ScienceDaily (Sep. 26, 2012) ? An international team of scientists, including geochemists from the University of California, Riverside, has uncovered new evidence linking extreme climate change, oxygen rise, and early animal evolution.
A dramatic rise in atmospheric oxygen levels has long been speculated as the trigger for early animal evolution. While the direct cause-and-effect relationships between animal and environmental evolution remain topics of intense debate, all this research has been hampered by the lack of direct evidence for an oxygen increase coincident with the appearance of the earliest animals -- until now.
In the Sept. 27 issue of the journal Nature, the research team, led by scientists at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers the first evidence of a direct link between trends in early animal diversity and shifts in Earth system processes.
The fossil record shows a marked increase in animal and algae fossils roughly 635 million years ago. An analysis of organic-rich rocks from South China points to a sudden spike in oceanic oxygen levels at this time -- in the wake of severe glaciation. The new evidence pre-dates previous estimates of a life-sustaining oxygenation event by more than 50 million years.
"This work provides the first real evidence for a long speculated change in oxygen levels in the aftermath of the most severe climatic event in Earth's history -- one of the so-called 'Snowball Earth' glaciations," said Timothy Lyons, a professor of biogeochemistry at UC Riverside.
The research team analyzed concentrations of trace metals and sulfur isotopes, which are tracers of early oxygen levels, in mudstone collected from the Doushantuo Formation in South China. The team found spikes in concentrations of the trace metals, denoting higher oxygen levels in seawater on a global scale.
"We found levels of molybdenum and vanadium in the Doushantuo Formation mudstones that necessitate that the global ocean was well ventilated. This well-oxygenated ocean was the environmental backdrop for early animal diversification," said Noah Planavsky, a former UCR graduate student in Lyons's lab now at CalTech.
The high element concentrations found in the South China rocks are comparable to modern ocean sediments and point to a substantial oxygen increase in the ocean-atmosphere system around 635 million years ago. According to the researchers, the oxygen rise is likely due to increased organic carbon burial, a result of more nutrient availability following the extreme cold climate of the 'Snowball Earth' glaciation when ice shrouded much of Earth's surface.
Lyons and Planavsky argued in research published earlier in the journal Nature that a nutrient surplus associated with the extensive glaciations may have initiated intense carbon burial and oxygenation. Burial of organic carbon -- from photosynthetic organisms -- in ocean sediments would result in the release of vast amounts of oxygen into the ocean-atmosphere system.
"We are delighted that the new metal data from the South China shale seem to be confirming these hypothesized events," Lyons said.
The joint research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the NASA Exobiology Program, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Besides Lyons and Planavsky, the research team includes Swapan K. Sahoo (first author of the research paper) and Ganqing Jiang (principal investigator of the study) of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Brian Kendall and Ariel D. Anbar of Arizona State University; Xinqiang Wang and Xiaoying Shi of the China University of Geosciences (Beijing); and UCR alumnus Clint Scott of United States Geological Survey.
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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of California - Riverside. The original article was written by Iqbal Pittalwala.
Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.
Journal Reference:
Swapan K. Sahoo, Noah J. Planavsky, Brian Kendall, Xinqiang Wang, Xiaoying Shi, Clint Scott, Ariel D. Anbar, Timothy W. Lyons, Ganqing Jiang. Ocean oxygenation in the wake of the Marinoan glaciation. Nature, 2012; 489 (7417): 546 DOI: 10.1038/nature11445
Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.
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Women twice as likely to suffer infection with kidney stones and other urinary blockagesPublic release date: 26-Sep-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Dwight Angell dwight.angell@hfhs.org 313-850-3471 Henry Ford Health System
DETROIT While more men than women develop kidney stones and other obstructions in the urinary tract, women are more than twice as likely to suffer infections related to the condition, according to a new study led by Henry Ford Hospital researchers.
The researchers also found significantly higher rates of complications following one of two urgent treatments for the effects of urolithiasis or stones in the kidneys and urinary tract but stressed that this finding is based on preliminary and more research is needed.
The findings were published today in the peer-reviewed European Urology, the official publication of the European Association of Urology.
Not only did the study find that women are far more susceptible to infection when they develop urolithiasis, it also showed that the incidence of infection, including sepsis a potentially fatal inflammation throughout the body touched off by infection is on the rise.
The rate of related deaths, however, held steady, whom the researchers said is likely a result of "broad improvement in the management of sepsis and the critically ill."
"The research study was conducted because the rate of infection related to urolithiasis was not known, and evidence was unclear about the best method for treating it," said the study's lead author, Jesse Sammon, DO, Urology Resident at Henry Ford's Vattikuti Urology Institute.
Nearly 400,000 adult patients hospitalized with infected urolithiasis from 1999-2009 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the U.S. Researchers then determined how often they were treated with either of two techniques retrograde ureteral catheterization, or RUC, and percutaneous nephrostomy, or PCN.
In RUC, a catheter is inserted through the ureter to drain blocked urine and relieve pressure on the kidney. With PCN, a surgical instrument is used to pierce the patient's back, and then the kidney.
During the 10-year period studied by the researchers, the incidence of infected urolithiasis in women increased from 15.5 per 100,000, to 27.6. In men, there was an increase of 7.8 per 100,000, to 12.1. Related sepsis rose from 6.9 percent of urolithiasis patients to 8.5 percent, and severe sepsis increased from 1.7 percent to 3.2 percent.
While higher rates of sepsis, severe sepsis and prolonged hospitals stays were found to be associated to PCN, the researchers cautioned that certain important variables required for comparison are not included in available data.
So conclusions that might be used to guide current and future treatment options would be hypothetical, they said, "demonstrating the pressing need for further study."
###
Funding source: Henry Ford Hospital
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Women twice as likely to suffer infection with kidney stones and other urinary blockagesPublic release date: 26-Sep-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Dwight Angell dwight.angell@hfhs.org 313-850-3471 Henry Ford Health System
DETROIT While more men than women develop kidney stones and other obstructions in the urinary tract, women are more than twice as likely to suffer infections related to the condition, according to a new study led by Henry Ford Hospital researchers.
The researchers also found significantly higher rates of complications following one of two urgent treatments for the effects of urolithiasis or stones in the kidneys and urinary tract but stressed that this finding is based on preliminary and more research is needed.
The findings were published today in the peer-reviewed European Urology, the official publication of the European Association of Urology.
Not only did the study find that women are far more susceptible to infection when they develop urolithiasis, it also showed that the incidence of infection, including sepsis a potentially fatal inflammation throughout the body touched off by infection is on the rise.
The rate of related deaths, however, held steady, whom the researchers said is likely a result of "broad improvement in the management of sepsis and the critically ill."
"The research study was conducted because the rate of infection related to urolithiasis was not known, and evidence was unclear about the best method for treating it," said the study's lead author, Jesse Sammon, DO, Urology Resident at Henry Ford's Vattikuti Urology Institute.
Nearly 400,000 adult patients hospitalized with infected urolithiasis from 1999-2009 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the U.S. Researchers then determined how often they were treated with either of two techniques retrograde ureteral catheterization, or RUC, and percutaneous nephrostomy, or PCN.
In RUC, a catheter is inserted through the ureter to drain blocked urine and relieve pressure on the kidney. With PCN, a surgical instrument is used to pierce the patient's back, and then the kidney.
During the 10-year period studied by the researchers, the incidence of infected urolithiasis in women increased from 15.5 per 100,000, to 27.6. In men, there was an increase of 7.8 per 100,000, to 12.1. Related sepsis rose from 6.9 percent of urolithiasis patients to 8.5 percent, and severe sepsis increased from 1.7 percent to 3.2 percent.
While higher rates of sepsis, severe sepsis and prolonged hospitals stays were found to be associated to PCN, the researchers cautioned that certain important variables required for comparison are not included in available data.
So conclusions that might be used to guide current and future treatment options would be hypothetical, they said, "demonstrating the pressing need for further study."
###
Funding source: Henry Ford Hospital
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Nice to experience the rapid onset of Spring here.? We?re back to gorgeous sunny skies and fair winds. I?m looking forward to a terrific summer and I bet you are too.
Our two new listings are both homes that will appeal even on the coldest days, but they are certainly designed around summer fun and both have been created with sun, views and outdoor enjoyment in mind.
31 Redwood Park Road, Appleby is a 10 year old home on 2.06 hectares (4.96 acres). For the boys there?s 3 car garaging, carport and office. For the family there?s a lot of space for everyone and paddocks for specialist stock and pets, and for the chef in the family there?s a stunning kitchen designed for entertaining or equally suited to a quiet night in.
28 Korepo Road, Ruby Bay is one of the stand-out homes of the region.? It has an asking price of $2.9 m, which reflects not only its position, privacy and size, but also the absolute top quality of the home.? On just over an acre of land, with 470 m2 of house, including a fully self-contained guest wing and triple garaging, this is an enduring home of quality you would be proud to call your own.
With the listings rolling in over the last week or two, we truly do have something for almsot everyone, and so if you are in the market to buy and be in your new home before Christmas, now?s a good time to get things underway.
We have 3 new listings to bring to you next week once photos are done, but in the meantime we look forward to seeing you in the weekend.
Exercising occasionally is easy, but sticking to a workout routine can be a challenge. As Gandhi aptly stated, ?strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.?
At some point, all of us hit ?the wall,? and then struggle to find the willpower to get over it. And yes, we know why we should be exercising: It lowers blood pressure, fights ?bad? cholesterol, strengthens bones, lessens the risk of cancer, helps battle anxiety and depression and improves your sex life. (But that donut looks great and the couch is awfully comfortable too.)
Finding the ongoing motivation to exercise can be challenging, but worthwhile. There are certain strategies that can make you more inclined to work out and have a better time doing it. Employing a combination of these strategies works best:
Find Out What You Like to Do
Many people say they ?hate? to exercise, but it?s usually a certain type of exercise that presents a problem. Are you competitive, enjoy sports, like to garden, enjoy the outdoors, want to dance??
Tailor your fitness regime around activities you already enjoy. If you truly don?t enjoy any type of physical activity, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and park far away from your destination so you will get a short walk. In other words, find ways to ?hide? your exercise routine within activities you already do.
?Think Like an Athlete
Do you consider yourself as a ?couch potato? or an active person? Do your best to redefine how you think about exercise as well as yourself, recommends Virginia Anderson of WebMD. Plus, staying fit can motivate others to do the same.
Set Realistic Goals
Is it realistic for you to workout daily, or is two or three times per week enough? Set fitness goals in terms of building muscle, improving health and slimming down, but make them realistic and concrete. Ideally, the list will be incremental, with a reward at each milestone. Remember to chart your progress.
Make it Convenient and Fun
Remove obstacles that may get in the way of exercise. If you?re pressed for time, change up your routine and exercise at home. You will be much more likely to exercise if you are having fun. Play your favorite music, dress in bright colors and try to make the most of your free time. Join a gym, a walking group or workout with a friend if that helps you to stay motivated.
Forget the Past
Turn over a new leaf starting today. You may not be in the same shape as you were in high school, but you can still improve your health.
Discover Healthy Rewards
Buy yourself flowers, go to a movie, stroll in the park, watch a baseball game: Rewards will reinforce the mind-body connection, helping motivate you to continue on your path to better health.
Click here to see iHerb?s selection of sports, fitness and athletic supplements!New to iHerb? Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $10 off any first time order with a minimum $40 purchase or $5 off for orders less than $40.
References:
Kelly Fitzpatrick; 23 Ways to Push through a Tough Workout; Accessed Aug. 22, 2012
Virginia Anderson; Exercise Motivation: How to Get It, How to Keep It; Web MD; Accessed Aug. 22, 2012
Mayo Clinic Staff: Fitness Programs: 7 Ways to Stay Motivated; Mayo Clinic; Accessed Aug. 22, 2012
As far as dangerous playthings go, trampolines rank right up there with lawn darts and three-wheel ATVs. But for whatever reason they've managed to avoid banishment, at least until this questionable modular trampoline system starts spraining ankles and snapping wrists. More »
There are so many self-help books available on the internet and in bookstores, however, not many people are able to use those methods described in the writing. The reason is that most of these books are built around an ideology or belief, and if the person who is reading does not believe in the statements they would certainly not be able to apply the methods. Therefore, there are some general advice books and readings to provide people with guidance without making them believe in the power of ?New Age? or ?Buddhism?. Some of these are detailed below.
Paying Attention
It is important to pay attention to the details and find the pattern. If a person does not care about the small things they would never appreciate the gifts of life. Counting blessings when looking around us and saying thanks for the food on the table are very good practices to maintain a good attitude and aim towards success.
Relationships
Relationships (good ones) empower the person. Staying connected to those who support us and love being around is better than holding on to a number of friends who are only looking for small talk and gifts for Christmas. No time spent on building relationships is wasted, and plenty of energy can be gained from others who think the same way and honestly wish the best.
Accepting the Unchangeable
Most people are unable to achieve success because they focus on what is wrong. There are some things people have control of, others cannot be changed. It is impossible to carry on blaming the government for making the life of self-employed people harder and focusing on success. However, if one accepts the situation, it is easier to realistically set goals and adjust their route to the circumstances, giving success a greater chance to knock on the door.
Learning from Failures
Instead of blaming one?s self for failing, it is better to look at the mistakes made objectively and assess what could have gone better. Most successful people achieved extraordinary results because they did not dwell on their mistakes but managed to learn from them. Finding the ways to improve a business and not giving up is a very valuable ability for everyone who would like to become independent and achieve success.
Confidence
There is no way a person will be taken seriously without self-confidence. Therefore, believing in one?s worth is extremely important. It does not mean that every businessperson should be pushy or aggressive, but it only means that they believe that they have the same worth as other people. In other words: they have just as much right to success and a good life as others.
Let Go
Living in the shadow of one?s own mistakes holds them back from success. Letting things go can be achieved by meditation or self-programming, and it is an important step. Old pain and bad experiences can keep one from trying again or being open for new adventures. Businesspeople should be able to take risks and if they are anxious about the results they would not make a move. Looking ahead of the future instead of looking back into the past is the right approach to success.
Positive Focus
Paying attention to the positive things creates the right mindset for business. People can find opportunities easier if they look at the bright side of things. Instead of looking at a market and saying that there is too much competition, a positive person would say that as there are many people on the marketplace, it must be truly profitable. Being afraid and making assumptions based on one negative can make a difference between making it in the business world and struggling.
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Public release date: 26-Sep-2012
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Relationships (good ones) empower the person. Staying connected to those who support us and love being around is better than holding on to a number of friends who are only looking for small talk and gifts for Christmas. No time spent on building relationships is wasted, and plenty of energy can be gained from others who think the same way and honestly wish the best.