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[Physiological mechanisms of prevention of occupational hypoacusis].

This study and mathematical analysis by constructing a correlation matrix, a diagram of significant correlations, a multiple regression model of 77 indices of the body's main systems in 91 drift miners and drillers who had a service length of 7-27 years showed the physiological mechanisms of auditory function system and revealed 3 basic levels of energy metabolism regulation: 1) neuroreflectory (cortical mechanisms) and autonomic (sympathetic) adaptive-and-homeostatic regulation; 2) neurohumoral and metabolic adaptive-compensatory ergotropic self-regulation of blood circulation and respiration; 3) parasympathetic neuroreflectory and metabolic compensatory trophotropic regulation of respiration and blood circulation. The established regularities were used as a basis in developing methods and criteria for individual sensitivity to noise, criteria for specific adaptation during labour activity.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Time series and the dynamics of demand pacing.

Motivated by a common practice in cardiology, we analyze the dynamics of a demand paced system where one seeks to create a stable periodic response. By using techniques originally developed for controlling chaotic systems, one can enhance the information contained in time series regarding hidden, unstable periodic orbits. This makes it possible, for example, to track drifts in a system's dynamics.

Electrocardiography↗

Real-space observation of drift States in a two-dimensional electron system at high magnetic fields.

The local density of states of the adsorbate-induced two-dimensional electron system is studied in magnetic fields up to B=6 T. Landau quantization is observed and drift states with a width of about the magnetic length are found in agreement with theoretical predictions. At the tails of the Landau levels the states form closed paths indicating localization. These states show the expected energy dependence. A multifractal analysis applied to the data results in a nice parabolic shape of the characteristic f(alpha) spectra, but we find only a slight displacement of the origin from alpha=2.0 for the states in the center of the Landau level.

Journal Article↗

Toward an exhaustive sampling of the configurational spaces of the two forms of the peptide hormone guanylin.

The recently introduced Essential Dynamics sampling method is extended such that an exhaustive sampling of the available (backbone) configurational space can be achieved. From an initial Molecular Dynamics simulation an approximated definition of the essential subspace is obtained. This subspace is used to direct subsequent simulations by means of constraint forces. The method is applied to the peptide hormone guanylin, solvated in water, of which the structure was determined recently. The peptide exists in two forms and for both forms, an extensive sampling was produced. The sampling algorithm fills the available space (of the essential coordinates used in the procedure) at a rate that is approximately six to seven times larger than that for traditional Molecular Dynamics. The procedure does not cause any significant perturbation, which is indicated by the fact that free Molecular Dynamics simulations started at several places in the space defined by the Essential Dynamics sample that complete space. Moreover, analyses of the average free Molecular Dynamics step have shown that nowhere except close to the edge of the available space, there are regions where the system shows a drift in a particular direction. This result also shows that in principle, the essential subspace is a constant free energy surface, with well-defined and steep borders, in which the system moves diffusively. In addition, a comparison between two independent essential dynamics sampling runs, of one form of the peptide, shows that the obtained essential subspaces are virtually identical.

Algorithms↗

Fiberoptic intraparenchymal brain pressure monitoring with the Camino V420 monitor: reflections on our experience in 163 severely head-injured patients.

To assess the safety and accuracy of the Camino intraparenchymal sensor, we prospectively evaluated hemorrhagic complications, zero-drift, infection, and system malfunction in 163 patients monitored after a severe head injury. Mean duration of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was 5 +/- 2.2 days (range: 12 h to 11 days). Of the 141 patients with a control CT scan, four showed a 1-2-cc collection of blood at the catheter's end. When removed, the sensors underread the true ICP value (negative zero-drift) in 80 of the 126 sensors evaluated (63.5%). Fourteen sensors showed no zero-drift, and 32 sensors overread the true ICP value (positive zero-drift) (median: -1 mm Hg; interquartile range: -4 to +1 mm Hg). No significant relationship was found between zero-drift, the surgeon who implanted the sensor, intracranial hypertension, or duration of ICP monitoring. No clinical infections could be attributed to the devices. Sixteen patients (9.8%) required more than one ICP sensor due to malfunctioning of the system. In conclusion, continuous ICP monitoring using the Camino intraparenchymal sensor has a low complication rate. However, this sensor may underread the real ICP values in a high number of patients. The lack of correlation between duration of ICP monitoring and zero-drift suggests that, contrary to the recommendations of other reports, the intraparenchymatous Camino sensor can provide reliable readings after the fifth day of use.

Bacillus↗

The divergence of a polygenic system subject to stabilizing selection, mutation and drift.

Polygenic variation can be maintained by a balance between mutation and stabilizing selection. When the alleles responsible for variation are rare, many classes of equilibria may be stable. The rate at which drift causes shifts between equilibria is investigated by integrating the gene frequency distribution W2N II (pq)4N mu-1. This integral can be found exactly, by numerical integration, or can be approximated by assuming that the full distribution of allele frequencies is approximately Gaussian. These methods are checked against simulations. Over a wide range of population sizes, drift will keep the population near an equilibrium which minimizes the genetic variance and the deviation from the selective optimum. Shifts between equilibria in this class occur at an appreciable rate if the product of population size and selection on each locus is small (Ns alpha 2 less than 10). The Gaussian approximation is accurate even when the underlying distribution is strongly skewed. Reproductive isolation evolves as populations shift to new combinations of alleles: however, this process is slow, approaching the neutral rate (approximately mu) in small populations.

Alleles↗

WDS versus silicon drift detector EDS: a case report for the comparison of quantitative chemical analyses of natural silicate minerals.

Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) is an essential analytical approach to determine elemental concentrations of various solid specimens quantitatively in mineralogical, petrological and materials research. Either wavelength dispersive X-ray (WDS) or energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectrometric techniques can collect the characteristic X-rays generated from each element in the specimen by an incident electron beam in order to define chemical constituents. Although WDS has been the preferred technique because of its higher spectral resolution and ability to detect trace elements, new generation EDS systems with silicon drift detectors (SDD), equipped with thin windows and integrated digital processing electronics, are claimed to approach the WDS throughput. In this study, we compared the analytical capability of a SDD EDS system with respect to WDS equipped systems on natural silicate minerals. For this purpose, natural rock samples, in which the silicate minerals present had already been analysed by various WDS systems, were chosen to compare these results with the ones acquired with a SDD EDS system. SDD EDS yielded satisfactory results for major elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn and Fe) compared with the results of the same minerals obtained by various WDS systems.

Journal Article↗

Simultaneous monitoring of head-to-cervix forces, intrauterine pressure and cervical dilatation during labour.

In many westernized countries, the caesarean section role has now reached 15% or more, most commonly because of slow progress in labour. In order for labour to result in a vaginal delivery, the uterine cervix must dilate to allow the foetus to travel through the birth canal. This process is driven by uterine contractions, but the mechanisms by which the contractions result in cervical dilatation are still far from clear. The force exerted by the presenting part (foetal head) on the cervical tissue during contractions (head-to-cervix force, HCF) has been shown to be the variable with the best correlation with cervical dilatation. Unfortunately, the mechanism by which these two variables are related is still poorly understood. In order to investigate the relationship between head-to-cervix force, intrauterine pressure (IUP) and cervical dilatation, we have developed a system for their simultaneous and continuous monitoring during labour. The HCF is measured by using a novel intrauterine probe which is slipped alongside the foetal head so as to lie sandwiched between the latter and the cervix. The probe is fitted with six specially designed miniature force sensors, spaced 1.8 cm apart, which respond linearly and approximate the behaviour of load cells. They are interfaced with a PC by circuitry that allows auto-zeroing and drift compensation. The system enables simultaneous acquisition of intrauterine pressure and foetal heart rate (measured using a Sonicaid Meridian foetal monitor) via a serial link, together with continuous cervical dilatation measured by a caliper-like device applied to the cervix. Some preliminary data are presented, which suggest that the system can be used to investigate the role played by head-to-cervix force and intrauterine pressure in the cervix dilatation process.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗

A comparison of two spray nozzle systems used to aerially apply the ultra-low-volume adulticide fenthion.

Field experiments with the mosquito adulticide fenthion (Baytex) compared the conventional flat-fan nozzle system (Tee Jet 8002SS) and a new high-pressure hollow-cone nozzle system (1/8 MISS). Ground deposition and aerial flux of the mosquito adulticide fenthion were measured up to 4.83 km downwind by using filter paper and yarn collectors, respectively. Biological efficacy was investigated by using caged salt-marsh mosquitoes (Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus), and caged fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator) were exposed to quantify nontarget impact. Peak deposits to the ground were 1,729 microg/m2 and 240 microg/m2 for the flat-fan nozzles and high-pressure cones, respectively. Deposits from the flat-fan nozzles resulted in a cumulative fiddler crab mortality of 80%, whereas no deaths were recorded with the high-pressure system. The range of fenthion flux detected in the air when using the yarn collectors was similar for the 2 systems, with both showing drift through 4.83 km. For the flat-fan spray nozzle system, the aerosol flux ranged from 3.02 to 67.33 microg/yarn collector. The range of aerosol flux for the high-pressure nozzle spray system was 0.15-50.66 microg/yarn collector. Although the 2 systems produced comparable ranges of flux, the high-pressure system provided higher control efficacy against mosquitoes. Maximum mosquito control when using the flat-fan spray nozzle system against female salt-marsh mosquitoes was 26.6%, whereas maximum control with the high-pressure spray system was 92.9%.

Aerosols↗

A novel discharge source of hydronium ions for proton transfer reaction ionization: design, characterization, and performance.

A novel ion source based on direct current (d.c.) discharge has been developed for proton transfer reaction ionization operated at relatively high ion drift tube pressure. The shape and geometry of the ion source are designed to maximize overall ion intensity and to minimize interference from sample air. The initial performance of the technique, including speciation and intensity of reagent ions, their stability, and the impact of artifact signals, is evaluated by means of a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOFMS) newly built in our laboratory. Intensities of the hydronium (H(3)O(+)) ions are typically (5-7) x 10(5) counts for a 1-min integration time with a duty cycle of approximately 1%. The fluctuations of the ion signals over a period of hours are within 4%. Although the formation of artifact ions from sample air (NO(+) and O(2) (+)), which react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and subsequently cause fragmentation, is observed as background signals in addition to hydronium and mono- and di-hydrate H(3)O(+) ions, intensities of both NO(+) and O(2) (+) ions are only approximately 0.5% of those of H(3)O(+) ions. Using our PTR-TOFMS system at a drift tube pressure of approximately 5 Torr, the detection sensitivities are significantly improved and the detection limits for propene, acetaldehyde, acetone, isoprene, benzene, toluene, and p-xylene are estimated to be at the sub-ppbv level for 1-min integration.

Journal Article↗

Pesticide buffer zones for the protection of wildlife.

Buffer zones can play important roles in agricultural habitats, both in the protection of off-crop habitats from pesticide and fertiliser drift and run-off, and in providing important areas of non-crop habitats. Their role in the protection of aquatic habitats from pesticide drift is a significant feature of pesticide risk management, but they are currently used only to a limited degree to protect terrestrial habitats. This paper summarises some of the evidence for the risks and impacts of pesticide drift into non-crop habitats, and the approaches taken by the nature conservation agencies in deriving buffer zones for the protection of sites that are important for nature conservation. Biodiversity objectives need to be explicitly built into ICM programmes, and buffer zones, together with appropriate application technology, can play an important part in reducing pesticide drift in ICM systems to achieve such objectives.

Agriculture↗

The reproducibility of single photon absorptiometry in a clinical setting.

The reproducibility of single photon absorptiometry (SPA) results for detection of changes in bone mineral content (BMC) was evaluated in a clinical setting. During a period of 18 months with 4 different sources, the calibration scans of an aluminium standard had a variation of less than 1% unless the activity of the 125I source was low. The calibration procedure was performed weekly and this was sufficient to correct for drift of the system. The short term reproducibility in patients was assessed with 119 duplicate measurements made in direct succession. The best reproducibility (CV = 1.35%) was found for fat corrected BMC results expressed in g/cm, obtained at the site proximal to the 8 mm space between the radius and ulna. Analysis of all SPA scans made during 1 year (487 scans) showed a failure of the automatic procedure to detect the space of 8 mm between the forearm bones in 19 scans (3.9%). A space adjacent to the ulnar styloid was taken as the site for the first scan in these examinations. This problem may be recognized and corrected relatively easy. A significant correlation was found between BMC of the lower arm and BMC of the lumbar spine assessed with dual photon absorptiometry. However, the error of estimation of proximal BMC (SEE = 20.0%) and distal BMC (SEE = 19.4%) made these measurements of little value to predict BMC at the lumbar spine in individuals. The short term reproducibility in patients combined with the long term stability of the equipment in our clinical setting showed that SPA is a reliable technique to assess changes in bone mass at the lower arm of 4% between 2 measurements with a confidence level of 95%.

Bone and Bones↗

Hydroxyapatite as a filler for dental composite materials: mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivity of composites.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder was treated with gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy-silane (gamma-MPS) using standard techniques in both non-polar and polar systems. Infrared spectra (DRIFT) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the presence of gamma-MPS on the surface of the HAp filler particles. Series of experimental composites consisting of bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) based resin and untreated or treated HAp filler were produced to determine the mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivity. The incorporation of HAp filler into the BisGMA base resin had an enhancing effect on the flexural strength and Young's modulus of the base resin, the latter being increased by a factor of three. The mechanical properties of the filled resin were not affected by the surface treatment of the HAp, but filler loading was found to have a significant effect on Young's modulus. Higher proportions of silane-treated HAp of smaller particle size could be incorporated in the monomer phase giving rise to composites of higher stiffness. Examination of the fracture surfaces showed that the silanized HAp particles maintained better contact with the polymer matrix. In vitro study revealed that the composites incorporating silanized HAp formed a compact and continuous calcium phosphate layer on their surface after 4 weeks immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF).

Journal Article↗

Microsatellites and the genetics of highly selfing populations in the freshwater snail Bulinus truncatus.

Hermaphrodite tropical freshwater snails provide a good opportunity to study the effects of mating system and genetic drift on population genetic structure because they are self-fertile and they occupy transient patchily distributed habitats (ponds). Up to now the lack of detectable allozyme polymorphism prevented any intrapopulation studies. In this paper, we examine the consequences of selfing and bottlenecks on genetic polymorphism using microsatellite markers in 14 natural populations (under a hierarchical sampling design) of the hermaphrodite freshwater snail Bulinus truncatus. These population genetics data allowed us to discuss the currently available mutation models for microsatellite sequences. Microsatellite markers revealed an unexpectedly high levels of genetic variation with < or = 41 alleles for one locus and gene diversity of 0.20-0.75 among populations. The values of any estimator of Fis indicate high selfing rates in all populations. Linkage disequilibria observed at all loci for some populations may also indicate high levels of inbreeding. The large extent of genetic differentiation measured by Fst, Rst or by a test for homogeneity between genic distributions is explained by both selfing and bottlenecks. Despite a limited gene flow, migration events could be detected when comparing different populations within ponds.

Animals↗

Drift by dichotomous Markov noise.

We derive explicit results for the asymptotic probability density and drift velocity in systems driven by dichotomous Markov noise, including the situation in which the asymptotic dynamics crosses unstable fixed points. The results are illustrated on the problem of the rocking ratchet.

Journal Article↗

Critical dynamic events at the crisis of transition to spatiotemporal chaos.

In the driven/damped drift-wave plasma system a collision of the weak chaotic attractor with a saddle point is demonstrated at the crisis that induces a transition from a spatially coherent state to spatiotemporal chaos (STC). The phenomenon of the collision is consistent with the previous observation of the "pattern resonance" that triggers the crisis. Subsequent to the collision, before the system is ejected to the STC attractor, there is evidence of another critical dynamic event involving state transition of a mode phase. The second event plays a crucial role in the destruction of the spatial coherence.

Journal Article↗