Associations between sleep conditions and body composition states: results of the EPISONO study.

Evidence suggests anthropometric indicators of obesity are associated with changes in sleep quality and quantity, and the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Investigations including diverse and objective evaluations of sleep and body composition are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the associations between indicators of sleep impairment and body composition states in a sample from a population-based study. Participants of the first follow-up of the EPISONO (São Paulo, Brazil) >50 years were cross-sectionally evaluated. Sleep was assessed through questionnaires, actigraphy, and polysomnography. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted for body mass index defined sarcopenia (men <0.789 and women <0.512). Total body fat defined obesity (men >30% and women >40%). The overlap between both conditions defined sarcopenic obesity (SO). Final results were obtained by multinomial logistic regression analysis. Three hundred fifty-nine adults [mean (standard deviation) age, 61 (8.8) years; 212 (59.1%) female] were enrolled. Obesity was detected in 22.6% of the sample, sarcopenia in 5.6%, and SO in 16.2%. After controlling for covariates, OSA was associated with SO [odds ratio = 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.49-6.61]. Additionally, nocturnal hypoxaemia was associated with both obesity (adjusted odds ratio = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.49-4.49) and SO (odds ratio = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.39-6.13). Other indicators of poor sleep/sleep disorders were not associated with body composition states. Sarcopenic obesity but not obesity alone was associated with OSA. Both obesity and SO but not sarcopenia were associated with nocturnal hypoxaemia. The findings suggest a complex pathophysiologic relationship between adverse body composition states and OSA. Upcoming research on risk factors and therapeutic interventions for OSA should target synchronically the lean and adipose body tissues

Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses stored for up to seven days in long-term extender in a field condition

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows inseminated with semen doses preserved at 15-18 degrees C for up to seven days in long-term extender (Duragen (R)). Parity one (PO1) to PO7 sows were randomly assigned to the following groups: AI1-3 (n=190), insemination with semen doses stored between one and three days; and AI5-7 (n=124), insemination with semen doses stored between five and seven days. Sows were submitted to estrus detection twice a day. Post-cervical insemination according to weaning-to-estrus interval was performed. The farrowing rate (FR) did not differ between the groups (AI1-3=83.2%; AI5-7=82.2%; p>0.05) nor did the total number of piglets born (TPB; AI1-3=14.2 +/- 0.3; AI5-7=14.5 +/- 0.3; p>0.05). Considering the semen dose most likely responsible for fertilization according to its storage time (1, 2-3, 5, and 6-7 days), the FR (72.7%, 87.8%, 85.7%, and 79%, respectively) and TPB (14.4, 14.0, 14.9, and 13.5, respectively) were similar among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the use of semen doses extended with long-term extender stored for up to seven days did not impair the reproductive performance of sows. Therefore, it''s using could optimize production efficiency and logistics of semen dose deliveries to sow farms

Electron localization : band-by-band decomposition, and application to oxides

Using a plane wave pseudopotential approach to density functional theory we investigate the electron localization length in various oxides. For this purpose, we first set up a theory of the band-by-band decomposition of this quantity, more complex than the decomposition of the spontaneous polarization (a related concept), because of the interband coupling. We show its interpretation in terms of Wannier functions and clarify the effect of the pseudopotential approximation. We treat the case of different oxides: BaO, $\alpha$-PbO, BaTiO$_3$ and PbTiO$_3$. We also investigate the variation of the localization tensor during the ferroelectric phase transitions of BaTiO$_3$ as well as its relationship with the Born effective charges

Overview Of The Inner Silicon Detector Alignment Procedure And Techniques In The Rhic/star Experiment

The STAR experiment was primarily designed to detect signals of a possible phase transition in nuclear matter. Its layout, typical for a collider experiment, contains a large Time Projection Chamber (TPC) in a solenoid magnet, a set of four layers of combined silicon strip and silicon drift detectors for secondary vertex reconstruction, plus other detectors. In this presentation, we will report on recent global and individual detector element alignment as well as drift velocity calibration work performed on this STAR inner silicon tracking system. We will show how attention to details positively impacts the physics capabilities of STAR and explain the iterative procedure conducted to reach such results in low, medium and high track density and detector occupancy. © 2008 IOP Publishing Ltd.1193STAR detector overview, H.K.Ackerman et al, NIM A499: 624,2003The STAR time projection chamber: a unique tool for studying high multiplicity events at RHIC, M.Anderson et al, NIM A499: 659,2003The laser system for the STAR time projection chamber, J. Abele et al, NIM A499: 692,2003Correcting for distortions due to ionization in the STAR TPC, G. Van Buren et al.,NIM A566:22-25,2006The STAR Silicon Vertex Tracker A large area Silicon Drift Detector, R.Bellwied et Al., NIM A499: 640, 2003The STAR silicon strip-detector (SSD), L.Arnold et al, NIM 2003 A499: 652, 2003SVT Alignment, STAR SVT review, 2004, Marcelo G. Munhoz, private communicationSensor Alignment by Tracks, V.Karimaki et al,CMS CR-2004/009 (presented at CHEP 2003)Alignment Strategy for the SMT Barrel Detectors, D.Chakborty, J.D.Hobbs, October 13, 1999. DO Note (unpublished

Current-Density Functional Theory of the Response of Solids

The response of an extended periodic system to a homogeneous field (of wave-vector $q=0$) cannot be obtained from a $q=0$ time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculation, because the Runge-Gross theorem does not apply. Time-dependent {\em current}-density functional theory is needed and demonstrates that one key ingredient missing from TDDFT is the macroscopic current. In the low-frequency limit, in certain cases, density polarization functional theory is recovered and a formally exact expression for the polarization functional is given.Comment: 5 pages, accepted in PR

Body condition score, weight variation and reproductive performance of beef cows in rangelands from the Pantanal region

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do escore de condição corporal (ECC) sobre a eficiência reprodutiva de vacas de cria nos períodos pré e pós-parto e a probabilidade de parição, usando o escore de condição corporal e a variação ponderal no período crítico do ciclo reprodutivo. Utilizaram-se 248 vacas multíparas mantidas em pastagens nativas distribuídas em quatro estratégias de suplementação: mistura mineral (controle); suplemento farelado; suplemento líquido; suplemento líquido para vacas e bezerros. As avaliações de peso e ECC, na escala de 1 a 9, foram realizadas no período crítico: em agosto (período pré-parto, 60-90 dias antes da parição) e em janeiro (período pós-parto e reprodutivo) durante quatro anos consecutivos. Para a análise dos anos consecutivos de reprodução, criou-se um escore de reprodução, ou seja, somou-se o número de parições de cada vaca durante os quatro anos pecuários avaliados. O escore de condição corporal nos períodos pré e pós-parto e a idade da vaca influenciaram o escore de reprodução. Portanto, para avaliação da probabilidade de parição, foram utilizadas todas as vacas, classificadas em paridas e vazias. Utilizando equações de estimação generalizadas (EEG), foi modelada a probabilidade de as matrizes serem classificadas como paridas considerando variáveis exploratórias ao longo do tempo. Para se obter probabilidade de parição superior a 80%, as vacas devem possuir escore de aproximadamente 5,5 no período pré-parto. Aproximadamente 60% das vacas paridas mantiveram ou ganharam peso no período crítico do ano, o que levou a maior probabilidade de reconcepção, similar ao observado para as vacas vazias, porém com probabilidade menor de parição. O período pré-parto é o melhor para estimar a probabilidade de parição das vacas por meio da avaliação do escore corporal. A seleção de vacas adaptadas às condições bioclimáticas do Pantanal aumenta a probabilidade de produção de um bezerro por vaca por ano. _________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of beef cows before and after calving and to evaluate the calving probability using body condition score and weight variation during critical periods of the cow reproductive cycle. From 2001 to 2005, the body condition score was recorded in 248 multiparous cows raised in native pastures, submitted to different supplementation treatments (mineral mixture only - control; dry supplement; liquid supplement and liquid supplement for cow and calves). Weighing and body condition evaluation were made on a 1-9 point scale in August (prepartum period, 60-90 days before parturition) and January (postpartum and reproductive period). A reproduction score was created in function of the body scores in four consecutive years. Except for the treatment, the other factors (body condition score in the prepartum and postpartum periods and cow age) influenced the reproduction score. Thus, the calving probabilities were estimated for all cows. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to evaluate the calving probability in function of the exploratory variables over time. Calving probability higher than 80% was obtained when cows scored 5,5 before calving. In relation to weight, the results showed that about 60% of calving cows maintained or gained weight in the postpartum period, leading to increase in the rebreeding probability. Similar situation occurred with single cows; however, the calving probability was lower. These results indicate that the calving probability using BCS is better estimated before calving. Furthermore, it indicates the presence of cows more adapted to the Pantanal climatic and feeding conditions than others