Whose DNA is this? How relevant a question? (a note for forensic scientists).

This communication seeks to draw the attention of researchers and practitioners dealing with forensic DNA profiling analyses to the following question: is a scientist's report, offering support to a hypothesis according to which a particular individual is the source of DNA detected during the analysis of a stain, relevant from the point of view of a Court of Justice? This question relates to skeptical views previously voiced by commentators mainly in the judicial area, but is avoided by a large majority of forensic scientists. Notwithstanding, the pivotal role of this question has recently been evoked during the international conference "The hidden side of DNA profiles. Artifacts, errors and uncertain evidence" held in Rome (April 27th to 28th, 2012). Indeed, despite the fact that this conference brought together some of the world's leading forensic DNA specialists, it appeared clearly that a huge gap still exists between questions lawyers are actually interested in, and the answers that scientists deliver to Courts in written reports or during oral testimony. Participants in the justice system, namely lawyers and jurors on the one hand and forensic geneticists on the other, unfortunately talk considerably different languages. It thus is fundamental to address this issue of communication about results of forensic DNA analyses, and open a dialogue with practicing non-scientists at large who need to make meaningful use of scientific results to approach and help solve judicial cases. This paper intends to emphasize the actuality of this topic and suggest beneficial ways ahead towards a more reasoned use of forensic DNA in criminal proceedings.

When "enough" is not enough: new perspectives on optimal methadone maintenance dose.

Some methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs prescribe inadequate daily methadone doses. Patients complain of withdrawal symptoms and continue illicit opioid use, yet practitioners are reluctant to increase doses above certain arbitrary thresholds. Serum methadone levels (SMLs) may guide practitioners dosing decisions, especially for those patients who have low SMLs despite higher methadone doses. Such variation is due in part to the complexities of methadone metabolism. The medication itself is a racemic (50:50) mixture of 2 enantiomers: an active "R" form and an essentially inactive "S" form. Methadone is metabolized primarily in the liver, by up to five cytochrome P450 isoforms, and individual differences in enzyme activity help explain wide ranges of active R-enantiomer concentrations in patients given identical doses of racemic methadone. Most clinical research studies have used methadone doses of less than 100 mg/day [d] and have not reported corresponding SMLs. New research suggests that doses ranging from 120 mg/d to more than 700 mg/d, with correspondingly higher SMLs, may be optimal for many patients. Each patient presents a unique clinical challenge, and there is no way of prescribing a single best methadone dose to achieve a specific blood level as a "gold standard" for all patients. Clinical signs and patient-reported symptoms of abstinence syndrome, and continuing illicit opioid use, are effective indicators of dose inadequacy. There does not appear to be a maximum daily dose limit when determining what is adequately "enough" methadone in MMT.

Microbial and enzymatic activity in soil after organic composting

Microbial activity and biochemical properties are important indicators of the impact of organic composting on soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate some indicators of soil microbial and biochemical processes after application of compost (household waste). A Typic Acrustox, sampled at a depth of 10 cm under Cerrado biome vegetation, was evaluated in three treatments: control (soil without organic compost amendment) and soil with two doses of domestic organic compost (10 and 20 g kg-1 soil). The following properties were evaluated: released C (C-CO2): microbial respiration 15 days after incubation; microbial biomass C (MBC); total glucose (TG); metabolic quotient (qCO2); and enzyme activity of β-glucosidase and acid and alkaline phosphatase. The application of household compost, at doses of 10 and 20 g kg-1 Typic Acrustox, resulted in significant gains in microbial activity, organic C and C stock, as evidenced by increased MBC and TG levels. On the other hand, qCO2 decreases indicated greater microbial diversity and more efficient energy use. The addition of compost, particularly the 20 g kg-1 dose, strongly influenced the enzyme β-glucosidase and phosphatase (acid and alkaline). The β-glucosidase activity was significantly increased and acid phosphatase activity increased more than the alkaline. The ratio of β-glucosidase to MBC was greater in the control than in the composted treatments which suggests that there were more enzymes in the control than in the substrate or that the addition of compost induced a great MBC increase.

Effects of tillage systems on physical properties of a cohesive yellow argisol in the northern state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Tillage systems are a key element of the technology of crop production, both with a view to crop yield and from the perspective of soil conservation and sustainability of the production system. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of five tillage systems on the physical properties of a cohesive Yellow Argisol. The experiment was installed in the field on January 21, 2011 and lasted 260 days, in an area previously used as pasture with Brachiaria grass without liming or fertilization, but irrigated by a low pressure spray system. The treatments, in five replications and in a randomized block design, consisted of: 1) disk plow (twice) + disk harrow + ridge-furrow tillage (raising a ridge along the planting row), 135 days after transplanting (DP + RID); 2) disk plow (twice) + disk harrow (DP no RID); 3) subsoiler (SB); 4) disk plow (twice) + disk harrow + scarification with three shanks along the plant row (DP + SPR); and 5) disk plow (twice) + disk harrow + scarification with three shanks in the total area (DP + STA). In all tillage systems, furrows were mechanically opened for the papaya plants. After the treatments, the mechanical resistance to penetration was determined, followed by soil moisture, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), bulk density (BD), macroporosity (Ma), microporosity (Mi), and number of fruits per plant. There were differences in penetration resistance (PR) between treatments. The subsoiler was more effective to decrease RP to a distance of 0.35 m from the plants, perpendicular to the plant row. The scarifier resulted in a lower PR than DP or SB, even at the depth of 0.40 m, and it was more effective at greater distances perpendicular to the plant. All tillage systems induced a PR between 2.0 and 3.0 MPa at the depth with the highest concentration of papaya tree roots (0-0.25 m), improving the physical conditions to this depth. There was no statistical difference among the treatments for BD, Ma, Mi, MWD, and GMD at a depth of 0.20 m. The disk plow changed the physical properties of the soil most intensely to a depth of 0.20 m. The use of scarification, reduced tillage with a forest subsoiler, or ridge-furrow tillage did not improve the physical properties in the rhizosphere. Reduced tillage with a forest subsoiler resulted in a lower number of fruits per plant than all other treatments, which did not differ from each other.

Looming Scarcity of Phosphate Rock and Intensification of Soil Phosphorus Research

In recent years, many researchers have claimed that world reserves of rock phosphate were getting depleted at an alarming rate, putting us on the path to scarcity of that essential resource within the next few decades. Others have claimed that such alarmist forecasts were frequent in the past and have always been proven unfounded, making it likely that the same will be true in the future. Both viewpoints are directly relevant to the level of funding devoted to research on the use of phosphate fertilizers. In this short essay, it is argued that information about future reserves of P or any other resource are impossible to predict, and therefore that the threat of a possible depletion of P reserves should not be used as a key motivation for an intensification of research on soil P. However, there are other, more compelling reasons, both geopolitical and environmental, to urgently step up our collective efforts to devise agricultural practices that make better use of P than is the case at the moment.

Processus de reconnaissance et d'identification de personnes décédées

Recognition and identification processes for deceased persons. Determining the identity of deceased persons is a routine task performed essentially by police departments and forensic experts. This thesis highlights the processes necessary for the proper and transparent determination of the civil identities of deceased persons. The identity of a person is defined as the establishment of a link between that person ("the source") and information pertaining to the same individual ("identifiers"). Various identity forms could emerge, depending on the nature of the identifiers. There are two distinct types of identity, namely civil identity and biological identity. The paper examines four processes: identification by witnesses (the recognition process) and comparisons of fingerprints, dental data and DNA profiles (the identification processes). During the recognition process, the memory function is examined and helps to clarify circumstances that may give rise to errors. To make the process more rigorous, a body presentation procedure is proposed to investigators. Before examining the other processes, three general concepts specific to forensic science are considered with regard to the identification of a deceased person, namely, matter divisibility (Inman and Rudin), transfer (Locard) and uniqueness (Kirk). These concepts can be applied to the task at hand, although some require a slightly broader scope of application. A cross comparison of common forensic fields and the identification of deceased persons reveals certain differences, including 1 - reverse positioning of the source (i.e. the source is not sought from traces, but rather the identifiers are obtained from the source); 2 - the need for civil identity determination in addition to the individualisation stage; and 3 - a more restricted population (closed set), rather than an open one. For fingerprints, dental and DNA data, intravariability and intervariability are examined, as well as changes in these post mortem (PM) identifiers. Ante-mortem identifiers (AM) are located and AM-PM comparisons made. For DNA, it has been shown that direct identifiers (taken from a person whose civil identity has been alleged) tend to lead to determining civil identity whereas indirect identifiers (obtained from a close relative) direct towards a determination of biological identity. For each process, a Bayesian model is presented which includes sources of uncertainty deemed to be relevant. The results of the different processes combine to structure and summarise an overall outcome and a methodology. The modelling of dental data presents a specific difficulty with respect to intravariability, which in itself is not quantifiable. The concept of "validity" is, therefore, suggested as a possible solution to the problem. Validity uses various parameters that have an acknowledged impact on teeth intravariability. In cases where identifying deceased persons proves to be extremely difficult due to the limited discrimination of certain procedures, the use of a Bayesian approach is of great value in bringing a transparent and synthetic value. RESUME : Titre: Processus de reconnaissance et d'identification de personnes décédées. L'individualisation de personnes décédées est une tâche courante partagée principalement par des services de police, des odontologues et des laboratoires de génétique. L'objectif de cette recherche est de présenter des processus pour déterminer valablement, avec une incertitude maîtrisée, les identités civiles de personnes décédées. La notion d'identité est examinée en premier lieu. L'identité d'une personne est définie comme l'établissement d'un lien entre cette personne et des informations la concernant. Les informations en question sont désignées par le terme d'identifiants. Deux formes distinctes d'identité sont retenues: l'identité civile et l'identité biologique. Quatre processus principaux sont examinés: celui du témoignage et ceux impliquant les comparaisons d'empreintes digitales, de données dentaires et de profils d'ADN. Concernant le processus de reconnaissance, le mode de fonctionnement de la mémoire est examiné, démarche qui permet de désigner les paramètres pouvant conduire à des erreurs. Dans le but d'apporter un cadre rigoureux à ce processus, une procédure de présentation d'un corps est proposée à l'intention des enquêteurs. Avant d'entreprendre l'examen des autres processus, les concepts généraux propres aux domaines forensiques sont examinés sous l'angle particulier de l'identification de personnes décédées: la divisibilité de la matière (Inman et Rudin), le transfert (Locard) et l'unicité (Kirk). Il est constaté que ces concepts peuvent être appliqués, certains nécessitant toutefois un léger élargissement de leurs principes. Une comparaison croisée entre les domaines forensiques habituels et l'identification de personnes décédées montre des différences telles qu'un positionnement inversé de la source (la source n'est plus à rechercher en partant de traces, mais ce sont des identifiants qui sont recherchés en partant de la source), la nécessité de devoir déterminer une identité civile en plus de procéder à une individualisation ou encore une population d'intérêt limitée plutôt qu'ouverte. Pour les empreintes digitales, les dents et l'ADN, l'intra puis l'inter-variabilité sont examinées, de même que leurs modifications post-mortem (PM), la localisation des identifiants ante-mortem (AM) et les comparaisons AM-PM. Pour l'ADN, il est démontré que les identifiants directs (provenant de la personne dont l'identité civile est supposée) tendent à déterminer une identité civile alors que les identifiants indirects (provenant d'un proche parent) tendent à déterminer une identité biologique. Puis une synthèse des résultats provenant des différents processus est réalisée grâce à des modélisations bayesiennes. Pour chaque processus, une modélisation est présentée, modélisation intégrant les paramètres reconnus comme pertinents. À ce stade, une difficulté apparaît: celle de quantifier l'intra-variabilité dentaire pour laquelle il n'existe pas de règle précise. La solution préconisée est celle d'intégrer un concept de validité qui intègre divers paramètres ayant un impact connu sur l'intra-variabilité. La possibilité de formuler une valeur de synthèse par l'approche bayesienne s'avère d'une aide précieuse dans des cas très difficiles pour lesquels chacun des processus est limité en termes de potentiel discriminant.

Nonspecific PCR amplification by high-fidelity polymerases: implications for next-generation sequencing of AFLP markers.

High-fidelity 'proofreading' polymerases are often used in library construction for next-generation sequencing projects, in an effort to minimize errors in the resulting sequence data. The increased template fidelity of these polymerases can come at the cost of reduced template specificity, and library preparation methods based on the AFLP technique may be particularly susceptible. Here, we compare AFLP profiles generated with standard Taq and two versions of a high-fidelity polymerase. We find that Taq produces fewer and brighter peaks than high-fidelity polymerase, suggesting that Taq performs better at selectively amplifying templates that exactly match the primer sequences. Because the higher accuracy of proofreading polymerases remains important for sequencing applications, we suggest that it may be more effective to use alternative library preparation methods.

Emergency Department Use by oldest-old Patients Between 2005 And 2010 in a Swiss University Hospital

Introduction: Population ageing challenges Emergency Departments (ED) with a population shift toward higher age groups. Patients aged 85+, represent the fastest growing segment, leading to more prevalent complex situations within ED. Method: Retrospective analysis of 56'162 ED visits of patients at the University of Lausanne Medical Center (CHUV), from 2005 to 2010. Results: ED visits of 65+ patients increased from 8'228 to 10'390/year, representing 6 patients/day more (+26%). 85+ Patients increased by +46% vs +20% for the 65-84 (+20% ED visits of people 18-64y). Median age of the 65+ ED patients increased from 78.7 to 79.3 years. 85+ patients were more likely than 65-84y patients to come from a NH setting (13% vs 4%) and to be hospitalised (70% vs 59%). Median length of stay difference between both age groups extended from 2 hours 08 min in 2005 to 2 hours 45 min in 2010. First reason to visit ED was fall/injury for 85+ patients (27%; 65-84: 18%) and a cardiovascular disorder for patients aged 65-84y (18%; 85+: 16%). Part of high degree of emergency cases (42%) and readmission to ED within 30 days (8%) were similar for both age classes (similar proportions in 2005 and 2010 for these 3 issues). Conclusion: Patients aged 85+ are the fastest growing group admitted to ED. Compared to younger counterparts, they use more ED ressources and the differences are increaseing overtime. ED addressing specific needs of geriatric patients would improve their care and lead to a better use of available resources.

Mutations in the DNA-binding domain of NR2E3 affect in vivo dimerization and interaction with CRX.

BACKGROUND: NR2E3 (PNR) is an orphan nuclear receptor essential for proper photoreceptor determination and differentiation. In humans, mutations in NR2E3 have been associated with the recessively inherited enhanced short wavelength sensitive (S-) cone syndrome (ESCS) and, more recently, with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). NR2E3 acts as a suppressor of the cone generation program in late mitotic retinal progenitor cells. In adult rod photoreceptors, NR2E3 represses cone-specific gene expression and acts in concert with the transcription factors CRX and NRL to activate rod-specific genes. NR2E3 and CRX have been shown to physically interact in vitro through their respective DNA-binding domains (DBD). The DBD also contributes to homo- and heterodimerization of nuclear receptors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We analyzed NR2E3 homodimerization and NR2E3/CRX complex formation in an in vivo situation by Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET(2)). NR2E3 wild-type protein formed homodimers in transiently transfected HEK293T cells. NR2E3 homodimerization was impaired in presence of disease-causing mutations in the DBD, except for the p.R76Q and p.R104W mutant proteins. Strikingly, the adRP-linked p.G56R mutant protein interacted with CRX with a similar efficiency to that of NR2E3 wild-type and p.R311Q proteins. In contrast, all other NR2E3 DBD-mutant proteins did not interact with CRX. The p.G56R mutant protein was also more effective in abolishing the potentiation of rhodospin gene transactivation by the NR2E3 wild-type protein. In addition, the p.G56R mutant enhanced the transrepression of the M- and S-opsin promoter, while all other NR2E3 DBD-mutants did not. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest different disease mechanisms in adRP- and ESCS-patients carrying NR2E3 mutations. Titration of CRX by the p.G56R mutant protein acting as a repressor in trans may account for the severe clinical phenotype in adRP patients.

Production endogène de Nortestostérone chez l'homme et influence de l'activité physique et du régime alimentaire

RESUME Depuis les années 1980, les stéroïdes androgéniques anabolisants (SAA) sont restés les produits dopants les plus utilisés par les sportifs. Les propriétés principales attribuées à ces substances sont une augmentation de la masse et de la force musculaire ainsi qu'une agressivité supérieure pouvant s'avérer bénéfique lors des entraînements ou des compétitions. En plus de cette "tradition" liée à la consommation des SAA, une autre problématique est apparue dans le monde antidopage suite à la fulgurante expansion de l'utilisation des compléments alimentaires par les athlètes professionnels et amateurs. Dès la fin des années 1990, une recrudescence de cas positifs de dopage aux SAA a été attribuée à la contamination des compléments alimentaires par des composés anabolisants tels que la testostérone ou la nandrolone ou par des prohormones se situant en amont dans le métabolisme de certains SAA et conduisant à la présence, dans les urines, de traces de substances interdites par l'Agence Mondiale Antidopage (AMA). Afin de mettre en garde les autorités antidopage ainsi que les athlètes quant aux problèmes liés aux compléments alimentaires, le Laboratoire Suisse d'Analyse du Dopage (LAD) a décidé d'étudier de manière plus précise la composition d'une centaine de produits accessibles en Suisse par l'intermédiaire d'internet. Cette étude a permis de mettre en évidence un taux de non conformité des produits avoisinant les 20%, avec une contamination plus importante des produits contenant des hormones ou des prohormones. La consommation de doses journalières recommandées des produits contaminés a mené à la détection dans les urines de la présence de substances interdites par l'AMA. Ces résultats confirment ainsi que l'usage de compléments alimentaires peut s'avérer dangereuse dans le cadre de contrôles antidopage et que les effets sur l'état physique et mental des athlètes peuvent dépasser les effets désirés et être dramatiques pour la poursuite d'une carrière sportive. D'autre part, cela démontre que l'alimentation peut mener à la présence urinaire de substances proscrites telles que les métabolites de la nandrolone, la 19-norandrostéreone (19-NA) et la 19-norétiocholanolone (19-NE). Afin de démontrer un effet potentiel de l'exercice physique sur l'excrétion urinaire des métabolites de la nandrolone, une première étude clinique a été réalisée avec 34 volontaires. Deux doses orales de nandrolone marquée avec deux atomes de C13 ont été administrées aux sujets. Les urines ont été récoltées durant les 5 jours suivant les prises orales (études d'excrétion) ainsi qu'avant et après les 8 séances d'entraînements du protocole. Les analyses des études d'excrétion ont permis d'établir une variabilité intra- et inter-individuelle du métabolisme et de la pharmacocinétique de la 19-NA et de la 19-NE. En dépit de la rapide élimination urinaire des métabolites de la nandrolone C13, les analyses des échantillons prélevés avant et après les différents efforts n'ont pas révélé une influence nette de l'exercice physique sur les concentrations urinaires de la 19-NA et 19-NE. Une seconde étude clinique a été effectuée, avec la participation de 30 volontaires. Il s'agissait de déterminer si la consommation de multiples doses orales d'un décanoate de testostérone, de 19-norandrostenedione (un précurseur de la nandrolone) ou de placebo durant un mois, pouvait avoir des effets bénéfiques sur la récupération et la performance physique. En parallèle, les sujets étaient soumis à un entrainement d'endurance intense et individualisé. Divers paramètres physiologiques ont été étudiés dans le sérum et les urines afin de mettre en évidence une meilleure récupération de l'organisme. Aucun de ses paramètres n'a permis de conclure que la consommation orale de SAA est favorable pour optimaliser les capacités de récupération des athlètes. De plus, les performances physiques ont été évaluées avant et après l'entraînement et le traitement. Aucune différence significative n'a été démontrée entre les trois groupes de volontaires. L'état psychologique des volontaires a été évalué à l'aide de questionnaires (short Profile of Mood State, sPOMS) remplis à trois reprises au cours du protocole. De manière générale, l'évolution observée est une augmentation de la fatigue avec une diminution de la vigueur. Des analyses statistiques ont révélé que des prises orales de testostérone, et dans une moindre mesure de 19-norandrostenedione, ont une légère influence sur cette évolution générale en diminuant les effets de l'entrainement sur le profil psychologique. Les urines récoltées durant le protocole ont été analysées par GC/C/IRMS et GCMS afin de détecter les variations des concentrations des hormones liées au métabolisme de la testostérone. Les résultats ont démontré une variabilité interindividuelle du métabolisme de la testostérone qui implique que les critères de positivité imposés par l'AMA ne sont pas forcément valables pour tous les individus. La détection de la 19-NA et de la 19-NE, issus du métabolisme in vivo de la 19norandrostenedione, a confirmé les résultats obtenus sur la pharmacocinétique et le métabolisme de la nandrolone C13 obtenus lors de la première étude clinique. Ce travail a permis de clarifier certains points en lien avec l'abus de la nandrolone dans le sport et notamment par rapport à la consommation de compléments alimentaires. Les deux études cliniques n'ont pas véritablement apporté les réponses souhaitées aux hypothèses de départ. Cependant certains aspects intéressants en relation avec le métabolisme des SAA ont été découverts et pourront peut-être permettre à la lutte antidopage d'évoluer vers une meilleure efficacité. SUMMARY Since 1980's, anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are still the most used doping agents in sports. The main properties attributed to these substances are an increase of muscle mass and strength and also a higher aggressiveness that could be beneficial during trainings and competitions. In addition to this "tradition" linked to the AAS intake, another problematics has raised in the antidoping field. Indeed, nutritional supplements have been more and more used by professional and amateur athletes. Since the end of the 1990's, an outburst of positive doping cases with AAS has been attributed to nutritional supplements contaminations with anabolic compounds like testosterone or nandrolone or with prohormones located above in the metabolism of some AAS and prompting urinary traces of forbidden compounds by the World Antidoping Agency (WADA). In order to inform the antidoping authorities and the athletes about the problems linked to the nutritional supplements, the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses (LAD) decided to investigate more precisely the composition of about hundred products accessible in Switzerland through different web sites. This study showed that about 20% of the products were not conformed to the composition announced by the manufacturers. The oral intake of daily recommended doses of the contaminated products revealed the presence in urines of forbidden substances by the WADA. Hence, these results confirm that the use of nutritional supplements can lead to adverse analytical findings in antidoping controls and that the effects on athletes' physical and mental state could be different from the ones desired and could be dramatic for the continuation of an athlete's career. Moreover, this demonstrates that the diet can lead to the presence in urines of proscribed substances like nandrolone metabolites, i.e. 19-norandrosterone (19-NA) and 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE). To put forward a potential effect of physical exercise on urinary nandrolone metabolites excretion rate, a first clinical study was done with 34 volunteers. Two oral doses of nandrolone labelled with two C13 atoms were administered to the subjects. The urines were collected during the 5 days following the treatment (excretion studies) and before and after the 8 exercise sessions of the protocol. The analyses of excretion studies revealed an intra- and inter-individual variability of the metabolism and the pharmacokinetics of 19-NA and 19-NE. In spite of the rapid urinary elimination of the nandrolone C13 metabolites, the analyses of the urine samples gathered before and after efforts did not show a clear influence of physical exercise on the urinary 19-NA and 19-NE concentrations. A second clinical study was done with the participation of 30 volunteers. The main aim was to determine if multiple oral doses of testosterone undecanoate, 19-norandrostenedione (a nandrolone precursor) or placebo during one month, could have beneficial effects on recovery and physical performance. Meanwhile, the individuals had to follow an intense and personalized endurance training program. Several physiological parameters were investigated in serum and urines in order to demonstrate a better organism's recovery. None of these parameters lead to the conclusion that oral intake of AAS is useful to optimise the recovery capacities of athletes. In addition, physical performances were evaluated before and after the training and treatment month. No significant difference was shown between the three volunteers groups. The psychological state of the volunteers was assessed through questionnaires (short Profile of Mood State, sP4MS) filled three times during the protocol. The global evolution is an increase of fatigue with an decrease of vigour. Statistical analyses revealed that the oral intake of testosterone, and to a lesser extent of 19= norandrostenedione, have a small influence on this general evolution in decreasing the effect of training on the psychological profile. The urines collected during the protocol were analysed by GC/C/IRMS and GCMS to detect concentrations variations of hormones related to the testosterone metabolism. The results revealed an interindividual variability of testosterone metabolism which implies that the guidance concerning endogenous steroids prescribed by the WADA are not uniformly valid for all individuals. Detection of 19-NA and 19-NE, coming from the in vivo metabolism of 19norandrostenedione, confirmed the results previously obtained on the pharamcokinetics and metabolism of the nandrolone C13 in the first clinical study. This work allowed to clarify some aspects linked to nandrolone abuse in sports and noteworthy related to nutritional supplements intake. The two clinical studies did not really bring plain answers to the basal hypotheses but some interesting aspects in relation with AAS metabolism were put forth and would perhaps allow an evolution of a more effective fight against doping.

The Potential of Friction as a Tool for Winter Maintenance, TR-400, 1998

It is intuitively obvious that snow or ice on a road surface will make that surface more slippery and thus more hazardous. However, quantifying this slipperiness by measuring the friction between the road surface and a vehicle is rather difficult. If such friction readings could be easily made, they might provide a means to control winter maintenance activities more efficiently than at present. This study is a preliminary examination of the possibility of using friction as an operational tool in winter maintenance. In particular, the relationship of friction to traffic volume and speed, and accident rates is examined, and the current lack of knowledge in this area is outlined. The state of the art of friction measuring techniques is reviewed. A series of experiments whereby greater knowledge of how friction deteriorates during a storm and is restored by treatment is proposed. The relationship between plowing forces and the ice-pavement bond strength is discussed. The challenge of integrating all these potential sources of information into a useful final product is presented together with a potential approach. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis of friction measuring devices is performed and suggests that considerable savings might be realized if certain assumptions should hold true. The steps required to bring friction from its current state as a research tool to full deployment as an operational tool are presented and discussed. While much remains to be done in this regard, it is apparent that friction could be an extremely effective operational tool in winter maintenance activities of the future.

Perception and Interpretation of Advance Warning Signs on County Roads, HR-256, 1984

This research consisted of five laboratory experiments designed to address the following two objectives in an integrated analysis: (1) To discriminate between the symbol Stop Ahead warning sign and a small set of other signs (which included the word-legend Stop Ahead sign); and (2) To analyze sign detection, recognizability, and processing characteristics by drivers. A set of 16 signs was used in each of three experiments. A tachistoscope was used to display each sign image to a respondent for a brief interval in a controlled viewing experiment. The first experiment was designed to test detection of a sign in the driver's visual field; the second experiment was designed to test the driver's ability to recognize a given sign in the visual field; and the third experiment was designed to test the speed and accuracy of a driver's response to each sign as a command to perform a driving action. A fourth experiment tested the meanings drivers associated with an eight-sign subset of the 16 signs used in the first three experiments. A fifth experiment required all persons to select which (if any) signs they considered to be appropriate for use on two scale model county road intersections. The conclusions are that word-legend Stop Ahead signs are more effective driver communication devices than symbol stop-ahead signs; that it is helpful to drivers to have a word plate supplementing the symbol sign if a symbol sign is used; and that the guidance in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices on the placement of advance warning signs should not supplant engineering judgment in providing proper sign communication at an intersection.

International differences in alcohol use according to sexual orientation.

Most research on sexual orientation and alcohol use in the United States has found higher rates of alcohol use and abuse among gay men and lesbians. Studies from other countries have found smaller or no differences between sexual minority and heterosexual women and men. The present study used general population survey data from 14 countries to examine high-volume and risky single-occasion drinking by sexual orientation. Data from 248 gay men and lesbians and 3720 heterosexuals were analyzed in a case-control design. In several countries partnered or recently partnered gay men and lesbians had no greater risk of heavy drinking or engaging in heavy drinking than heterosexual controls. Only lesbians in North America showed higher risk for both indicators. Future general population health research should include larger samples of gays and lesbians and use more comprehensive measures of sexual orientation for investigating the prevalence of health risk factors.

Glasgrid Fabric to Control Reflective Cracking, HR-535, 1990

The major problem with durability of asphalt cement concrete (ACC) overlays to rehabilitate jointed portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement comes from reflective cracking. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of Glasgrid in regard to preventing reflection cracking. Glasgrid is a glass fiber mesh with 1/2 inch by 1 inch openings (Figure 1). Each strand is composed of many small glass fibers. After the grid is formed, it is coated with a polymer modified asphalt cement. In 1986, four experimental Glasgrid test sections were incorporated into Polk County project IR-35-2(191)67--12-77 on Interstate 35 from IA 5 to the west 1-80 interchange on the west edge of Des Moines, Single and double layers of Glasgrid were placed over transverse cracks and joints of the existing PCC pavement. The Glasgrid was placed on the PCC pavement for one section and between lifts of the ACC resurfacing on the other three sections. The four Glasgrid sections were compared to two sections without Glasgrid for four years. The sections were reviewed annually to determine how many cracks or joints had reflected through the resurfacing. Glasgrid placed on the PCC pavement was more effective at preventing reflection cracking than Glasgrid between lifts of AC resurfacing. In general, Glasgrid yielded a small reduction or retardation in the amount of reflection cracking, but not sufficient to justify additional expense for the use of Glasgrid.

Quines característiques hauria de tenir el perfil professional d'un/a professor/a d'educació física en la secundària?

L’objectiu que pretén aquest treball final de Grau en Ciències de l’Activitat Física i l’Esport, és fer una aproximació inicial a la caracterització dels professors d’Educació Física en la secundària i la identitat docent que se’n deriva per les característiques de l’alumnat d’aquesta etapa i d’organització de les matèries. Alhora pretén reflexionar sobre la importància dels elements relacionals i soci - emocionals que ha de conrear tot docent que treballa en les etapes de l’adolescència. Per aconseguir aquest objectiu he enquestat a diferents professors/es i, a una desena d’alumnes de cada professor/a per tal d’analitzar les diferents característiques de cadascú i identificar les més recurrents i/o més eficaces que defineixen a un/a bon/a professor/a de secundària. Després d’aquest anàlisi de contingut de les respostes dels alumnes i les enquestes i entrevistes dels propis professors/es, podem concloure que hi ha quatre variables importants a tenir en compte; el perfil personal, la metodologia que utilitza cada professor/a en les seves classes, la convivència amb el grup – classe i la societat i, la formació del professorat.