MEASURING THE EFFECT OF ILLNESS ON THE EXPECTED REMAINING SERVICE TIME FOR THE ACTIVE DUTY ARMY: A LIFE TABLE APPROACH

A life table methodology was developed which estimates the expected remaining Army service time and the expected remaining Army sick time by years of service for the United States Army population. A measure of illness impact was defined as the ratio of expected remaining Army sick time to the expected remaining Army service time. The variances of the resulting estimators were developed on the basis of current data. The theory of partial and complete competing risks was considered for each type of decrement (death, administrative separation, and medical separation) and for the causes of sick time.^ The methodology was applied to world-wide U.S. Army data for calendar year 1978. A total of 669,493 enlisted personnel and 97,704 officers were reported on active duty as of 30 September 1978. During calendar year 1978, the Army Medical Department reported 114,647 inpatient discharges and 1,767,146 sick days. Although the methodology is completely general with respect to the definition of sick time, only sick time associated with an inpatient episode was considered in this study.^ Since the temporal measure was years of Army service, an age-adjusting process was applied to the life tables for comparative purposes. Analyses were conducted by rank (enlisted and officer), race and sex, and were based on the ratio of expected remaining Army sick time to expected remaining Army service time. Seventeen major diagnostic groups, classified by the Eighth Revision, International Classification of Diseases, Adapted for Use In The United States, were ranked according to their cumulative (across years of service) contribution to expected remaining sick time.^ The study results indicated that enlisted personnel tend to have more expected hospital-associated sick time relative to their expected Army service time than officers. Non-white officers generally have more expected sick time relative to their expected Army service time than white officers. This racial differential was not supported within the enlisted population. Females tend to have more expected sick time relative to their expected Army service time than males. This tendency remained after diagnostic groups 580-629 (Genitourinary System) and 630-678 (Pregnancy and Childbirth) were removed. Problems associated with the circulatory system, digestive system and musculoskeletal system were among the three leading causes of cumulative sick time across years of service. ^

THE MOLECULAR INTERACTION BETWEEN TYPE II DIABETES AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE THROUGH CROSS-SEEDING OF PROTEIN MISFOLDING

With the population of the world aging, the prominence of diseases such as Type II Diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are on the rise. In addition, patients with T2D have an increased risk of developing AD compared to age-matched individuals, and the number of AD patients with T2D is higher than among aged-matched non-AD patients. AD is a chronic and progressive dementia characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neuronal loss, brain inflammation, and cognitive impairment. T2D involves the dysfunctional use of pancreatic insulin by the body resulting in insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, pancreatic beta cell (β-cell) death, and other complications. T2D and AD are considered protein misfolding disorders (PMDs). PMDs are characterized by the presence of misfolded protein aggregates, such as in T2D pancreas (islet amyloid polypeptide - IAPP) and in AD brain (amyloid– Aβ) of affected individuals. The misfolding and accumulation of these proteins follows a seeding-nucleation model where misfolded soluble oligomers act as nuclei to propagate misfolding by recruiting other native proteins. Cross-seeding occurs when oligomers composed by one protein seed the aggregation of a different protein. Our hypothesis is that the pathological interactions between T2D and AD may in part occur through cross-seeding of protein misfolding. To test this hypothesis, we examined how each respective aggregate (Aβ or IAPP) affects the disparate disease pathology through in vitro and in vivo studies. Assaying Aβ aggregates influence on T2D pathology, IAPP+/+/APPSwe+/- double transgenic (DTg) mice exhibited exacerbated T2D-like pathology as seen in elevated hyperglycemia compared to controls; in addition, IAPP levels in the pancreas are highest compared to controls. Moreover, IAPP+/+/APPSwe+/- animals demonstrate abundant plaque formation and greater plaque density in cortical and hippocampal areas in comparison to controls. Indeed, IAPP+/+/APPSwe+/- exhibit a colocalization of both misfolded proteins in cerebral plaques suggesting IAPP may directly interact with Aβ and aggravate AD pathology. In conclusion, these studies suggest that cross-seeding between IAPP and Aβ may occur, and that these protein aggregates exacerbate and accelerate disease pathology, respectively. Further mechanistic studies are necessary to determine how these two proteins interact and aggravate both pancreatic and brain pathologies.

(Table 1) Geochemistry of ash layers at DSDP Leg 57 Holes

The study of the main characteristics of ash layers in Leg 57 cores shows that they are suitable for an analysis of the effect on eruptive activity of their distribution. We found (1) sediment recovery good and ash layers numerous; (2) sedimentary environment generally free from terrigenous clastic material; (3) reworking limited; (4) volcanic glass very acidic, ranging from rhyolitic to rhyodacitic composition; and (5) alteration and diagenesis negligible above the lower Miocene. The curves of explosive volcanic activity in Holes 438, 439, and 440 display two stages of high activity: an early one around 16 m.y. and a late one starting 5 m.y. B.P., both stages being separated by an upper Miocene quiescence. Detail in these results is limited by the chemical composition of the glass and accounts only for trends in explosive acid volcanism. Nevertheless, results are roughly in agreement with other data from the Northwest Pacific, although some discrepancies in the correlation of intensity of the episodes occur. The data from Leg 57 support the hypothesis of synchronous pulses in explosive volcanism.

Plankton biomass in the Mamala Basin (Oahu Island, Hawaii Islands) under antropogenic influence in August-September of 2002-2004

Anthropogenic impact on biomass of coastal plankton communities caused by submerged disposal of urban sewage waters (dumping) was studied. Observations were carried out in August-September of 2002-2004 in the Mamala Bay (Oahu Island, Hawaii Islands) using satellite and straight sea measurements. An analysis of variability of integral indicators of the water column determined on the basis of on-board measurements allowed us to divide them into two groups: elements most sensitive to pollution (heterotrophic bacteria (H-Bact), phototrophic cyanobacteria Synechococcus spp. (SYN), and chlorophyll a (CHLa)) and elements that manifested episodic positive dependence on inflow of polluted waters (heterotrophic unicellular eukaryotes, small unicellular algae, phototrophic green bacteria Prochlorococcus spp., as well as total biomass of microplankton). It was shown that submerged waste water disposal in the region of the diffuser of the dumping device led to insignificant (aver. 1.2-1.4 times) local increase in integral biomass of H-Bact, SYN, and in concentration of CHLa. Similar but sharper (aver. 1.5-2.1 times) increase in these parameters was found in water layers with maximal biomasses. Possible pathways of disposed waters (under the pycnocline, at its upper boundary, and in the entire mixed layer) were analyzed on the basis of studying vertical displacement of biomasses of H-Bact, SYN, and prochlorophytes. Possibility of using optical anomalies distinguished from satellite data as markers of anthropogenic eutrophication caused by dumping was confirmed. Application of such markers depends on water transparency and on shapes of curves of vertical distribution of autotrophic organisms.

Stable oxygen isotope record of Globigerinoides ruber of ODP Site 133-820 off the Great Barriere Reef

Oxygen-isotope ratio measurements are presented for the planktonic species Globigerinoides ruber collected from shallow-water, upper-slope sediments from Holes 820A and 820B in 280 m of water, on the seaward edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Correlation of the Site 820 isotope curve with deep-sea reference curves of the Pacific Ocean (Core V28-238, Hole 677A, Hole 607A) permits the definition of isotope stages 1 to 19 in the top 145 m of Holes 820A and 820B. However, paleontological data indicate that stages 4 and 7 might be missing and that two hiatuses occur at a depth of 8.05 to 12.1 and 34.55 to 35.8 mbsf. Using deep-sea Hole 677A as a reference for ice-volume variations, we determine the difference in isotopic signature between it and Site 820. We propose that this difference is a regional signal representing a progressive 4°C increase in surface-water temperature at Site 820. The proposed temperature change was initiated at about 400 k.y. and corresponds to a change from high-to-low frequency variations in Pleistocene isotope signals. We postulate that these changes may have catalyzed the growth of the Great Barrier Reef. The shift also coincides with changes in seismic character and some physical and chemical sediment characteristics.

Geotechnical properties of shelf sdiments from the Prydz Bay

This paper presents a geotechnical characterization of the glacigenic sediments in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica, based on the shipboard physical properties data obtained during Leg 119, combined with results of land-based analyses of 24 whole-round core samples. Main emphasis is placed on the land-based studies, which included oedometer consolidation tests, triaxial and simple shear tests for undrained shear strength, permeability tests in oedometer and triaxial cell, Atterberg limits, and grain-size analyses. The bulk of the tested sediments comprise overconsolidated diamictites of a relatively uniform lithology. The overconsolidation results from a combination of glacial loading and sediment overburden subsequently removed by extensive glacial erosion of the shelf. This leads to downhole profiles of physical properties that have been observed not to change as a function of the thickness of present overburden. A number of fluctuations in the parameters shows a relatively systematic trend and most likely results from changes in the proximity to the ice sheet grounding line in response to variations in the glacial regime. Very low permeabilities mainly result from high preconsolidation stresses (Pc'). Pc' values up to 10,000 kPa were estimated from the oedometer tests, and empirical estimates based on undrained shear strengths (up to 2500 kPa) indicate that the oedometer results are conservative. The diamictites generally classify as inactive, of low to medium plasticity, and they consolidate with little deformation, even when subjected to great stresses. This is the first report of geotechnical data from deep boreholes on the Antarctic continental shelf, but material of similar character can also be expected in other areas around the Antarctic.

Contents of 230Th, Fe2O3, MnO and P2O5 in bottom sediments from the Tropical Pacific

Shape of the 230Th vertical distribution curve ideally close to exponential is studied to determine isotopic age of deep-sea sediments. In practice such ideal 230Th vertical distribution curve is rarely occur; secondary maxima and minima often appear on it. It has been shown that oxyhydroxides of Fe, Mn, and also Corg and P are of prime importance for 230Th concentration. A method is offered for normalizing the vertical distribution curve of 230Th based on taking into account content of these elements in sediment.

(Table 2) Production characteristics of phytoplankton and selected related factors at bottle sampling stations in the subtropical and tropical Atlantic Ocean

In October and November 2002, high and relatively high values of chlorophyll a concentration at the sea surface (Cchl) were observed in the English Channel (0.47 mg/m**3), in waters of the North Atlantic Current (0.25 mg/m**3 ), in the tropical and subtropical anticyclonic gyres (0.07-0.42 mg/m**3), and also in the southwestern region of the southern subtropical anticyclonic gyre (usually 0.11-0.23 mg/m**3). The central regions of the southern subtropical anticyclonic gyre (SATG) and the North Atlantic tropical gyre (NATR) were characterized by lower values of Cchl (0.02-0.08 mg/m**3 for the SATG and 0.07-0.14 mg/m**3 for the NATR). At most of the SATG stations, values of surface primary production (Cphs) varied from 2.5 to 5.5 mg C/m**3 per day and were mainly defined by fluctuations of Cchl (r = +0.78) rather than by those of the assimilation number (r = +0.54). Low assimilation activity of phytoplankton in these waters (1.3-4.6 mg chl a per hour) pointed to a lack of nutrients. Analysis of variability of their concentration and composition of photosynthetic pigments showed that, in waters north of 30°N, the growth of phytoplankton was mostly restricted by deficiency of nitrogen, while, in more southern areas, at the majority of stations (about 60%), phosphorus concentrations were minimal. At low concentrations of nitrates and nitrites, ammonium represented itself as a buffer that prevented planktonic algae from extreme degrees of nitric starvation. In tropical waters and in waters of the SATG, primary production throughout the water column varied from 240 to 380 mg C/m**2 30° per day. This level of productivity at stations with low values of C chl (<0.08 mg/m**3) was provided by a well-developed deep chlorophyll maximum and high transparency of water. Light curves of photosynthesis based on in situ measurements point to high efficiency of utilizing penetrating solar radiation by phytoplankton on cloudy days.

Chemical composition, age, and magnetic parameters of igneous rocks from the Franz Josef Land

A combined study of magnetic parameters of basalt and andesite samples has been carried out in the framework of geological investigations of the Franz Josef Land. This study has included determination of coercivity, saturation magnetization, Curie points, natural remanent magnetization (NRM), and magnetic susceptibility as well as examination of ferromagnetic minerals with a microscope. Data on chemical composition of the rocks have been obtained for all the samples, and radiological ages have been determined for the majority of the rocks. Thermomagnetic curves of the samples have been subdivided into four types depending on composition of ferromagnetic NRM carriers. Data showing multiple changes in the predominant composition of the igneous rocks have been obtained. Each stage of magmatism is characterized by a specific type of the ferromagnetic component in the rocks and, therefore, magnetomineralogical investigations can be used for differentiation and correlation of the igneous rocks.

(Table 1) Sound velocity, wet-bulk density, and acoustic impedance of some indurated sediment from DSDP Leg 64 Holes

The Pliocene-Quaternary sediments that we drilled at eight sites in the Gulf of California consist of silty clays to clayey silts, diatomaceous oozes, and mixtures of both types. In this chapter I have summarized various measurements of their physical properties, relating this information to burial depth and effective overburden pressure. Rapid deposition and frequent intercalations of mud turbidites may cause underconsolidation in some cases; overconsolidation probably can be excluded. General lithification begins at depths between 200 and 300 meters sub-bottom, at porosities between 55 and 60% (for silty clays) and as high as 70% (for diatomaceous ooze). Diatom-rich sediments have low strength and very high porosities (70-90%) and can maintain this state to a depth of nearly 400 meters (where the overburden pressure = 1.4 MPa). The field compressibility curves of all sites are compared to data published earlier. Where sediments are affected by basaltic sills, these curves clearly show the effects of additional loading and thermal stress (diagenesis near the contacts). Strength measurements on well-preserved hydraulic piston cores yielded results similar to those obtained on selected samples from standard drilling. Volumetric shrinkage dropped to low values at 100 to 400 meters burial depth (0.3 to 2.0 MPa overburden pressure). Porosity after shrinkage depends on the composition of sediments.

Palynology of ODP Site 108-658

Ocean Drilling Program Site 658 at 21°N off northwest Africa has a high sedimentation rate and a high concentration of pollen grains and is thus very suitable for detailed pollen analysis. The time scale for the upper 100 m (the last 670 k.y.) of Site 658 is based on biostratigraphic data and isotope stratigraphy. The pollen record has been divided into 34 zones. These are classified into 7 zone types covering a range from very arid to rather humid conditions. The sequence shows a long-term climatic decline: strong glacial stages were found only after 480 k.y. and strong interglacial stages only before 280 k.y. The Site 658 record correlates well with a terrestrial sequence from northern Greece, although both records differ in their response to global climatic change. Spectral analysis shows a 100- and a 42-k.y. period in the curves of pollen brought in by the northwest trade winds and only a 42-k.y. period in the curves of pollen mostly transported by the African Easterly Jet. A 31-k.y. period is found in the curves for Ephedra and Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae. In addition, Ephedra shows a 54-k.y. period.

Contents of radioactive elements, main chemical composition, and sedimentation rates of bottom sediments from some stations in the Southeast Pacific

Gamma-spectrometric analysis was used for six sediment cores from the area occupied by metalliferous sediments in the Southeast Pacific. In five of these cores vertical distribution curves of 230Th enabled positions of equilibrium points to be determined and sediments to be dated. The ionium curve was normalized for one core. Vertical distribution of 230Th in metalliferous sediments resembles its distribution in normal ocean-floor sediments beyond the area of influence of active ridges. Sedimentation rates lay within the range 0.7-12.3 mm/ky.