Genetic variability and structure of SNP haplotypes in the DMPK gene in Yakuts and other ethnic groups of northern Eurasia in relation to myotonic dystrophy

The genetic variability of the DMPK locus has been studied in relation to six SNP markers (rs2070736, rs572634, rs1799894, rs527221, rs915915, and rs10415988) in Yakuts with myotonic dystrophy (MD) in the Yakut population and in populations of northern Eurasia. Significant differences were observed in the allele frequencies between patients and a population sample of Yakuts for three SNP loci (rs915915, rs1799894, and rs0415988) associated with a high chance of disease manifestation. The odds ratios (OR) of MD development in representatives of the Yakut population for these three loci were 2.59 (95% CI, p = 0,004), 4.99 (95% CI, p = 0.000), and 3.15 (95% CI, p = 0.01), respectively. Haplotype TTTCTC, which is associated with MD, and haplotype GTCCTT, which was observed only in Yakut MD patients (never in MD patients of non-Yakut origin), were revealed. A low level of variability in the locus of DMRK gene in Yakuts (He = 0.283) compared with other examined populations was noted. An analysis of pairwise genetic relationships between populations revealed their significant differentiation for all the examined loci. In addition, a low level of differentiation in territorial groups of Yakut populations (FST = 0.79%), which was related to the high subdivision of the northern Eurasian population (FST = 11.83%), was observed

Термоэлектрические явления и устройства в концепции Ландауэра–Датты–Лундстрома

С позиций концепции «снизу–вверх» транспортной модели Ландауэра–Датты–Лундстрома современной наноэлектроники рассматриваются термоэлектрические явления Зеебека и Пельтье и качественно обсуждаются закон Видемана–Франца, числа Лоренца и основные уравнения термоэлектричества с четырьмя транспортными коэффициентами (удельное сопротивление, коэффициенты Зеебека и Пельтье, электронная теплопроводность). С тех же позиций на примере 3D-резистора в диффузионном режиме анализируется работа термоэлектрических охладителя и генератора энергии с учётом лишь электронов, как реальных носителей тока, так и в рамках умозрительной, но удобной «дырочной» модели, вводятся и определяются понятия эффективности работы (КПД, фактора мощности и добротности) термоэлектрических устройств и рассматривается, каким образом транспортные коэффициенты зависят от свойств термиков.З позицій концепції «знизу–вгору» транспортної моделі Ландауера–Датти–Лундстрома сучасної наноелектроніки розглядаються термоелектричні явища Зеєбека і Пельтьє і якісно обговорюються закон Відеманна–Франца, Лоренцові числа й основні рівняння термоелектрики з чотирма транспортними коефіцієнтами (питомий опір, коефіцієнти Зеєбека і Пельтьє, електронна теплопровідність). З тих же позицій на прикладі 3D-резистора в дифузійному режимі аналізується робота термоелектричних охолоджувача і ґенератора енергії з урахуванням лише електронів, як реальних носіїв струму, так і в межах умоглядної, але зручної «діркової» моделі, вводяться і визначаються поняття ефективности роботи (ККД, фактора потужности і добротности) термоелектричних пристроїв і розглядається, яким чином транспортні коефіцієнти залежать від властивостей терміків.Based on the ‘bottom-to-top’ approach of the Landauer–Datta–Lundstrom transport model of state-of-the-art nanoelectronics, the thermoelectric Seebeck and Peltier phenomena are considered; the Wiedemann–Franz law and Lorenz numbers as well as the four transport coefficients (specific resistivity, Seebeck and Peltier coefficients, and electronic thermal conductivity) are qualitatively discussed. From the same positions for 3D-resistor within the diffusion regime, thermoelectric cooler and energy power generator are analysed with accounting only electrons as real current carriers as well as within the scope of the artificial but useful ‘hole’ model. Conceptions of operating performances (coefficient of efficiency, power factor, and figure of merit) for thermoelectric devices are introduced and defined, and dependences of transport coefficients on the properties of termics are discussed

Raman scattering study of δ-BiB3O6 crystal

The total set of polarized Raman spectra have been obtained at room temperature, and an assignment of observed modes based on the lattice dynamics simulation and polarization selection rules is proposed. An LO-TO splitting of A1 Raman bands have been observed

Anisotropic crystal of the δ-BiB3O6 investigated by vibrational spectroscopy

The vibrational spectroscopy has been applied to investigate the structure the BiB3O6 (BIBO) crystal. Based on the experimental results, the total set of phonons mode of the polarized Raman spectra was proposed. To verify the obtained experimental data have been performed theoretical calculation in software package LADY

‘Do i care?’ young adults' recalled experiences of early adolescent overweight and obesity: a qualitative study

<p>Objective: Individual behaviour change to reduce obesity requires awareness of, and concern about, weight. This paper therefore describes how young adults, known to have been overweight or obese during early adolescence, recalled early adolescent weight-related awareness and concerns. Associations between recalled concerns and weight-, health- and peer-related survey responses collected during adolescence are also examined.</p> <p>Design: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with young adults; data compared with responses to self-report questionnaires obtained in adolescence.</p> <p>Participants: A total of 35 participants, purposively sub-sampled at age 24 from a longitudinal study of a school year cohort, previously surveyed at ages 11, 13 and 15. Physical measures during previous surveys allowed identification of participants with a body mass index (BMI) indicative of overweight or obesity (based on British 1990 growth reference) during early adolescence. Overall, 26 had been obese, of whom 11 had BMI99.6th centile, whereas 9 had been overweight (BMI=95th–97.9th centile).</p> <p>Measures: Qualitative interview responses describing teenage life, with prompts for school-, social- and health-related concerns. Early adolescent self-report questionnaire data on weight-worries, self-esteem, friends and victimisation (closed questions).</p> <p>Results: Most, but not all recalled having been aware of their overweight. None referred to themselves as having been obese. None recalled weight-related health worries. Recollection of early adolescent obesity varied from major concerns impacting on much of an individual's life to almost no concern, with little relation to actual severity of overweight. Recalled concerns were not clearly patterned by gender, but young adult males recalling concerns had previously reported more worries about weight, lower self-esteem, fewer friends and more victimisation in early adolescence; no such pattern was seen among females. Conclusion: The popular image of the unhappy overweight teenager was not borne out. Many obese adolescents, although well aware of their overweight recalled neither major dissatisfaction nor concern. Weight-reduction behaviours are unlikely in such circumstances.</p&gt

Interdisciplinary project-based learning: technology for improving student cognition

The article studies a way of enhancing student cognition by using interdisciplinary project-based learning (IPBL) in a higher education institution. IPBL is a creative pedagogic approach allowing students of one area of specialisation to develop projects for students with different academic profiles. The application of this approach in the Ural State University of Economics resulted in a computer-assisted learning system (CALS) designed by IT students. The CALS was used in an analytical chemistry course with students majoring in Commodities Management and Expertise (‘expert’ students). To test how effective the technology was, the control and experimental groups were formed. In the control group, learning was done with traditional methods. In the experimental group, it was reinforced by IPBL. A statistical analysis of the results, with an application of Pearson χ 2 test, showed that the cognitive levels in both IT and ‘expert’ experimental groups improved as compared with the control groups. The findings demonstrated that IPBL can significantly enhance learning. It can be implemented in any institution of higher or secondary education that promotes learning, including the CALS development and its use for solving problems in different subject areas

Data Resource Profile: The World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE)

Population ageing is rapidly becoming a global issue and will have a major impact on health policies and programmes. The World Health Organization's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) aims to address the gap in reliable data and scientific knowledge on ageing and health in low- and middle-income countries. SAGE is a longitudinal study with nationally representative samples of persons aged 50+ years in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa, with a smaller sample of adults aged 18-49 years in each country for comparisons. Instruments are compatible with other large high-income country longitudinal ageing studies. Wave 1 was conducted during 2007-2010 and included a total of 34 124 respondents aged 50+ and 8340 aged 18-49. In four countries, a subsample consisting of 8160 respondents participated in Wave 1 and the 2002/04 World Health Survey (referred to as SAGE Wave 0). Wave 2 data collection will start in 2012/13, following up all Wave 1 respondents. Wave 3 is planned for 2014/15. SAGE is committed to the public release of study instruments, protocols and meta- and micro-data: access is provided upon completion of a Users Agreement available through WHO's SAGE website (www.who.int/healthinfo/systems/sage) and WHO's archive using the National Data Archive application (http://apps.who.int/healthinfo/systems/surveydata

Maternal Perception of Child Weight Among Mexicans in California and Mexico

The prevalence of childhood overweight is high in Mexican immigrant communities in the United States. Understanding mother’s perceptions of child weight in immigrants’ country of origin may help to understand this high prevalence. The goal of this study was to examine and compare mothers’ perception of weight in Mexico (MX) and in an immigrant community in California (CA). We assessed perceptions of child weight using a pictorial scale with 314 mothers of 5-year-old children in MX and 60 mothers of 5 year-old-children in CA. We compared maternal reports with children’s objectively measured weight. Using chi-square and Analysis of Variance, we investigated associations of maternal perception of and satisfaction with weight according to socio-demographic characteristics. Mothers were more likely to underestimate their children’s weight in CA than in MX. On average, CA mothers wanted their children to be smaller than they currently were and mothers in MX wanted their children to be bigger than they currently were. This differed by weight status in CA with mothers of normal weight and at-risk-for-overweight children wanting them to be bigger and mothers of overweight children wanting them to be smaller. In order for programs to be effective, mothers must be able to recognize their children as overweight and want to address it. Because underestimation of weight and a desire for a larger size is common in this population, programs to address overweight may be more effective if they focus on alternative benefits of weight control strategies, such as healthy child development