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Previous studies evaluating sexual dimorphism in subadult pelvic features present variable, and at times conflicting, conclusions. As a result, there is yet to be a consensus on whether the subadult pelvis can be used in sex estimation methods. This study aims to assess the forensic utility of ilium shape and greater sciatic notch morphology in sexing subadult pelves prior to acetabular fusion. A sample of 397 modern U.S. individuals with unfused acetabula (i.e., tri-radiate cartilages) aged birth to 14 years was queried from a larger sample of postmortem computed tomography scans. Elliptical Fourier analyses were performed on ilium and greater sciatic notch outlines and resultant PCs were evaluated for significant effects of sex and age. Greater sciatic notch metrics were also collected. Stepwise linear discriminant function analyses with leave-one-out cross-validation were performed on the PCs and metric variables. Analyses were performed on pooled samples, on age-specific cohort samples, and on samples that iteratively removed the youngest one-year cohort. Cross-validated correct classification rates ranged from 57% to 65% and no patterns were observed to support an appearance and/or consistent expression of sexually diagnostic traits. Based on the results, sex estimation using these features is not recommended in pelvic remains prior to acetabular fusion, although the sample sizes of individuals over 5 years of age were limited in this study. Future studies should focus on the sexually diagnostic ability of pelvic traits in subadult samples post-fusion of the acetabulum.

As the accessibility and utility of virtual databases of skeletal collections continues to grow, the impact that scan processing procedures has on the accuracy of data obtained from virtual databases remains relatively unknown. This study quantifies the intra- and inter-observer error generated from varying computed tomography (CT) scan processing protocols, including re-segmentation, incrementally varying thresholding value, and data collectors' selection of the threshold value on a set of virtual subadult pelves. Four observers segmented the subadult ossa coxarum from postmortem CT scans of the fully-fleshed bodies of eleven individuals of varying ages. Segmentation protocol was set, with the exception of each observer selecting their own thresholding value for each scan. The resulting smoothed pelvic surfaces were then compared using deviation analyses. Root mean square error (RMSE), average distance deviation, and maximum deviation distances demonstrated that thresholding values of ∼50 HU (Hounsfield units) are easily tolerated, the surfaces generated are robust to error, and threshold value selection does not systematically vary with user experience. The importance of consistent methodology during segmentation protocol is highlighted here, especially with regards to consistency in both selected thresholding value as well as smoothing protocol, as these variables can affect subsequent measurements of the resultant surfaces.

Subadult sex estimation is routinely advised against, as most researchers believe there are not sufficient differences between the subadult male and female skeletons. This chapter discusses the intricacies of sexual differentiation and the expression of sexual dimorphism, the obstacles that plague the progress of subadult sex estimation research, and introduce the research that has been conducted to estimate sex from numerous skeletal elements. Subsequently, the biological and methodological mechanisms that may impede attainment of high classification accuracies are discussed. The chapter is transparent about the difficulties associated with subadult sex estimation and the consistent trend for unsuccessful validation studies. Even so, there is promise for subadult sex estimation with the incorporation of innovative techniques and virtual skeletal collections from diverse populations to address the lack of subadult material, especially where variability is concerned. Ultimately, we hope to encourage researchers to persevere, as the absence of evidence is not the same as the evidence of absence.

The behavioral analysis of animals is fundamental for the biomedical disciplines as it allows to study specific pathologies reproduced in laboratory and/or to evaluate the efficacy of new pharmacological therapies before experimenting them on human beings. Nevertheless, the gathering of data related to the animal behavior is not immediate: lab animals are similar to each other, making it impossible to use procedures based on computer vision as well as on human operators. On the contrary, the use of systems based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in Ultra High Frequency (UHF), represents a winning approach to face these challenges. In this work, pros and cons of a RFID-based lab animal tracking system composed of specifically designed antenna system as well as software infrastructure have been evaluated through a campaign aimed at evaluating the behavior analysis of laboratory mice ha having a near field UHF RFID tag implanted. This work, on the basis of the campaign results, highlights main pros and cons of using RFID in comparison with a video monitoring system.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate in the long-term (9 years), the suitability of compost as a fertilizer in commercial peach orchard. The experiment was carried out on nectarine trees (Prunus persica var. nectarina), Stark RedGold grafted on GF677 peach x almond (P. amygdalus L.) hybrid. The treatments were: (1) unfertilized control; (2) mineral fertilization including phosphorus (P at 100 kg/ha) and potassium (K at 200 kg/ha) applied at planting and nitrogen (N at 70-130 kg/ha/yr) split in two applications at 40 days after full bloom (60%) and in September (40%); (3) cow manure supplied at planting [10 t dry weight (dw)/ha] and then, from the forth year at the rate of 5 t dw/ha/yr in spring; (4) compost supplied at planting (10 t dw/ha) and then, from the forth year at the rate of 5 t dw/ha/yr in spring; (5) compost supply at a rate of 5 t dw/ha/yr, and (6) 10 t dw/ha/yr, both treatment 5 and 6 split as described for treatment 2. Nitrate-N soil concentration was usually not affected by treatments. Soil microbial carbon, organic matter, total N, P, K were increased by application of organic fertilizers. SOM and total N were positively correlated to soil microbial biomass. Aggregate stability, humic and fulvic acid concentration were not affected by fertilization treatment. Only the application of compost at 10 t dw/ha/yr (6) increased fruit production.

The experimental conditions commonly used to detect bound phenolic acids by alkaline hydrolysis result in loss of several phenolic acids, particularly dihydroxy-derivatives (caffeic acid, dihydrocaffeic acid, homogentisic acid). In this study we show that the addition of ascorbic acid, a strong antioxidant, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a metal chelator, totally prevent the loss of phenolic acids during alkaline hydrolysis. In these conditions, a complete recovery of caffeic acid following hydrolysis of chlorogenic acid (5′-caffeoylquinic acid, an ester of caffeic acid with quinic acid) was found. This procedure has been successfully applied to quantitatively detect bound phenolic acids in coffee brew and apple.

Despite extensive literature describing the biological effects of polyphenols, little is known about their absorption from diet, one major unresolved point consisting of the absorption of the bound forms of polyphenols. In this view, in the present work we studied the absorption in humans of phenolic acids from coffee, a common beverage particularly rich in bound phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Coffee brew was analyzed for free and total (free + bound) phenolic acids. Chlorogenic acid (5'-caffeoylquinic acid), a bound form of caffeic acid, was present in coffee at high levels, while free phenolic acids were undetectable. After alkaline hydrolysis, which released bound phenolic acids, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and high levels of caffeic acid were detected. Plasma samples were collected before and 1 and 2 h after coffee administration and analyzed for free and total phenolic acid content. Two different procedures were applied to release bound phenolic acids in plasma: beta-glucuronidase treatment and alkaline hydrolysis. Coffee administration resulted in increased total plasma caffeic acid concentration, with an absorption peak at 1 h. Caffeic acid was the only phenolic acid found in plasma samples after coffee administration, while chlorogenic acid was undetectable. Most of caffeic acid was present in plasma in bound form, mainly in the glucuronate/sulfate forms. Due to the absence of free caffeic acid in coffee, plasma caffeic acid is likely to be derived from hydrolysis of chlorogenic acid in the gastrointestinal tract.

Il libro, destinato alla fruizione didattica, realizza un approccio più consono alla organizzazione "3+2" dei nuovi corsi universitari. Il libro tratta gli argomenti della termodinamica classici del corso di Fisica Tecnica, con ampio spazio allo scambio termico e agli scambiatori di calore, proponendo in piu' capitoli sulla conduzione in regime non stazionario e sul raffreddamento dei circuiti elettronici.

The work was devised to compare measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by technetium-99m-diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) renogram to those by creatinine clearance (measured and predicted by Cockroft and Gault) and by inulin clearance. A total number of 65 individuals were enrolled: 15 healthy controls and 50 patients with renal disease. Compared to inulin clearance used as the gold standard, 99mTc-DTPA overestimated at low and underestimated at high GFRs. 99mTc-DTPA measurements were less precise than creatinine clearance except for individuals with GFR >100 ml/min × 1.73 m2. Measured creatinine clearance had the highest correlation coefficient with inulin clearance, 99mTc-DTPA clearance the lowest. In correlation analyses, 81.5% of the interindividual variability for measured creatinine clearance could be explained by true differences in inulin clearance; this value dropped to 59.1 and 57.4% for predicted creatinine clearance and 99mTc-DTPA, respectively. In patients with GFR 2, all 99mTc-DTPA measurements were out of the 95% confidence interval for the inulin measurement. It can be inferred that 99mTc-DTPA clearance from the renogram is less precise than measured and predicted creatinine clearance.

An experimental study was carried out on a central plant for the heating of domestic hot water for a block of 143 flats and 15 offices. The behaviour of the condensing boilers serving the plant was examined and the energy costs of recirculation and distribution were analysed. Since the losses due to recirculation are of the same order as the useful energy, the influence of the various parameters on the losses has been studied, and some methods of lowering them are proposed.

The problem of the assessment of noise annoyance in the workplace has long been a topic of discussion. Several studies led to the definition of a set of descriptors suitable to describe noise in the workplace and its effects in terms of annoyance of the subjects exposed.The aim of the study was to analyse the performance of different indices in terms of correlation with subjective sensation, taking into account those indices which combine both the intensity and the spectral quality of noise.A noise survey was carried out in ten ofice buildings, covering 85 rooms. Objective measurements of environmental noise were made together with subjective evaluations collected through questionnaires. Subjective ratings were then averaged and correlated with objective parameters. Linear regression analyses were performed in order to assess the reliability of objective noise indices.The most important sources of noise were face-to-face and telephone conversations. All spectra had excess high frequency content. Regression analysis showed that under these conditions most noise indics provide a reliable prediction of subjective annoyance. However, the best performing parameter was the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level followed by the Combined Noise Index which combines noise intensity and its spectral quality.

Approximately 24% of prostate cancer originate in transition zone. To define the indications for transition zone biopsies from April 1994 to February 1996 we evaluated 112 men ranging in age from 56 to 84 years (mean 67.4). 94 patients presented elevated PSA levels and normal rectal examination (24 with negative prior systematic sextant biopsies). A group included 6 patients with palpable nodularity and normal PSA levels. A third group consisted of 12 men with sonographic abnormalities. Of the 112 patients evaluated 38 (34%) were found to have cancer on the prostate biopsies and 7 (18%) were positive only in sample of transition zone biopsies. We conclude that transition zone biopsies don't substantially improve the cancer detection rates in patients with palpable nodularity or sonographic abnormalities but are useful in patients with elevated PSA levels and/or negative prior systematic sextant biopsies.

From December 1986 to December 1991, 107 patients with organic impotence were advised to intracavernous pharmacological therapy with papaverine. Sixteen patients refused such treatment: 91 patients, after the determination of the therapeutical dose, underwent self injection. The follow up was 30-90 months. Thirty-seven patients (40.7%) withdraw the treatment within 3 months: 3 patients (3.3%) after losing the partner; 9 (9.9%) for intercurrent disease; 23 (25.3%) were unsatisfied for the therapy; 2 (2.2%) regained spontaneous erections. Complications were: local haematomas in 23 (42.6%); prolonged erections in 6 (11.1%); fibrotic changes of the corpora cavernosa in 9 patients (16.7%); liver enzymes changes in 2 (3.7%). The reasons for the low compliance to the intracavernous pharmacological therapy with papaverine were analysed.

Objective To test the efficacy and the adverse effects of a new anti-depressant drug (paroxetine) in the treatment of premature ejaculation. Patients and methods The study comprised 32 men (mean age 28 years) with premature ejaculation (14 of whom ejaculated before penetration) who were treated with paroxetine (20 mg orally each evening for 2 months). The study group excluded those with neurological and psychiatric disorders, urinary tract infections and drug or alcohol abuse. Results After about 14 days, the patients' symptoms improved and all patients reported a longer interval before ejaculation. The adverse effects were sleepiness in 19 patients (61%) and mild sensory confusion in 21 (68%), but only one had to withdraw from therapy. Three weeks after the end of therapy, the premature ejaculation recurred in 28 (90%) of the patients. Conclusions These results indicate that paroxetine is an effective therapy for premature ejaculation. Further studies with different dosages are necessary to decrease the adverse effects and to prolong the efficacy.

Echoguided biopsy of the prostate is a new method used in the diagnosis of carcinoma. False negatives, which range between 7% and 27% of transperineal biopsies, can be reduced to 11% using ultrasound control. In 50% of cases carcinoma are located in the hypoechogenic area, in 45% in mixed echogenic areas and in 5% in hyperechogenic areas. The diagnosis of carcinoma was performed in 40.7% of patients examined. In conclusion, this method is shown to be a valuable and advisable aid.

In order to more throughly study mepartricin pharmacodynamic characteristics, 2 groups of 15 patients with BPH and coexistent lipid metabolism disorders were studied in conformity with a sequential experimental design during which also systemic-acting (procetofen) and endoluminal-acting (cholestyramine) fat-lowering drugs were tried. The data obtained confirmed mepartricin specific effect on symptomatology and function in BPH and demonstrated the absence of positive and/or negative pharmacological interactions between the substance in question and the fat-lowering agents tried.

This paper presents the results of experiments made on a sample of 40 different facades to evaluate the characteristics of airborne sound insulation in buildings. On the basis of these results, some relationships are proposed for correlating the airborne sound insulation index, Rw (ISO 717/3-1982), with the measurements in the field of the equivalent sound pressure level made in dB(A).

The carcino-embryonal antigen has been studied in 35 patients affected by malignant gynaecologic neoplasia (cervical, endometrial, vulval) and, for control, in 16 patients affected by small tumors of the genital area. In other 9 patients the day to day variability has been studied. Two determinants, before and after therapy were performed on every patient, and in many cases afterwards. The analysis of the results show the scarce reliability of the episodic C.E.A. determination of the plasma. The use of this parameter in the follow-up of malignant neoplasias gynaecologic can only be reserved in cases with high basic values and in which the therapy reduces the plasmic level significantly.

At the University of Bari a small photovoltaic system with storage batteries was realized for powering a common commercial refrigerator by a DC compressor and without connection to the utility grid. The system was completely monitored for recording its working conditions. The main purpose is to collect some of the data also predictable by simplified methods based on O-F chart (Clark, 1984). The capacities of the battery storage were varied with regard to the average daily load, in order to estimate the effect of the storage so that suitable criteria were determined to allow a rational choise of this important component. The hourly utilizability function was calculated from experimental data and the results were compared with the application of the simplified method based on the characteristics of the system and on the meteorological data. The main purpose of the comparison is to test the accuracy of the prediction of the simplified method under mediterranean climate conditions.