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Cognitive expectations, not habits, control anticipatory smooth oculomotor pursuit.

Human smooth pursuit eye movements anticipate the future path of moving targets. Anticipatory pursuit is sometimes attributed to cognitive expectations about future motion and other times to the habitual repetition of previous pursuit responses. Expectations and habits were separated by having subjects smoothly pursue a target moving along a randomly-selected path that was either undisclosed to the subject before each trial or disclosed by means of auditory or visual cues. When the path was undisclosed, the direction of anticipatory smooth eye movements was determined by the direction of target motion in the previous trial. In the presence of cues-the critical condition for separating habits and expectations-effects of previous trials diminished and anticipatory smooth eye movements were primarily determined by the direction of motion the subject was told to expect. These results show a strong contribution of cognitive expectations which overrides persevering smooth oculomotor habits. Smooth pursuit eye movements are driven by a signal that combines the present target motion with the target motion expected to occur several hundred milliseconds into the future. The expected motion is based on a genuine cognitive prediction, not lower-level sensory or motor memories of past events.

Cognition↗

Europa, tidally heated oceans, and habitable zones around giant planets.

Tidal dissipation in the satellites of a giant planet may provide sufficient heating to maintain an environment favorable to life on the satellite surface or just below a thin ice layer. In our own solar system, Europa, one of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter, could have a liquid ocean which may occasionally receive sunlight through cracks in the overlying ice shell. In such case, sufficient solar energy could reach liquid water that organisms similar to those found under Antarctic ice could grow. In other solar systems, larger satellites with more significant heat flow could represent environments that are stable over an order of Aeons and in which life could perhaps evolve. We define a zone around a giant planet in which such satellites could exist as a tidally-heated habitable zone. This zone can be compared to the habitable zone which results from heating due to the radiation of a central star. In our solar system, this radiatively-heated habitable zone contains the Earth.

Biomass↗

Habitability constraints/objectives for a Mars manned mission: internal architecture considerations.

It is generally accepted that high quality internal environment shall strongly support crew's adaptation and acceptance to situation of long isolation and confinement. Thus, this paper is an attempt to determine to which extent the resulting stress corresponding to the anticipated duration of a trip to Mars (1 and a half years to 2 and a half years) could be decreased when internal architecture of the spacecraft is properly designed. It is assumed that artificial gravity shall be available on board the Mars spacecraft. This will of course have a strong impact on internal architecture as far as a 1-g oriented design will become mandatory, at least in certain inhabited parts of the spacecraft. The review of usual Habitability functions is performed according to the peculiarities of such an extremely long mission. A particular attention is paid to communications issues and the need for privacy. The second step of the paper addresses internal architecture issues through zoning analyses. Common, Service and Personal zones need to be adapted to the constraints associated with the extremely long duration of the mission. Furthermore, due to the nature of the mission itself (relative autonomy, communication problems, monotony) and the type of selected crew (personalities, group structure) the implementation of a "fourth zone", so-called "recreational" zone, seems to be needed. This zoning analysis is then translated into some internal architecture proposals, which are discussed and illustrated. This paper is concluded by a reflection on habitability and recommendations on volumetric requirements. Some ideas to validate proposed habitability items through simulation are also discussed.

Astronauts↗

Reinforcements from the first drug experience can predict later drug habits and/or addiction: results with coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, barbiturates, minor and major tranquilizers, stimulants, marijuana, hallucinogens, heroin, opiates and cocaine.

The relationship between the reinforcing quality of the first drug experiences and eventual habits for a variety of drugs was studied in 42 male drug abusers who were predominantly opiate addicts. These subjects volunteered for drug studies carried out by the Addiction Research Center. The degree of reinforcement they derived from their first drug experience was related to their subsequent habit. This was true for alcohol, barbiturates, minor tranquilizers, cocaine, stimulants, marijuana, glue or solvents, hallucinogens, opiates other than heroin and heroin. Positive but non-significant correlations were found for coffee and major tranquilizers. The correlation for cigarettes was contrary to expectations. Of the components to the index of reinforcement, degree of liking of a drug on the first occasion was most related to the subsequent habit. The greatest initial reinforcement scores were found for heroin, cocaine and opiates other than heroin. drugs which were not well liked on the first occasion included major tranquilizers, cigarettes, coffee, and glue.

Adult↗

Prostaglandin metabolism in relation to the bowel habits of women.

A relationship between the menstrual cycle, changes of bowel habits and concentrations of plasma prostaglandin (PG)E2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane (TX)B2 in 3 groups of 8 women with different bowel habit were determined. The concentrations of PGE2, PGF2 alpha and TXB2 were significantly higher in the group who had bowel habits smoother than usual at menses compared to those who had experienced constipation throughout cycle or at menses. However, no differences between at mid-cycle and at menses were observed in the groups who had experienced constipation. These results suggest that constipation of young women is related to the inherited inability of patients to synthesize and secrete PGs in plasma and possibly in small intestine.

Adolescent↗

Mental health and food habits among employed women and men.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between mental health and recommended food habits among employed middle-aged women and men. A mail survey including data on mental health and intake of food items was collected from 40 to 60-year-old women (n=4991) and men (n=1252) employed by the City of Helsinki. The participants' current mental health status was assessed by the General Health Questionnaire 12-item version and categorised into 'poor' (score 3-12) and 'normal' mental health (score 0-2). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using this categorisation as an independent variable to predict recommended food habits among women and men. All analyses first adjusted for age and lifetime mental diagnosis, secondly socio-economic status variables, and thirdly health behaviours. Women having poor mental health were less likely than their healthier counterparts to report consuming fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, low-fat milk and low-fat cheese on a daily basis, and cereals or porridge at least five times a week. Men having poor mental health reported consuming less frequently fresh fruits and dark bread. Except for cereals and dark bread, these results remained statistically significant in the fully adjusted model. The results suggest that poor mental health is associated with unhealthy food habits.

Adult↗

Adolescent screen-viewing behaviour is associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages: the role of habit strength and perceived parental norms.

The association between adolescent screen-viewing behaviour (i.e., television viewing and computer use) and the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was studied in a Dutch sample of adolescents (N=383) using self-administered questionnaires. In particular, the previously understudied role of habit and perceived parental norms in the execution of these behaviours was investigated. Results showed that screen-viewing behaviour was associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (r=.32). Habit strength of both behaviours correlated with a large effect size (r=.50). The interaction between both behaviours was underlined by the finding that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was explained by perceived parental norms regarding screen-viewing behaviour (beta=.12; adjusted for the behaviour and perceived parental norm regarding sugar-sweetened beverage consumption). Consequences of the identified role of habit and parental norms in the interplay between sedentary behaviour and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents are discussed.

Adolescent↗

The Mini-Earth facility and present status of habitation experiment program.

The history of construction of the CEEF (the Mini-Earth), the configuration and scale of the CEEF are initially described. The effective usable areas in plant cultivation and animal holding and habitation modules and the accommodation equipment installed in each module are also explained. Mechanisms of the material circulation systems belonging to each module and subsystems in each material circulation system are introduced. Finally the results of pre-habitation experiments conducted until the year 2004 for clarifying the requirements in order to promote final closed habitation experiments are shown.

Agriculture↗

Lipid-induced colonic hypersensitivity in the irritable bowel syndrome: the role of bowel habit, sex, and psychologic factors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Duodenal lipid infusion increases colonic hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Whether this is affected by bowel habit, psychologic factors, or sex is unknown. METHODS: We included 61 patients with IBS (50 women, 11 men), 25 with diarrhea-predominant IBS, 17 with constipation-predominant IBS, 19 with alternating-type IBS, and 20 healthy controls (15 women, 5 men). A colonic distension trial was performed with a barostat before and after a 1-hour duodenal lipid infusion (3 kcal/min). Colonic thresholds, colonic tone, and the viscerosomatic referral pattern were assessed and compared between groups. Patients also completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. RESULTS: The reduction in colonic pressure thresholds after vs before duodenal lipids was greater in patients than in controls for discomfort (P = .006) and pain (P < .0001). An increased viscerosomatic referral area for pain and discomfort during colonic distensions after vs before duodenal lipids was observed in patients but not in controls. The response was similar in IBS subgroups based on the predominant bowel habit, in patients with vs without anxiety and/or depression, and in women and men with IBS. The colonic tone response during lipid infusion was similar in IBS patients and controls, and in the different IBS subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: IBS patients show increased colonic sensitivity and altered viscerosomatic referral pattern after duodenal lipids. This response is largely unaffected by the predominant bowel habit, psychologic factors, or sex, but seems to be related to IBS per se.

Adult↗

Self-perceived normality in defecation habits.

BACKGROUND: Available information on normal bowel habits was mainly gathered by means of telephone interviews or mailed questionnaires. AIMS: We undertook a prospective study to evaluate the defecatory habits in subjects perceiving themselves as normal concerning this function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire (4-week diary with "yes-no" daily answers to six questions concerning bowel habits) was distributed to 204 subjects perceiving their defecation behaviour as normal. RESULTS: The completed questionnaire was returned by 140 subjects. No significant differences were found between sexes or age groups for any variable, even though straining at stool and feeling of incomplete and/or difficult evacuation showed a trend to increase with age. No subject had less than three bowel movements per week or more than three per day. The percentage of symptoms linked to an abnormal defecatory behaviour was well below 10%. Fifty-five percent of subjects reported at least one parameter of abnormal functioning; the most frequent was straining at stool and the rarer was the manual manoeuvres to help defecation. CONCLUSIONS: In normal subjects the prevalence of symptoms considered in Rome II criteria as part of an abnormal defecatory behaviour (in more than 25% of defecations) is well below 10%, manual manoeuvres are almost never used to help defecation, and the frequency of defecations is at least three per week.

Adolescent↗

Radiative habitable zones in martian polar environments.

The biologically damaging solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation (quantified by the DNA-weighted dose) reaches the martian surface in extremely high levels. Searching for potentially habitable UV-protected environments on Mars, we considered the polar ice caps that consist of a seasonally varying CO2 ice cover and a permanent H2O ice layer. It was found that, though the CO2 ice is insufficient by itself to screen the UV radiation, at approximately 1 m depth within the perennial H2O ice the DNA-weighted dose is reduced to terrestrial levels. This depth depends strongly on the optical properties of the H2O ice layers (for instance snow-like layers). The Earth-like DNA-weighted dose and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) requirements were used to define the upper and lower limits of the northern and southern polar Radiative Habitable Zone (RHZ) for which a temporal and spatial mapping was performed. Based on these studies we conclude that photosynthetic life might be possible within the ice layers of the polar regions. The thickness varies along each martian polar spring and summer between approximately 1.5 and 2.4 m for H2O ice-like layers, and a few centimeters for snow-like covers. These martian Earth-like radiative habitable environments may be primary targets for future martian astrobiological missions. Special attention should be paid to planetary protection, since the polar RHZ may also be subject to terrestrial contamination by probes.

Arctic Regions↗

The relationship of age, blood pressure, serum cholesterol and smoking habits with the risk of typical and atypical coronary heart disease death in the European cohorts of the Seven Countries Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether "typical" coronary heart disease (CHD) such as fatal myocardial infarction and sudden death relate to major cardiovascular risk factors in the same way as the "atypical" CHD, such as fatal heart failure and chronic arrhythmias. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ten cohorts (6633 cardiovascular disease-free men, aged 40-59) in five European countries were examined, age and three major risk factors were measured (systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and smoking habits) and 35-year mortality data were collected. Proportional hazard models were solved with typical and atypical CHD deaths treated separately. RESULTS: Death rates from typical and atypical CHD were inversely related among the five countries. Mean age at death was significantly higher for atypical than typical (75.8 versus 71.6 years; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis conducted on pools of 5 countries (adjusted for countries), the relationship of risk factors with typical CHD was direct and significant for age (hazard ratio-HR-for 5 years of age 1.44 (95% CI 1.36-1.52)), systolic blood pressure (HR for 20 mm Hg, 1.39 (95% CI 1.32-1.47)), serum cholesterol (HR for 1 mmol/l of 1.22 (95% CI 1.16-1.27)) and smoking habits (HR smokers versus non-smokers of 1.39 (95% CI 1.24-1.57)). For atypical CHD, age had a larger HR of 2.27 (95% CI 2.05-2.52), systolic blood pressure had a smaller HR of 1.28 (95% CI 1.16-1.41), serum cholesterol had an inverse non-significant HR of 0.90 (0.58-1.58) and smoking habits had a larger HR of 1.54 (95% CI 1.26-1.89). CONCLUSIONS: Age and serum cholesterol were differently related with typical and atypical CHD deaths, suggesting different etiologies for these coronary diseases.

Adult↗

Few differences found in the typical eating and physical activity habits of lower-level and upper-level university students.

Typical eating and exercise habits of a group of lower-level (freshmen/sophomores, n=144) and upper-level (juniors/seniors, n=114) students, 19 to 25 years of age, attending a midwestern university were compared. Both groups reported similar snacking practices, nonalcoholic beverage consumption, places of meal consumption, factors influencing food choices, duration and frequency of various types of physical activity, and places of physical performance, with few exceptions. Significant differences between groups were observed for typical afternoon snack consumption, frequency of eating in university cafeterias, typical time spent walking, typical frequency of performing other aerobic activities, and factors that most influenced their physical activity habits. Few differences existed in typical eating and physical activity habits of lower- and upper-level students.

Adult↗

Adolescent assessment of cardiovascular heart disease risk factor attitudes and habits.

PURPOSE: To assess the attitudes of adolescents regarding cardiovascular heart disease risk factors and determine their potential influence on reported habits: exercise, smoking, and diet, as well as their body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Surveys were distributed to 141 male and 207 female adolescents at two clinic sites that serve a mostly Medicaid or uninsured population. Attitudes for obesity, smoking, and high fat diet were assessed with Likert scales, and habits for exercise, smoking, and fast food consumption were self-reported. Height and weight data were collected as well. Univariate modeling was accomplished with Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, contingency table analysis, and ANOVA. Logistic regression was used for multivariate modeling. RESULTS: The majority of participants agreed that obesity, smoking, and high fat diets may lead to heart disease. Fifty percent of the population exercised three times or less a week. Reported smoking was similar to national averages and increased with age. Participant attitudes were disparate to their reported habits. Occurrence of obesity in the sample was higher than national averages. Smokers, compared with nonsmokers, were 1.9 times as likely to be overweight or obese (p = .05). Participants who had a parent/guardian or grandparent with a history of heart attacks were 2.7 times as likely to smoke (p = .001). CONCLUSION: Adolescents possess knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors as reflected in their attitude assessments; however, their lifestyle choices contradict these beliefs.

Adolescent↗

Smoking habits in patient's who have been treated for an oral cancer: validation of self-report using saliva cotinine.

There is a perception amongst health care professional that patients under-report their smoking habits. The aim of this study was to validate self-reported smoking habits in patients who have been treated for an oral cancer using saliva cotinine. In a cross-sectional study100 consecutive patients attending a maxillofacial oncology clinic completed a smoking related questionnaire following which a saliva sample was obtained. Saliva cotinine levels were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. The mean (SD) age 61 (11), 74% male, 26% female. The majority (79%) had Stage I/II disease, which were treated by surgery (49%), radiotherapy (14%) or combined therapy (37%). Average time (SD) since diagnosis was 28 (24) months. 42% were self-reported smokers. Cotinine assessment was possible from 91 patients. Of these 43% (39/91) were smokers by self-report, all were biochemically smokers (cotinine level>14 microg/l). 9.6% (5/52) patients who claimed to be non-smokers by self-report had cotinine levels suggesting recent active smoking. The level of agreement was excellent (kappa = 0.89), and specificity and sensitivity high (1 and 0.90, respectively). Self-reported smoking habits are reasonably accurate in this group of patients. We believe that smoking related research using self-report alone can reliably be carried out in this particular patient group.

Biomarkers↗

Dietary habits and plasma fatty acids levels in a population of Italian children: is there any relationship?

UNLABELLED: The relationships between dietary habits and the blood fatty acid (FA) profile have been poorly explored, particularly in children. Aim of the present investigation was to look at the associations between dietary habits and the plasma pattern of FA in a school-age population. In 105 healthy 8-years old children, the nutritional habits have been evaluated by means of a Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 24-h recall. FA analyses (expressed as FA%) were performed by means of capillary gas chromatography. STATISTICS: non-parametric tests. The children with high pasta and low red meat consumption (n = 9), compared to those with either medium or low pasta and either high or medium red meat consumption (n = 96), showed lower levels of total saturated (29% vs. 35%, P = 0.001) and higher levels of total monounsaturated (30% vs. 24%, P = 0.04) FA in plasma. They also showed lower levels of LDL cholesterol (90 vs. 109 mg/dl, P = 0.08) and fasting insulin (4.0 vs. 6.3 microU/ml, P = 0.04) in blood. A high consumption of pasta coupled with a low intake of red meat may be marker of a food behaviour and/or lifestyle associated with a more favourable pattern of circulating FA and hematochemical metabolic markers.

Child↗

Time trends in smoking habits among Italian young adults.

BACKGROUND: In most developed countries the prevalence of smoking habits is decreasing in men, while in women the prevalence seems to decline in Northern Europe but to increase in the Mediterranean area. The present research aims at assessing time trends in smoking habits in Italy. METHODS: In the frame of the Italian Study on Asthma in Young Adults (ISAYA) a random sample of the Italian population aged 20-45 years was administered a mailed questionnaire in 9 Italian centers between 1998 and 2000. Cumulative response was 72.7% (18873/25969). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used to compare probability of remaining a life-time non-smoker across birth cohorts (1953-58, 1959-63, 1964-68, 1969-73, 1974-78). Probability to quit smoking was also evaluated among ever-smokers. RESULTS: Probability to persist as a non-smoker significantly increased across subsequent generations in both sexes. At the age of 20 years this probability amounted to 41.7% (95% CI 39.4-44.0%) in men and 52.7% (50.4-54.9%) in women born between 1953 and 1958, and it increased to 57% (54.8-59.1%) in men and 68.7% (66.6-70.7%) in women born in 1969-73, but no further decline in smoking habits was observed in the next birth cohort (1974-78). Also the probability to quit smoking significantly increased from the 1953-58 birth cohort to the 1969-73 one. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking has declined among Italian young adults of both genders. Further efforts are necessary to promote active anti-smoking campaign, especially among adolescents, which are at higher risk of starting to smoke.

Adult↗

Sleep-wake habits and disorders in a series of 100 adult epilepsy patients--a prospective study.

The aim of the study was to assess sleep-wake habits and disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in an unselected outpatient epilepsy population. Sleep-wake habits and presence of sleep disorders were assessed by means of a clinical interview and a standard questionnaire in 100 consecutive patients with epilepsy and 90 controls. The questionnaire includes three validated instruments: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for EDS, SA-SDQ for sleep apnea (SA), and the Ullanlinna Narcolepsy Scale (UNS) for narcolepsy. Sleep complaints were reported by 30% of epilepsy patients compared to 10% of controls (p=0.001). The average total sleep time was similar in both groups. Insufficient sleep times were suspected in 24% of patients and 33% of controls. Sleep maintenance insomnia was more frequent in epilepsy patients (52% vs. 38%, p=0.06), whereas nightmares (6% vs. 16%, p=0.04) and bruxism (10% vs. 19%, p=0.07) were more frequent in controls. Sleep onset insomnia (34% vs. 28%), EDS (ESS >or=10, 19% vs. 14%), SA (9% vs. 3%), restless legs symptoms (RL-symptoms, 18% vs. 12%) and most parasomnias were similarly frequent in both groups. In a stepwise logistic regression model loud snoring and RL-symptoms were found to be the only independent predictors of EDS in epilepsy patients. In conclusion, sleep-wake habits and the frequency of most sleep disorders are similar in non-selected epilepsy patients as compared to controls. In epilepsy patients, EDS was predicted by a history of loud snoring and RL-symptoms but not by SA or epilepsy-related variables (including type of epilepsy, frequency of seizures, and number of antiepileptic drugs).

Adult↗