Estimating family planning program effects on U.S. fertility rates.
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Black or African American↗
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Results for “Dynamic Programming”
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Exercise effect on dynamic stability in older women: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a 12-month program of regular exercise can improve dynamic postural stability in older women. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial of 12 months' duration. SETTING: Conducted as part of the Randwick Falls and Fractures Study, in Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twelve community-dwelling women aged 60 to 85 years (mean age 71.2, SD = 5.4). OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative measures of dynamic postural stability: maximal balance range and coordinated stability. MAIN RESULTS: Exercise and control subjects were tested before, midway through, and at the end of the trial. The stability measures had good test-retest reliability, and test performances were significantly associated with measures of lower limb muscle strength, reaction time, neuromuscular control, and body sway. At initial testing, exercisers and controls performed similarly in the two stability measures. The mean number of classes attended for the 48 exercise subjects who completed the program was 58.4 (range 26-77). At the end of the trial, the exercise subjects showed significantly improved performance in both the maximal balance range and coordinated stability tests, with no improvement evident in the controls. Improvements in coordinated stability were associated with corresponding improvements in ankle dorsiflexion, hip extension, and hip flexion strength. CONCLUSION: These findings show that exercise can significantly improve dynamic postural stability in older persons and elucidate some possible mechanisms by which such improvements may be mediated.
Accidental Falls↗
Keeping extension programs current in order to meet the needs of a dynamic dairy industry.
Extension is one of three missions of land-grant colleges. Funding and support include local, state, and federal dollars plus industry support, competitive grants, and user fees. To evaluate changes and emphasis, a survey of 13 selected dairy states was conducted to evaluate changes in dairy full-time equivalents (FTE) in the last 10 yr (1989 compared with 1999) at county or unit, regional, and state levels. A reduction of 5 to 34% in FTE occurred at all three levels. Surveys of dairy support state specialists in other related departments were also collected from the 13 states based on 1999 data. Wide ranges in state specialist support in other departments were reported. Changes and future program needs were collected from a 13-state survey. Two futuristic dairy information delivery programs are illustrated. The Illinois extramural CD-ROM-based instructional program used existing technologies to reach broad clientele bases, allowed students to receive instruction when time was available and earn college credit. The National Dairy Database (NDD) is an Internet-based delivered program with 23 domain areas that contained peer reviewed material. Users can access the new NDD by subscribing to an Internet address (which will be updated as new material is received) or by purchasing a CD-ROM.
Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
Family planning for travellers.
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Community Health Nursing↗
Clinical trial of postoperative dynamic back exercises after first lumbar discectomy.
Ninety-six patients who had undergone first-time discectomy for herniated lumbar intervertebral discs were consecutively randomized to two physical rehabilitation programs: a program of high-intensity, dynamic back extension and abdominal exercises with occurrence of low back pain being the limiting factor or a traditional program of mild, generally mobility-improving exercises within pain limits. Both groups underwent 14 hours of treatment during a 6-week period 5 weeks after surgery. At 26 weeks' follow-up, results indicated that patients who did the high-intensity exercises experienced greater success with regard to the patient disability-index and work capabilities. After 1 year, a trend that favored the use of intensive exercises could be observed. No differences were found in pain or objective measurements. A rehabilitation program of intensive exercises with occurrence of back pain being the limiting factor appears to increase patient behavioral support, resulting in work capacity improvements and patient self-rated disability levels. The results indicate that a 6-wk, 14-hr postoperative rehabilitation program is inadequate if objective postoperative deficit improvements are the desired goal.
Adult↗
Binding of 5'-GMP to the GluR2 AMPA receptor: insight from targeted molecular dynamics simulations.
Guanine nucleotides behave as competitive antagonists at ionotropic glutamate receptors and show neuroprotective activity in different experimental excitotoxicity paradigms, both in vivo and in cultured cell preparations. Taking 5'-GMP as the reference nucleotide, we have tried to understand how these molecules interact with the agonist-binding site of the GluR2 alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor. Using a crystallographic model of the ligand-binding core of the GluR2 receptor in complex with kainate, we have previously analyzed the structural changes associated to the binding of agonists to the receptor and suggested a mechanism for the coupling of agonist binding to channel gating. In the present investigation we used the structure of the apo form of the receptor to probe the primary interactions between GMP and GluR2 by means of an automated docking program. A targeted molecular dynamics (TMD) simulation procedure was subsequently used to force the closing of the protein and to study the rearrangement of the ligand and surrounding amino acids. The resulting structure provides a plausible model of the nucleotide-receptor complex. Indirect support for the validity of our approach was obtained when the same methodology was shown to yield structures of the kainate-GluR2 and 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX)-GluR2 complexes that were in very good agreement with the published crystallographic structures. Both the stacking interaction between the phenyl ring of Tyr73 and the purine ring of GMP and a salt bridge between the phosphate group of GMP and Arg108 in the S1 domain, together with several hydrogen bonds, are proposed to secure the anchoring of GMP to the agonist-binding site. Unlike conventional competitive antagonists, such as DNQX, occupancy of the site by GMP still allows receptor segments S1 and S2 to close tightly around GMP without interacting with the critical residue Glu209 that triggers channel opening. Thus, GMP appears to be rather a false agonist than a competitive antagonist. This fact and the nature of the energy barriers that stabilize GMP bound to the closed form of the receptor provide an explanation for the unusual behavior of some guanine nucleotides in ligand-displacement experiments.
Animals↗
Analysis of the impact of trap-neuter-return programs on populations of feral cats.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 2 county trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for feral cat population management via mathematical modeling. DESIGN: Theoretical population model. ANIMALS: Feral cats assessed from 1992 to 2003 in San Diego County, California (n = 14,452), and from 1998 to 2004 in Alachua County, Florida (11,822). PROCEDURE: Data were analyzed with a mathematical Ricker model to describe population dynamics of the feral cats and modifications to the dynamics that occurred as a result of the TNR programs. RESULTS: In both counties, results of analyses did not indicate a consistent reduction in per capita growth, the population multiplier, or the proportion of female cats that were pregnant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Success of feral cat management programs that use TNR can be monitored with an easily collected set of data and statistical analyses facilitated by population modeling techniques. Results may be used to suggest possible future monitoring and modification of TNR programs, which could result in greater success controlling and reducing feral cat populations.
Animals↗
Contraceptive use and fertility in Honduras, 1981-84.
This paper presents data on contraceptive use and fertility in Honduras obtained from a household survey conducted in 1984, and compares these data with similar information obtained from surveys carried out in 1981 and 1983. About half of the increase that has taken place in contraceptive use in Honduras is accounted for by sterilization. In 1981, 27 percent of women in union aged 15-49 years were practicing contraception; in 1984, the percentage of those 15-44 was 35 percent. The increase in urban areas was smaller (from 47 percent to 51 percent) than in rural areas (from 16 percent to 24 percent). Also, fertility remained almost unchanged in urban areas while declining in rural areas. Information from questions on place of purchase, price, and brand of contraceptive (for orals) was used to determine source of supply. The use of multiple questions to determine source results in a higher percentage of contraceptive use attributed to the Honduran Family Planning Association as compared with answers to a single question. The duration of breastfeeding in Honduras has increased, with the greatest changes occurring among women in urban areas and women with the highest levels of education. Efforts have been made to promote breastfeeding in urban areas and these results suggest that the efforts have been successful.
Adolescent↗
Effect of an electric stimulation facilitation program on quadriceps motor unit recruitment after stroke.
OBJECTIVE: To compare maximum voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) and motor unit recruitment of the quadriceps after an electric stimulation facilitation program in persons affected by cerebrovascular accident (CVA). DESIGN: Three-week, randomized controlled trial with an electric stimulation facilitation program added to standard care. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients receiving rehabilitation for first-time CVA (51.8+/-15.2 y; days post-CVA, 38.4+/-40.0 d). Patients were randomly assigned to study and control groups. INTERVENTIONS: All patients received standard physical therapy (PT) care. In addition, the study group received an electric stimulation facilitation program during weight-bearing and ambulatory activities of the PT program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: MVIT and motor unit recruitment measured by interpolated twitch testing. A 2 x 4 repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed on measurements at 4 intervals: pretest, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks. RESULTS: MVIT increased by 77% in patients receiving electric stimulation, compared with a 31% increase for the control group. There was a significant effect for assessment time only. Motor unit recruitment increased from 35% to 53% for the study group, whereas the control group recorded no change in recruitment ability. A significant interaction was recorded, indicating improved motor unit recruitment for the study group. CONCLUSIONS: A brief and dynamic electric stimulation facilitation program significantly improved motor unit recruitment in persons after CVA.
Adult↗
A novel neural network for nonlinear convex programming.
In this paper, we present a neural network for solving the nonlinear convex programming problem in real time by means of the projection method. The main idea is to convert the convex programming problem into a variational inequality problem. Then a dynamical system and a convex energy function are constructed for resulting variational inequality problem. It is shown that the proposed neural network is stable in the sense of Lyapunov and can converge to an exact optimal solution of the original problem. Compared with the existing neural networks for solving the nonlinear convex programming problem, the proposed neural network has no Lipschitz condition, no adjustable parameter, and its structure is simple. The validity and transient behavior of the proposed neural network are demonstrated by some simulation results.
Neural Networks, Computer↗
From genotype to phenotype: computer-based modeling of gene expression with STELLA II.
STELLA II is a microcomputer program that is designed to simulate and animate the dynamics generated by biological systems in a quantitative fashion. The program employs the Macintosh user interface and includes a tool kit for assembling models, plus menus for setting parameters and selecting input or output. Quantitative relationships among components may be expressed with user-defined equations, graphical functions or data from spreadsheets. System dynamics are simulated by running the program after defining initial conditions, and results may be viewed immediately using windows for graphical or tabular plots. The present article describes how STELLA II may be used to simulate gene expression as an adjunct to experimentation or student-directed learning.
Bacteria↗
GiPSi:a framework for open source/open architecture software development for organ-level surgical simulation.
This paper presents the architectural details of an evolving open source/open architecture software framework for developing organ-level surgical simulations. Our goal is to facilitate shared development of reusable models, to accommodate heterogeneous models of computation, and to provide a framework for interfacing multiple heterogeneous models. The framework provides an application programming interface for interfacing dynamic models defined over spatial domains. It is specifically designed to be independent of the specifics of the modeling methods used, and therefore facilitates seamless integration of heterogeneous models and processes. Furthermore, each model has separate geometries for visualization, simulation, and interfacing, allowing the model developer to choose the most natural geometric representation for each case. Input/output interfaces for visualization and haptics for real-time interactive applications have also been provided.
Computer Simulation↗
Effects of balance training on hemiplegic stroke patients.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the delayed effects of balance training program on hemiplegic stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 41 ambulatory hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited into this study and randomly assigned into two groups, the control group and trained group. Visual feedback balance training with the SMART Balance Master was used in the trained group. Bruunstrom staging of affected limb scores and Functional Independent Measure (FIM) scores of each patient were recorded. Quantitative balance function was evaluated using the SMART Balance Master. Data were collected before training and 6 months after completing the training program. RESULTS: Significant improvements in dynamic balance function measurements were found for patients in the trained group at 6 months after completing the training program. The ability of self-care and sphincter control also improved for patients in the trained group. On the other hand, no significant differences were found in static balance functions between the trained group and control group at 6 months of follow up. The locomotion and mobility scoring of FIM also revealed no differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Dynamic balance function of patients in the visual feedback training group had significant improvements when compared with the control group. Activities of daily living (ADL) function in self-care also had significant improvements at 6 months of follow up in the trained group. The results showed that balance training was beneficial for patients after hemiplegic stroke.
Adult↗
VMD: visual molecular dynamics.
VMD is a molecular graphics program designed for the display and analysis of molecular assemblies, in particular biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids. VMD can simultaneously display any number of structures using a wide variety of rendering styles and coloring methods. Molecules are displayed as one or more "representations," in which each representation embodies a particular rendering method and coloring scheme for a selected subset of atoms. The atoms displayed in each representation are chosen using an extensive atom selection syntax, which includes Boolean operators and regular expressions. VMD provides a complete graphical user interface for program control, as well as a text interface using the Tcl embeddable parser to allow for complex scripts with variable substitution, control loops, and function calls. Full session logging is supported, which produces a VMD command script for later playback. High-resolution raster images of displayed molecules may be produced by generating input scripts for use by a number of photorealistic image-rendering applications. VMD has also been expressly designed with the ability to animate molecular dynamics (MD) simulation trajectories, imported either from files or from a direct connection to a running MD simulation. VMD is the visualization component of MDScope, a set of tools for interactive problem solving in structural biology, which also includes the parallel MD program NAMD, and the MDCOMM software used to connect the visualization and simulation programs. VMD is written in C++, using an object-oriented design; the program, including source code and extensive documentation, is freely available via anonymous ftp and through the World Wide Web.
Computer Graphics↗
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program in women with rheumatoid arthritis taking low dose prednisone.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 12 month, weight bearing, aerobic exercise program on disease activity, physical function, and bone mineral density (BMD) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) taking low dose prednisone. METHODS: A group of women with RA (n = 23) not receiving steroid therapy and in American College of Rheumatology functional class I or II was compared to 30 steroid treated patients with similar demographics. The latter group was randomized to usual care (n = 16) or an aerobic, weight bearing exercise program (n = 14) 3 times a week for 12 months. All subjects were recruited from an outpatient rheumatology clinic or physical therapy department and met the study inclusion criteria. Outcome measures included disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, active joint count), physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index, activity level) and BMD of the spine and femoral neck (by dual energy projection radiology). RESULTS: Subjects in the exercise group had a small but nonsignificant decrease in disease activity and statistically significant improvements in function (p = 0.05) and activity levels (p = 0.05). BMD remained unchanged in the exercise group, decreased significantly (p = 0.004) in the nonsteroid comparison group (hip), and changed nonsignificantly in the control group. However, between-group changes in spinal BMD of the steroid treated groups was not significant (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Women with RA taking low dose steroid therapy can safely participate in a dynamic, weight bearing exercise program with positive effects on their physical function, activity and fitness levels, and BMD with no exacerbation of disease activity.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
Quantitative evaluation of proteins in one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels using a fluorescent stain.
The characteristics of protein detection and quantitation with SYPRO Ruby protein gel stain in one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels were evaluated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analyses of three different purified recombinant proteins showed that the limits of detection were comparable to the limits of detection with ammoniacal silver staining and were protein-specific, ranging from 0.5 to 5 ng. The linearity of the relationship between protein level and SYPRO Ruby staining intensity also depended on the individual protein, with observed linear dynamic ranges of 200-, 500-, and, 1000-fold for proteins analyzed by SDS-PAGE. SYPRO Ruby protein gel stain was also evaluated in two-dimensional electrophoretic (2-DE) analysis of Escherichia coli proteins. The experiment involved analysis of replicates of the same sample as well as dilution of the sample from 0.5 to 50 nug total protein across gels. In addition to validating the 2-DE system itself, the experiment was used to evaluate three different image analysis programs: Z3 (Compugen), Progenesis (Nonlinear Dynamics), and PDQuest (Bio-Rad). In each program, we analyzed the 2-DE images with respect to sensitivity and reproducibility of overall protein spot detection, as well as linearity of response for 20 representative proteins of different molecular weights and pI. Across all three programs, coefficients of variation (CV) in total number of spots detected among replicate gels ranged from 4 to 11%. For the 20 representative proteins, spot quantitation was also comparable with CVs for gel-to-gel reproducibility ranging from 3 to 33%. Using Progenesis and PDQuest, a 1000-fold linear dynamic range of SYPRO Ruby was demonstrated with a single known protein. These two programs were more suitable than Z3 for examining individual protein spot quantity across a series of gels and gave comparable results.
Bacterial Proteins↗
Quality of health care, survival and health outcomes in Ghana.
This paper analyzes the effect of quality and accessibility of health services and other public infrastructure on the health of children in Ghana. We focus on child survival, child height and weight using data from the Ghana Living Standards Survey. The results suggest an important role for public health policy in eliminating the rural-urban disparities in health status and particularly in improving the health status of rural children and reducing their mortality rates. Increased availability of birth services and other related child programs, as well as Improved water and sanitation infrastructure would have an immediate payoff.
Anthropometry↗
Do conditional cash transfers influence migration? A study using experimental data from the Mexican PROGRESA program.
Prior research on Mexican migration has shown that social networks and economic incentives play an important role in determining migration outcomes. We use experimental data from PROGRESA, Mexico's primary poverty-reduction program, to evaluate the effects of conditional cash transfers on migration both domestically and to the United States. Our study complements a growing body of literature aimed at overcoming longstanding hurdles to the establishment of causal validity in empirical studies of migration. Analysis based on the data collected before and after the program's onset shows that conditional transfers reduce U.S. migration but not domestic migration. The data also enable us to explore the role of existing family and community migration networks. The results show that migration networks strongly influence migration, but that the effect of conditional transfers on migration is apparently not mediated by existing migration network structures. Our results suggest that conditional transfers may be helpful in managing rural out-migration, particularly to the United States.
Adolescent↗