data will fall within 1 SD, 95% will fall within 2 SDs, and 99.7% will fall within 3 SDs. Confidence interval defines the range of possible values within which the population parameter is likely to lie and gives an idea of the precision of the statistic being measured. A wide confidence interval indicates that if the experiment were repeated multiple times on other samples, the measured statistic would lie within a wide range of possibilities. The confidence interval relies on the SE. © 2018 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Comparison of Health Risk Assessments of Heavy Metals and As in Sewage Sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) for Adults and Children in the Urban District of Taiyuan, China

PubMed Central

Duan, Baoling; Zhang, Wuping; Zheng, Haixia; Wu, Chunyan; Zhang, Qiang; Bu, Yushan

2017-01-01

To compare the human health risk of heavy metals and As in sewage sludge between adults and children, samples were collected from five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the urban district of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi. Heavy metals and As in sewage sludge can be ranked according to the mean concentration in the following order: Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb > As > Hg > Cd. Compared with the concentration limit set by different countries, the heavy metals contents in sewage sludge were all within the standard limits, except for the content of As, which was higher than the threshold limit established by Canada. A health risk assessment recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was used to compare the non-cancer risk and cancer risk between adults and children. Based on the mean and 95% upper confidence limit (UCL) of the average daily dose (ADD), heavy metals and As can be ranked in the order of Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb > As > Hg > Cd for adults, and Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb > Hg > As > Cd for children. Moreover, results of ADDingest and ADDinhale indicated that ingestion was the main pathway for heavy metals and As exposure for both adults and children, and the sum of ADD implied that the exposure to all heavy metals and As for children was 8.65 and 9.93 times higher, respectively, than that for adults according to the mean and 95% UCL. For the non-carcinogenic risk, according to the hazard quotient (HQ), the risk of Cu, Hg and Cr was higher than the risk of Zn and Pb. The hazard index (HI) for adults was 0.144 and 0.208 for the mean and 95% UCL, which was less than the limit value of 1; for children, the HI was 1.26 and 2.25, which is higher than the limit value of 1. This result indicated that children had non-carcinogenic risk, but adults did not. Furthermore, ingestion was the main pathway for non-carcinogenic risk exposure by the HQingest and HQinhale. For the carcinogenic risk, Cd and As were classified as carcinogenic pollutants. The values of RISK for the mean and 95% UCL for adults and children all exceeded the limit value of 1 × 10−5, which implied that adults and children had a carcinogenic risk, and this risk was higher for children than for adults. The results of RISK for As and Cd implied that As was the main pollutant for carcinogenic risk. Moreover, the results of RISKingest and RISKinhale indicated that ingestion was the main pathway. Uncertainty analysis was performed, and the risk ranges of it were greater than certainty analysis, which implied that uncertainty analysis was more conservative than certainty analysis. A comparison of the non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk for adults and children indicated that children were more sensitive and vulnerable than adults when exposed to the same pollutant in the environment. PMID:28991185

Comparison of Health Risk Assessments of Heavy Metals and As in Sewage Sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) for Adults and Children in the Urban District of Taiyuan, China.

PubMed

Duan, Baoling; Zhang, Wuping; Zheng, Haixia; Wu, Chunyan; Zhang, Qiang; Bu, Yushan

2017-10-08

Abstract : To compare the human health risk of heavy metals and As in sewage sludge between adults and children, samples were collected from five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the urban district of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi. Heavy metals and As in sewage sludge can be ranked according to the mean concentration in the following order: Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb > As > Hg > Cd. Compared with the concentration limit set by different countries, the heavy metals contents in sewage sludge were all within the standard limits, except for the content of As, which was higher than the threshold limit established by Canada. A health risk assessment recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was used to compare the non-cancer risk and cancer risk between adults and children. Based on the mean and 95% upper confidence limit (UCL) of the average daily dose (ADD), heavy metals and As can be ranked in the order of Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb > As > Hg > Cd for adults, and Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb > Hg > As > Cd for children. Moreover, results of ADD ingest and ADD inhale indicated that ingestion was the main pathway for heavy metals and As exposure for both adults and children, and the sum of ADD implied that the exposure to all heavy metals and As for children was 8.65 and 9.93 times higher, respectively, than that for adults according to the mean and 95% UCL. For the non-carcinogenic risk, according to the hazard quotient (HQ), the risk of Cu, Hg and Cr was higher than the risk of Zn and Pb. The hazard index (HI) for adults was 0.144 and 0.208 for the mean and 95% UCL, which was less than the limit value of 1; for children, the HI was 1.26 and 2.25, which is higher than the limit value of 1. This result indicated that children had non-carcinogenic risk, but adults did not. Furthermore, ingestion was the main pathway for non-carcinogenic risk exposure by the HQ ingest and HQ inhale . For the carcinogenic risk, Cd and As were classified as carcinogenic pollutants. The values of RISK for the mean and 95% UCL for adults and children all exceeded the limit value of 1 × 10 -5 , which implied that adults and children had a carcinogenic risk, and this risk was higher for children than for adults. The results of RISK for As and Cd implied that As was the main pollutant for carcinogenic risk. Moreover, the results of RISK ingest and RISK inhale indicated that ingestion was the main pathway. Uncertainty analysis was performed, and the risk ranges of it were greater than certainty analysis, which implied that uncertainty analysis was more conservative than certainty analysis. A comparison of the non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk for adults and children indicated that children were more sensitive and vulnerable than adults when exposed to the same pollutant in the environment.

The transfer instability index: a novel metric of emergency department transfer relationships.

PubMed

Kindermann, Dana R; Mutter, Ryan L; Houchens, Robert L; Barrett, Marguerite L; Pines, Jesse M

2015-02-01

In this study, the objective was to characterize emergency department (ED) transfer relationships and study the factors that predict the stability of those relationships. A metric is derived for ED transfer relationships that may be useful in assessing emergency care regionalization and as a resource for future emergency medicine research. Emergency department records at transferring hospitals were linked to ED and inpatient records at receiving hospitals in nine U.S. states using the 2010 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Emergency Department Databases and State Inpatient Databases, the American Hospital Association Annual Survey, and the Trauma Information Exchange Program. Using the Clinical Classification Software to categorize conditions, high transfer rate conditions were placed into nine clinical groups. The authors created a new measure, the "transfer instability index," which estimates the effective number of "transfer partners" for each sending ED: this is designed to measure the stability of outgoing transfer relationships, where higher values of the index indicate less stable relationships. The index provides a measure of how many hospitals a transferring hospital sends its patients to (weighted by how often each transfer partner is used). Regression was used to analyze factors associated with higher values of the index. Sending hospitals had a median of 3.5 effective transfer partners across all conditions. The calculated transfer instability indices varied from 1 to 2.4 across disease categories. In general, higher index values were associated with treating a higher proportion of publicly insured patients: 10 and 12% increases in the Medicare and Medicaid share of ED encounters, respectively, were associated with 10 and 14% increases in the effective number of transfer partners. This public insurance effect held while studying all conditions together as well as within individual disease categories, such as cardiac, neurologic, and traumatic conditions. United States EDs that transfer patients to other hospitals often have multiple transfer partners. The stability of the transfer relationship, assessed by the transfer instability index, differs by condition. Less stable transfer relationships (i.e., hospitals with greater numbers of transfer partners) were more common in EDs with higher proportions of publicly insured patients. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Effect of Bimodal Grain Size Distribution on Scatter in Toughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakrabarti, Debalay; Strangwood, Martin; Davis, Claire

2009-04-01

Blunt-notch tests were performed at -160 °C to investigate the effect of a bimodal ferrite grain size distribution in steel on cleavage fracture toughness, by comparing local fracture stress values for heat-treated microstructures with uniformly fine, uniformly coarse, and bimodal grain structures. An analysis of fracture stress values indicates that bimodality can have a significant effect on toughness by generating high scatter in the fracture test results. Local cleavage fracture values were related to grain size distributions and it was shown that the largest grains in the microstructure, with an area percent greater than approximately 4 pct, gave rise to cleavage initiation. In the case of the bimodal grain size distribution, the large grains from both the “fine grain” and “coarse grain” population initiate cleavage; this spread in grain size values resulted in higher scatter in the fracture stress than in the unimodal distributions. The notch-bend test results have been used to explain the difference in scatter in the Charpy energies for the unimodal and bimodal ferrite grain size distributions of thermomechanically controlled rolled (TMCR) steel, in which the bimodal distribution showed higher scatter in the Charpy impact transition (IT) region.

Creating value for participants in multistakeholder alliances: The shifting importance of leadership and collaborative decision-making over time.

PubMed

D'Aunno, Thomas; Alexander, Jeffrey A; Jiang, Lan

Multistakeholder alliances that bring together diverse organizations to work on health-related issues are playing an increasingly prominent role in the U.S. health care system. Prior research shows that collaborative decision-making and effective leadership are related to members' perceptions of value for their participation in alliances. Yet, we know little about how collaborative decision-making and leadership might matter over time in multistakeholder alliances. The aim of this study was to advance understanding of the role of collaborative decision-making and leadership in individuals' assessments of the benefits and costs of their participation in multistakeholder alliances over time. We draw on data collected from three rounds of surveys of alliance members (2007-2012) who participated in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Aligning Forces for Quality program. Results from regression analyses indicate that individuals' perceptions of value for their participation in alliances shift over time: Perceived value is higher with collaborative decision-making when alliances are first formed and higher with more effective leadership as time passes after alliance formation. Leaders of multistakeholder alliances may need to vary their behavior over time, shifting their emphasis from inclusive decision-making to task achievement.

Photoelectric Emission Measurements on the Analogs of Individual Cosmic Dust Grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, M. M.; Tankosic, D.; Craven, P. D.; Spann, J. F.; LeClair, A.; West, E. A.; Weingartner, J. C.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.; Nuth, J. a.; Camata, R. P.

2006-01-01

The photoelectric emission process is considered to be the dominant mechanism for charging of cosmic dust grains in many astrophysical environments. The grain charge and equilibrium potentials play an important role in the dynamical and physical processes that include heating of the neutral gas in the interstellar medium, coagulation processes in the dust clouds, and levitation and dynamical processes in the interplanetary medium and planetary surfaces and rings. An accurate evaluation of photoelectric emission processes requires knowledge of the photoelectric yields of individual dust grains of astrophysical composition as opposed to the values obtained from measurements on flat surfaces of bulk materials, as it is generally assumed on theoretical considerations that the yields for the small grains are much different from the bulk values. We present laboratory measurements of the photoelectric yields of individual dust grains of silica, olivine, and graphite of approx. 0.09-5 micrometer radii levitated in an electrodynamic balance and illuminated with ultraviolet radiation at 120-160 nm wavelengths. The measured yields are found to be substantially higher than the bulk values given in the literature and indicate a size dependence with larger particles having order-of-magnitude higher values than for submicron-size grains.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 2-5 years in Bahrain: a comparison between two reference standards.

PubMed

Al-Raees, Ghada Y; Al-Amer, Maryam A; Musaiger, Abdulrahman O; D'Souza, Reshma

2009-01-01

A cross-sectional study was carried out on Bahraini preschoolers aged 2-5 years (354 males and 344 females) to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity using the World Health Organization and the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values. Weight and height were recorded and body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine the proportion of overweight and obesity. Using the World Health Organization percentile cut-off values, overweight (12.3%) and obesity (8.4%) was higher in females between 2 and <4 years of age whereas, the proportion of both overweight (8.4%) and obesity (7.2%) were higher in males between 4 and <6 years of age. Relative to the International Obesity Task Force indicators, the World Health Organization cut-off values produced nearly a 2-fold increase in both overweight and obesity at most ages. It is therefore important to ensure that the same cut-off reference values are used to define overweight and obesity particularly in preschoolers. Shifting to the new World Health Organization child growth standards may have important implications for child health programmes.

Comparison of Bispectral Index and Entropy values with electroencephalogram during surgical anaesthesia with sevoflurane.

PubMed

Aho, A J; Kamata, K; Jäntti, V; Kulkas, A; Hagihira, S; Huhtala, H; Yli-Hankala, A

2015-08-01

Concomitantly recorded Bispectral Index® (BIS) and Entropy™ values sometimes show discordant trends during general anaesthesia. Previously, no attempt had been made to discover which EEG characteristics cause discrepancies between BIS and Entropy. We compared BIS and Entropy values, and analysed the changes in the raw EEG signal during surgical anaesthesia with sevoflurane. In this prospective, open-label study, 65 patients receiving general anaesthesia with sevoflurane were enrolled. BIS, Entropy and multichannel digital EEG were recorded. Concurrent BIS and State Entropy (SE) values were selected. Whenever BIS and SE values showed ≥10-unit disagreement for ≥60 s, the raw EEG signal was analysed both in time and frequency domain. A ≥10-unit disagreement ≥60 s was detected 428 times in 51 patients. These 428 episodes accounted for 5158 (11%) out of 45 918 analysed index pairs. During EEG burst suppression, SE was higher than BIS in 35 out of 49 episodes. During delta-theta dominance, BIS was higher than SE in 141 out of 157 episodes. During alpha or beta activity, SE was higher than BIS in all 49 episodes. During electrocautery, both BIS and SE changed, sometimes in the opposite direction, but returned to baseline values after electrocautery. Electromyography caused index disagreement four times (BIS > SE). Certain specific EEG patterns, and artifacts, are associated with discrepancies between BIS and SE. Time and frequency domain analyses of the original EEG improve the interpretation of studies involving BIS, Entropy and other EEG-based indices. NCT01077674. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Ecology of Floristic Quality Assessment: testing for correlations between coefficients of conservatism, species traits and mycorrhizal responsiveness

PubMed Central

Koziol, Liz; Bever, James D

2018-01-01

Abstract Many plant species are limited to habitats relatively unaffected by anthropogenic disturbance, so protecting these undisturbed habitats is essential for plant conservation. Coefficients of conservatism (C values) were developed as indicators of a species’ sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance, and these values are used in Floristic Quality Assessment as a means of assessing natural areas and ecological restoration. However, assigning of these values is subjective and improved quantitative validation of C values is needed. We tested whether there are consistent differences in life histories between species with high and low C values. To do this, we grew 54 species of tallgrass prairie plants in a greenhouse and measured traits that are associated with trade-offs on the fast-slow continuum of life-history strategies. We also grew plants with and without mycorrhizal fungi as a test of these species’ reliance on this mutualism. We compared these traits and mycorrhizal responsiveness to C values. We found that six of the nine traits we measured were correlated with C values, and together, traits predicted up to 50 % of the variation in C values. Traits including fast growth rates and greater investment in reproduction were associated with lower C values, and slow growth rates, long-lived leaves and high root:shoot ratios were associated with higher C values. Additionally, plants with high C values and a slow life history were more responsive to mutualisms with mycorrhizal fungi. Overall, our results connect C values with life-history trade-offs, indicating that high C value species tend to share a suite of traits associated with a slow life history. PMID:29383232

Ecology of Floristic Quality Assessment: testing for correlations between coefficients of conservatism, species traits and mycorrhizal responsiveness.

PubMed

Bauer, Jonathan T; Koziol, Liz; Bever, James D

2018-02-01

Many plant species are limited to habitats relatively unaffected by anthropogenic disturbance, so protecting these undisturbed habitats is essential for plant conservation. Coefficients of conservatism (C values) were developed as indicators of a species' sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance, and these values are used in Floristic Quality Assessment as a means of assessing natural areas and ecological restoration. However, assigning of these values is subjective and improved quantitative validation of C values is needed. We tested whether there are consistent differences in life histories between species with high and low C values. To do this, we grew 54 species of tallgrass prairie plants in a greenhouse and measured traits that are associated with trade-offs on the fast-slow continuum of life-history strategies. We also grew plants with and without mycorrhizal fungi as a test of these species' reliance on this mutualism. We compared these traits and mycorrhizal responsiveness to C values. We found that six of the nine traits we measured were correlated with C values, and together, traits predicted up to 50 % of the variation in C values. Traits including fast growth rates and greater investment in reproduction were associated with lower C values, and slow growth rates, long-lived leaves and high root:shoot ratios were associated with higher C values. Additionally, plants with high C values and a slow life history were more responsive to mutualisms with mycorrhizal fungi. Overall, our results connect C values with life-history trade-offs, indicating that high C value species tend to share a suite of traits associated with a slow life history.

Sinuosity of Martian rampart ejecta deposits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barlow, Nadine G.

1994-01-01

The sinuosities of 2213 Martian rampart ejecta craters are quantified through measurement of the ejecta flow front perimeter and ejecta area. This quantity, called lobateness, was computed for each complete lobe of the 1582 single lobe (SL), 251 double lobe (DL), and 380 multiple lobe (ML) craters included in this study. A lobateness value of 1 indicates a circular ejecta blanket, whereas more sinuous ejecta perimeters have lobateness values greater than 1. Although resolution does have an effect on the absolute values of lobateness, the general relationships between lobateness and morphology exist regardless of resolution. Evaluation of the lobateness values reveals that the outer lobes of DL and ML craters have higher median lobateness values (i.e., are more sinuous) than the inner lobes. The outermost lobe of ML craters displays higher lobateness values than the outer lobe of DL craters or the single lobe of SL craters. Previous reports of lobateness-diameter, lobateness-latitude, and lobateness-terrain relationships for rampart craters are not supported by this study. Many of the differences between the results of this study and the previous lobateness analyses can be attributed to the inclusion of resolution effects and the distinction between different ejecta morphologies in this study. The results of this study taken together with a previous analysis of the distribution and diameter dependence of different ejecta morphologies are most consistent with the theory that Martian lobate ejecta morphologies form from impact into subsurface volatiles.

Periotest values of implants placed in sockets augmented with calcium phosphosilicate putty graft: a comparative analysis against implants placed in naturally healed sockets.

PubMed

Mahesh, Lanka; Narayan, Tv; Kostakis, Georgios; Shukla, Sagrika

2014-03-01

To measure implant stability using periotest values of implants placed in sockets augmented with calcium phospho-silicate putty (CPS Putty) as compared with implant stability in naturally healed sockets. Twenty two sockets were implanted with CPS Putty immediately after extraction. The sockets were re-entered after a healing period at 5 to 6 months (average 5.3 months) for implant placement. Periotest values were recorded during implant insertion to assess primary stability. These were compared with the Periotest values of 26 implants placed in 22 patients, with naturally healed sockets. Periotest values were significantly lower in the grafted group, indicating better implant stability in sites grafted with CPS putty. Implant stability seems to be significantly higher in sockets augmented using CPS putty when compared to nongrafted sites. This suggests that socket grafting with CPS putty may enhance the quality of available bone for implantation.

Ruminant methane delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) values: relation to atmospheric methane

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

Rust, F.

1981-03-06

The delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) - values of methane produced by fistulated steers, dairy cattle, and wethers, and dairy and beef cattle herds show a bimodal distribution that appears to be correlated with the plant type (C/sub 3/ or C/sub 4/, that is, producing either a three- or a four-carbon acid in the first step of photosynthesis) consumed by the animals. These results indicate that cattle and sheep, on a global basis, release methane with an average delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) value of -60 and -63 per mil, respectively. Together they are a source of atmospheric methane whose delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) ismore » similar to published values for marsh gas and cannot explain the 20 per mil higher values for atmospheric methane.« less

Acrylamide in commercial foods and intake by infants in Estonia.

PubMed

Elias, Andres; Roasto, Mati; Reinik, Mari; Nelis, Keiu; Nurk, Eha; Elias, Terje

2017-11-01

Acrylamide is formed when certain foods with low moisture are prepared at above 120 ºC, especially those foods containing asparagine and reducing sugars such as glucose and fructose. Acrylamide is a probable carcinogen, and from animal evidence the margins of exposure indicate a concern for neoplastic effects. On a body weight basis infants´ acrylamide intakes are often higher than those of adults. The aim of the study was to determine acrylamide levels in different commercially-available foods and to assess dietary acrylamide intakes by infants. The acrylamide content in samples ranged widely, from

A study on toxic and essential elements in wheat grain from the Republic of Kazakhstan.

PubMed

Tattibayeva, Damira; Nebot, Carolina; Miranda, Jose M; Abuova, Altynai B; Baibatyrov, Torebek A; Kizatova, Maigul Z; Cepeda, Alberto; Franco, Carlos M

2016-03-01

Little information is currently available about the content of different elements in wheat samples from the Republic of Kazakhstan. The concentrations of toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and U) and essential (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn) elements in 117 sampled wheat grains from the Republic of Kazakhstan were measured. The results indicated that the mean and maximum concentrations of most investigated elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Se, Pb, and U) were higher in samples collected from southern Kazakhstan. The mean and maximum concentrations of toxic elements such as As, Cd, Hg, and Pb did not exceed levels specified by European, FAO, or Kazakh legislation, although the hazard quotient (HQ) values for Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn were higher than 1 and the hazard index (HI) was higher than 1 for samples collected from all areas of Kazakhstan. This indicates that there should be concern about the potential hazards of the combination of toxic elements in Kazakh wheat.

Study of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in infant incubators.

PubMed

Cermáková, Eleonora

2003-01-01

The aim of the work was to present the results of measurements of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF), namely the magnetic flux density, inside infant incubators, and to compare these results with the data published by other authors who point out to a possible association between leukemia or other diseases observed in newborns kept in incubators after the birth and the ELF EMF exposure in the incubator. The measured magnetic flux densities were compared with the reference values for this frequency range indicated in the European Union (EU) recommendations. The repeated measurements in incubators were made with a calibrated magnetometer EFA 300 in the frequency range of 5-30 kHz. Effective values of magnetic flux densities of ELF EMF were determined taking account of the reference values. The results of many repeated measurements showing the values of magnetic flux density in modern incubators with plastic supporting frame, were compared with those obtained in old type incubators with iron skeleton. A power frequency of 50 Hz was detected in the incubator and the ELF EMF values were by over two orders lower than the EU reference values. The paper emphasizes the need to take a special care of newborns kept in incubators even if only the sub-reference values are detected. The EU reference values are intended for the adult human population. A baby in an incubator has much smaller dimensions, higher electric conductivity and maybe trigger another mechanism of response to ELF EMF than that indicated in this paper.

An evaluation of the toxicity of potassium chloride, active compound in the molluscicide potash, on salmonid fish and their forage base

USGS Publications Warehouse

Densmore, Christine L.; Iwanowicz, Luke R.; Henderson, Anne P.; Blazer, Vicki S.; Reed-Grimmett, Baileigh M.; Sanders, Lakyn R.

2018-06-29

Potash, with the active ingredient potassium chloride (KCl) is a chemical that is currently being evaluated for potential use as a molluscicide to combat invasive zebra mussels and quagga mussels in Western United States waters. Although data available for other freshwater fishes indicate that recommended treatment levels of potash as a molluscicide are sublethal, this has not been demonstrated for all salmonid species. The objectives of this study were to perform toxicity testing to determine the lethality of potassium chloride against selected species of salmonid fish (brook trout and Chinook salmon) and selected invertebrate forage, and to identify any potential adverse physiological impacts of KCl to these salmonids in water at treatment levels used for mollusk eradication. Minimal mortality (n=1 fish) was observed during 96-hour toxicity testing at KCl concentrations of 0 to 800 milligrams per liter (mg/L), indicating that the lethal concentration (LC50) values in these salmonid species were considerably higher than realistic molluscicide treatment concentrations. Sublethal effects were examined through evaluation of behavioral and morphological (histological) observation as well as specific blood chemistry parameters (electrolytes, osmolality, glucose, and cortisol). There was no strong evidence of significant physiological impairment among the two salmonid species due to KCl exposure. Whereas statistically significant differences in some parameters were observed in association with KCl treatments, it is unlikely that these differences indicate adverse biological impacts. Acute toxicity tests were conducted with invertebrate species at KCl exposure concentrations of 0–3,200 mg/L. Daphniid exposure trials resulted in differences in mortality among the test groups with higher mortality evident among the higher KCl exposure concentrations with a calculated LC50 value of 196 mg/L KCl for a 48-hour exposure. Crayfish exposed to higher concentrations of KCl at or above 800 mg/L as specimens exhibited death or reversible paralysis. Chironomid larvae exposures were largely inconclusive because of cannibalistic behavior among the various test groups.

Potential for adaptation to climate change in a coral reef fish.

PubMed

Munday, Philip L; Donelson, Jennifer M; Domingos, Jose A

2017-01-01

Predicting the impacts of climate change requires knowledge of the potential to adapt to rising temperatures, which is unknown for most species. Adaptive potential may be especially important in tropical species that have narrow thermal ranges and live close to their thermal optimum. We used the animal model to estimate heritability, genotype by environment interactions and nongenetic maternal components of phenotypic variation in fitness-related traits in the coral reef damselfish, Acanthochromis polyacanthus. Offspring of wild-caught breeding pairs were reared for two generations at current-day and two elevated temperature treatments (+1.5 and +3.0 °C) consistent with climate change projections. Length, weight, body condition and metabolic traits (resting and maximum metabolic rate and net aerobic scope) were measured at four stages of juvenile development. Additive genetic variation was low for length and weight at 0 and 15 days posthatching (dph), but increased significantly at 30 dph. By contrast, nongenetic maternal effects on length, weight and body condition were high at 0 and 15 dph and became weaker at 30 dph. Metabolic traits, including net aerobic scope, exhibited high heritability at 90 dph. Furthermore, significant genotype x environment interactions indicated potential for adaptation of maximum metabolic rate and net aerobic scope at higher temperatures. Net aerobic scope was negatively correlated with weight, indicating that any adaptation of metabolic traits at higher temperatures could be accompanied by a reduction in body size. Finally, estimated breeding values for metabolic traits in F2 offspring were significantly affected by the parental rearing environment. Breeding values at higher temperatures were highest for transgenerationally acclimated fish, suggesting a possible role for epigenetic mechanisms in adaptive responses of metabolic traits. These results indicate a high potential for adaptation of aerobic scope to higher temperatures, which could enable reef fish populations to maintain their performance as ocean temperatures rise. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Positron annihilation lifetime and photoluminescence studies on single crystalline ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, A.; Chakrabarti, Mahuya; Ray, S. K.; Bhowmick, D.; Sanyal, D.

2011-04-01

The room temperature positron annihilation lifetime for single crystalline ZnO has been measured as 164 ± 1 ps. The single component lifetime value is very close to but higher than the theoretically predicted value of ~ 154 ps. Photoluminescence study (at 10 K) indicates the presence of hydrogen and other defects, mainly acceptor related, in the crystal. Defects related to a lower open volume than zinc vacancies, presumably a complex with two hydrogen atoms, are the major trapping sites in the sample. The bulk positron lifetime in ZnO is expected to be a little less than 164 ps.

Positron annihilation lifetime and photoluminescence studies on single crystalline ZnO.

PubMed

Sarkar, A; Chakrabarti, Mahuya; Ray, S K; Bhowmick, D; Sanyal, D

2011-04-20

The room temperature positron annihilation lifetime for single crystalline ZnO has been measured as 164 ± 1 ps. The single component lifetime value is very close to but higher than the theoretically predicted value of ~154 ps. Photoluminescence study (at 10 K) indicates the presence of hydrogen and other defects, mainly acceptor related, in the crystal. Defects related to a lower open volume than zinc vacancies, presumably a complex with two hydrogen atoms, are the major trapping sites in the sample. The bulk positron lifetime in ZnO is expected to be a little less than 164 ps.

Diffusion of Bevacizumab Across Oncology Practices: An Observational Study.

PubMed

Keating, Nancy L; Huskamp, Haiden A; Schrag, Deborah; McWilliams, John M; McNeil, Barbara J; Landon, Bruce E; Chernew, Michael E; Normand, Sharon-Lise T

2018-01-01

Technological advances can improve care and outcomes but are a primary driver of health care spending growth. Understanding diffusion and use of new oncology therapies is important, given substantial increases in prices and spending on such treatments. Examine diffusion of bevacizumab, a novel (in 2004) and high-priced biologic cancer therapy, among US oncology practices during 2005-2012 and assess variation in use across practices. Population-based observational study. A total of 2329 US practices providing cancer chemotherapy. Random 20% sample of 236,304 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged above 65 years in 2004-2012 undergoing infused chemotherapy for cancer. Diffusion of bevacizumab (cumulative time to first use and 10% use) in practices, variation in use across practices overall and by higher versus lower-value use. We used hierarchical models with practice random effects to estimate the between-practice variation in the probability of receiving bevacizumab and to identify factors associated with use. We observed relatively rapid diffusion of bevacizumab, particularly in independent practices and larger versus smaller practices. We observed substantial variation in use; the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of bevacizumab use was 2.90 higher (2.73-3.08) for practices 1 SD above versus one standard deviation below the mean. Variation was less for higher-value [odds ratio=2.72 (2.56-2.89)] than lower-value uses [odds ratio=3.61 (3.21-4.06)]. Use of bevacizumab varied widely across oncology practices, particularly for lower-value indications. These findings suggest that interventions targeted to practices have potential for decreasing low-value use of high-cost cancer therapies.

Polyphenolic compounds appear to limit the nutritional benefit of biofortified higher iron black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Our objective was to determine if a biofortified variety of black bean can provide more bioavailable-iron (Fe) than a standard variety. Two lines of black beans (Phaseolus-vulgaris L.), a standard (DOR500; 59μg Fe/g) and biofortified (MIB465; 88μg Fe/g) were used. The DOR500 is a common commercial variety, and the MIB465 is a line developed for higher-Fe content. Given the high prevalence of Fe-deficiency anemia worldwide, it is important to determine if Fe-biofortified black beans can provide more absorbable-Fe. Methods Black bean based diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for the broiler (Gallus-gallus) except for Fe (dietary Fe-concentrations were 39.4±0.2 and 52.9±0.9 mg/kg diet, standard vs. biofortified, respectively). Birds (n=14) were fed the diets for 6-weeks. Hemoglobin-(Hb), liver-ferritin and Fe-related transporter/enzyme gene-expression were measured. Hemoglobin-maintenance-efficiency and total-body-Hb-Fe values were used to estimate Fe-bioavailability. Results Hemoglobin-maintenance-efficiency values were higher (P<0.05) in the group consuming the standard-Fe beans on days 14, 21 and 28; indicating a compensatory response to lower dietary-Fe. Final total-Hb-Fe body content was higher in the biofortified vs. the standard group (26.6±0.9 and 24.4±0.8 mg, respectively; P<0.05). There were no differences in liver-ferritin or in expression of DMT-1, Dcyt-B, and ferroportin. In-vitro Fe-bioavailability assessment indicated very low Fe-bioavailability from both diets and between the two bean varieties (P>0.05). Such extremely-low in-vitro Fe-bioavailability measurement is indicative of the presence of high levels of polyphenolic-compounds that may inhibit Fe-absorption. High levels of these compounds would be expected in the black bean seed-coats. Conclusions The parameters of Fe-status measured in this study indicate that only a minor increase in absorbable-Fe was achieved with the higher-Fe beans. The results also raise the possibility that breeding for increased Fe-concentration elevated the levels of polyphenolic-compounds that can reduce bean Fe-bioavailability, although the higher levels of polyphenolics in the higher-Fe beans may simply be coincidental or an environmental effect. Regardless, Fe-biofortified beans remain a promising vehicle for increasing intakes of bioavailable-Fe in human populations that consume high levels of these beans as a dietary staple, and the bean polyphenol profile must be further evaluated and modified if possible in order to improve the nutritional quality of higher-Fe beans. PMID:24669764

Revisiting the association of blood pressure with mortality in oldest old people in China: community based, longitudinal prospective study

PubMed Central

Lv, Yue-Bin; Gao, Xiang; Yin, Zhao-Xue; Chen, Hua-Shuai; Luo, Jie-Si; Brasher, Melanie Sereny; Kraus, Virginia Byers; Li, Tian-Tian; Zeng, Yi

2018-01-01

Abstract Objective To examine the associations of blood pressure with all cause mortality and cause specific mortality at three years among oldest old people in China. Design Community based, longitudinal prospective study. Setting 2011 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, conducted in 22 Chinese provinces. Participants 4658 oldest old individuals (mean age 92.1 years). Main outcome measures All cause mortality and cause specific mortality assessed at three year follow-up. Results 1997 deaths were recorded at three year follow-up. U shaped associations of mortality with systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure were identified; values of 143.5 mm Hg, 101 mm Hg, and 66 mm Hg conferred the minimum mortality risk, respectively. After adjustment for covariates, the U shaped association remained only for systolic blood pressure (minimum mortality risk at 129 mm Hg). Compared with a systolic blood pressure value of 129 mm Hg, risk of all cause mortality decreased for values lower than 107 mm Hg (from 1.47 (95% confidence interval 1.01 to 2.17) to 1.08 (1.01 to 1.17)), and increased for values greater than 154 mm Hg (from 1.08 (1.01 to 1.17) to 1.27 (1.02 to 1.58)). In the cause specific analysis, compared with a middle range of systolic blood pressure (107-154 mm Hg), higher values (>154 mm Hg) were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.51 (95% confidence interval 1.12 to 2.02)); lower values (<107 mm Hg) were associated with a higher risk of non-cardiovascular mortality (1.58 (1.26 to 1.98)). The U shaped associations remained in sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Conclusions This study indicates a U shaped association between systolic blood pressure and all cause mortality at three years among oldest old people in China. This association could be explained by the finding that higher systolic blood pressure predicted a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and that lower systolic blood pressure predicted a higher risk of death from non-cardiovascular causes. These results emphasise the importance of revisiting blood pressure management or establishing specific guidelines for management among oldest old individuals. PMID:29871897

Osmotic indices and kidney concentrating activity: population-based data on correlates and prognostic power.

PubMed

Cirillo, Massimo; Bilancio, Giancarlo; Lombardi, Cinzia; Cavallo, Pierpaolo; Terradura Vagnarelli, Oscar; Zanchetti, Alberto; Laurenzi, Martino

2018-02-01

Research data are limited on indices of osmotic equilibrium and of kidney concentrating activity (KCA). This study investigated correlates and prognostic power of these indices in a sample of the general population. Urine osmolality (U-osm), plasma osmolality (P-osm), plasma creatinine and other variables were measured by the Gubbio Study for the 1988-92 exam (baseline). Plasma creatinine and other variables were re-measured in the 2001-07 exam (follow-up). KCA was assessed as the U-osm/P-osm ratio and kidney function as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Baseline data were complete in 4220 adults, of whom 852 died before follow-up and 2795 participated in the follow-up. At baseline, the following independent cross-sectional associations were identified: female sex and higher urine flow with lower values of U-osm, P-osm and U-osm/P-osm ratio (P < 0.01); obesity with higher values of U-osm, P-osm and U-osm/P-osm ratio (P < 0.01); older age and lower eGFR with lower U-osm, lower U-osm/P-osm ratio and higher P-osm (P < 0.05); hypertension and smoking with lower U-osm and lower U-osm/P-osm ratio (P < 0.05) but not with P-osm. From baseline to follow-up, the annualized rate was 1.26% for mortality and -0.74 ± 0.76 mL/min × 1.73 m2 for eGFR change. Mortality was independently predicted by baseline U-osm and baseline U-osm/P-osm ratio (hazard ratio for one higher standard deviation was ≤0.91, 95% confidence interval was ≤0.97, P < 0.01), but not by baseline P-osm. The eGFR change was not independently predicted by baseline values of U-osm, P-osm and U-osm/P-osm ratio (P ≥ 0.4). Sex, age, obesity, eGFR, urine flow, hypertension and smoking independently associated with U-osm and KCA. U-osm and KCA independently predicted mortality, but not kidney function change over time. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Clinical utility of third-trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of brain hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in small-for-gestational-age fetuses.

PubMed

Cruz-Martinez, R; Savchev, S; Cruz-Lemini, M; Mendez, A; Gratacos, E; Figueras, F

2015-03-01

To assess the clinical value of third-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. UtA Doppler parameters, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated weekly, starting from the time of SGA diagnosis until 24 h before induction of labor, in a cohort of 327 SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery PI (< 95th centile), delivered at > 37 weeks' gestation. Differences in the sequence of CPR and MCA-PI changes < 5th centile, between the group with normal UtA Doppler indices at diagnosis and those with abnormal UtA indices, were analyzed by survival analysis. In addition, the use of UtA Doppler value, alone or in combination with a brain Doppler scan before delivery, to predict the risk of Cesarean section, Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), neonatal acidosis and neonatal hospitalization was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age at birth and birth-weight percentile. Abnormal UtA Doppler at diagnosis of SGA was associated with a higher risk of developing abnormal brain Doppler indices before induction of labor than in those with a normal UtA at diagnosis (62.7% vs 34.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared to those with normal UtA Doppler indices, those with abnormal UtA Doppler findings were associated with a higher risk of intrapartum Cesarean section (52.2% vs 37.3%, respectively; P = 0.03), Cesarean section for NRFS (35.8% vs 23.1%, respectively; P = 0.03), neonatal acidosis (10.4% vs 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.47) and neonatal hospitalization (23.9% vs 16.5%, respectively; P = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis indicated that UtA Doppler findings were not significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome independent of brain Doppler findings. UtA Doppler indices predict adverse perinatal outcome, but do not help to improve the predictive value of brain Doppler indices. However, at the time of SGA diagnosis they identify the subgroup of fetuses at highest risk of progression to abnormal brain Doppler findings. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Compliance of secondary production and eco-exergy as indicators of benthic macroinvertebrates assemblages' response to canopy cover conditions in Neotropical headwater streams.

PubMed

Linares, Marden Seabra; Callisto, Marcos; Marques, João Carlos

2018-02-01

Riparian vegetation cover influences benthic assemblages structure and functioning in headwater streams, as it regulates light availability and autochthonous primary production in these ecosystems.Secondary production, diversity, and exergy-based indicators were applied in capturing how riparian cover influences the structure and functioning of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in tropical headwater streams. Four hypotheses were tested: (1) open canopy will determine the occurrence of higher diversity in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages; (2) streams with open canopy will exhibit more complex benthic macroinvertebrate communities (in terms of information embedded in the organisms' biomass); (3) in streams with open canopy benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages will be more efficient in using the available resources to build structure, which will be reflected by higher eco-exergy values; (4) benthic assemblages in streams with open canopy will exhibit more secondary productivity. We selected eight non-impacted headwater streams, four shaded and four with open canopy, all located in the Neotropical savannah (Cerrado) of southeastern Brazil. Open canopy streams consistently exhibited significantly higher eco-exergy and instant secondary production values, exemplifying that these streams may support more complex and productive benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. Nevertheless, diversity indices and specific eco-exergy were not significantly different in shaded and open canopy streams. Since all the studied streams were selected for being considered as non-impacted, this suggests that the potential represented by more available food resources was not used to build a more complex dissipative structure. These results illustrate the role and importance of the canopy cover characteristics on the structure and functioning of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in tropical headwater streams, while autochthonous production appears to play a crucial role as food source for benthic macroinvertebrates. This study also highlights the possible application of thermodynamic based indicators as tools to guide environmental managers in developing and implementing policies in the neotropical savannah. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serum Oxidative Stress Levels in Patients with Nasal Septal Deviation

PubMed Central

Ekinci, Adnan; Karataş, Duran; Yetiş, Abdurrahman; Demir, Emre; Özcan, Müge

2017-01-01

Objective Comparison of the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and paraoxonase (PON1) serum levels in patients with nasal septum deviation (NSD) and healthy subjects. Methods The TAS, TOS, and PON1 serum levels of 47 patients with NSD (mean age 35.3) and 50 healthy subjects (mean age 37.8) were compared in this study. Results We found significantly higher TAS levels in the control group (p<0.001). The mean TAS value was 1.196 mmoL/L in the control group, whereas it was 1.046 mmoL/L in the NSD group. On the other hand, TOS was significantly higher in the NSD group (p<0.001). We found that the mean TOS value was 6.600 mmoL/L in the control group, and 20.194 mmoL/L in the NSD group. The NSD and control groups had similar PON1 levels (p=0.446). The mean PON1 value was 279.64 U/L in the control group, and 324.21 U/L in the NSD group. Conclusion We detected higher TOS and lower TAS levels in patients with NSD compared to healthy subjects. These results indicate that patients with NSD are exposed to oxidative stress. PMID:29392069

The Roche Immunoturbidimetric Albumin Method on Cobas c 501 Gives Higher Values Than the Abbott and Roche BCP Methods When Analyzing Patient Plasma Samples.

PubMed

Helmersson-Karlqvist, Johanna; Flodin, Mats; Havelka, Aleksandra Mandic; Xu, Xiao Yan; Larsson, Anders

2016-09-01

Serum/plasma albumin is an important and widely used laboratory marker and it is important that we measure albumin correctly without bias. We had indications that the immunoturbidimetric method on Cobas c 501 and the bromocresol purple (BCP) method on Architect 16000 differed, so we decided to study these methods more closely. A total of 1,951 patient requests with albumin measured with both the Architect BCP and Cobas immunoturbidimetric methods were extracted from the laboratory system. A comparison with fresh plasma samples was also performed that included immunoturbidimetric and BCP methods on Cobas c 501 and analysis of the international protein calibrator ERM-DA470k/IFCC. The median difference between the Abbott BCP and Roche immunoturbidimetric methods was 3.3 g/l and the Roche method overestimated ERM-DA470k/IFCC by 2.2 g/l. The Roche immunoturbidimetric method gave higher values than the Roche BCP method: y = 1.111x - 0.739, R² = 0.971. The Roche immunoturbidimetric albumin method gives clearly higher values than the Abbott and Roche BCP methods when analyzing fresh patient samples. The differences between the two methods were similar at normal and low albumin levels. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Discrimination in Degradability of Soil Pyrogenic Organic Matter Follows a Return-On-Energy-Investment Principle.

PubMed

Harvey, Omar R; Myers-Pigg, Allison N; Kuo, Li-Jung; Singh, Bhupinder Pal; Kuehn, Kevin A; Louchouarn, Patrick

2016-08-16

A fundamental understanding of biodegradability is central to elucidating the role(s) of pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) in biogeochemical cycles. Since microbial community and ecosystem dynamics are driven by net energy flows, then a quantitative assessment of energy value versus energy requirement for oxidation of PyOM should yield important insights into their biodegradability. We used bomb calorimetry, stepwise isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (isoTGA), and 5-year in situ bidegradation data to develop energy-biodegradability relationships for a suite of plant- and manure-derived PyOM (n = 10). The net energy value (ΔE) for PyOM was between 4.0 and 175 kJ mol(-1); with manure-derived PyOM having the highest ΔE. Thermal-oxidation activation energy (Ea) requirements ranged from 51 to 125 kJ mol(-1), with wood-derived PyOM having the highest Ea requirements. We propose a return-on-investment (ROI) parameter (ΔE/Ea) for differentiating short-to-medium term biodegradability of PyOM and deciphering if biodegradation will most likely proceed via cometabolism (ROI < 1) or direct metabolism (ROI ≥ 1). The ROI-biodegradability relationship was sigmoidal with higher biodegradability associated with PyOM of higher ROI; indicating that microbes exhibit a higher preference for "high investment value" PyOM.

The carbon and nitrogen ecophysiologies of two endemic tropical orchids mirrors those of their temperate relatives and the local environment.

PubMed

Hynson, Nicole A

2016-11-01

Orchids are one of the most widely distributed plant families. However, current research on the ecophysiology of terrestrial orchids is biased towards temperate species. Thus, it is currently unknown whether tropical terrestrial orchids belong to similar trophic guilds as their temperate relatives. To examine the ecophysiologies of two tropical terrestrial orchids, I analysed the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions and nitrogen concentrations of the Hawaiian endemics Anoectochilus sandvicensis and Liparis hawaiensis . I compared these values with those of surrounding vegetation and their temperate relatives. I found that A. sandvicensis was consistently enriched in the heavy isotope of nitrogen ( 15 N) and had higher nitrogen (N) concentrations than surrounding vegetation, and these values were even higher than those of its temperate relatives. Carbon stable isotope composition among populations of A. sandvicensis varied by island. These results point to local environment and evolutionary history determining the ecophysiology of this species. Whereas L.hawaiensis was also enriched in 15 N and had on average higher N concentrations than surrounding vegetation, these values were not significantly different from temperate relatives, indicating that evolutionary history may be a stronger predictor of this orchid species' ecophysiology than environment. I suggest that both Hawaiian species are potentially partially mycoheterotrophic.

The carbon and nitrogen ecophysiologies of two endemic tropical orchids mirrors those of their temperate relatives and the local environment

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Orchids are one of the most widely distributed plant families. However, current research on the ecophysiology of terrestrial orchids is biased towards temperate species. Thus, it is currently unknown whether tropical terrestrial orchids belong to similar trophic guilds as their temperate relatives. To examine the ecophysiologies of two tropical terrestrial orchids, I analysed the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions and nitrogen concentrations of the Hawaiian endemics Anoectochilus sandvicensis and Liparis hawaiensis. I compared these values with those of surrounding vegetation and their temperate relatives. I found that A. sandvicensis was consistently enriched in the heavy isotope of nitrogen (15N) and had higher nitrogen (N) concentrations than surrounding vegetation, and these values were even higher than those of its temperate relatives. Carbon stable isotope composition among populations of A. sandvicensis varied by island. These results point to local environment and evolutionary history determining the ecophysiology of this species. Whereas L.hawaiensis was also enriched in 15N and had on average higher N concentrations than surrounding vegetation, these values were not significantly different from temperate relatives, indicating that evolutionary history may be a stronger predictor of this orchid species' ecophysiology than environment. I suggest that both Hawaiian species are potentially partially mycoheterotrophic. PMID:28018622

Petrological, geochemical and isotopic characteristics of lignite and calcified lignite from mining area Pesje, Velenje Basin, Slovenia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vrabec, Mirijam; Markič, Miloš; Vrabec, Marko; Jaćimović, Radojko; Kanduč, Tjaša

2014-05-01

Lignite (organic rich) and calcified lignite (inorganic rich) samples from excavation field -50c mining area Pesje, Velenje Basin, Slovenia were investigated. During geological and structural mapping lignite and calcified lignite samples were systematically taken for determination of their petrological, geochemical and isotopic characteristics. Lignite is composed of fine detritical gelified matrix. At least five different types of calcified lignite were recognized forming laminations, calcifications after wood, petrified wood and complete replacements of lignite with carbonate. All measured parameters so far indicate geochemical processes during sedimentation of the Velenej Basin. After macroscopic description samples were split to organic and inorganic component (Ward, 1984) and powdered in an agate mortar for geochemical and isotopic analyses. Major and trace elements (As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Sb, Se, Th, U, Zn) in these samples were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using k-0 standardization method (Jaćimović et al, 2002). The isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen was determined using a Europa 20-20 continuous flow IRMS ANCA-SL preparation module. A 1 mg amount of a sample was weighed in a tin capsule for carbon and 10 mg for nitrogen analysis. Samples for carbon analyses were pretreated with 1 M HCl to remove carbonates. Carbonate samples from carbonate-rich strata and calcified xylite were first roasted at 450 deg C (Krantz et al., 1987). Three miligrams of carbonate sample was transformed into CO2 by reaction with anhydrous H3PO4 at 55 deg C under vacuum (McCrea, 1950) and measured with GV 2003 isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Measured isotopic composition of oxygen as VPDB values was recalculated to the VSMOW reference standard to enable the comparison with data from other coal basins. SEM/EDXS of carbonate rich sediments was performed with JEOL JSM 5800 electron microanalyzer scanning electron microscope energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy at the Department of Ceramics at the Jožef Stefan Institute. Geochemical characteristics of major and trace elements indicate that the values of major and trace elements are comparable to world average coal (Zhang et al., 2004). Isotopic composition of carbon and isotopic composition of nitrogen of investigated samples indicate values from to -29.4o to -23.7o and 1.8o to 5.9o respectively. Lower value of isotopic composition of carbon indicates higher gelification (values up to -29.4) and higher value of isotopic composition of nitrogen (values up to 5.9) indicate higher mineralization. The results of SEM/EDXS microscopy revealed that in calcified lignite chemical composition of calcite prevails. Traces of diagenetic pyrite were also found, indicating localized anoxic conditions during sedimentation. Values of isotopic composition of CCaCO3 range from -2 to +13 and indicate temperature of precipitation from 17.3 to 35 deg C, which is similar to results obtained in previous studies (Kanduč et al., 2012). References Krantz, D.E., Williams, D.F., Jones, D.S., 1987: Ecological and paleoenvironmental information using stable isotope profiles from living and fossil mollusks. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 58, 249-266. Kanduč T., Markič M., Zavšek S., McIntosh J. 2012: carbon cycling in the Pliocene Velenje Coal Basin, Slovenia, inferred from stable carbon isotopes. International Journal of Coal Geology 89, 70-83. Jaćimović, R., Lazaru, A., Mihajlović, D., Ilić, R., Stafilov, T., 2002: Determination of major and trace elements in some minerals by k0-instrumental neutron activation analysis. Journal of Radioanalytical Nuclear Chemistry, 253, 427-434. McCrea, JM., 1950. On the isotopic chemistry of carbonates and a paleotemperature scale. Journal of Chemical Physics 18, 849. Ward C.R. (Ed.), 1984: Coal Geology and Coal Technology. Black-well, Oxford, 345 pp. Zhang J.Y., Zheng C.G., Ren D.Y., Chou C.L., Zheng R.S., Wang Z.P., Zhao F. H., Ge Y.T. 2004: Distribution of potentially hazardous trace elements in coals from Shoxi provinces, China. Fuel 83: 129-135.

Academic goals and learning quality in higher education students.

PubMed

Valle, Antonio; Núñez, José C; Cabanach, Ramón G; González-Pienda, Julio A; Rodríguez, Susana; Rosário, Pedro; Muñoz-Cadavid, María A; Cerezo, Rebeca

2009-05-01

In this paper, the relations between academic goals and various indicators that define the quality of the learning process are analyzed. The purpose was to determine to what extent high, moderate, or low levels of academic goals were positively or negatively related to effort regulation, the value assigned to academic tasks, meta-cognitive self-regulation, self-efficacy, beliefs about learning control, and management of time and study environment. The investigation was carried out with a sample of 632 university students (70% female and 30% male) and mean age of 21.22 (SD=2.2).The results show that learning goals, or task orientation, are positively related to all the indictors of learning quality considered herein. Although for other kinds of goals-work-avoidance goals, performance-approach goals, and performance-avoidance goals-significant relations were not found with all the indicators, there was a similar tendency of significant results in all cases; the higher the levels of these goals, the lower the levels of the indicators of learning quality.

Minor elements in lunar olivine as a petrologic indicator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steele, I. M.; Smith, J. V.

1975-01-01

Accurate electron microprobe analyses (approximately 50 ppm) were made for Al, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, and Ni in Mg-rich olivines which may derive from early lunar crust or deeper environments. Low-Ca contents consistently occur only in olivines from dunitic and troctolitic breccia: spinel troctolite and other rock types have high-Ca olivines suggesting derivation by near-surface processes. Rock 15445 has olivine with distinctly low CaO (approximately 0.01 wt.%). Chromium ranges to higher values (max.0.2 oxide wt.%) than for terrestrial harzburgites and lherzolites but is similar to the range in terrestrial komatiites. Divalent chromium may be indicated over trivalent Cr because olivines lack sufficient other elements for charge balance of the latter. NiO values in lunar specimens range from 0.00 to 0.07 wt.% and a weak anticorrelation with Cr2O3 suggests an oxidation state effect. Al2O3 values are mostly below 0.04-wt.% and show no obvious correlation with fragment type. TiO2 values lie below 0.13-wt.% and seem to correlate best with crystallization rate and plagioclase content of the host rock. High values of Al2O3 and TiO2 reported by other workers have not been confirmed, and are probably wrong.

Ordovician Jeleniów Claystone Formation of the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland - Reconstruction of Redox Conditions Using Pyrite Framboid Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolarek, Justyna; Marynowski, Leszek; Trela, Wiesław

2014-09-01

The aim of this research is to reconstruct palaeoredox conditions during sedimentation of the Jeleniów Claystone Formation deposits, using framboid pyrite diameter measurements. Analysis of pyrite framboids diameter distribution is an effective method in the palaeoenvironmental interpretation which allow for a more detailed insight into the redox conditions, and thus the distinction between euxinic, dysoxic and anoxic conditions. Most of the samples is characterized by framboid indicators typical for anoxic/euxinic conditions in the water column, with average (mean) values ranging from 5.29 to 6.02 urn and quite low standard deviation (SD) values ranging from 1.49 to 3.0. The remaining samples have shown slightly higher values of framboid diameter typical for upper dysoxic conditions, with average values (6.37 to 7.20 um) and low standard deviation (SD) values (1.88 to 2.88). From the depth of 75.5 m till the shallowest part of the Jeleniów Claystone Formation, two samples have been examined and no framboids has been detected. Because secondary weathering should be excluded, the lack of framboids possibly indicates oxic conditions in the water column. Oxic conditions continue within the Wólka Formation based on the lack of framboids in the ZB 51.6 sample.

Ordovician Jeleniów Claystone Formation of the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland - Reconstruction of redox conditions using pyrite framboid study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolarek, Justyna; Marynowski, Leszek; Trela, Wiesław

2014-09-01

The aim of this research is to reconstruct palaeoredox conditions during sedimentation of the Jeleniów Claystone Formation deposits, using framboid pyrite diameter measurements. Analysis of pyrite framboids diameter distribution is an effective method in the palaeoenvironmental interpretation which allow for a more detailed insight into the redox conditions, and thus the distinction between euxinic, dysoxic and anoxic conditions. Most of the samples is characterized by framboid indicators typical for anoxic/euxinic conditions in the water column, with average (mean) values ranging from 5.29 to 6.02 μm and quite low standard deviation (SD) values ranging from 1.49 to 3.0. The remaining samples have shown slightly higher values of framboid diameter typical for upper dysoxic conditions, with average values (6.37 to 7.20 μm) and low standard deviation (SD) values (1.88 to 2.88). From the depth of 75.5 m till the shallowest part of the Jeleniów Claystone Formation, two samples have been examined and no framboids has been detected. Because secondary weathering should be excluded, the lack of framboids possibly indicates oxic conditions in the water column. Oxic conditions continue within the Wólka Formation based on the lack of framboids in the ZB 51.6 sample

On the trends of Fukui potential and hardness potential derivatives in isolated atoms vs. atoms in molecules.

PubMed

Bhattacharjee, Rituparna; Roy, Ram Kinkar

2014-10-28

In the present study, trends of electronic contribution to molecular electrostatic potential [Vel(r¯)(r=0)], Fukui potential [v(+)f|(r=0) and v(-)f|(r=0)] and hardness potential derivatives [Δ(+)h(k) and Δ(-)h(k)] for isolated atoms as well as atoms in molecules are investigated. The generated numerical values of these three reactivity descriptors in these two electronically different situations are critically analyzed through the relevant formalism. Values of Vel(r¯) (when r → 0, i.e., on the nucleus) are higher for atoms in molecules than that of isolated atoms. In contrast, higher values of v(+)|(r=0) and v(-)|(r=0) are observed for isolated atoms compared to the values for atoms in a molecule. However, no such regular trend is observed for the Δ(+)h(k) and Δ(-)h(k) values, which is attributed to the uncertainty in the Fukui function values of atoms in molecules. The sum of Fukui potential and the sum of hardness potential derivatives in molecules are also critically analyzed, which shows the efficacy of orbital relaxation effects in quantifying the values of these parameters. The chemical consequence of the observed trends of these descriptors in interpreting electron delocalization, electronic relaxation and non-negativity of atomic Fukui function indices is also touched upon. Several commonly used molecules containing carbon as well as heteroatoms are chosen to make the investigation more insightful.

Basic self-disturbance predicts psychosis onset in the ultra high risk for psychosis "prodromal" population.

PubMed

Nelson, Barnaby; Thompson, Andrew; Yung, Alison R

2012-11-01

Phenomenological research indicates that disturbance of the basic sense of self may be a core phenotypic marker of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Basic self-disturbance refers to a disruption of the sense of ownership of experience and agency of action and is associated with a variety of anomalous subjective experiences. In this study, we investigated the presence of basic self-disturbance in an "ultra high risk" (UHR) for psychosis sample compared with a healthy control sample and whether it predicted transition to psychotic disorder. Forty-nine UHR patients and 52 matched healthy control participants were recruited to the study. Participants were assessed for basic self-disturbance using the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE) instrument. UHR participants were followed for a mean of 569 days. Levels of self-disturbance were significantly higher in the UHR sample compared with the healthy control sample (P < .001). Cox regression indicated that total EASE score significantly predicted time to transition (P < .05) when other significant predictors were controlled for. Exploratory analyses indicated that basic self-disturbance scores were higher in schizophrenia spectrum cases, irrespective of transition to psychosis, than nonschizophrenia spectrum cases. The results indicate that identifying basic self-disturbance in the UHR population may provide a means of further "closing in" on individuals truly at high risk of psychotic disorder, particularly of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This may be of practical value by reducing inclusion of "false positive" cases in UHR samples and of theoretical value by shedding light on core phenotypic features of schizophrenia spectrum pathology.

Effects of milk powder and its components on texture, yield, and color of a lean poultry meat model system.

PubMed

Barbut, S

2010-06-01

The effects of whole milk powder, 2 skim milk powders, caseinate, and 2 modified whey proteins (2% protein level in the final product) were evaluated in lean chicken meat batters and compared with controls with and without added lactose. All dairy proteins significantly (P<0.05) reduced cook losses when compared against the controls, with the 2 skim milk powders and modified whey-I showing the best results. Hardness and fracturability were also higher for all test batters compared with controls. Skim milk-II showed the highest fracturability value (21.9 vs. 7.1 N for the control) and was also found to be the most cost-effective ingredient for improving moisture binding and texture; skim milk-I and modified whey-I followed behind. Springiness and fracture distance were higher for all of the dairy proteins, except caseinate, indicating a positive contribution to the lean meat system's elasticity. In terms of color, adding the skim milk powders, modified whey-II, and whole milk powder resulted in lighter cooked meat batters as evidenced by the higher L* values and higher spectra curves.

Application of fuzzy set theory for integral assessment of agricultural products quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derkanosova, N. M.; Ponomareva, I. N.; Shurshikova, G. V.; Vasilenko, O. A.

2018-05-01

The methodology of integrated assessment of quality and safety of agricultural products, approbated by the example of indicators of wheat grain in relation to the provision of consumer properties of bakery products, was developed. Determination of the level of quality of the raw ingredients will allow direct using of agricultural raw materials for food production, taking into account ongoing technology, types of products, and, respectively, rational use of resource potential of the agricultural sector. The mathematical tool of the proposed method is a fuzzy set theory. The fuzzy classifier to evaluate the properties of the grain is formed. The set of six indicators normalized by the national standard is determined; values are ordered and represented by linguistic variables with a trapeziform membership function; the rules for calculation of membership functions are presented. Specific criteria values for individual indicators in shaping the quality of the finished products are considered. For one of the samples of wheat grain values of membership; functions of the linguistic variable "level" for all indicators and the linguistic variable "level of quality" were calculated. It is established that the studied sample of grain obtains the 2 (average) level of quality. Accordingly, it can be recommended for the production of bakery products with higher requirements for the structural-mechanical properties bakery and puff pastry products hearth bread and flour confectionery products of the group of hard dough cookies and crackers

Effect of blueberry agro-industrial waste addition to corn starch-based films for the production of a pH-indicator film.

PubMed

Luchese, Cláudia Leites; Sperotto, Natalia; Spada, Jordana Corralo; Tessaro, Isabel Cristina

2017-11-01

Intelligent packaging is an emerging area of food technology that can provide better preservation and be of further convenience for consumers. It is recommended that biodegradable materials be used to develop low-impact designs for better packaging, which could benefit the environment by simply expanding their use to new areas. In this work, corn starch, glycerol and blueberry powder (with and without prior fruit bleaching) were used to produce films by casting. Blueberry powder, a co-product from juice processing, which is rich in anthocyanins, was added in the films to evaluate its potential as a colorimetric indicator, due to the ability of anthocyanin to change color when placed in an acidic or basic environment. After the films were immersed in different buffer solutions, visual color changes were observed, where the films became reddish at acidic pH and bluish at basic pH. The ΔE* values were greater than 3, suggesting a visually perceptible change to the human eye. The samples with fruit bleaching (CB) were visually darker (lower luminance values), while the samples without bleaching (SB) had a lighter color and higher brightness, represented by larger L* values. These results indicate the potential of blueberry powder as a pH indicator for intelligent food packaging or even for sensing food deterioration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of furan precursors and some thermal damage markers in baby foods: ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural.

PubMed

Mesías-García, Marta; Guerra-Hernández, Eduardo; García-Villanova, Belén

2010-05-26

The presence of ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin C (AA + dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA)) and furfural as potential precursors of furan in commercial fruit and vegetable jarred baby food was studied. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was also determined and used, together with furfural levels, as markers of thermal damage. AA, calculated DHAA and vitamin C values ranged between 22.4 and 103, 2.9 and 13.8, and 32.1 and 113.2 mg/100 g, respectively, in fruit-based baby food. However, no trace of AA was found in the vegetable-based baby food samples tested, probably because these samples are not enriched in vitamin C and the content of this vitamin in fresh vegetables is destroyed during processing. Furfural values ranged from not detected to 236 microg/100 g, being higher in vegetable samples than in fruit samples possibly because of greater AA degradation favored by a higher pH in the vegetable samples. HMF values (range: not detected-959 microg/100 g), however, were higher in the fruit samples, probably due to greater carbohydrate content degradation and as a consequence of the Maillard reaction, favored by a lower pH in these samples. According to these results, HMF would be the optimum indicator of thermal treatment for fruits, and furfural for vegetables. The higher furfural content of vegetable baby food could be considered an index of greater AA degradation and, therefore, the furan content might be higher in this kind of sample than in fruit-based baby food.

Aqueous solubilities, vapor pressures, and 1-octanol-water partition coefficients for C9-C14 linear alkylbenzenes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sherblom, P.M.; Gschwend, P.M.; Eganhouse, R.P.

1992-01-01

Measurements and estimates of aqueous solubilities, 1-octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow), and vapor pressures were made for 29 linear alkylbenzenes having alkyl chain lengths of 9-14 carbons. The ranges of values observed were vapor pressures from 0.002 to 0.418 Pa, log Kow, from 6.83 to 9.95, and aqueous solubilities from 4 to 38 nmol??L-1. Measured values exhibited a relationship to both the alkyl chain length and the position of phenyl substitution on the alkyl chain. Measurement of the aqueous concentrations resulting from equilibration of a mixture of alkylbenzenes yielded higher than expected values, indicating cosolute or other interactive effects caused enhanced aqueous concentrations of these compounds. ?? 1992 American Chemical Society.

Skin colour of the Ainu of Hidaka, Hokkaido, Northern Japan.

PubMed

Harvey, R G; Lord, J M

1978-09-01

Quantitative data on skin colour variation are presented for Ainu of the Hidaka District, Hokkaido. Measurements of upper arm reflectance were taken using 8 filters of an EEL reflectance spectrophotometer. The results are compared with those published for the Japanese by Hulse (1976). Sexual dimorphism is well marked in both populations and among the Ainu appears to be due largely to clothing habits. There is no statistical evidence for an association between skin colour and age. Ainu reflectance values at 545 nm and antilog transforms at 685 nm lie between those reported for Eskinomos of Greenland and Brazilian whites. Although the Ainu have consistently higher reflectance values than a Japanese sample assigned to the northern part of Japan, the results give little indication of the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the differences observed. However, comparison of mean reflectance for Hokkaido Ainu and 'Central' Japanese with values predicted on the basis of world trends indicates that the differences are no greater than would be expected for two populations separated by over 7 degrees latitude and differing from one another in respect of temperature and humidity. Correspondence between observed and predicted reflectance values is excellent at the longest wavelength but poor at 470 nm.

The relationship between foot arch measurements and walking parameters in children.

PubMed

Gill, Simone V; Keimig, Sara; Kelty-Stephen, Damian; Hung, Ya-Ching; DeSilva, Jeremy M

2016-01-23

Walking mechanics are influenced by body morphology. Foot arch height is one aspect of body morphology central to walking. However, generalizations about the relationship between arch height and walking are limited due to previous methodologies used for measuring the arch and the populations that have been studied. To gain the knowledge needed to support healthy gait in children and adults, we need to understand this relationship in unimpaired, typically developing children and adults using dynamic measures. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between arch height and gait in a sample of healthy children and adults using dynamic measures. Data were collected from 638 participants (n = 254 children and n = 384 adults) at the Museum of Science, Boston (MOS) and from 18 4- to 8-year-olds at the Motor Development and Motor Control Laboratories. Digital footprints were used to calculate two arch indices: the Chippaux-Smirak (CSI) and the Keimig Indices (KI). The height of the navicular bone was measured. Gait parameters were captured with a mechanized gait carpet at the MOS and three-dimensional motion analyses and in-ground force plates in the Motor Development and Motor Control Laboratories. Linear regression analyses on data from the MOS confirmed that as age increases, step length increases. With a linear mixed effect regression model, we found that individuals who took longer steps had higher arches as measured by the KI. However, this relationship was no longer significant when only adults were included in the model. A model restricted to children found that amongst this sample, those with higher CSI and higher KI values take longer relative step lengths. Data from the Motor Development and Motor Control Laboratories showed that both CSI and KI added to the prediction; children with lower anterior ground reaction forces had higher CSI and higher KI values. Arch height indices were correlated with navicular height. These results suggest that more than one measure of the arch may be needed elucidate the relationship between arch height and gait.

Effect of Air Temperature and Relative Humidity at Various Fuel-Air Ratios on Exhaust Emissions on a Per-Mode Basis of an AVCO Lycoming 0-320 Diad Light Aircraft Engine: Volume 1: Results and Plotted Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skorobatckyi, M.; Cosgrove, D. V.; Meng, P. R.; Kempe, E. E., Jr.

1978-01-01

A carbureted four cylinder air cooled 0-320 DIAD Lycoming aircraft engine was tested to establish the effects of air temperature and humidity at various fuel-air ratios on the exhaust emissions on a per-mode basis. The test conditions include carburetor lean out at air temperatures of 50, 59, 80, and 100 F at relative humidities of 0, 30, 60, and 80 percent. Temperature humidity effects at the higher values of air temperature and relative humidity tested indicated that the HC and CO emissions increased significantly, while the NOx emissions decreased. Even at a fixed fuel air ratio, the HC emissions increase and the NOx emissions decrease at the higher values of air temperature and humidity.

Syntheses and characterization of novel oxoisoaporphine derivatives as dual inhibitors for cholinesterases and amyloid beta aggregation.

PubMed

Li, Yan-Ping; Ning, Fang-Xian; Yang, Meng-Bi; Li, Yong-Cheng; Nie, Min-Hua; Ou, Tian-Miao; Tan, Jia-Heng; Huang, Shi-Liang; Li, Ding; Gu, Lian-Quan; Huang, Zhi-Shu

2011-05-01

A series of 3-substituted (5c-5f, 6c-6f) and 4-substituted (10a-10g) oxoisoaporphine derivatives were synthesized. It was found that all these synthetic compounds had IC50 values at micro or nano molar range for cholinesterase inhibition, and most of them could inhibit amyloid β (Aβ) self-induced aggregation with inhibition ratio from 31.8% to 57.6%. The structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the derivatives with higher selectivity on AChE also showed better inhibition on Aβ self-induced aggregation. The results from cell toxicity study indicated that most quaternary methiodide salts had higher IC50 values than the corresponding non-quaternary compounds. This study provided potentially important information for further development of oxoisoaporphine derivatives as lead compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effect of pretreatment on purple-fleshed sweet potato flour for cake making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutasoit, M. S.; Julianti, E.; Lubis, Z.

2018-02-01

The purple-fleshed sweet-potato (PFSP) flour was produced by varying pretreatment of washed chips: dipping in 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v) citric acid solution for 30 min, dipping in 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v) citric acid solution for 30 min and followed by steam blanching for 5 min. The pretreatment effect on cake quality was investigated. The results showed that PFSP flour produced from pretreatment with dipping in 0.5% citric acid for 30 min followed by steam blanching for 5 min had higher lightness (L*) value and lower browning index, higher hedonic value of color and aroma and baking expansion. The specific volume of cake from pretreated flour, untreated flour and wheat flour were 44.87, 43.83, and 50.43cm3/g, respectively. The sensory evaluation of cake indicated that cake from pretreated PFSP flour was acceptable compare to those of cake from wheat flour.

Research on the Spatial-Temporal Distribution Pattern of the Network Attention of Fog and Haze in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Lingyan; Han, Xugao

2018-01-01

Understanding the spatial-temporal distribution pattern of fog and haze is the base to deal with them by adjusting measures to local conditions. Taking 31 provinces in China mainland as the research areas, this paper collected data from Baidu index on the network attention of fog and haze in relevant areas from 2011 to 2016, and conducted an analysis of their spatial-temporal distribution pattern by using autocorrelation analysis. The results show that the network attention of fog and haze has an overall spatial distribution pattern of “higher in the eastern and central, lower in the western China”. There are regional differences in different provinces in terms of network attention. Network attention of fog and haze indicates an obvious geographical agglomeration phenomenon, which is a gradual enlargement of the agglomeration area of higher value with a slight shrinking of those lower value agglomeration areas.

Application of stable isotope analysis for detecting filial cannibalism.

PubMed

Sogabe, Atsushi; Hamaoka, Hideki; Fukuta, Atsushi; Shibata, Jun-Ya; Shoji, Jun; Omori, Koji

2017-07-01

A novel type of filial cannibalism has been reported in pipefishes, in which the eggs are absorbed through the male's brood-pouch epithelium. The present study explored the applicability of stable isotope analysis for the detection of paternal brood cannibalism in the seaweed pipefish Syngnathus schlegeli. As expected, the δ 15 N values for liver, which conveys short-term dietary information about the recent reproductive season, were higher in males than in females. In contrast, the δ 15 N values for muscle, which reflects longer-term feeding habits that span both the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons, did not significantly differ between the sexes. This finding indicates that males occupy a higher trophic position than females only during the reproductive season, and it is probable that this difference is a result of paternal uptake of nutrients from embryos in the brood pouch. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of air temperature and relative humidity at various fuel-air ratios on exhaust emissions on a per-mode basis of an Avco Lycoming 0-320 DIAD light aircraft engine. Volume 2: Individual data points

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skorobatckyi, M.; Cosgrove, D. V.; Meng, P. R.; Kempke, E. R.

1976-01-01

A carbureted four cylinder air cooled 0-320 DIAD Lycoming aircraft engine was tested to establish the effects of air temperature and humidity at various fuel-air ratios on the exhaust emissions on a per-mode basis. The test conditions included carburetor lean-out at air temperatures of 50, 59, 80, and 100 F at relative humidities of 0, 30, 60, and 80 percent. Temperature-humidity effects at the higher values of air temperature and relative humidity tested indicated that the HC and CO emissions increased significantly, while the NOx emissions decreased. Even at a fixed fuel-air ratio, the HC emissions increase and the NOx emissions decrease at the higher values of air temperature and humidity. Volume II contains the data taken at each of the individual test points.

Cost-effective age structure and geographical distribution of boreal forest reserves.

PubMed

Lundström, Johanna; Ohman, Karin; Perhans, Karin; Rönnqvist, Mikael; Gustafsson, Lena; Bugman, Harald

2011-02-01

1. Forest reserves are established to preserve biodiversity, and to maintain natural functions and processes. Today there is heightened focus on old-growth stages, with less attention given to early successional stages. The biodiversity potential of younger forests has been overlooked, and the cost-effectiveness of incorporating different age classes in reserve networks has not yet been studied.2. We performed a reserve selection analysis in boreal Sweden using the Swedish National Forest Inventory plots. Seventeen structural variables were used as biodiversity indicators, and the cost of protecting each plot as a reserve was assessed using the Heureka system. A goal programming approach was applied, which allowed inclusion of several objectives and avoided a situation in which common indicators affected the result more than rare ones. The model was limited either by budget or area.3. All biodiversity indicators were found in all age classes, with more than half having the highest values in ages ≥ 100 years. Several large-tree indicators and all deadwood indicators had higher values in forests 0-14 years than in forests 15-69 years.4. It was most cost-effective to protect a large proportion of young forests since they generally have a lower net present value compared to older forests, but still contain structures of importance for biodiversity. However, it was more area-effective to protect a large proportion of old forests since they have a higher biodiversity potential per area.5. The geographical distribution of reserves selected with the budget-constrained model was strongly biassed towards the north-western section of boreal Sweden, with a large proportion of young forest, whereas the area-constrained model focussed on the south-eastern section, with dominance by the oldest age class.6.Synthesis and applications. We show that young forests with large amounts of structures important to biodiversity such as dead wood and remnant trees are cheap and cost-efficient to protect. This suggests that reserve networks should incorporate sites with high habitat quality of different forest ages. Since young forests are generally neglected in conservation, our approach is of interest also to other forest biomes where biodiversity is adapted to disturbance regimes resulting in open, early successional stages.

Comparative evaluation of two glycine transporter 1 radiotracers [11C]GSK931145 and [18F]MK-6577 in baboons.

PubMed

Zheng, Ming-Qiang; Lin, Shu-Fei; Holden, Daniel; Naganawa, Mika; Ropchan, Jim R; Najafzaden, Soheila; Kapinos, Michael; Tabriz, Mike; Carson, Richard E; Hamill, Terence G; Huang, Yiyun

2016-03-01

Glycine transporter type-1 (GlyT1) has been proposed as a target for drug development for schizophrenia. PET imaging with a GlyT1 specific radiotracer will allow for the measurement of target occupancy of GlyT1 inhibitors, and for in vivo investigation of GlyT1 alterations in schizophrenia. We conducted a comparative evaluation of two GlyT1 radiotracers, [(11) C]GSK931145, and [(18) F]MK-6577, in baboons. Two baboons were imaged with [(11) C]GSK931145 and [(18) F]MK-6577. Blocking studies with GSK931145 (0.3 or 0.2 mg/kg) were conducted to determine the level of tracer specific binding. [(11) C]GSK931145 and [(18) F]MK-6577 were synthesized in good yield and high specific activity. Moderately fast metabolism was observed for both tracers, with ∼ 30% of parent at 30 min post-injection. In the brain, both radiotracers showed good uptake and distribution profiles consistent with regional GlyT1 densities. [(18) F]MK-6577 displayed higher uptake and faster kinetics than [(11) C]GSK931145. Time activity curves were well described by the two-tissue compartment model. Regional volume of distribution (VT ) values were higher for [(18) F]MK-6577 than [(11) C]GSK931145. Pretreatment with GSK931145 reduced tracer uptake to a homogeneous level throughout the brain, indicating in vivo binding specificity and lack of a reference region for both radiotracers. Linear regression analysis of VT estimates between tracers indicated higher specific binding for [(18) F]MK-6577 than [(11) C]GSK931145, consistent with higher regional binding potential (BPND ) values of [(18) F]MK-6577 calculated using VT from the baseline scans and non-displaceable distribution volume (VND ) derived from blocking studies. [(18) F]MK-6577 appears to be a superior radiotracer with higher brain uptake, faster kinetics, and higher specific binding signals than [(11) C]GSK931145. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

pH-dependent solubility of indomethacin-saccharin and carbamazepine-saccharin cocrystals in aqueous media.

PubMed

Alhalaweh, Amjad; Roy, Lilly; Rodríguez-Hornedo, Naír; Velaga, Sitaram P

2012-09-04

Cocrystals constitute an important class of pharmaceutical solids for their remarkable ability to modulate solubility and pH dependence of water insoluble drugs. Here we show how cocrystals of indomethacin-saccharin (IND-SAC) and carbamazepine-saccharin (CBZ-SAC) enhance solubility and impart a pH-sensitivity different from that of the drugs. IND-SAC exhibited solubilities 13 to 65 times higher than IND at pH values of 1 to 3, whereas CBZ-SAC exhibited a 2 to 10 times higher solubility than CBZ dihydrate. Cocrystal solubility dependence on pH predicted from mathematical models using cocrystal K(sp), and cocrystal component K(a) values, was in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. The cocrystal solubility increase relative to drug was predicted to reach a limiting value for a cocrystal with two acidic components. This limiting value is determined by the ionization constants of cocrystal components. Eutectic constants are shown to be meaningful indicators of cocrystal solubility and its pH dependence. The two contributions to solubility, cocrystal lattice and solvation, were evaluated by thermal and solubility determinations. The results show that solvation is the main barrier for the aqueous solubility of these drugs and their cocrystals, which are orders of magnitude higher than their lattice barriers. Cocrystal increase in solubility is thus a result of decreasing the solvation barrier compared to that of the drug. This work demonstrates the favorable properties of cocrystals and strategies that facilitate their meaningful characterization.

Investigation of the application of HCMM thermal data to snow hydrology. [Salt-Verde watershed, Arizona and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, J. C. (Principal Investigator)

1980-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Comparison of the thermal IR band temperatures over the rapidly melting snowcover in a number of locations in the Salt-Verde Arizona watershed by the U-2 high altitude multispectral scanner, with temperatures for these same locations measured by the corresponding HCMM pass, indicate that the U-2 temperatures are typically 5 C higher than the values analyzed from the HCMM infrared digital printout. Results tend to substantiate findings of other investigators that with the offset that has been applied to all HCMM data, the HCMM temperature values may, in fact, actually be 5 C too low. Analysis of differences between the HCMM day and night temperatures for selected snowcovered areas in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, derived from the daytime and nighttime printouts, show greater delta tau values for the sparsely vegetated higher elevations than for the lower elevation, more densely forested terrain. The differences for the 12 hour sequence are also greater in most instances than the 36 hour difference.

Utilization of coffee by-products obtained from semi-washed process for production of value-added compounds.

PubMed

Bonilla-Hermosa, Verónica Alejandra; Duarte, Whasley Ferreira; Schwan, Rosane Freitas

2014-08-01

The semi-dry processing of coffee generates significant amounts of coffee pulp and wastewater. This study evaluated the production of bioethanol and volatile compounds of eight yeast strains cultivated in a mixture of these residues. Hanseniaspora uvarum UFLA CAF76 showed the best fermentation performance; hence it was selected to evaluate different culture medium compositions and inoculum size. The best results were obtained with 12% w/v of coffee pulp, 1 g/L of yeast extract and 0.3 g/L of inoculum. Using these conditions, fermentation in 1 L of medium was carried out, achieving higher ethanol yield, productivity and efficiency with values of 0.48 g/g, 0.55 g/L h and 94.11% respectively. Twenty-one volatile compounds corresponding to higher alcohols, acetates, terpenes, aldehydes and volatile acids were identified by GC-FID. Such results indicate that coffee residues show an excellent potential as substrates for production of value-added compounds. H. uvarum demonstrated high fermentative capacity using these residues. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antioxidant potential of curry (Murraya koenigii L.) and mint (Mentha spicata) leaf extracts and their effect on colour and oxidative stability of raw ground pork meat during refrigeration storage.

PubMed

Biswas, A K; Chatli, M K; Sahoo, J

2012-07-15

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of different solvent extracts of curry and mint leaf and their effect on colour and oxidative stability of raw ground pork meat stored at 4 ± 1°C. The results indicated that among the two individual leaf categories, the ethanol extract of curry leaf (EHEC) and the water extract of mint leaf (WEM) showed higher DPPH and ABTS(+) activity. EHEC also exhibited the highest total phenolic contents while these were the lowest for WEM. WEM showed the highest superoxide anionic scavenging activity (%). The pork meat samples treated with EHEC and WEM showed a decrease in the Hunter L- and a-values and a increase in b-value during storage at 4°C. However, the pH and TBARS values were higher in control samples irrespective of storage periods. In conclusion, EHEC and WEM have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants to minimise lipid oxidation of pork products. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of procalcitonin for early intracranial infection after craniotomy

PubMed Central

Yu, Y.; Li, H.J.

2017-01-01

Intracranial infection is a common clinical complication after craniotomy. We aimed to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of dynamic changing procalcitonin (PCT) in early intracranial infection after craniotomy. A prospective study was performed on 93 patients suspected of intracranial infection after craniotomy. Routine peripheral venous blood was collected on the day of admission, and C reactive protein (CRP) and PCT levels were measured. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected for routine biochemical, PCT and culture assessment. Serum and CSF analysis continued on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The patients were divided into intracranial infection group and non-intracranial infection group; intracranial infection group was further divided into infection controlled group and infection uncontrolled group. Thirty-five patients were confirmed with intracranial infection after craniotomy according to the diagnostic criteria. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid PCT levels in the infected group were significantly higher than the non-infected group on day 1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The area under curve of receiver operating characteristics was 0.803 for CSF PCT in diagnosing intracranial infection. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of CSF PCT was superior to other indicators. The serum and CSF PCT levels have potential value in the early diagnosis of intracranial infection after craniotomy. Since CSF PCT levels have higher sensitivity and specificity, dynamic changes in this parameter could be used for early detection of intracranial infection after craniotomy, combined with other biochemical indicators. PMID:28443989

Impact of a value-based insurance design for back pain on health plan member satisfaction and its implications for patient outcomes.

PubMed

Maeng, Daniel D; Fisher, Dorothy Y; Graboski, Anthony; Allison, Peiling L; Rodriguez, Jennifer M; Starr, Alison E; Tomcavage, Janet F; Davis, Duane E

2015-06-01

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking care, and physical therapy (PT) can be an effective treatment option. However, PT coverage for back pain varies widely among private health plans, usually requiring high cost sharing, thereby potentially leading to member dissatisfaction and worse outcomes. In this study, a quasi-experimental design was used to estimate the impact of a new value-based insurance design for back pain-related PT on selected Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey items. Under this design, eligible members receive a bundle of 5 PT sessions for a 1-time co-payment; if deemed necessary, the bundle is renewable for 1 additional co-payment. The results indicate that the proportion of members reporting the highest satisfaction rating was higher by about 6 to 10 percentage points among those who received the PT bundle. The data also indicate that those PT bundle members who reported the highest satisfaction rating had improvements in their functional status scores that were roughly 3 to 4 times higher than those who reported a lower satisfaction rating. These findings suggest that providing a value-based insurance design for back pain-related PT can potentially improve health plan members' care experiences and their overall satisfaction. Further study is needed to determine its impact on back pain-related medical care utilization and cost of care.

Performance and exposure indices of rats exposed to low concentrations of lead.

PubMed

Cory-Slechta, D A; Weiss, B; Cox, C

1985-04-01

To further characterize the lower end of the function relating lead exposure and biological exposure indices to behavior, male weanling rats were exposed chronically to drinking solutions containing 25 ppm sodium acetate (controls) or 25 ppm lead acetate. Behavioral training began when the animals reached 50 days of age, and performance on a fixed-interval 1-min schedule of food reinforcement was then assessed over 90 experimental sessions (136 days). This exposure produced overall response rate increases over the first 40 sessions that were similar to those observed previously with higher concentrations of lead. Response rates of the two groups tended to merge subsequently. The increased overall response rates in the treated group derived primarily from an increased frequency of shorter interresponse times (IRTs) and increased running rates (calculated without the postreinforcement interval). Blood lead (PbB) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) values were determined following sessions 30, 60, and 90. PbB values of the lead-exposed group averaged 15 to 20 micrograms/dl throughout the study; ZPP did not differ. The mean brain lead value of the treated group was 0.07 micrograms Pb/g. Blood-brain ratios (1.38 to 4.06) were substantially greater than those previously observed at higher exposures. These data extend to even lower exposures, and lower blood lead concentrations, the effective concentration for behavioral effects, and further emphasize the importance of the sensitivity of the endpoint in assessing behavioral toxicity.

Quantifying the relative irreplaceability of important bird and biodiversity areas.

PubMed

Di Marco, Moreno; Brooks, Thomas; Cuttelod, Annabelle; Fishpool, Lincoln D C; Rondinini, Carlo; Smith, Robert J; Bennun, Leon; Butchart, Stuart H M; Ferrier, Simon; Foppen, Ruud P B; Joppa, Lucas; Juffe-Bignoli, Diego; Knight, Andrew T; Lamoreux, John F; Langhammer, Penny F; May, Ian; Possingham, Hugh P; Visconti, Piero; Watson, James E M; Woodley, Stephen

2016-04-01

World governments have committed to increase the global protected areas coverage by 2020, but the effectiveness of this commitment for protecting biodiversity depends on where new protected areas are located. Threshold- and complementarity-based approaches have been independently used to identify important sites for biodiversity. We brought together these approaches by performing a complementarity-based analysis of irreplaceability in important bird and biodiversity areas (IBAs), which are sites identified using a threshold-based approach. We determined whether irreplaceability values are higher inside than outside IBAs and whether any observed difference depends on known characteristics of the IBAs. We focused on 3 regions with comprehensive IBA inventories and bird distribution atlases: Australia, southern Africa, and Europe. Irreplaceability values were significantly higher inside than outside IBAs, although differences were much smaller in Europe than elsewhere. Higher irreplaceability values in IBAs were associated with the presence and number of restricted-range species; number of criteria under which the site was identified; and mean geographic range size of the species for which the site was identified (trigger species). In addition, IBAs were characterized by higher irreplaceability values when using proportional species representation targets, rather than fixed targets. There were broadly comparable results when measuring irreplaceability for trigger species and when considering all bird species, which indicates a good surrogacy effect of the former. Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has convened a consultation to consolidate global standards for the identification of key biodiversity areas (KBAs), building from existing approaches such as IBAs. Our results informed this consultation, and in particular a proposed irreplaceability criterion that will allow the new KBA standard to draw on the strengths of both threshold- and complementarity-based approaches. © 2015 Society for Conservation Biology.

Bone Healing and Hormonal Bioassay in Patients with Long-Bone Fractures and Concomitant Head Injury.

PubMed

Khallaf, Fathy G; Kehinde, Elijah O; Hussein, Sundus

The aim of this study is to investigate healing of fractures in patients with concomitant head injuries and to measure blood hormone levels to elucidate the mechanism of a possible accelerated osteogenesis. One hundred and sixty-two patients were included in this study and divided into 3 cohorts: group A with head injuries only (n = 52); group B with head injuries as well as long-bone fractures (n = 50); group C with long-bone fractures only (n = 60). Fracture-healing parameters including time of appearance and thickness of the bridging callus, and blood hormonal assays were measured and compared using Student's t test. The mean time to healing was significantly lower in cohort B (6.9 ± 2.9 weeks) than C (22.4 ± 8.7 weeks; p = 0.001). The mean thickness of the healing callus was significantly higher in cohort B (26.3 ± 9.7 mm) than C (8.1 ± 5.9 mm; p = 0.002). The mean healing rate was also higher in cohort B (4.5 ± 2.3 mm/week) than C (0.38 ± 0.21 mm/week; p = 0.001). Blood hormonal assays in group B showed higher values of parathyroid hormone and growth hormone than in group C. However, adrenaline and noradrenaline values were lower in group B than in group C at all measured time intervals, and correspondingly leptin was lower in all groups (p = 0.001). Corticosteroid values were normal in group B compared to slightly higher values in group C, also at all measured time intervals. In this study, healing of fractures in patients with concomitant head injuries was accelerated, thereby indicating an involvement of a combined neurohormonal mechanism. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The effect of offspring on depressive disorder among old adults: Evidence from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from 2006 to 2012.

PubMed

Kim, Jae-Hyun; Lee, Sang Gyu; Shin, Jaeyong; Choi, Young; Park, Eun-Cheol

2015-01-01

To investigate whether having an offspring protects against or increases the risk of depressive disorders. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2006 and 2012 was assessed using longitudinal data analysis. We have included 10,149 research subjects at baseline and estimated the prevalence of depressive disorders for those with children. The number of offspring was from zero to five or more, and the composition of offspring is from zero boys and zero girls to two or more boys and two or more girls. For parents with zero offspring, the estimate for depressive disorder was 0.464 higher (SE: 0.123, p-value: 0.000, OR: 1.389; 95% CI: 1.176-1.640) and for parents with five or more offspring, the estimate for depressive disorder was 0.1 higher (SE: 0.104, p-value: 0.013, OR: 1.315; 95% CI: 1.150-1.504) compared to parents with two offspring. For parents with zero boys and zero girls, the estimate for depressive disorder was 0.599 higher (SE: 4.750, p-value: <0.0001, OR: 1.539; 95% CI: 1.298-1.825), and for parents with two or more boys and two or more girls, the estimate for depressive disorder was 1.328 higher (SE: 3.820, p-value: 0.000, OR: 1.328; 95% CI: 1.189-1.482) compared to parents with one boy and one girl. Our results indicate that there is a large effect of offspring on the prevalence of depressive disorder, with significant positive effects for mothers. Fathers are at lower risk for depressive disorder than mothers, and the graph was U-shaped. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Haematological and electrophoretic characterisation of β-thalassaemia in Yunnan province of Southwestern China

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jie; He, Jing; Mao, Xiaoqin; Zeng, Xiaohong; Chen, Hong; Su, Jie; Zhu, Baosheng

2017-01-01

Objectives β-Thalassaemia is widely found in Southwestern China. Characterisation of β-thalassaemia can improve screening and prenatal diagnosis for at-risk populations. Design A retrospective study. Methods In this study, the levels of haemoglobin alpha 2 (HbA2) and haemoglobin alpha (HbA) were analysed by gender for a total of 15 067 subjects screened by capillary electrophoresis. The cut-off value with the highest accuracy was established to identify β-thalassaemia in 723 patients suspected to have this disease. Haematological and electrophoretic characterisation of eight common types of β-thalassaemia were analysed in 486 β-thalassaemia subjects. Results HbA levels were significantly higher in men than in women, but there was no significant difference on HbA2 levels. A new cut-off value for the diagnosis of β-thalassaemia (HbA2≥4.0%) with the highest accuracy was proposed for the studied populations. Haemoglobin (Hb) was significantly higher in men compared with women (p<0.05), whereas no statistically significant differences were found for mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), HbA and HbA2. The haemoglobin E (HbE) group showed comparatively higher values for haematological indices (Hb, MCV and MCH) than the other genotypes in heterozygous β-thalassaemia groups (p<0.05), and −28 (A>G) (HBB (β-globin):c.−78A>C) had significantly higher HbA2 values compared with other β-thalassaemia. Conclusions Ethnic groups have diversified β-globin gene mutations and considerable haematological variations. Our study will lay the foundation for screening programmes and clinical management of thalassaemia in Southwestern China. PMID:28143837

Haematological and electrophoretic characterisation of β-thalassaemia in Yunnan province of Southwestern China.

PubMed

Zhang, Jie; He, Jing; Mao, Xiaoqin; Zeng, Xiaohong; Chen, Hong; Su, Jie; Zhu, Baosheng

2017-01-31

β-Thalassaemia is widely found in Southwestern China. Characterisation of β-thalassaemia can improve screening and prenatal diagnosis for at-risk populations. A retrospective study. In this study, the levels of haemoglobin alpha 2 (HbA 2 ) and haemoglobin alpha (HbA) were analysed by gender for a total of 15 067 subjects screened by capillary electrophoresis. The cut-off value with the highest accuracy was established to identify β-thalassaemia in 723 patients suspected to have this disease. Haematological and electrophoretic characterisation of eight common types of β-thalassaemia were analysed in 486 β-thalassaemia subjects. HbA levels were significantly higher in men than in women, but there was no significant difference on HbA 2 levels. A new cut-off value for the diagnosis of β-thalassaemia (HbA 2 ≥4.0%) with the highest accuracy was proposed for the studied populations. Haemoglobin (Hb) was significantly higher in men compared with women (p<0.05), whereas no statistically significant differences were found for mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), HbA and HbA 2 . The haemoglobin E (HbE) group showed comparatively higher values for haematological indices (Hb, MCV and MCH) than the other genotypes in heterozygous β-thalassaemia groups (p<0.05), and -28 (A>G) (HBB (β-globin):c.-78A>C) had significantly higher HbA 2 values compared with other β-thalassaemia. Ethnic groups have diversified β-globin gene mutations and considerable haematological variations. Our study will lay the foundation for screening programmes and clinical management of thalassaemia in Southwestern China. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Amino acid composition and functional properties of giant red sea cucumber ( Parastichopus californicus) collagen hydrolysates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zunying; Su, Yicheng; Zeng, Mingyong

2011-03-01

Giant red sea cucumber ( Parastichopus californicus) is an under-utilized species due to its high tendency to autolysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional properties of collagen hydrolysates from this species. The degree of hydrolysis (DH), amino acid composition, SDS-PAGE, emulsion activity index (EAI), emulsion stability index (ESI), foam expansion (FE), and foam stability (FS) of hydrolysates were investigated. The effects of pH on the EAI, ESI FE and FS of hydrolysates were also investigated. The results indicated that the β and α 1 chains of the collagen were effectively hydrolyzed by trypsin at 50°c with an Enzyme/Substrate (E/S) ration of 1:20 (w:w). The DH of collagen was up to 17.3% after 3 h hydrolysis with trypsin. The hydrolysates had a molecular weight distribution of 1.1-17 kDa, and were abundant in glycine (Gly), proline (Pro), glutamic acid (Glu), alanine (Ala) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) residues. The hydrolysates were fractionated into three fractions (< 3 kDa, 3-10 kDa, and > 10 kDa), and the fraction of 3-10 kDa exhibited a higher EAI value than the fraction of > 10 kDa ( P<0.05). The fraction of > 10 kDa had higher FE and FS values than other fractions ( P<0.05). The pH had an important effect on the EAI, ESI, FE and FS. All the fractions showed undesirable emulsion and forming properties at pH 4.0. Under pH 7.0 and pH 10.0, the 3-10 kDa fraction showed higher EAI value and the fraction of > 10 kDa showed higher FE value, respectively. They are hoped to be utilized as functional ingredients in food and nutraceutical industries.

Predicting High School Graduation for Latino Males Using Expectancy Value Theory of Motivation and Tenth Grade Reading Achievement Scores

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knape, Erin Oakley

2010-01-01

National education data indicate that young men of color and students living in poverty are not experiencing the same academic success as their female, White, or higher socioeconomic status peers, as evidenced by low reading achievement levels and high dropout rates. Of particular concern is the underachievement of Latino males, who currently have…

The Role of Subjective Task Value in Service-Learning Engagement among Chinese College Students.

PubMed

Li, Yulan; Guo, Fangfang; Yao, Meilin; Wang, Cong; Yan, Wenfan

2016-01-01

Most service-learning studies in higher education focused on its effects on students' development. The dynamic processes and mechanisms of students' development during service-learning, however, have not been explored thoroughly. Student engagement in service-learning may affect service-learning outcomes and be affected by subjective task value at the same time. The present study aimed to explore the effect of subjective task value on Chinese college student engagement during service-learning. Fifty-four Chinese college students participated in a 9-weeks service-learning program of interacting with children with special needs. Students' engagement and subjective task value were assessed via self-report questionnaires and 433 weekly reflective journals. The results indicated that the cognitive, emotional and behavioral engagement of Chinese college students demonstrated different developmental trends during service-learning process. Subjective task value played an essential role in student engagement in service-learning activities. However, the role of subjective task value varied with different stages. Finally, the implications for implementing service-learning in Chinese education were discussed.

Trophic niches of sympatric tropical tuna in the Western Indian Ocean inferred by stable isotopes and neutral fatty acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sardenne, Fany; Bodin, Nathalie; Chassot, Emmanuel; Amiel, Aurélien; Fouché, Edwin; Degroote, Maxime; Hollanda, Stéphanie; Pethybridge, Heidi; Lebreton, Benoit; Guillou, Gaël; Ménard, Frédéric

2016-08-01

This study examined the trophic ecology of three sympatric tropical tuna species (bigeye BET, skipjack SKJ, and yellowfin YFT) sampled in the Western Indian Ocean throughout 2013. Specifically we explored inter-specific resource partitioning and ontogenetic variability using neutral fatty acids and stable isotope analysis of liver and muscle from small (⩽100 cm fork length, FL) and large (>100 cm FL) tuna collected in mixed schools at the surface by purse-seine. Both biochemical tracers were used to calculate trophic niche indices that collectively revealed high potential for resource overlap, especially among small tuna. Resource overlap appeared strongest between BET and YFT, with SKJ tissues having high carbon isotope (δ13C) values (-17 ± 0.3‰), lower nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values (11.4 ± 0.6‰), and higher relative proportion of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the two other species, indicating a different diet. Size was found to be a strong predictor for most biochemical tracers in the three species with δ13C, δ15N and total lipid content in the liver. In the larger species (YFT and BET), proportions of mono-unsaturated fatty acids typically increased with size, while quantities of PUFA decreased. In addition to ontogenetic variability, trophic markers were shown to vary between sampling area and season: higher lipid reserves and δ15N values, and lower δ13C values occurred during monsoon periods around Seychelles than in the Mozambique Channel (parted from about 1500 km). Our multi-tracer approach reveals the magnitude of potential competitive interactions in mixed tropical tuna schools at both small and large sizes and demonstrates that ontogenetic niche differentiation acts as a major factor of coexistence in tropical tuna.

A multi-omics based ecological analysis of coastal marine sediments from Gladstone, in Australia's Central Queensland, and Heron Island, a nearby fringing platform reef.

PubMed

Beale, D J; Crosswell, J; Karpe, A V; Ahmed, W; Williams, M; Morrison, P D; Metcalfe, S; Staley, C; Sadowsky, M J; Palombo, E A; Steven, A D L

2017-12-31

The impact of anthropogenic factors arising from point and non-point pollution sources at a multi commodity marine port and its surrounding ecosystems were studied using sediment samples collected from a number of onshore (Gladstone Harbour and Facing Island) and offshore (Heron Island and Fitzroy Reefs) sites in Australia's Central Queensland. Sediment samples were analyzed for trace metals, organic carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), emerging chemicals of concern (ECC) and sterols. Similarly, the biological and biochemical interaction between the reef and its environment was analyzed by the multi-omic tools of next-generation sequencing characterization of the bacterial community and microbial community metabolic profiling. Overall, the trace elements were observed at the lower end of the Australian environmental guideline values at the offshore sites, while higher values were observed for the onshore locations Nickel and copper were observed above the high trigger value threshold at the onshore sites. The levels of PAH were below limits of detection across all sites. However, some of the ECC and sterols were observed at higher concentrations at both onshore and offshore locations, notably, the cholesterol family sterols and 17α-ethynylestradiol. Multi-omic analyses also indicated possible thermal and photo irradiation stressors on the bacterial communities at all the tested sites. The observed populations of γ-proteobacteria were found in combination with an increased pool of fatty acids that indicate fatty acid synthesis and utilisation of the intermediates of the shikimate pathways. This study demonstrates the value of applying a multi-omics approach for ecological assessments, in which a more detailed assessment of physical and chemical contaminants and their impact on the community bacterial biome is obtained. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Soil carbon stocks along an altitudinal gradient in different land-use categories in Lesser Himalayan foothills of Kashmir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaheen, H.; Saeed, Y.; Abbasi, M. K.; Khaliq, A.

2017-04-01

The carbon sequestration potential of soils plays an important role in mitigating the effect of climate change, because soils serve as sinks for atmospheric carbon. The present study was conducted to estimate the carbon stocks and their variation with altitudinal gradient in the Lesser Himalayan foothills of Kashmir. The carbon stocks were estimated in different land use categories, namely: closed canopy forests, open forests, disturbed forests, and agricultural lands within the altitudinal range from 900 to 2500 m. The soil carbon content was determined by the Walkley-Black titration method. The average soil carbon stock was found to be 2.59 kg m-2. The average soil carbon stocks in closed canopy forests, open forests, and disturbed forests were 3.39, 2.06, and 2.86 kg m-2, respectively. The average soil carbon stock in the agricultural soils was 2.03 kg m-2. The carbon stocks showed a significant decreasing trend with the altitudinal gradient with maximum values of 4.13 kg m-2 at 900-1200 m a.s.l. and minimum value of 1.55 kg m-2 at 2100-2400 m a.s.l. The agricultural soil showed the least carbon content values indicating negative impacts of soil plowing, overgrazing, and soil degradation. Lower carbon values at higher altitudes attest to the immature character of forest stands, as well as to degradation due to immense fuel wood extraction, timber extraction, and harsh climatic conditions. The study indicates that immediate attention is required for the conservation of rapidly declining carbon stocks in agricultural soils, as well as in the soils of higher altitudes.

Aftershock decay, productivity, and stress rates in Hawaii: Indicators of temperature and stress from magma sources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klein, Fred W.; Wright, Tom; Nakata, Jennifer

2006-01-01

We examined dozens of aftershock sequences in Hawaii in terms of Gutenberg-Richter and modified Omori law parameters. We studied p, the rate of aftershock decay; Ap, the aftershock productivity, defined as the observed divided by the expected number of aftershocks; and c, the time delay when aftershock rates begin to fall. We found that for earthquakes shallower than 20 km, p values >1.2 are near active magma centers. We associate this high decay rate with higher temperatures and faster stress relaxation near magma reservoirs. Deep earthquakes near Kilauea's inferred magma transport path show a range of p values, suggesting the absence of a large, deep magma reservoir. Aftershock productivity is >4.0 for flank earthquakes known to be triggered by intrusions but is normal (0.25 to 4.0) for isolated main shocks. We infer that continuing, post-main shock stress from the intrusion adds to the main shock's stress step and causes higher Ap. High Ap in other zones suggests less obvious intrusions and pulsing magma pressure near Kilauea's feeding conduit. We calculate stress rates and stress rate changes from pre-main shock and aftershock rates. Stress rate increased after many intrusions but decreased after large M7–8 earthquakes. Stress rates are highest in the seismically active volcano flanks and lowest in areas far from volcanic centers. We found sequences triggered by intrusions tend to have high Ap, high (>0.10 day) c values, a stress rate increase, and sometimes a peak in aftershock rate hours after the main shock. We interpret these values as indicating continuing intrusive stress after the main shock.

Hygroscopic properties of ultrafine particles at an urban site in northern Japan during the summer of 2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Jinsang; Kawamura, Kimitaka

2013-04-01

To investigate the hygroscopic property of ultrafine particles, hygroscopic growth factors [g(RH)] of size-segregated atmospheric particles were measured at an urban site in Sapporo, northern Japan, during the summer of 2011. Hygroscopic growth factors at 85% RH [g(85%)] of freshly formed nucleation mode particles ranged from 1.11 to 1.28 with an average of 1.16 ± 0.06. These values are similar to those of secondary organic aerosols, suggesting that low volatile organic vapors are important to the growth of nucleated clusters into quasi-stable aerosol particles larger than 3 nm. Higher g(85%) values (range: 1.21-1.31, AVG: 1.27 ± 0.04) were obtained for grown Aitken mode nucleated particles. This result may indicate that the growth of freshly formed nucleation mode particles to the Aitken mode particles at the urban site can be attributed to condensation not only of low volatility organic vapors but also of highly water-soluble inorganic compounds like sulfuric acid. Diel variations in the number concentrations of less-hygroscopic particles [g(85%) <1.05] were similar to those in NO concentrations, suggesting that less-hygroscopic particles are mainly produced by local anthropogenic emissions such as traffic. Higher g(85%) values (1.27 ± 0.05) were obtained at a dry particle diameter of 120 nm when the air masses originated from downwind areas of the Asian continent, whereas lower g(85%) values (1.19 ± 0.06) were obtained when clean marine air masses arrived in the urban site. These results indicate that the hygroscopic property of large Aitken and small accumulation mode particles (80-165 nm) are highly influenced by the long-range transport of atmospheric particles.

Correlation of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET tumor textural features with gene expression in pharyngeal cancer and implications for radiotherapy-based treatment outcomes.

PubMed

Chen, Shang-Wen; Shen, Wei-Chih; Lin, Ying-Chun; Chen, Rui-Yun; Hsieh, Te-Chun; Yen, Kuo-Yang; Kao, Chia-Hung

2017-04-01

This study investigated the correlation of the matrix heterogeneity of tumors on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with gene-expression profiling in patients with pharyngeal cancer and determined the prognostic factors for radiotherapy-based treatment outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 57 patients with stage III-IV oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer who had completed definitive therapy. Four groups of the textural features as well as 31 indices were studied in addition to maximum standard uptake value, metastatic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis. Immunohistochemical data from pretreatment biopsy specimens (Glut1, CAIX, VEGF, HIF-1α, EGFR, Ki-67, Bcl-2, CLAUDIN-4, YAP-1, c-Met, and p16) were analyzed. The relationships between the indices and genomic expression were studied, and the robustness of various textural features relative to cause-specific survival and primary relapse-free survival was analyzed. The overexpression of VEGF was positively associated with the increased values of the matrix heterogeneity obtained using gray-level nonuniformity for zone (GLNUz) and run-length nonuniformity (RLNU). Advanced T stage (p = 0.01, hazard ratio [HR] = 3.38), a VEGF immunoreactive score of >2 (p = 0.03, HR = 2.79), and a higher GLNUz value (p = 0.04, HR = 2.51) were prognostic factors for low cause-specific survival, whereas advanced T stage, a HIF-1α staining percentage of ≥80%, and a higher GLNUz value were prognostic factors for low primary-relapse free survival. The overexpression of VEGF was associated with the increased matrix index of GLNUz and RLNU. For patients with pharyngeal cancer requiring radiotherapy, the treatment outcome can be stratified according to the textural features, T stage, and biomarkers.

Assessing the relative bioavailability of DOC in regional groundwater systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chapelle, Francis H.; Bradley, Paul M.; Journey, Celeste A.; McMahon, Peter B.

2013-01-01

It has been hypothesized that the degree to which a hyperbolic relationship exists between concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in groundwater may indicate the relative bioavailability of DOC. This hypothesis was examined for 73 different regional aquifers of the United States using 7745 analyses of groundwater compiled by the National Water Assessment (NAWQA) program of the U.S. Geological Survey. The relative reaction quotient (RRQ), a measure of the curvature of DOC concentrations plotted versus DO concentrations and regressed to a decaying hyperbolic equation, was used to assess the relative bioavailability of DOC. For the basalt aquifer of Oahu, Hawaii, RRQ values were low (0.0013 mM−2), reflecting a nearly random relationship between DOC and DO concentrations. In contrast, on the island of Maui, treated sewage effluent injected into a portion of the basalt aquifer resulted in pronounced hyperbolic DOC-DO behavior and a higher RRQ (142 mM−2). RRQ values for the 73 aquifers correlated positively with mean concentrations of ammonia, dissolved iron, and manganese, and correlated negatively with mean pH. This indicates that greater RRQ values are associated with greater concentrations of the final products of microbial reduction reactions. RRQ values and DOC concentrations were negatively correlated with the thickness of the unsaturated zone (UNST) and depth to the top of the screened interval. Finally, RRQ values were positively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP), and the highest observed RRQ values were associated with aquifers receiving MAP rates ranging between 900 and 1300 mm/year. These results are uniformly consistent with the hypothesis that the hyperbolic behavior of DOC-DO plots, as quantified by the RRQ metric, can be an indicator of relative DOC bioavailability in groundwater systems.

Corrosiveness of ground water in the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system of the New Jersey Coastal Plain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barringer, J.L.; Kish, G.R.; Velnich, A.J.

1993-01-01

Ground water from the unconfined part of the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system in the New Jersey Coastal Plain typically is corrosive-- that is, it is acidic, soft, and has low concentrations of alkalinity. Corrosive ground water has the potential to leach trace elements and asbestos fibers from plumbing materials used in potable- water systems, thereby causing potentially harmful concentrations of these substances in drinking water. Corrosion indices were calculated from water-quality data for 370 wells in the unconfined Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system. Values of the Langelier Saturation Index are predominantly negative, indicating that the water is undersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate, and, therefore, is potentially corrosive. Values of the Aggressive Index, a similar estimator of the corrosiveness of water, range from 3.9 (highly corrosive) to 11.9 (moderately corrosive). The median Aggressive Index value calculated for the 370 wells is 6.0, a value that indicates that the water is highly corrosive. Moderately corrosive ground water is found in some coastal areas. Isolated instances of moderately corrosive water are found in northern Ocean County, and in Burlington, Camden, and Salem Counties. In the vicinity of Ocean County corrosion-index values change little with depth, but in Atlantic, Burlington, and Salem Counties the corrosiveness of ground water generally appears to decrease with depth. Analyses of standing tap water from newly constructed homes in the Coastal Plain show concentrations of lead and other trace elements are significantly higher than those in ambient ground water. The elevated trace-element concentrations are attributed to the corrosion of plumbing materials by ground water. Results of the tap-water analyses substantiate the corrosiveness of Kirkwood-Cohansey ground water, as estimated by corrosion-index values.

Early-Holocene intensified Indian summer monsoon and its impact on vegetation: study based on hydrogen and carbon isotope values in long chain alkane from relict lake sediments in the Central Himalaya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanyal, P.; Ghosh, S.; Bhushan, R.; Juyal, N.

2017-12-01

The early Holocene was characterized by intensified monsoon, however none of the paleoclimatic records showed the magnitude required to shape the observed landform in the Ganges plain and sediment discharge in the Bay of Bengal. The Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission data suggests that the Central Himalaya ( 2 km altitude) is characterized by high rainfall and hence paleoclimate proxies from this region would provide excellent opportunity to reconstruct the Holocene monsoon. An attempt has been made, for the first time, to reconstruct the Holocene monsoon using n-alkane δDC29 values of lake sediments from Benital area in the Central Himalaya which receives ca. 80% of the mean annual rainfall during summer monsoon. The n-alkane δDC29 values indicated that early Holocene (ca. 9 ka) was characterised by a wet phase with 70% increase in the rainfall followed by the dry middle-late Holocene which is in agreement with existing continental records. However, the change in intensity as inferred in the present study is maximum compared to the existing records. The comparison of δDC29values and the solar insolation data at 30 °N latitude suggested that migration of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone controlled the variation in monsoonal rainfall. Comparison with the modern plants, the δ13CC29 values indicated that during ca. pre and post 7 ka the lake catchment was dominated by woody and non-woody plants, respectively. The cross plot between δDC29 and δ13CC29 indicated that at higher rainfall, the δ13CC29 values of catchment vegetation were less-responsive.

Diagnostic value of (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 scintimammography for differentiation of malignant from benign breast lesions: Comparison of visual and semi-quantitative analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Qianqian; Xie, Qian; Zhao, Min; Chen, Bin; Gao, Shi; Zhang, Haishan; Xing, Hua; Ma, Qingjie

2015-01-01

To compare the diagnostic value of visual and semi-quantitative analysis of technetium-99m-poly-ethylene glycol, 4-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid ((99m)Tc-3PRGD2) scintimammography (SMG) for better differentiation of benign from malignant breast masses, and also investigate the incremental role of semi-quantitative index of SMG. A total of 72 patients with breast lesions were included in the study. Technetium-99m-3PRGD2 SMG was performed with single photon emission computed tomography (SPET) at 60 min after intravenous injection of 749 ± 86MBq of the radiotracer. Images were evaluated by visual interpretation and semi-quantitative indices of tumor to non-tumor (T/N) ratios, which were compared with pathology results. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were performed to determine the optimal visual grade, to calculate cut-off values of semi-quantitative indices, and to compare visual and semi-quantitative diagnostic values. Among the 72 patients, 89 lesions were confirmed by histopathology after fine needle aspiration biopsy or surgery, 48 malignant and 41 benign lesions. The mean T/N ratio of (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 SMG in malignant lesions was significantly higher than that in benign lesions (P<0.05). When grade 2 of the disease was used as cut-off value for the detection of primary breast cancer, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 81.3%, 70.7%, and 76.4%, respectively. When a T/N ratio of 2.01 was used as cut-off value, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 79.2%, 75.6%, and 77.5%, respectively. According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve for semi-quantitative analysis was higher than that for visual analysis, but the statistical difference was not significant (P=0.372). Compared with visual analysis or semi-quantitative analysis alone, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of visual analysis combined with semi-quantitative analysis in diagnosing primary breast cancer were higher, being: 87.5%, 82.9%, and 85.4%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.891. Results of the present study suggest that the semi-quantitative and visual analysis statistically showed similar results. The semi-quantitative analysis provided incremental value additive to visual analysis of (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 SMG for the detection of breast cancer. It seems from our results that, when the tumor was located in the medial part of the breast, the semi-quantitative analysis gave better diagnostic results.

Decline of the Macquarie Marshes ecosystem, Australia, since European arrival recorded by organic geochemical proxies in sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, L.; Chivas, A. R.; Garcia, A.; Hu, J.

2011-12-01

The Macquarie Marshes are floodplain wetlands in semi-arid NSW, Australia, and a Ramsar site experiencing accelerated deterioration in the last 50 years due to anthropogenic activities. We investigated environmental changes occurring in the northern and southern marshes using organic geochemical proxies from short cores and surface samples as modern analogues. Some proxies of modern plants (ferns, charophyte, reeds, Eucalyptus) and biota (black swan guano) samples, which are abundant in the Macquarie Marshes, were also analysed for comparison. The proxies analysed include bulk organic carbon and nitrogen (TOC, TN, C/N ratio), carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) and some organic biomarkers (focusing on n-alkanes, sterols and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs)). TOC values in surface samples range between 2 to 5% depending on the organic input. The TOC and TN curves exhibit similar trends along time, decreasing to only one tenth at the depth of 70 cm (~ 565-752 years old) than those at the surface. The bulk δ13C values of modern samples (less than 50 years old) vary from -23% to -26%, falling within the range of values found in black swan guano(-21.6%) and plants (-27.0 to -31.5%). The calculated C/N ratios range from 10 to 25, and together with δ13C values suggest that the organic matter is mainly derived from terrestrial C3 plants. The contribution of aquatic plants is shown by shifts to higher δ13C values and lower C/N values in the core sections below the 40 cm depth (older than 130 years). Changes in vegetation type are also reflected by n-alkane and sterol biomarkers. In one core from the northern marshes, the temporal variation of (n-C27+C29)/n-C31 ratio indicates that the dominance of grasses has gradually been replaced by higher plants about 130 years ago. Sediments from the floodplain and dry lagoons show a dominant peak in long-chain n-alkanes with strong odd-to-even preference, contributed by emergent aquatic macrophytes and more drought-tolerant plants; while the sediments from permanently inundated watercourses show an additional peak in short-chain n-alkanes contributed by aquatic algae and bacteria. It is also indicated by the sterols that the most abundant sterol is C29 sterol (sitosterol), and the composition of C27 and C28 sterols varies slightly depending on the relative contributions of higher terrestrial plants and microalgae. Particularly, in areas where water-bird colonies were established, a fecal biomarker - coprostanol, is detected. The OCPs (e.g. DDT, DDD, endosulfans) used in cotton farming around the Marshes, and PAHs (e.g. chrysene, benzo[e]pyrene) from fires during drought years, were not found above the detection limit of 0.01 μg/g. The results indicate that the presence of colonial birds and various terrestrial/aquatic plants are registered in the sediments and that the Macquarie Marshes are still pristine regarding pesticides. However, the deterioration of the wetlands since Europeans arrival (~130 years agao) is indicated by increasing terrestrial vegetation and diminishing aquatic biota.

Comparison of clinical and biochemical variables in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and their first-degree relatives with metabolic syndrome in Benin City, Nigeria: A cross sectional case controlled study.

PubMed

Ogedengbe, S; Ezeani, I U; Aihanuwa, E

2016-01-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a relative insulin deficiency or insulin resistance. It is also associated with a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including hyper-tension and dyslipidemia. Although there are many studies that have studied the metabolic abnormalities in T2DM patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), only few of them have assessed the metabolic abnormalities in their first-degree relatives (FDRs) who had MetS. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and biochemical variables in T2DM subjects and their FDRs without diabetes in Benin City, Nigeria. This is a cross sectional case control study including 124 T2DM patients, 96 FDR of T2DM subjects, and 96 controls recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire-administered technique. Variables of interest that were assessed included anthropometric indices like waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist:hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), proteinuria, and microalbuminuria. The 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to make a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The Chi-square test was used for comparison of proportions. P-value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The student t-test was used to compare means and test for significant differences in the anthropometric and the metabolic indices. The prevalence of the MetS in T2DM persons was 87.1%, 16.7% in the FDR group, and 13.5% in the control group according to the WHO criteria. The mean value of HbA1c was significantly higher in T2DM subjects with MetS (p<0.05). The mean values of WC, FPG, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were higher in subjects with MetS in the T2DM group than in persons with MetS in the FDR group though not significant (p>0.05). The mean values of WHR, BMI, SBP, DBP, and triglyceride were higher in persons with the MetS in the FDR group than in persons with the MetS in the T2DM group. The difference in the BMI and SBP was significant (p<0.05). The prevalence of MetS in subjects with T2DM in Nigeria is very high. Though, all the biochemical and clinical indices were higher in T2DM subjects with MetS, the mean HbA1c, BMI, and SBP was significantly higher when compared to their FDR who also have MetS.

Evaluation of different water-washing treatments effects on wheat straw combustion properties.

PubMed

Ma, Qiulin; Han, Lujia; Huang, Guangqun

2017-12-01

A series of experiments was conducted to explore the effects of various water-washing solid-liquid ratios (1:50 and 1:10) and the stirring on wheat straw (WS) combustion properties. Comparing different solid-liquid ratio groups, a 16% increment in the higher heating value was obtained for 1:50 groups and only 5% for 1:10 groups relative to the raw material. Moreover, energy was lost 4-26 times greater in 1:10 groups than 1:50 groups. While water-washing reduced the comprehensive combustibility index by 14.89%-32.09%, the index values of washed WS were all higher than 2, indicating good combustion performance. The combustion activation energy of four washed WS were 175, 172, 186, and 176kJ/mol, which were all higher than the 160kJ/mol of WS. The fouling/slagging propensity of washed WS reduced to a lower possibility compared to medium of untreated WS. Overall, the recommended condition for washing WS before combustion is 1:50 ratio without stirring. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effect of enriched housing on welfare, production performance and meat quality in finishing lambs: the use of feeder ramps.

PubMed

Aguayo-Ulloa, L A; Miranda-de la Lama, G C; Pascual-Alonso, M; Olleta, J L; Villarroel, M; Sañudo, C; María, G A

2014-05-01

This study analyses the effect of environmental enrichment on the welfare, productive traits and meat quality of lambs housed in feedlots. Sixty lambs were placed in enriched (EE) or conventional (CO) pens (3 pens for each treatment, 10 lambs/pen) where EE had a wooden platform with ramps that provided access to a concentrate hopper, cereal straw as bedding and forage, and one play ramp. The CO pen was barren, similar to commercial feedlots. The physiological adaptation response of EE lambs was more efficient than CO, since the latter mobilised more body reserves (i.e., increased NEFA, P<0.05), and had lower levels of immunity (i.e., increased N/L, P<0.05), which indicate chronic stress, probably associated with the barren environment. The EE lambs had a higher (P<0.05) average daily gain, with heavier carcasses and higher fattening scores, as well as lower pHult, higher L and b values, and lower values of texture (P<0.05). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimation of the geochemical threshold and its statistical significance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miesch, A.T.

1981-01-01

A statistic is proposed for estimating the geochemical threshold and its statistical significance, or it may be used to identify a group of extreme values that can be tested for significance by other means. The statistic is the maximum gap between adjacent values in an ordered array after each gap has been adjusted for the expected frequency. The values in the ordered array are geochemical values transformed by either ln(?? - ??) or ln(?? - ??) and then standardized so that the mean is zero and the variance is unity. The expected frequency is taken from a fitted normal curve with unit area. The midpoint of an adjusted gap that exceeds the corresponding critical value may be taken as an estimate of the geochemical threshold, and the associated probability indicates the likelihood that the threshold separates two geochemical populations. The adjusted gap test may fail to identify threshold values if the variation tends to be continuous from background values to the higher values that reflect mineralized ground. However, the test will serve to identify other anomalies that may be too subtle to have been noted by other means. ?? 1981.

Diffusion coefficients of Mg isotopes in enstatite and forsterite melts calculated by first-principles molecular dynamic simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, F.; Qi, Y.; Liu, X.; He, L.

2016-12-01

Stable isotopes can be fractionated by kinetic chemical diffusion because diffusion coefficients (D) of isotopes are mass-dependent. Diffusive isotopic fractionation recorded in rocks and minerals provide unique temporal constrains on geological processes. The mass dependence of D can be described in the form of Di/Dj= (mj/mi)β, where m denotes masses of isotope i and j, and β is an emperical parameter used to quantify the diffusive transport of isotopes [1]. β values can be estimated by experimental calibration and observation of natural samples, which are still rarely reported because it is challenging to precisely quantify the boundary conditions of diffusion processes [2,3,4]. Recent advances in computation technique provide a new way to theoretically calculate β values. For instance, classical molecular dynamics with empirical potential have been used to simulate interactions between atoms and estimate β of Mg isotopes in MgSiO3 melt [3]. Here, to further consider the effect of bonding and electron properties on β values, we apply first-principles Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics and pseudo-isotope methods (assuming mj/mi = 1/24, 1/4, 2, and 5) to estimate β for MgSiO3 and Mg2SiO4 melts. Our calculation shows that β of Mg isotopes with pseudo-mass ratios are consistent, indicating the reliability of the pseudo-isotope method. For MgSiO3 melt, β is 0.18 at 4000K and 0 GPa, higher than the value calculatedusing molecular dynamics simulations (0.135) [3]. For Mg2SiO4 melt at 0 GPa, β values are: 0.23 ± 0.04 at 2300K, 0.24 ± 0.07 at 3000K, and 0.24 ± 0.01 at 4000K. Notably, β of MgSiO3 and Mg2SiO4 melts are significantly higher than the value determined by diffusion experiments (0.05) [2]. These results indicate that β values are not sensitive to temperature, but dependent on melt composition.

Development of a Survey to Examine the Factors that Motivate Secondary Education Teachers' Use of Problem-based Learning (PBL)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lao, Huei-Chen

In this quantitative study, a survey was developed and administered to middle and high school teachers to examine what factors motivated them to implement problem-based learning (PBL). Using Expectancy-Value Theory by Eccles et al. (1983) and Self-Determination Theory by Ryan and Deci (2000b) as the theoretical framework, this instrument measured respondents' perceived competence, support for autonomy and relatedness, and value and cost they placed on implementing PBL. Data analyses indicated that the instrument had good reliability. A 3-factor structure was established by exploratory factor analysis which confirmed the construct validity of the instrument. Value of PBL to teachers and their students was the most dominant factor that motivated teachers to implement it. The second most important factor was their self-efficacy and anxiety about failing this pedagogy, and the third factor was teachers' perceived autonomy, and support from schools and colleagues. Regression models showed the predictive power of the factors on teachers' intention to implement PBL, with their perceptions of the value of PBL being the strongest predictor. Results also indicate that teachers with PBL experience perceived significantly higher levels of competence and support from peers, and placed a higher level of value and perceived less cost in implementing PBL than teachers who had not implemented PBL. Teachers' formal training in PBL played a significant role in positively influencing their perceptions of competence and the value of PBL, and reduced their perceived cost of implementing PBL. This, in turn, enhanced teachers' intention of practicing PBL. For teachers who had previously taught with PBL, their responses to two open-ended questions in this instrument corresponded with the theoretical framework of this study and triangulated well with the quantitative data. These teachers highly valued PBL and they recognized the challenges associated with its implementation. These teachers also emphasized the importance of formal training and support from schools. This study provides a holistic view of motivational factors underlying teachers' intention to implement PBL and implications for successful implementation of PBL to enhance student engagement.

The ZJU index is a powerful index for identifying NAFLD in the general Chinese population.

PubMed

Li, Linman; You, Wenyi; Ren, Wei

2017-10-01

The ZJU index is a novel model for detecting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that it is calculated based on combination of the body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and the serum alanine aminotransferase-to-aspartate transaminase ratio. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the ZJU index in detecting NAFLD in the Chinese population. This was a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory data, and ultrasonography features were collected through a standard protocol. The ZJU index, fatty liver index, hepatic steatosis index, lipid accumulation product, and visceral adiposity index were calculated. Then the predictive values of the five indices were compared according to the area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values. A total of 19,804 participants were recruited, of whom 7324 participants were diagnosed with NFALD and 12,480 subjects were regarded as controls. The AUROC value for NAFLD identification by the ZJU index was 0.925 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.919-0.931), which was significantly higher than the values for the other four models (P < 0.001). Furthermore, from age 31 years to >60 years, the AUROC for the ZJU increased from 87.1 to 95.4%, values which were also greater than those for the other four indices. Analysis by sex also showed that the performance of the ZJU index in males and females was better than that of the other four indices. The ZJU index is an accurate and easy to employ tool for identifying NAFLD in the general Chinese population.

Exploring Mexican American adolescent romantic relationship profiles and adjustment

PubMed Central

Moosmann, Danyel A.V.; Roosa, Mark W.

2015-01-01

Although Mexican Americans are the largest ethnic minority group in the nation, knowledge is limited regarding this population's adolescent romantic relationships. This study explored whether 12th grade Mexican Americans’ (N = 218; 54% female) romantic relationship characteristics, cultural values, and gender created unique latent classes and if so, whether they were linked to adjustment. Latent class analyses suggested three profiles including, relatively speaking, higher, satisfactory, and lower quality romantic relationships. Regression analyses indicated these profiles had distinct associations with adjustment. Specifically, adolescents with higher and satisfactory quality romantic relationships reported greater future family expectations, higher self-esteem, and fewer externalizing symptoms than those with lower quality romantic relationships. Similarly, adolescents with higher quality romantic relationships reported greater academic self-efficacy and fewer sexual partners than those with lower quality romantic relationships. Overall, results suggested higher quality romantic relationships were most optimal for adjustment. Future research directions and implications are discussed. PMID:26141198

Adiposity-Related Biochemical Phenotype in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 6 (SAMP6)

PubMed Central

Niimi, Kimie; Takahashi, Eiki; Itakura, Chitoshi

2009-01-01

Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) is a model of senile osteoporosis. From 10 to 22 wk of age, SAMP6 mice were heavier than age-matched AKR/J and SAMR1 mice. Body mass indices of 10- and 25-wk-old SAMP6 mice were higher than those of age-matched AKR/J and SAMR1 mice, indicating obesity in the SAMP6 animals. We compared the blood biochemical values among SAMP6, SAMR1, and AKR/J mice to assess whether the SAMP6 strain has abnormal obesity-related parameters. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, insulin, and leptin levels were higher in 10-wk-old SAMP6 mice than in age-matched SAMR1 and AKR/J mice, whereas plasma glucagon and adiponectin levels in 25-wk-old SAMP6 were lower compared with those in age-matched SAMR1 and AKR/J. Total cholesterol levels in SAMR1 and SAMP6 mice at 10 and 25 wk of age were higher than those in AKR/J mice. Hepatic lipid levels were higher in 10- and 25-wk-old SAMP6 mice compared with age-matched AKR/J and SAMR1 animals. These results indicate that SAMP6 mice exhibit obesity and hyperlipidemia, suggesting that the SAMP6 strain is a potential tool for the study of hyperlipidemia. PMID:19887026

Comparison of nutritional status indicators according to feeding methods in patients with acute stroke.

PubMed

Kim, Sanghee; Byeon, Youngsoon

2014-04-01

Feeding methods for patients with acute stroke differ based on their ability to swallow; therefore, it is necessary to determine whether these methods deliver enough nourishment to these patients. Although nutrition could affect recovery from acute stroke, it is often overlooked. Indicators of nutritional status are important for the nutritional assessment of patients. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in nutritional indicators with various feeding methods in patients with acute stroke. Data on 261 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to a stroke unit in 2010 and met the inclusion criteria of the study were retrospectively analyzed. For comparative analysis, we investigated the participants' National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, feeding methods using the Modified Gugging Swallowing Screen, and indicators of nutritional status, such as body mass index, pre-albumin level, albumin level, total lymphocyte count, and total protein level. All nutritional indicators were compared at the time of admission to the stroke unit and at 7 days after admission. At the time of admission, indicators of nutritional status were within normal ranges in all feeding groups (tube, dysphagia, and general diet). At 7 days after admission, pre-albumin (P = 0.003), albumin (P = 0.001), and total protein (P = 0.000) values in the tube feeding group were below the normal range, and the pre-albumin value and total lymphocyte count were below the normal range in the dysphagia diet group (P = 0.027). The values for all nutritional indicators were within normal limits in the general diet group. Indicators of nutritional status change according to the swallowing ability of patients with acute stroke. At 7 days after admission to the stroke unit, patients with severe dysphagia had higher levels of indicators of malnutrition. Health care providers should consider whether the feeding method of each patient with stroke provides suitable nourishment. Additionally, it is important to know why these indicators vary based on swallowing abilities and what these patients require for adequate nutrition.

Acoustic emission characterization of steel fibre reinforced concrete during bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aggelis, D. G.; Soulioti, D. V.; Sapouridis, N.; Barkoula, N. M.; Paipetis, A. S.; Matikas, T. E.

2010-04-01

The acoustic emission (AE) behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete is studied in this paper. The experiments were conducted in four-point bending with concurrent monitoring of AE signals. The sensors used, were of broadband response in order to capture a wide range of fracturing phenomena. The results indicate that AE parameters undergo significant changes much earlier than the final fracture of the specimens, even if the AE hit rate seems approximately constant. Specifically, the Ib-value which takes into account the amplitude distribution of the recent AE hits decreases when the load reaches about 60-70 % of its maximum value. Additionally, the average frequency of the signals decreases abruptly when a fracture incident occurs, indicating that matrix cracking events produce higher frequencies than fibre pull-out events. It is concluded that proper study of AE parameters enables the characterization of structural health of large structures in cases where remote monitoring is applied.

Unpacking acculturation: cultural orientations and educational attainment among Mexican-origin youth.

PubMed

Roche, Kathleen M; Ghazarian, Sharon R; Fernandez-Esquer, Maria Eugenia

2012-07-01

Given educational risks facing Mexican-origin children of immigrant parents, it is important to understand how aspects of the acculturation process influence Mexican-origin youth's educational success. Drawing from selective assimilation theory, this study examined how cultural orientations across myriad facets of acculturation were associated with the educational attainment of second-generation Mexican immigrant youth. The sample included 755 Mexican-origin youth (50% female) in the "Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study." Results from structural equation models indicated that youth reporting greater facility in the English language and a stronger value on familism attained higher levels of education in young adulthood than did other youth. Parents' U.S. social ties and youth's value on early paid work were associated with less educational attainment. Innovative findings from this study indicate the importance of considering both Mexican and American cultural orientations across myriad facets of acculturation for understanding second-generation immigrant Mexican youth's educational attainment.

Strong Water Isotopic Anomalies in the Martian Atmosphere: Probing Current and Ancient Reservoirs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villanueva, G. L.; Mumma, M. J.; Novak, R. E.; Käufl, H. U.; Hartogh, P.; Encrenaz, T.; Tokunaga, A.; Khayat, A.; Smith, M. D.

2015-01-01

We measured maps of atmospheric water (H2O) and its deuterated form (HDO) across the martian globe, showing strong isotopic anomalies and a significant high deuterium/hydrogen (D/H) enrichment indicative of great water loss. The maps sample the evolution of sublimation from the north polar cap, revealing that the released water has a representative D/H value enriched by a factor of about 7 relative to Earth's ocean [Vienna standard mean ocean water (VSMOW)]. Certain basins and orographic depressions show even higher enrichment, whereas high-altitude regions show much lower values (1 to 3 VSMOW). Our atmospheric maps indicate that water ice in the polar reservoirs is enriched in deuterium to at least 8 VSMOW, which would mean that early Mars (4.5 billion years ago) had a global equivalent water layer at least 137 meters deep.

A NON-LTE STUDY OF SILICON ABUNDANCES IN GIANT STARS FROM THE Si i INFRARED LINES IN THE zJ -BAND

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

Tan, Kefeng; Shi, Jianrong; Zhao, Gang

We investigate the feasibility of Si i infrared (IR) lines as Si abundance indicators for giant stars. We find that Si abundances obtained from the Si i IR lines based on the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) analysis show large line-to-line scatter (mean value of 0.13 dex), and are higher than those from the optical lines. However, when non-LTE effects are taken into account, the line-to-line scatter reduces significantly (mean value of 0.06 dex), and the Si abundances are consistent with those from the optical lines. The typical average non-LTE correction of [Si/Fe] for our sample stars is about −0.35 dex.more » Our results demonstrate that the Si i IR lines could be reliable abundance indicators, provided that the non-LTE effects are properly taken into account.« less

Structural and magnetic behavior of (Ni, Cu) substituted Nd0.67Sr0.33MnO3 perovskite compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arun, B.; Sudakshina, B.; Akshay, V. R.; Chandrasekhar, K. Devi; Yang, H. D.; Vasundhara, M.

2018-05-01

Structural and magnetic phase transition of Ni and Cu substituted Nd0.67Sr0.33MnO3 perovskite compounds have been investigated. The Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction patterns confirms that both compounds have crystallized into an orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group same as that of Nd0.67Sr0.33MnO3 compound. X-ray absorption spectra studies completely ruled out the possibility of existence of any impurities. Both compounds do not obey the Curie-Weiss law indicates the presence of some ferromagnetic clusters within the paramagnetic matrix. Ni substituted compound shows a lower value of TC and Cu substituted compound shows a higher value of TC than that of the parent. Non-saturating tendency of magnetization is more prominently seen in the case of Cu substituted compound, indicating an increase in the AFM component.

Healthcare in Canada's North: Are We Getting Value for Money?

PubMed

Young, T Kue; Chatwood, Susan; Marchildon, Gregory P

2016-08-01

To determine if Canadians are getting value for money in providing health services to our northern residents. Secondary analyses of data from Statistics Canada, the Canadian Institute of Health Information and territorial government agencies on health status, health expenditures and health system performance indicators. Per capita health expenditures in Canada's northern territories are double that of Canada as a whole and are among the highest in the world. The North lags behind the rest of the country in preventable mortality, hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions and other performance indicators. The higher health expenditure in the North is to be expected from its unique geography and demography. If the North is not performing as well as Canada, it is not due to lack of money, and policy makers should be concerned about whether healthcare can be as good as it could be. Copyright © 2016 Longwoods Publishing.

Strong water isotopic anomalies in the martian atmosphere: probing current and ancient reservoirs.

PubMed

Villanueva, G L; Mumma, M J; Novak, R E; Käufl, H U; Hartogh, P; Encrenaz, T; Tokunaga, A; Khayat, A; Smith, M D

2015-04-10

We measured maps of atmospheric water (H2O) and its deuterated form (HDO) across the martian globe, showing strong isotopic anomalies and a significant high deuterium/hydrogen (D/H) enrichment indicative of great water loss. The maps sample the evolution of sublimation from the north polar cap, revealing that the released water has a representative D/H value enriched by a factor of about 7 relative to Earth's ocean [Vienna standard mean ocean water (VSMOW)]. Certain basins and orographic depressions show even higher enrichment, whereas high-altitude regions show much lower values (1 to 3 VSMOW). Our atmospheric maps indicate that water ice in the polar reservoirs is enriched in deuterium to at least 8 VSMOW, which would mean that early Mars (4.5 billion years ago) had a global equivalent water layer at least 137 meters deep. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Bond-based bilinear indices for computational discovery of novel trypanosomicidal drug-like compounds through virtual screening.

PubMed

Castillo-Garit, Juan Alberto; del Toro-Cortés, Oremia; Vega, Maria C; Rolón, Miriam; Rojas de Arias, Antonieta; Casañola-Martin, Gerardo M; Escario, José A; Gómez-Barrio, Alicia; Marrero-Ponce, Yovani; Torrens, Francisco; Abad, Concepción

2015-01-01

Two-dimensional bond-based bilinear indices and linear discriminant analysis are used in this report to perform a quantitative structure-activity relationship study to identify new trypanosomicidal compounds. A data set of 440 organic chemicals, 143 with antitrypanosomal activity and 297 having other clinical uses, is used to develop the theoretical models. Two discriminant models, computed using bond-based bilinear indices, are developed and both show accuracies higher than 86% for training and test sets. The stochastic model correctly indentifies nine out of eleven compounds of a set of organic chemicals obtained from our synthetic collaborators. The in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of this set against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi is assayed. Both models show a good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Three compounds showed IC50 values for epimastigote elimination (AE) lower than 50 μM, while for the benznidazole the IC50 = 54.7 μM which was used as reference compound. The value of IC50 for cytotoxicity of these compounds is at least 5 times greater than their value of IC50 for AE. Finally, we can say that, the present algorithm constitutes a step forward in the search for efficient ways of discovering new antitrypanosomal compounds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Valorization of spent coffee grounds recycling as a potential alternative fuel resource in Turkey: An experimental study.

PubMed

Atabani, A E; Mercimek, S M; Arvindnarayan, Sundaram; Shobana, Sutha; Kumar, Gopalakrishnan; Cadir, Mehmet; Al-Muhatseb, Ala'a H

2018-03-01

In this study, recycling of spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a potential feedstock for alternative fuel production and compounds of added value in Turkey was assessed. The average oil content was found (≈ 13% w/w). All samples (before and after extraction) were tested for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), calorific value, surface analysis and porosity, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and elemental analysis to assess their potential towards fuel properties. Elemental analysis indicated that carbon represents the highest percentages (49.59% and 46.42%, respectively), followed by nitrogen (16.7% and 15.5%), hydrogen (6.74% and 6.04%), and sulfur (0.851% and 0.561%). These results indicate that SCG can be utilized as compost, as it is rich in nitrogen. Properties of the extracted oil were examined, followed by biodiesel production. The quality of biodiesel was compared with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 standards, and all the properties complied with standard specifications. The fatty acid compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography. It was observed that coffee waste methyl ester (CWME) is mainly composed of palmitic (35.8%) and arachidic (44.6%) acids, which are saturated fatty acids. The low degree of unsaturation provides an excellent oxidation stability (10.4 hr). CWME has also excellent cetane number, higher heating value, and iodine value with poor cold flow properties. The studies also investigated blending of biodiesel with Euro diesel and butanol. Following this, a remarkable improvement in cloud and pour points of biodiesel was obtained. Spent coffee grounds after oil extraction is an ideal material for garden fertilizer, feedstock for ethanol, biogas production, and as fuel pellets. The outcome of such research work produces valuable insights on the recycling importance of SCG in Turkey. Coffee is a huge industry, and coffee has been widely used due to its refreshing properties. This industry generates large quantities of waste. Therefore, recycling of spent coffee grounds for producing alternative fuels and compounds of added value is crucial. Elemental analysis indicated that coffee waste can be utilized as compost, as it is rich in nitrogen. Coffee waste after oil extraction is an ideal feedstock for ethanol and biogas production, garden fertilizer, and as fuel pellets. The low degree of unsaturation provides excellent oxidation stability. Its biodiesel has also excellent cetane number, higher heating value, and lower iodine value.

Bioactive ceramic coating of cancellous screws improves the osseointegration in the cancellous bone.

PubMed

Lee, Jae Hyup; Nam, Hwa; Ryu, Hyun-Seung; Seo, Jun-Hyuk; Chang, Bong-Soon; Lee, Choon-Ki

2011-05-01

A number of methods for coating implants with bioactive ceramics have been reported to improve osseointegration in bone, but the effects of bioactive ceramic coatings on the osseointegration of cancellous screws are not known. Accordingly, biomechanical and histomorphometric analyses of the bone-screw interface of uncoated cancellous screws and cancellous screws coated with four different bioactive ceramics were performed. After coating titanium alloy cancellous screws with calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), CaO-SiO(2)-B(2)O(3) glass-ceramics (CSG), apatite-wollastonite 1:3 glass-ceramics (W3G), and CaO-SiO(2)-P(2)O(5)-B(2)O(3) glass-ceramics (BGS-7) using an enameling method, the coated and the uncoated screws were inserted into the proximal tibia and distal femur metaphysis of seven male mongrel dogs. The torque values of the screws were measured at the time of insertion and at removal after 8 weeks. The bone-screw contact ratio was analyzed by histomorphometry. There was no significant difference in the insertion torque between the uncoated and coated screws. The torque values of the CPP and BGS-7 groups measured at removal after 8 weeks were significantly higher than those of the uncoated group. Moreover, the values of the CPP and BGS-7 groups were significantly higher than the insertion torques. The fraction of bone-screw interface measured from the undecalcified histological slide showed that the CPP, W3G, and BGS-7 groups had significantly higher torque values in the cortical bone area than the uncoated group, and the CPP and BGS-7 groups had significantly higher torque values in the cancellous bone area than the uncoated group. In conclusion, a cancellous screw coated with CPP and BGS-7 ceramic bonds directly to cancellous bone to improve the bone-implant osseointegration. This may broaden the indications for cancellous screws by clarifying their contribution to improving osseointegration, even in the cancellous bone area.

Mate value and self-esteem: evidence from eight cultural groups.

PubMed

Goodwin, Robin; Marshall, Tara; Fülöp, Marta; Adonu, Joseph; Spiewak, Slawomir; Neto, Felix; Hernandez Plaza, Sonia

2012-01-01

This paper explores self-perceived mate value (SPMV), and its association with self-esteem, in eight cultures. 1066 participants, from 8 cultural groups in 7 countries, rated themselves on 24 SPMVs and completed a measure of self-esteem. Consistent with evolutionary theory, women were more likely to emphasise their caring and passionate romantic nature. In line with previous cross-cultural research, characteristics indicating passion and romance and social attractiveness were stressed more by respondents from individualistic cultures, and those higher on self-expression (rather than survival) values; characteristics indicative of maturity and confidence were more likely to be mentioned by those from Traditional, rather than Secular, cultures. Contrary to gender role theory, societal equality had only limited interactions with sex and SPMV, with honesty of greater significance for male self-esteem in societies with unequal gender roles. These results point to the importance of cultural and environmental factors in influencing self-perceived mate qualities, and are discussed in relation to broader debates about the impact of gender role equality on sex differences in personality and mating strategies.

Stable isotope ratios of marijuana. I. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes describe growth conditions.

PubMed

West, Jason B; Hurley, Janet M; Ehleringer, James R

2009-01-01

There remains significant uncertainty in illicit marijuana cultivation. We analyzed the delta(13)C and delta(15)N of 508 domestic samples from known U.S.A. counties, 31 seized from a single location, 5 samples grown in Mexico and Colombia, and 10 northwest border seizures. For a subset, inflorescences and leaves were analyzed separately. These data revealed a strong correspondence, with inflorescences having slightly higher delta(13)C and delta(15)N values than leaves. A framework for interpreting these results is introduced and evaluated. Samples identified as outdoor-grown by delta(13)C were generally recorded as such by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). DEA-classified indoor-grown samples had the most negative delta(13)C values, consistent with indoor cultivation, although many were also in the outdoor-grown domain. Delta(15)N indicated a wide range of fertilizers across the dataset. Samples seized at the single location suggested multiple sources. Northwest border delta(13)C values suggested indoor growth, whereas for the Mexican and Colombian samples they indicated outdoor growth.

Latino cultural values as protective factors against sexual risks among adolescents.

PubMed

Ma, Mindy; Malcolm, Lydia R; Diaz-Albertini, Kristine; Klinoff, Vera A; Leeder, Elisa; Barrientos, Sohani; Kibler, Jeffrey L

2014-12-01

The study objective was to examine the associations between cultural values and sexual risk factors among Latino youth. A sample of 226 Latino adolescents ages 13-16 completed a survey on cultural and sexual variables. Results indicate higher levels of Latino cultural orientation were related to greater sexual self-efficacy and fewer sexual partners for female adolescents and greater condom use self-efficacy for both males and females. Greater endorsement of simpatia (belief in interpersonal relationship harmony) was associated with sexual abstinence and greater sexual self-efficacy for all adolescents, and with being older at sexual debut for females. Stronger endorsement of respeto (respect towards parents and other authority figures) was correlated with a lower intention to have sex during secondary school and greater condom use self-efficacy. American cultural orientation was associated with less condom use. Our findings indicate Latino cultural values may serve as protective factors against sexual risk behaviors among Latino youth. Copyright © 2014 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How we remember the emotional intensity of past musical experiences

PubMed Central

Schäfer, Thomas; Zimmermann, Doreen; Sedlmeier, Peter

2014-01-01

Listening to music usually elicits emotions that can vary considerably in their intensity over the course of listening. Yet, after listening to a piece of music, people are easily able to evaluate the music's overall emotional intensity. There are two different hypotheses about how affective experiences are temporally processed and integrated: (1) all moments' intensities are integrated, resulting in an averaged value; (2) the overall evaluation is built from specific single moments, such as the moments of highest emotional intensity (peaks), the end, or a combination of these. Here we investigated what listeners do when building an overall evaluation of a musical experience. Participants listened to unknown songs and provided moment-to-moment ratings of experienced intensity of emotions. Subsequently, they evaluated the overall emotional intensity of each song. Results indicate that participants' evaluations were predominantly influenced by their average impression but that, in addition, the peaks and end emotional intensities contributed substantially. These results indicate that both types of processes play a role: All moments are integrated into an averaged value but single moments might be assigned a higher value in the calculation of this average. PMID:25177311

Variation in biogeochemical parameters across intertidal seagrass meadows in the central Great Barrier Reef region.

PubMed

Mellors, Jane; Waycott, Michelle; Marsh, Helene

2005-01-01

This survey provides baseline information on sediment characteristics, porewater, adsorbed and plant tissue nutrients from intertidal coastal seagrass meadows in the central region of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Data collected from 11 locations, representative of intertidal coastal seagrass beds across the region, indicated that the chemical environment was typical of other tropical intertidal areas. Results using two different extraction methods highlight the need for caution when choosing an adsorbed phosphate extraction technique, as sediment type affects the analytical outcome. Comparison with published values indicates that the range of nutrient parameters measured is equivalent to those measured across tropical systems globally. However, the nutrient values in seagrass leaves and their molar ratios for Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis were much higher than the values from the literature from this and other regions, obtained using the same techniques, suggesting that these species act as nutrient sponges, in contrast with Zostera capricorni. The limited historical data from this region suggest that the nitrogen and phosphorus content of seagrass leaves has increased since the 1970s concomitant with changing land use practice.

Mate Value and Self-Esteem: Evidence from Eight Cultural Groups

PubMed Central

Goodwin, Robin; Marshall, Tara; Fülöp, Marta; Adonu, Joseph; Spiewak, Slawomir; Neto, Felix; Hernandez Plaza, Sonia

2012-01-01

This paper explores self-perceived mate value (SPMV), and its association with self-esteem, in eight cultures. 1066 participants, from 8 cultural groups in 7 countries, rated themselves on 24 SPMVs and completed a measure of self-esteem. Consistent with evolutionary theory, women were more likely to emphasise their caring and passionate romantic nature. In line with previous cross-cultural research, characteristics indicating passion and romance and social attractiveness were stressed more by respondents from individualistic cultures, and those higher on self-expression (rather than survival) values; characteristics indicative of maturity and confidence were more likely to be mentioned by those from Traditional, rather than Secular, cultures. Contrary to gender role theory, societal equality had only limited interactions with sex and SPMV, with honesty of greater significance for male self-esteem in societies with unequal gender roles. These results point to the importance of cultural and environmental factors in influencing self-perceived mate qualities, and are discussed in relation to broader debates about the impact of gender role equality on sex differences in personality and mating strategies. PMID:22558347

Dehydration, skeletal muscle damage and inflammation before the competitions among the elite wrestlers

PubMed Central

Ozkan, Isik; Ibrahim, Cicioglu H.

2016-01-01

[Purpose] The present study aimed to identify weight-loss and hydration levels before competitions among elite wrestlers and determine the skeletal muscle damage and inflammation levels after dehydration. [Subjects] Seventy-two elite wrestlers who participated in the Turkish Wrestling Championship. [Methods] With the help of specialists, 5 cc of blood were drawn from the forearm veins of the wrestlers. Laboratory analyses of Na+, BUN, Glucose, CK, LDH, AST, ALT, C-RP levels were performed. Using a mathematical formula for hydration the POsm levels of the athletes were calculated. [Results] The wrestlers were divided into two groups based on hydration status. There were significant correlations between hydration indicators of Na+, BUN and PBWL values. There were significant differences between AST, LDH, CK values and skeletal muscle damage indicators of the two groups, but there were no significant differences between the inflammation levels and C-RP values of the groups. [Conclusion] No differences existed in inflammation levels among the wrestlers, although dehydrated wrestlers suffered from higher level of skeletal muscle damage than wrestlers who were not dehydrated. PMID:26957750

Basic Evaluation of the Newly Developed "Lias Auto P-FDP" Assay and the Influence of Plasmin-α2 Plasmin Inhibitor Complex Values on Discrepancy in the Comparison with "Lias Auto D-Dimer Neo" Assay.

PubMed

Kumano, Osamu; Ieko, Masahiro; Komiyama, Yutaka; Naito, Sumiyoshi; Yoshida, Mika; Takahashi, Nobuhiko; Ohmura, Kazumasa; Hayasaki, Junki; Hayakawa, Mineji

2018-04-01

Laboratory determination of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) levels, along with that of the D-dimer, is important for assessing the fibrinolytic situation. Recently, we developed a new FDP reagent "Lias Auto P-FDP", which can detect various FDP fragments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic performance of the newly developed Lias Auto P-FDP and compare it with Lias Auto D-Dimer Neo assay. The within-run precision of Lias Auto P-FDP and Lias Auto D-Dimer was determined 20 times in low and high value controls. The between-day precision was evaluated five times a day for five days. The linearity study was performed by diluting high value samples for 2 - 10-fold and 2 - 8-fold. The comparative study was performed using 172 patient samples with elevated FDP values. For the discrepancy analysis, the samples were divided into three groups by the discrepancy percentage between the FDP and D-dimer values. The groups were defined as follows: lower discrepancy group, less than -20%; no discrepancy group, -20% to 20%; upper discrepancy group, more than 20%. The coefficient of variation % (CV%) in within-run and between-day precision were within 3.8% for both FDP and the D-dimer. The correlation coefficients were more than 0.999 and the linearity was high. In the comparative study, the values of FDP were higher than that of the D-dimer in all samples. The median FDP and D-dimer values of lower discrepancy, no discrepancy, and upper discrepancy groups were 11.8, 20.3, and 51.4, and 8.0, 11.3, and 13.1, respectively. FDP showed an increasing tendency but D-Dimer showed constant values. Thus, the possible cause of discrepancy between FDP and D-dimer values were the elevated FDP values. In addition, the values of plasmin-α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) in the upper discrepancy group were higher than that of the lower and no discrepancy groups, indicating progression of fibrinolysis. In this study, we evaluated the newly developed Lias Auto P-FDP reagent and confirmed that the basic performance was acceptable. FDP was elevated in samples with high PIC values, which indicated progression of fibrinolysis. Determination of fibrinolysis conditions by FDP measurement is important.

Isotopic evidence indicates saprotrophy in post-fire Morchella in Oregon and Alaska.

PubMed

Hobbie, Erik A; Rice, Samuel F; Weber, Nancy S; Smith, Jane E

2016-01-01

We assessed the nutritional strategy of true morels (genus Morchella) collected in 2003 and 2004 in Oregon and Alaska, 1 or 2 y after forest fires. We hypothesized that the patterns of stable isotopes (δ(13)C and δ(15)N) in the sporocarps would match those of saprotrophic fungi and that radiocarbon (Δ(14)C) analyses would indicate that Morchella was assimilating old carbon not current-year photosynthate. We compared radiocarbon and stable isotopes in Morchella with values from concurrently collected foliage, the ectomycorrhizal Geopyxis carbonaria (Alb. & Schwein.) Sacc., the saprotrophic Plicaria endocarpoides (Berk.) Rifai, and with literature to determine isotopic values for ectomycorrhizal or saprotrophic fungi. Geopyxis, Plicaria and Morchella, respectively, were 3‰, 5‰ and 6‰ higher in 13C than foliage and 5‰, 7‰ and 7‰ higher in (15)N. High (15)N enrichment in Morchella indicated that recent litter was not the primary source for Morchella nitrogen, and similar (13)C and (15)N enrichments to Plicaria suggest that Morchella assimilates its carbon and nitrogen from the same source pool as this saprotrophic fungus. From radiocarbon analyses Morchella averaged 11 ± 6 y old (n = 19), Plicaria averaged 17 ± 5 y old (n = 3), foliage averaged 1 ± 2 y old (n = 8) and Geopyxis (n = 1) resembled foliage in Δ(14)C. We conclude that morels fruiting in post-fire environments in our study assimilated old carbon and were saprotrophic. © 2016 by The Mycological Society of America.

Land Reclamation in Brazilian Amazônia: A chronosequence study of floristic development in the national forest of Jamiri-RO mined areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fengler, Felipe; Ribeiro, Admilson; Longo, Regina; Merides, Marcela; Soares, Herlon; Melo, Wanderley

2017-04-01

Although reclamation techniques for forest ecosystems recovery have been developed over the past decades, there is still a great difficulty in the establishment on environment assessment, especially when compared to the non-disturbed ecosystems. This work evaluated the results and limitations on cassiterite-mined areas in reclamation, at Brazilian Amazônia. Floristic variables from 29 plots located on 15-year-old native species reforestation sites and two plots from preserved open/closed canopy forests were analyzed in a chronosequece way (2010-2015). Regeneration density, species richness, average girth, and average height were evaluated every year, by means of cluster analysis (Euclidian distance, Ward method) and submitted to multiscale bootstrap resampling (a=5%). It was conduced the regression analysis for each identified group in 2015 in order to verify differences between the chronosequece development. The results showed the existence of two main groups in 2010, one witch all mined plots were allocated and other with open/closed canopy plots. After 2011 some mined areas became allocated in the open/closed canopy plots group. From 2013 and on open/closed canopy plots appeared shuffled in the formed groups, indicating the reclamation sites conditions became similar to natural areas. Finally, in 2015 three main groups were formed. The regression analysis showed that group three had a higher trend of development for regeneration density, with higher angular coefficient and higher values. For species richness all the groups had a similar trend, with values lower than open/closed canopy forest. In average girth higher trends were observed in group one and all values were near to open canopy forest in 2015. Average height showed better trends and higher values in group two. It was concluded that all mined sites had a forest recovery process. However, different responses to reclamation process were observed due to the differences in the degraded soils characteristics. Keywords: Recovery, Restoration, Forest, Chronosequece, Cassiterite.

Chlororespiration is involved in the adaptation of Brassica plants to heat and high light intensity.

PubMed

Díaz, Milagros; de Haro, Virginia; Muñoz, Romualdo; Quiles, María José

2007-12-01

Two species of Brassica were used to study their acclimation to heat and high illumination during the first stages of development. One, Brassica fruticulosa, is a wild species from south-east Spain and is adapted to both heat and high light intensity in its natural habitat, while the other, Brassica oleracea, is an agricultural species that is widely cultivated throughout the world. Growing Brassica plants under high irradiance and moderate heat was seen to affect the growth parameters and the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus. The photosystem II (PSII) quantum yields and the capacity of photosynthetic electron transport, which were lower in B. fruticulosa than in B. oleracea, decreased in B. oleracea plants when grown under stress conditions, indicating inhibition of PSII. However, in B. fruticulosa, the values of these parameters were similar to the values of control plants. Photosystem I (PSI) activity was higher in B. fruticulosa than in B. oleracea, and in both species this activity increased in plants exposed to heat and high illumination. Immunoblot analysis of thylakoid membranes using specific antibodies raised against the NDH-K subunit of the thylakoidal NADH dehydrogenase complex (NADH DH) and against plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) revealed a higher amount of both proteins in B. fruticulosa than in B. oleracea. In addition, PTOX activity in plastoquinone oxidation, and NADH DH activity in thylakoid membranes were higher in the wild species (B. fruticulosa) than in the agricultural species (B. oleracea). The results indicate that tolerance to high illumination and heat of the photosynthetic activity was higher in the wild species than in the agricultural species, suggesting that plant adaptation to these stresses in natural conditions favours subsequent acclimation, and that the chlororespiration process is involved in adaptation to heat and high illumination in Brassica.

Specific energy consumption and quality of wood pellets produced using high-moisture lodgepole pine grind in a flat die pellet mill

DOE PAGES

Tumuluru, Jaya Shankar

2016-04-16

In the present study a Box–Behnken experimental design was used to understand the effect of the moisture content of lodgepole pine grind (33–39%, w.b.), die speed (40–60 Hz) and preheating temperature (30–90 °C) on the pellet quality and specific energy consumption. The partially dried pellets produced had high-moisture content in the range of 19–28% (w.b.), and were further dried to <9% (w.b.) in a mechanical oven set at 70 °C for 3 h. Dried pellets were further evaluated for pellet moisture content, unit, bulk, tapped density, and durability. Response surface models developed for the product properties have adequately described themore » process based on coefficient of determination values. Surface plots developed indicated higher unit, bulk, and tapped density (1050, 520, 560 kg/m 3) are achievable at 33–35% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, die speed of 60 Hz and preheating temperature of 30–60 °C. Higher moisture content of 39% (w.b) reduced unit, bulk, and tapped density to <912, 396, and 452 kg/m 3. Higher durability values of >95% were obtained at 33–35% (w.b.) at lower preheating temperatures of 30–50 °C and higher die speed of >50 Hz. At 33% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, preheating temperature of 90 °C, and die speed of 60 Hz, the observed specific energy consumption was <116 kW h/ton. As a result, scanning electron microscope studies indicated that lignin crosslinking is the primary reason for binding of the lodgepole pine grind at high-moisture content.« less

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

Tumuluru, Jaya Shankar

In the present study a Box–Behnken experimental design was used to understand the effect of the moisture content of lodgepole pine grind (33–39%, w.b.), die speed (40–60 Hz) and preheating temperature (30–90 °C) on the pellet quality and specific energy consumption. The partially dried pellets produced had high-moisture content in the range of 19–28% (w.b.), and were further dried to <9% (w.b.) in a mechanical oven set at 70 °C for 3 h. Dried pellets were further evaluated for pellet moisture content, unit, bulk, tapped density, and durability. Response surface models developed for the product properties have adequately described themore » process based on coefficient of determination values. Surface plots developed indicated higher unit, bulk, and tapped density (1050, 520, 560 kg/m 3) are achievable at 33–35% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, die speed of 60 Hz and preheating temperature of 30–60 °C. Higher moisture content of 39% (w.b) reduced unit, bulk, and tapped density to <912, 396, and 452 kg/m 3. Higher durability values of >95% were obtained at 33–35% (w.b.) at lower preheating temperatures of 30–50 °C and higher die speed of >50 Hz. At 33% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, preheating temperature of 90 °C, and die speed of 60 Hz, the observed specific energy consumption was <116 kW h/ton. As a result, scanning electron microscope studies indicated that lignin crosslinking is the primary reason for binding of the lodgepole pine grind at high-moisture content.« less