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Background: Phytochemicals are bioactive nutrients that help reduce disease risk. A high intake of these compounds is important for optimal health and prevention of disease, but quantification of these nutrients in vivo is costly and time consuming. The present examined whether an alternative, simple ‘phytochemical index’ (PI) ratio calculation (PI = the ratio of the energy from high-nutrient phytochemical-rich foods to overall daily energy consumed [kJ phytochemical rich foods/total kJ consumed]) was related to several precursors of future disease: annual weight gain, adiposity, oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study (n = 54, age range 18–30 years). Participants were stratified into normal weight and overweight groups. Three-day dietary records were analysed for food items, food groups, energy and the PI score at repeated time points. Blood plasma samples were analysed by colorimetric or an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay for cholesterol subfractions, glycated haemoglobin, total antioxidant status, lipid hydroperoxides, cytokines (interleukins-1β and -6) and C-reactive protein). Results: PI values were higher in the overweight-obese group. Correlation values between the PI score and body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and plasma oxidative stress were significant. The PI score did not correlate with any cytokine levels. The PI score was a significant contributor to yearly weight gain. Conclusions: The PI is inversely related to adiposity and oxidative stress in healthy young adults, and is responsive to body weight changes. This simple, easy to administer index might be useful as a dietary target for appropriate proportion consumption of nutrient-rich foods in weight reduction or management programmes.

Mobility disability is becoming prevalent in the obese older population (> or = 60 years of age). We included a total of 13 cross-sectional and 15 longitudinal studies based on actual physical assessments of mobility in the obese older population in this review. We systematically examined existing evidence of which adiposity estimate best predicted mobility disability. Cross-sectional studies (82-4000 participants) showed poorer lower extremity mobility with increasing obesity severity in both men and women. All longitudinal studies (1-22 years) except for one, reported relationships between adiposity and declining mobility. While different physical tests made interpretation challenging, a consistent finding was that walking, stair climbing and chair rise ability were compromised with obesity, especially if the body mass index (BMI) exceeded 35 kg m(-2). More studies found that obese women were at an increased risk for mobility impairment than men. Existing evidence suggests that BMI and waist circumference are emerging as the more consistent predictors of the onset or worsening of mobility disability. Limited interventional evidence shows that weight loss is related with increased mobility and lower extremity function. Additional longitudinal studies are warranted that address overall body composition fat and muscle mass or change on future disability.

To examine the effects of anemia on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes following unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).This was a multicenter, retrospective study from 15 inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Patients (N = 5421) with very low hematocrit (Hct30%), low Hct (30-36% women, 30-41% men), or normal Hct (36% women, 41% men) were included. Inpatient rehabilitation occurred following TKA. Functional independence measure (FIM) scores, length of stay (LOS), itemized hospital charges, discharge destination were main outcomes.LOS was 13% longer and hospital charges were 12.5-18.0% higher in the very low Hct than remaining groups (p = 0.0001). The FIM score and subscores for walking, stair climbing, bathing, transfers, and dressing changes were comparable for all Hct groups for the overall score. Hct30% did not correspond to worse outcomes in patients with bilateral surgeries compared with unilateral surgeries; total FIM scores improved 47-53% across all Hct groups, regardless of bilateral surgical status. Discharge to home ranged 92.6-94.7% across all Hct groups (p0.05).Rehabilitation teams can expect comparable functional improvements and discharge to home in anemic and non-anemic patients with either unilateral or bilateral surgeries without hematologic correction in the rehabilitation setting, but might need an additional day to accomplish these outcomes.

Weerstandstraining biedt meervoudige gezondheidsvoordelen voor de primaire en secundaire ziektepreventie, verhoogt de kwaliteit van leven en helpt de functionele zelfstandigheid onderhouden. Weerstandstraining is een veilige, goed te verdragen vorm van lichaamsbeweging voor patienten met hart- en vaatziekten en kan zelfs al snel na een invasieve cardiovasculaire behandeling worden gestart, op voorwaarde dat specifieke richtlijnen in acht worden genomen. De arts moet het voorschrijven van WT overwegen voor alle geschikte kandidaten op alle niveaus van cardiovasculaire gezondheid, mits de veiligheidsvoorschriften worden gevolgd en de programma’s op de behoeften van de individuele patient worden afgestemd.

Objective: To determine the effect of body mass index and hip abductor brace use on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes after total hip replacement. Design: This was a retrospective, comparative study of natural course of rehabilitation care in 15 inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Patients with total hip replacement (n = 1947) and inpatient rehabilitation were stratified into four body mass index groups: nonobese (body mass index

The objective of the study was to determine whether short-term antioxidant (AOX) supplementation affects insulin sensitivity, endothelial adhesion molecule levels, and oxidative stress in overweight young adults. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study tested the effects of AOXs on measures of insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA]) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index), endothelial adhesion molecules (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular adhesion molecule, and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1), adiponectin, and oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxides) in overweight and normal-weight individuals (N = 48, 18-30 years). Participants received either AOX (vitamin E, 800 IU; vitamin C, 500 mg; beta-carotene, 10 mg) or placebo for 8 weeks. The HOMA values were initially higher in the overweight subjects and were lowered with AOX by week 8 (15% reduction, P = .02). Adiponectin increased in both AOX groups. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 decreased in overweight AOX-treated groups by 6% and 13%, respectively (P < .05). Plasma lipid hydroperoxides were reduced by 0.31 and 0.70 nmol/mL in the normal-weight and overweight AOX-treated groups, respectively, by week 8 (P < .05). Antioxidant supplementation moderately lowers HOMA and endothelial adhesion molecule levels in overweight young adults. A potential mechanism to explain this finding is the reduction in oxidative stress by AOX. Long-term studies are needed to determine whether AOXs are effective in suppressing diabetes or vascular activation over time.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different construction practices on the spectral characteristics of the concrete. Concrete blocks of identical shape and size (20 × 20 × 6 cm 3 ) were prepared using different treatment processes to establish eight different concrete characteristics. The different concrete treatments were: T C (control), T NC (no cure), T CL (cool cure), T H (heat cure), T HW (high water content), T HC (half cement), T G (gravel), and T L (limestone). Spectral reflectance of all the concrete blocks was obtained in the laboratory from 350–2500 nm spectral range using a portable, hand-held spectroradiometer. The spectral reflectance of the different concrete treatments varied systematically with changes in the concrete characteristics that resulted from different construction practices. Detailed spectral analysis shows that the spectral absorption features around 450, 1380 and 1850 nm are highly correlated with changes in the characteristics of the concrete. The spectral ratios R 600 /R 450 , R 1380 /R 1440, R 1850 /R 1950 and R 2150 /R 880 can clearly differentiate the T NC - and T CL -treated concrete blocks from the other blocks with different concrete treatments. The spectral ratio R 600 /R 450 can differentiate the T C -, T G - and T L -treatments, which were considered to have better concrete quality from the rest of the concrete treatments. The spectral results clearly indicate the potential application of spectral reflectance in assessing concrete characteristics after the concrete has hardened.

This study compared the metabolic, cardiopulmonary and inflammatory responses of novel acute machine based concentrically-focused resistance exercise (CON RX) and eccentrically-focused resistance exercise (ECC RX). Twenty healthy adults (26.8 ± 5.9 yrs; 25.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2) performed two work-matched RX exercise sessions. Cardiopulmonary responses, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), soreness, oxygen consumption; (VO2) were collected during each session. Blood lactate and levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 alpha (IL1α), interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) were analyzed pre, post ad 24 hours post-exercise. HR were higher (5-15bpm) during ECC RX (p

This study used an innovative GIS/remote sensing approach to study historical river channel changes in the Huron River, a wandering gravel-bedded river in northern Ohio. Eight sets of historical aerial photographs (1958-2003) span the construction of a low-head dam (1969), removal of the spillway (1994), and removal of the dam itself (2002). Construction of the dam modified stream gradients >4 km upstream of the small impounded reservoir. This study tracked changes in the polygon size, shape, and centroid position of 12 sand-gravel bars through a study reach 0.2-4.1 km upstream of the dam. These bars were highly responsive, tending to migrate obliquely downstream and toward the outer bank at rates up to 9 m/year. Historical changes in the size and position of the bars can be interpreted as the downstream translation of one or more sediment waves. Prior to dam construction, a sediment wave moved downstream through the study reach. Following construction of the dam, this sediment wave became stationary and degraded in situ by dispersion. The growth of bars throughout the study reach during this time interval resulted in a progressive increase in channel sinuosity. Removal of the spillway rejuvenated downstream translation of a sediment wave through the study reach and was followed by a reduction in channel sinuosity. These results illustrate that important geomorphologic changes can occur upstream of low-head dams. This may be a neglected area of research about the effects of dams and dam removals.

Objective: To examine whether 3 months of lipoic acid (LA) supplementation improved walking tolerance and delayed claudication pain onset in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Design: Randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Setting: General Clinical Research Center. Subjects: Twenty-eight (28) participants (15 men, 13 women) with PAD (ankle brachial index range 0.9–0.4, mean age 73.2 � 1.6 years). Intervention: LA (600 mg/day) or placebo for 3 months. Outcome measures: Walking tolerance was assessed by 6-minute walk test distance, 4-meter walk time, initial claudication pain time (ICT) and distance (ICD), and peak claudication pain. Serum was assessed for inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxides) as potential mechanisms for changes in walking tolerance. Results: ICT increased 34.4% and 15%, ICD was reduced by 40.5% and 18%, and peak claudication pain ratings were reduced by 93% and 7% in LA and placebo groups, respectively. Although the improvements in peak pain and ICT achieved significance within the LA group (both p � 0.05), the interactions of group by time were not found to be significant (p � 0.05). Oxidative stress and CRP measures were not different between groups by month 3 (p � 0.05). There were no serious side-effects associated with the LA. Conclusions: LA may confer pain relief during exercise. However, longer and larger trials are warranted to determine long-term effects of LA alone or combined with other interventions on PAD symptoms.

The objective of this study was to measure the in situ spectral reflectance of lake water that contains a bloom of Microcystis, a species of cyanobacteria. Reflectance spectra (350–2,500 nm) of lake water near a boat dock in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, were collected with a portable spectrora-diometer on a cloud-free day with sunlight as a source of illumination between 0845 to 0915 hours, Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on 17 August 2004, at a near-normal angle of observation. The averaged spectrum of the lake water containing the Microcystis bloom exhibits reflectance maxima from 550–590 nm and near 710 nm wavelengths and reflectance minima near 630 nm and 675 nm wavelengths. The reflectance gradually decreases from 810–1,000 nm and has very low reflectance in the 1,000–2,500 nm wavelength region. Our results show that the spectral reflectance of Microcystis at this stage of its bloom remains low for wavelengths longer than 1,000 nm in the near-infrared region of the spectrum. These spectral result...

Purpose of review False starts have marked early work towards efficiently differentiating embryonic stem cells to β cells. Recent research has returned to foundations of developmental biology by focusing first on achieving definitive endoderm differentiation as a requisite step to ultimately producing high-quality islet endocrine cells. The present review will highlight recent demonstrations of definitive endoderm differentiation from embryonic stem cells and emphasize how mesenchymal signals, learned from embryological studies, may be used to further induce pancreatic specification from embryonic stem cells. Recent findings Recently, advances have been made in the identification and purification of cells having the expected characteristics of definitive endoderm, from which all pancreatic cell types are derived. These studies have defined putative markers of definitive endoderm and provided insights into embryological signals controlling endoderm formation in mice and humans. Emerging data about the relationship between developing definitive endoderm and the surrounding mesenchyme now suggest possible methods of replicating the pancreatic developmental process in embryonic stem cells in vitro. Summary Lessons learned from understanding developmental mechanisms of definitive endoderm formation and pancreas specification in lower organisms and adapted in application to human embryonic stem cells will drive further advances in this field.

There is growing evidence that yoga may offer a safe and cost-effective intervention for Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM 2). However, systematic reviews are lacking. This article critically reviews the published literature regarding the effects of yoga-based programs on physiologic and anthropometric risk profiles and related clinical outcomes in adults with DM 2. We performed a comprehensive literature search using four computerized English and Indian scientific databases. The search was restricted to original studies (1970–2006) that evaluated the metabolic and clinical effects of yoga in adults with DM 2. Studies targeting clinical populations with cardiovascular disorders that included adults with comorbid DM were also evaluated. Data were extracted regarding study design, setting, target population, intervention, comparison group or condition, outcome assessment, data analysis and presentation, follow-up, and key results, and the quality of each study was evaluated according to specific predetermined criteria. We identified 25 eligible studies, including 15 uncontrolled trials, 6 non-randomized controlled trials and 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Overall, these studies suggest beneficial changes in several risk indices, including glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, oxidative stress, coagulation profiles, sympathetic activation and pulmonary function, as well as improvement in specific clinical outcomes. Yoga may improve risk profiles in adults with DM 2, and may have promise for the prevention and management of cardiovascular complications in this population. However, the limitations characterizing most studies preclude drawing firm conclusions. Additional high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm and further elucidate the effects of standardized yoga programs in populations with DM 2.

To determine the differences in kinematic, cardiopulmonary, and metabolic responses between overweight and healthy weight runners at a self-selected and standard running speed.Comparative descriptive study.Tertiary care institution, university-affiliated research laboratory.Overweight runners (n = 21) were matched with runners of healthy weight (n = 42).Participants ran at self-selected and standardized speeds (13.6 km/h). Sagittal plane joint kinematics were captured simultaneously with cardiopulmonary and metabolic measures using a motion capture system and portable gas analyzer, respectively.Spatiotemporal parameters (cadence, step width and length, center of gravity displacement, stance time) joint kinematics, oxygen cost, heart rate, ventilation and energy expenditure.At the self-selected speed, overweight individuals ran slower (8.5 ± 1.3 versus 10.0 ± 1.6 km/h) and had slower cadence (163 versus 169 steps/min; P.05). The sagittal plane range of motion (ROM) for flexion-extension at the ankle, knee, hip, and anterior pelvic tilt were all less in overweight runners compared to healthy weight runners (all P.05). At self-selected speed and 13.6 km/h, energy expenditure was higher in the overweight runners compared to their healthy weight counterparts (P.05). At 13.6 km/h, only the frontal hip and pelvis ROM were higher in the overweight versus the healthy weight runners (P.05), and energy expenditure, net energy cost, and minute ventilation were higher in the overweight runners compared to the healthy weight runners (P.05).At self-selected running speeds, the overweight runners demonstrated gait strategies (less joint ROM, less vertical displacement, and shorter step lengths) that resulted in cardiopulmonary and energetic responses similar to those of healthy weight individuals.

Background Cohen Syndrome (COH1) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, principally identified by ocular, neural and muscular deficits. We identified three large consanguineous Pakistani families with intellectual disability and in some cases with autistic traits. Methods Clinical assessments were performed in order to allow comparison of clinical features with other VPS13B mutations. Homozygosity mapping followed by whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing strategies were used to identify disease-related mutations. Results We identified two novel homozygous deletion mutations in VPS13B, firstly a 1 bp deletion, NM_017890.4:c.6879delT; p.Phe2293Leufs*24, and secondly a deletion of exons 37-40, which co-segregate with affected status. In addition to COH1-related traits, autistic features were reported in a number of family members, contrasting with the “friendly” demeanour often associated with COH1. The c.6879delT mutation is present in two families from different regions of the country, but both from the Baloch sub-ethnic group, and with a shared haplotype, indicating a founder effect among the Baloch population. Conclusion We suspect that the c.6879delT mutation may be a common cause of COH1 and similar phenotypes among the Baloch population. Additionally, most of the individuals with the c.6879delT mutation in these two families also present with autistic like traits, and suggests that this variant may lead to a distinct autistic-like COH1 subgroup. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-015-0183-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This study applied coded spectral ratio imaging and a self-organizing map (SOM) neural network model for subpixel classification of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data to map alteration minerals of the Masahim volcano, SE Iran. Spectra of samples were measured using a FieldSpec spectroradiometer, and were interpreted for finding key alteration minerals. Key minerals including sericite and kaolinite were selected. Thirty-six nonreciprocal spectral ratios of 9 ASTER reflective bands were created. Each spectral parameter (of 9 spectral bands and 36 spectral ratios) for the field and library mineral spectra was divided into deciles. Each decile of spectral bands or ratios was labeled from 9 for the highest down to 0 for the lowest decile. Spectral ratio code signature patterns of field samples were then compared to the US Geological Survey (USGS) spectral library to find 3 spectral ratio images for each key mineral. Based on these 3 ratio images, color ratio images were created and training areas were selected by a geographic information systems (GIS) overlay approach and were used to train the SOM model. This model was applied to the 5, 15, and 36 ratio image data sets as chemical composition images, and the results were compared using confusion matrices and coefficient of determination (R2). The results of SOM applied to 15 and 36 ratio image data sets showed good identification of key minerals. We achieved overall accuracies of 87% for SOM applied to the 36 ratio images, 86% for 15, and 85% for 5 ratio image data sets. The R2 produced from 15 ratio image data sets for sericite and kaolinite were 0.35 and 0.52, whereas they were 0.64 and 0.68, for 36 ratio image data sets. It was concluded that using SOM applied to ratio images could, therefore, be useful in alteration mapping of a volcano.

Pancreatic development in mammals is controlled in part by the expression and function of numerous genes encoding transcription factors. Yet, how these regulate each other and their target genes is incompletely understood. Embryonic stem (ES) cells have recently been shown to be capable of differentiating into pancreatic progenitor cells and insulin-producing cells, representing a useful in vitro model system for studying pancreatic and islet development. To generate tools to study the relationships of transcription factors in pancreatic development we have established seven unique mouse ES cell lines with tetracycline-inducible expression of either Hnf4alpha, Hnf6, Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1, Pax4, Pdx1, and Ptf1a cDNAs. Each of the cell lines was characterized for induction of transgene expression after exposure to doxycycline (DOX) by quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy. Transgene expression in the presence of DOX was at least 97-fold that seen in untreated cells. Immunofluorescent staining of DOX-treated cultures showed efficient (95% of cells) transgene protein expression while showing5% positive staining in uninduced cells. Each of the ES cell lines maintained their pluripotency as measured by teratoma formation. Furthermore, transgene expression can be efficiently achieved in vivo through DOX administration to mice. The establishment of ES cell lines with temporally controllable induction of critical pancreatic transcription factor genes provides a new set of tools that could be used to interrogate gene regulatory networks in pancreatic development and potentially generate greater numbers of beta cells from ES cells.

To analyze inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in total-knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total-hip arthroplasty (THA) patients using the 2004 Medicare 75% rule criteria.This retrospective study compared outcomes in unilateral TKA (UTKA), bilateral TKA (BTKA), and THA after interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation (n = 867). Patients were separated into three comparison pairs: 1) UTKA or BTKA, 2) age85 yrs oror =85 yrs, and 3) body mass index (BMI)50 oror =50 kg/m. Length of stay (LOS), functional independence measure (FIM) scores (total, motor, and cognitive), hospital charges, FIM efficiency, and discharge disposition were analyzed.BTKA improved total FIM score more than UTKA (43 vs. 38%; P = 0.039). TKA with BMIor =50 kg/m had similar admission and discharge FIM motor scores compared with BMI50 kg/m (P0.05). TKA patientsor =85 yrs had lower admission FIM scores, longer LOS (11.3 vs. 9.4 days), and 22% higher total charges than TKA patients younger than 85 yrs (P = 0.042). THA patientsor =85 yrs had 6-10% lower total FIM, FIM motor, and FIM cognition scores and were discharged to home less frequently than younger patients (P0.05). Total and daily charges were 21-162% higher in THA patients with BMIsor =50 kg/m than in THA patients with BMIs50 kg/m (P0.045).All patients made functional gains during rehabilitation. However, the most costly and lengthy rehabilitation occurred in TKA patientsor =85 yrs and THA patients with BMIor =50 kg/m.

Expression of the proendocrine gene neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) is required for the development of pancreatic islets. To better characterize the molecular events regulated by Ngn3 during development, we have determined the expression profiles of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) uniformly induced to overexpress Ngn3. An mESC line was created in order to induce Ngn3 by adding doxycycline to the culture medium. Genome-wide microarray analysis was performed to identify genes regulated by Ngn3 in a variety of contexts, including undifferentiated ESCs and differentiating embryoid bodies (EBs). Genes regulated by Ngn3 in a context-independent manner were identified and analyzed using systematic gene ontology tools. This analysis revealed Notch signaling as the most significantly regulated signaling pathway (p = .009). This result is consistent with the hypothesis that Ngn3 expression makes the cell competent for Notch signaling to be activated and, conversely, more sensitive to Notch signaling inhibition. Indeed, EBs induced to express Ngn3 were significantly more sensitive to gamma-secretase inhibitor-mediated Notch signaling inhibition (p < .0001) when compared with uninduced EBs. Moreover, we find that Ngn3 induction in differentiating ESCs results in significant increases in insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin expression.

To compare the outcomes of patients who have gone to inpatient rehabilitation after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and revision THA.Retrospective, comparative study.Fifty-bed freestanding, university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital.Two hundred fifty-five male and female primary THA patients and 147 male and female revision THA patients.Interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation.Length of stay (LOS), FIM instrument score and FIM motor score components, hospital charges, and discharge disposition location.FIM scores improved from admission to discharge by 29.7 and 27.9 points for the primary THA and revision THA groups, respectively (P.05). LOS was shorter for primary THA patients compared with revision THA patients (10.0d vs 11.5d, P.05). FIM efficiency (DeltaFIM/LOS) was greater for primary THA compared with revision THA (3.4 and 2.7 points/day, P.05). Total rehabilitation hospital charges were 11,421 US dollars and 13,707 US dollars for the primary and revision THA groups, respectively, with the mechanical and infection revision THAs incurring the greatest charges (14,596 US dollars and 15,386 US dollars, respectively; P.001). Compared with primary THA, revision THA patients were twice as likely to be discharged to locations other than home.FIM score improvement was lower and LOS and hospital charges were greater in revision THA than in primary THA after rehabilitation. Infection revision THA patients gained less functional independence and were discharged home less often than mechanical or pain revision THA patients; finally, infection and mechanical revision THA accrued the highest hospital charges.

To examine age and gender effects on outcomes after inpatient rehabilitation in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision TKA patients.This retrospective, comparative study was conducted in a 50-bed, university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital. Patients included primary TKA patients (n = 286) and revision TKA patients (n = 138) placed into one of three age brackets:60 yrs, 60-70 yrs, or70 yrs. Measurements included length of stay (LOS), FIM scores, hospital charges, and discharge disposition location.FIM scores improved from admission to discharge in both primary and revision patients (P = 0.015). LOS was shorter in primary than revision patients (8.3 vs. 10.4 days, P = 0.001), and the LOS was longest in patients70 yrs compared with those60 or 60-70 yrs (10.6 vs. 8.7 and 8.8 days, respectively; P = 0.004). FIM efficiency was greater in primary than in revision TKA patients (3.68 vs. 2.77 points/day, P = 0.001), and greater for men than women in each age bracket regardless of TKA type (3.68 vs. 2.78 points/day, P = 0.001). Total hospital charges were lower for men than women for both TKA types ($9,656 +/- 823 vs. $11,544 +/- 1,359; P = 0.015), and were highest in patients70 yrs of age (P = 0.015).Primary and revision TKA patients make improvements in functional independence during inpatient rehabilitation. Although FIM gains were similar among age and gender groupings, FIM efficiency is lowest in women. Despite similar daily hospital costs among the groups, slower progress with functional gains (decreased FIM efficiency) increases the LOS and total hospital charges, especially in older women.

To retrospectively examine the effects of sex and age on the inpatient rehabilitation outcomes of patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA).Exploratory, retrospective study.A university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital.Male and female THA patients (N=332) were stratified into age brackets (65y, 65-84y,or=85y). All patients completed interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation.Not applicable.Length of stay (LOS), FIM instrument scores, FIM efficiency (FIM/LOS), hospital costs, and discharge disposition location were collected by chart review.Regardless of age, women had lower FIM scores at admission and discharge than men (P.05). FIM efficiency was 22% to 53% lower for women in primary THA and 16% to 85% lower in revision THA than men (P=.001). Women accrued higher total hospital charges than men (13,099 dollars vs 11,141 dollars; P.05), and were discharged home less frequently than men (84.4% vs 90.9%; P.05). Admission FIM scores were 10.6% and 8.9% lower and discharge FIM scores were 7.3% and 9.2% lower in patients 85 years or older than those less than 65 or 65 to 84 years (P.01). FIM efficiency was 25% to 38% higher in patients less than 85 years than those 85 years and older (P=.015), and 37% higher in men than women (P=.001). Patients 85 years and older were discharged less frequently to home than patients less than 85 years (P.05).All patients made functional improvement after inpatient rehabilitation, but women and patients 85 years and older had longer LOS and lower FIM efficiency, incurred greater hospital charges, and were less likely to be discharged to home than men and younger counterparts.

To measure lumbar extensor strength in overweight (OVW) and nonoverweight (NOVW) elderly adults before and after resistance exercise training (RX).Descriptive, comparative study.University-based wellness center and research facility.Eighty-four adults (age range, 60-83 y) were placed into 1 of 2 groups based on body mass index (BMI): control (NOVW; mean BMI, 22.5 kg/m(2)) or OVW (mean BMI, 29.2 kg/m(2)). Subjects were then randomly assigned to either a resistance exercise (RX) or nonexercising group.Six months of total body RX and isolated lumbar extension exercise.Body composition, isometric lumbar extension strength, and 1-repetition maximum for each of the training exercises.Upper-body strength increased by 18.3% and 17.2% for the NOVW-RX and OVW-RX groups, respectively. Lower-body strength increased by 12.7% and 19.5% for the NOVW-RX and OVW-RX groups, respectively. At baseline, the OVW participants had greater total lumbar extension strength (1067 Nm vs 714 Nm) compared with the NOVW participants (P.05). When expressed per kilogram of fat-free mass, there were no differences in baseline total lumbar extension strength. After RX, lumbar extension strength increased by 58% and 34% for the NOVW-RX and OVW-RX groups, respectively (P.05). No changes in lumbar extension, upper- or lower-body strength were noted for the nontraining groups.OVW subjects were found to have greater absolute and similar relative, upper-body, lower-body, and lumbar extension strength at baseline when compared with their NOVW counterparts. Also, isolated lumbar extension exercise was effective in improving lumbar extensor strength in OVW and NOVW persons.

Pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG-NMR) diffusion experiments were used to investigate the binding of leucine and methionine enkephalin peptides to anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. The study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of interaction between enkephalin peptides and SDS micelles and to determine if NMR-derived association constants, K(eq), can predict the elution order in electrokinetic chromatography (EKC). In EKC, peptides are separated on the basis of their interactions with micelles. The Leu-enkephalin peptide-micelle association constant increased from 130 +/- 8 to 1459 +/- 57 and 1744 +/- 64 M(-1), respectively, when an Arg or Lys was added to the C-terminus. The association constant of Leu-enkephalinamide was approximately equal to that of Leu-enkephalin-Arg. Substitution of Phe4 with a Trp or Gly2 with an Ala in the Leu-enkephalin peptides also increased the micelle binding affinity. These results confirm that the interaction of Leu-enkephalin peptides with SDS micelles is largely electrostatic and that the non-polar amino acid side chains interact with the hydrophobic micelle core. The peptide-micelle association constants for the cationic Met-enkephalin peptides were also greater than their zwitterionic counterparts. For example, the Met-enkephalin K(eq) value was 162 +/- 9 M(-1), while the association constants for Met-enkephalin-Arg, Met-enkephalin-Lys, and Met-enkephalinamide were, respectively, 674 +/- 31, 426 +/- 23, and 453 +/- 27 M(-1). In both Met-enkephalin and Met-enkephalinamide, replacing Gly2 with an Ala did not significantly increase the association constant. These results confirm that with the Met-enkephalin peptides, there was little or no interaction of the amino acid side chains with the micelle core. For both the Leu-enkephalin and Met-enkephalin peptides, the association constants were consistent with EKC results, in that the peptides with smaller K(eq) values were found to elute before those with larger association constants.

Oxidative stress may be the unifying mechanism underlying the development of comorbidities in obesity. Evidence suggests that a clustering of sources of oxidative stress exists in obesity: hyperglycemia, hyperleptinemia, increased tissue lipid levels, inadequate antioxidant defenses, increased rates of free radical formation, enzymatic sources within the endothelium, and chronic inflammation. This review provides a summary of the available evidence on systemic oxidative stress in humans and specific metabolic pathways by which obesity may elevate systemic oxidant stress. The authors suggest possible methods of reducing oxidative stress such as antioxidant supplementation, caloric restriction and/or physical activity and surgical intervention to combat free radicals and reduce adipose tissue. Obesity is associated with oxidative stress and can be reduced with weight loss (regardless of exercise or surgery induced weight loss), caloric restriction or antioxidant rich diets. Oxidative stress levels are elevated in human obesity, and these levels are modifiable with various lifestyle modifications and surgical interventions.

Modern geology has been multi-disciplinary since its origins more than 200 years ago. Multi-spectral remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) together offer new geological tools that increase the need for knowledge from other scientific disciplines even more than has been traditionally accepted. Multi-spectral remote sensing requires that a geologist be trained to observe more than rock outcrops in the field. The soils surrounding the outcrop and the vegetation growing on them may contain more extractable geological information than the outcrop itself, and much of the new information can come from wavelengths of light invisible to the human eye. Outputs from Global Positioning System devices displayed in map form through GIS software are far more spatially precise than paper maps and Brunton compasses, but geologists must learn to use the new devices and software before the benefits can be appreciated. We see four growth areas in world markets related to employment of geologists and geophysicists who know remote sensing and GIS technology: industrial mineral exploration and extraction; engineering and environmental geology, including applications in non-geological government agencies and general businesses; modernized exploration for petroleum and metallic minerals; and ‘academic’ positions for researchers in universities, aerospace companies, and government agencies that compare change patterns in paleoclimates with those of recent climates. To meet these demands, we recommend that geology departments increase the number of courses in engineering and environmental geology; reach out to other science departments, both by encouraging more electives in their courses for geology students and by providing more earth materials, geochemistry, hydrology, and geological remote sensing courses for students from other science departments; and embrace remote sensing and GIS courses, the former from within the geology department, by requiring that most students take one course each for almost all sub-disciplines in geology and geophysics. Some of the increased courses could be taught in virtual co-operative universities, like the one being planned by OhioView, which is a remote sensing/GIS consortium of 11 universities in Ohio.

This study compared oxidative stress levels and antioxidant capacity in nonobese and obese participants after acute resistance (RX) and aerobic exercise (AX).Blood samples were collected from 28 nonobese (mean = 20.8% body fat) and obese (mean = 35.0% body fat) participants pre- and immediately post-RX and AX. Lipid hydroperoxides (PEROX), malondialdehyde (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and minute ventilation (VE) values were determined during each exercise session.In both groups, PEROX and TBARS were elevated post-RX and AX, with the greater elevations occurring in the obese group in each case (P0.05). In the obese, TBARS increased by 42% and 41% post-RX and AX, respectively, compared with 7.1% and 26.9% in the nonobese group. PEROX increased by 100% and 70% post-RX and AX, respectively, in the obese, and by 85% and 62% in the nonobese. TAS was 17% higher (P0.05) post-RX in the nonobese compared with the obese, whereas TAS values were not different post-AX. Peak and average VE, and relative VO2). rates were higher in the obese post-AX compared with the nonobese (P0.05) Correlations existed between the exercise-induced change in PEROX and body fat, vitamin C and A intake, peak oxygen consumption, and exercise ventilation rates in the obese group (r = 0.784-0.776, P0.05). In both groups, the exercise-induced changes in PEROX were associated with vitamin C intake, exercise ventilation rates, VO2peak, and plasma triglycerides (r = 0.669-0.558, P0.05).Lipid peroxidation is elevated in both RX and AX, and it is exacerbated in the obese. The mechanisms underlying this response in each exercise may be different but could involve plasma triglycerides, oxygen consumption, and antioxidant intake.

The Boeing Landing Suitability Index (BLSI) is a computer algorithm designed at Bowling Green State University for The Boeing Company for the purpose of mapping candidate aircraft operating sites of different “runway” lengths in natural terrain from LANDSAT TM data. Four LANDSAT TM frames (each 115 miles × 115 miles in area) from parts of California, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Louisiana (with annual rainfalls averaging approximately 3.5, 7, 17, and 53 in., respectively, though the Louisiana frame was collected during a drought year that had 28 in. of annual rainfall) were entered as inputs to the BLSI algorithm, which identified pixels in each of the frames that were sufficiently flat, treeless, and absent of surface water to land an aircraft on them, present weather conditions permitting, and perform off-loading, on-loading, and take-off operations. Adjustments were made to the algorithm for differences in annual rainfall. Although no attempt was made before these field trips to force BLSI to map surface firmness, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) was measured in the field on-site and off-site with dynamic cone penetrometers by a contractor for the Air Force Research Lab (Tyndall AFB in Florida) for several of these candidate aircraft operating sites. We found that all of the sites selected by BLSI that were visited in the field were suitably flat for landing and had no surface water or trees on them (except for one small tree that was younger than the LANDSAT frame employed for that region). Fortunately, most of these candidate aircraft operating sites found by BLSI had firmer ground than their immediate surroundings, as measured from the dynamic cone penetrometers. Our field observations support the hypothesis that BLSI is primarily mapping very subtle, local topographic highs. Such a subtle topographic high, which may rise only few feet from the middle to the edge of a candidate aircraft operating site, usually has a hard pan beneath it, owing to its relatively better drainage, compared with its immediate surrounds. This may account for its greater firmness, compared to its surrounds. Because the slopes are so small and the feature is slightly convex upward, there are no gullies on candidate aircraft operating sites. This causes the subtle topographic highs to be very flat and without rocks, unlike higher-sloped regions, where water in gullies tend to wash rocks. This seems the most reasonable explanation for why a pixel size as gross as 28.5 m (LANDSAT TM bands 1–5 and 7) is adequate to map such features. BLSI displayed as a continuous-toned image has potential for mapping areas of highest trafficability for wheeled vehicles, with lower BLSI values (shown as purple or blue areas) having the greatest trafficability.

The histologic diagnosis of acute hepatic allograft rejection is usually based upon the identification of characteristic portal tract features. In addition to these, centrilobular alterations such as central vein endothelialitis, zone 3 inflammation, and hepatocyte necrosis may also be seen during episodes of acute rejection. The purpose of this study was to identify any differences in the subsequent clinical course of patients with and without centrilobular alterations during their first biopsy-proven episode of acute rejection. Acute rejection was diagnosed at least once in 35 liver recipients who had undergone allograft biopsy. Of these, 15 (43%) had centrilobular alterations in their first posttransplant biopsy. These 15 patients developed ductopenia (60% vs. 30%) and subsequent episodes of acute rejection (53% vs. 25%) more often than did the 20 patients who lacked centrilobular alterations in their first posttransplant biopsy. Time to first episode of acute rejection and rates of subsequent recurrent hepatitis and death were similar between the 2 groups. Patients with centrilobular alterations during a first episode of acute rejection are more likely to have subsequent episodes of acute rejection and to develop features of chronic rejection than are patients without these changes. These patients may benefit from more vigilant clinical follow-up and/or higher levels of immunosuppression.

Algorithms were developed from LANDSAT 7 ETM+ data for the July 1, 2000 overpass and LANDSAT 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) data for the September 27, 2000 overpass for Path 20 Row 31 (including Toledo, OH) to measure relative phycocyanin content (PC) and turbidity in the western basin of Lake Erie. Water samples were collected from discrete hydrographic stations arranged in a 20×4 km grid adjacent to the Ohio shoreline during a 6-h period spanning each of the two LANDSAT overpasses. The samples were analyzed for chlorophyll (chl) a content and turbidity. In addition, the concentration of phycocyanin, a light-harvesting pigment associated with cyanobacteria, was estimated from the ratio of phycocyanin/chl a in vivo fluorescence (IVPF/IVCF). A dark-object-subtracted, spectral ratio model derived from the July 1, 2000 data was found to be the most robust, when applied to the September 27, 2000 data. The same July 1, 2000 model (or algorithm) for PC was then applied to LANDSAT 7 ETM+ frames for July 16 and August 1, 2002 of the Path 19 Row 31 frame (including Cleveland, OH) and to the August 8, 2002 frame of Path 20 Row 31. Moderate, very low, and high PC values were detected in the western basin of Lake Erie on July 16, August, 1, and August 8, 2002, respectively. On September 17, 2002, local media reported a large Microcystis bloom in the western basin. The high PC values on August 8, 2002 may have represented early stage detection of the large Microcystis bloom that was reported 5 weeks later. The PC algorithm derived in this study will improve our understanding of the temporal and spatial dynamics of cyanobacterial bloom formation in Lake Erie and other systems. It may also serve to alert municipalities to the presence of potentially toxic bloom events.

For generations, researchers have examined attributes that contribute to the adaptability of low socioeconomic youth. Attributes that help one become resilient are known as protective factors. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the protective factor(s) that contributed to the enrollment of first-generation, low-socioeconomic status (SES) students at a southern land-grant university. The population consisted of postsecondary students in a First Scholars program during the 2015-2016 academic year. The authors examine the existing literature on the effects of low SES on postsecondary education in order to explore what assists these students in maintaining a steadfast behavior. Recommendations are made for the recruitment of students who display a higher resiliency to be successful at the postsecondary level and for the First Scholars program on how to further enhance the program.

We have calculated the optical absorption matrix elements for a spherical silicon quantum dot embedded in silicon dioxide with the addition of a parabolic potential which is used to tune the bound state energy levels. The photon absorption from the ground state to the excited states was calculated as a function of the parabolic potential curvature constant and the dot radius which varied between 2 and 6 nm . The results show that we can tune the wavelength in the entire visible range. Furthermore, the absorption cross section was found to change by several orders of magnitude with increasing parabolic potential curvature constant. For large parabolic curvature constant the transition move out of the visible range, and the number of allowed transition increased with the dot radius.

We tested the hypothesis that chronic endurance exercise is associated with the recruitment of four major upper airway muscles (genioglossus, digastric, sternohyoid, and omohyoid) and results in an increased oxidative capacity and a fast-toward-slow shift in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms of these muscles. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8; 60 days old) performed treadmill exercises for 12 weeks (4 days/week; 90 minutes/day). Age-matched sedentary female rats (n = 10) served as control animals. Training was associated with an increase (p0.05) in the activities of both citrate synthase and superoxide dismutase in the digastric and sternohyoid muscles, as well as in the costal diaphragm. Compared with the control animals, Type I MHC content increased (p0.05) and Type IIb MHC content decreased (p0.05) in the digastric, sternohyoid, and diaphragm muscles of exercised animals. Training did not alter (p0.05) MHC phenotype, oxidative capacity, or antioxidant enzyme activity in the omohyoid or genioglossus muscle. These data indicate that endurance exercise training is associated with a fast-to-slow shift in MHC phenotype together with an increase in both oxidative and antioxidant capacity in selected upper airway muscles. It seems possible that this exercise-mediated adaptation is related to the recruitment of these muscles as stabilizers of the upper airway.

Seismic signals recorded every 0.1 sec by four OhioSeis (state network) seismic stations (in Cincinnati, Portsmouth, Columbus, and Bowling Green, Ohio) for 2 hr before and 30 min after a destructive F4 tornado hit a suburb of Cincinnati (Blue Ash) at approximately 0500 hours Eastern Standard Time on 9 April 1999 were subjected to wavelet-packet transformation analysis and transient-frequency analysis with a Wigner distribution. In the University of Cincinnati station data (12 km from Blue Ash), we found a high-intensity, low-frequency (0.05-0.128 Hz) signal during the reported touchdown and also the loss of all but the lowest-intensity, higher-frequency signals recorded by the seismometer (maximum of 1.5 Hz) as a possible precursor of the tornado approximately 6 min before it hit the ground. This higher-frequency loss continued until 14 min after the tornado touchdown. In the Portsmouth, Columbus, and Bowling Green station signals, we found that the highest correlated matches with the University of Cincinnati station tornado signal occurred at respective arrival times that agreed with an approximately 1.8 km/sec propagation velocity for this low-frequency seismic wave. The seismic record from a second F4 tornado in Xenia, Ohio, which occurred on 20 September 2000, was similar to the Blue Ash tornado record, as recorded by the same University of Cincinnati station, at an 80-km distance from Xenia.

Inverted pendulum is a highly nonlinear system. Here we propose an optimal control technique for the control of an inverted Pendulum - cart system. The system is modeled, linearized and controlled. Here, the control objective is to control the system such that when the cart reaches a desired position the inverted pendulum stabilizes in the upright position. Initially PID controller is used to control the system. Later, Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) a well-known optimal control technique which makes use of the states of the dynamical system and control input to frame the optimal control decision is used. Various combinations of both PID and LQR controllers are implemented. To validate the robustness of the controller, the system is simulated with and without disturbance. Finally the system is also controlled using Model Predictive controller (MPC). MPC has well predictive ability to calculate future events and implement necessary control actions. The performance of the system is compared and analyzed.

This study examined the effects of 6 months of resistance exercise (RX) on basal and post-aerobic exercise lipid peroxidation (LIPOX). Men and women [n = 62, mean (SD) age 68.4 (6) years] were divided randomly into either a control (n = 16, CON), low-intensity training [LEX n = 24; 50% one-repetition maximum (1RM), 13 repetitions/exercise], or high-intensity training (HEX n = 22, 80% 1RM, 8 repetitions/exercise) group. Pre- and post-training, subjects performed a graded aerobic exercise test (GXT). Blood samples were collected prior to and 10 min following each GXT. Subjects trained 3 times per week for 6 months using 12 RX machines. LIPOX was determined by measuring levels of thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (PEROX). RX had no effect on resting LIPOX. Post-training, post-GXT TBARS were lower in the LEX and HEX groups by 14% and 18%, respectively, compared to CON (P < 0.05). Post-GXT PEROX levels were lower (P < 0.05) in LEX and HEX compared to CON [CON 3.51 (0.56) nmol/ml, LEX 2.89 (0.80) nmol/ml, HEX 2.99 (0.63) nmol/ml]. Serum total and non-protein (glutathione) thiols were higher in the LEX and HEX groups following training compared to CON (P < 0.05). These data suggest that RX can (1) reduce serum LIPOX, (2) provide protection against oxidizing agents in vitro, and (3) provide a "cross-protection" against the oxidative stress generated by aerobic exercise, perhaps mediated by improvements in the thiol portion of the antioxidant defense.