Correlation of calcium and magnesium intakes to frequency of muscle cramps in female college athletes

Muscle cramps are involuntary, painful, sudden contractions of skeletal muscles that can cause detrimental effects on athletic performance. Recent data suggest that low intakes of dietary calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) can enhance or cause muscle cramps. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between Ca and Mg intakes and muscle cramping in female college athletes. Athletes completed a 24-hour dietary recall and a survey on frequency and location of muscle cramps. Of those surveyed, 8 participated in basketball, 21 in softball, and 10 in gymnastics. Calcium and Mg intakes were calculated from dietary recall data using Food Processor® nutrient analysis software. Data are reported as means ± standard deviation (SD). T-tests were performed to determine significant differences between groups. The average daily intakes of Ca above and below the dietary reference intake (DRI) were 1516 ± 559 mg/day and 504 ± 296 mg/day, respectively, for the athletes that cramped and 1620 ± 299 mg/day and 645 ± 250 mg/day, respectively, for the athletes that did not experience cramping. The average daily intakes above and below the DRI for Mg in the cramping group were 423 ± 103 mg/day and 180 ± 65 mg/day, respectively. The average daily intakes for those consuming Mg above and below the DRI in the non-cramping group were 476 ± 80 mg/day and 190 ± 64 mg/day, respectively. No significant differences in the intakes of Ca and Mg were found between groups that cramped and those that did not report cramping. The results of this study suggest that a high intake of Ca coupled with a low intake of Mg is positively correlated to muscle cramping

European Business Cycle Convergence

Is the euro area getting closer with regard to business cycles? The study investigates the linkage between business cycle convergence and financial portfolio choice for a panel of 18 European countries. For this purpose an index is constructed which measures the similarity of investment portfolios. The idea is that financial portfolio choice has an impact on business cycles and contributes to convergence via the consumption-wealth linkage. The background of the analysis is the International Asset Pricing Model (IAPM). The results of fixed effects GMM TSLS estimations confirm the linkage. The effect is higher for country-pairs that are built by one euro area member and one member outside the euro area

Performance Comparison of Structural Interlayers

Engineers and designers are using glass in increasingly demanding applications such as stairs, floors, and bridges, large minimally supported facades and overhead glazing.  The use of laminated glass in structural applications has become more recognized and preferred as safer choice to monolithic tempered or heat strengthen glass. Structural interlayers are stiff interlayers that increase the strength of the laminated glass enabling the glass structure to handle higher loads with thinner glass.  The use of structural interlayers enables laminated glass use in the most demanding applications giving architects and engineers greater design freedom. Today engineers and designers have options when choosing a structural interlayer for their application, Stiff PVB or ionoplast interlayer.  Both interlayers provide improved post breakage strength and structural benefits; however, some significant differences in properties that affect the final laminate performance exist.  Applications that require higher temperatures above 30⁰C and/or long load duration, ionoplast interlayers perform the best.   When the load duration or design temperatures are lower stiff PVB is a good choice.  From the laminators perspective properties such as yield and final laminate quality are important considerations as well.   There are differences between the structural interlayers seen during the lamination process that can influence lamination quality and yields.  Stiff PVB process similar to standard PVB while standard ionoplast interlayers require some special processing.   This may present a challenge for the laminators.  Recent improvements in ionoplast interlayer technology now enable ionoplast to be laminated more similar to PVB giving laminators and engineers the best of both

The adventures of GI Jane: Women in the military

Many women in the United States are living in a paradox. While changes in the American culture have led to significant improvements in women\u27s lives, they still are frequently exposed to discriminatory policies and actions. This study examines the United States military, which is a specific institution that embodies this paradox. While the military offers women certain opportunities, such as a college education, travel and adventure, it is still steeped in male domination and gender discrimination. Using a review of secondary sources, this study explores the discourses relating to power, gender and sexuality in the military, which form the basis for the discrimination of servicewomen. This study also explores the persistence of discrimination and patterns of resistance by conducting in-depth focus group interviews to examine the dominant ideologies and discourses that frame women\u27s experiences and the ways in which women reproduce, resist, or construct alternative discourses