Computer simulations of the diffusion of Na and Cl ions across POPC lipid bilayer membranes.

We have carried out molecular dynamics simulations using NAMD to study the diffusivity of Na and Cl ions across a POPC lipid bilayer membrane. We show that an imbalance of positively and negatively charged ions on either side of the membrane leads to the diffusion of ions and water molecules. We considered the cases of both weak and very strong charge imbalance across the membrane.

Physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake: correlations between and within adults in a longitudinal multiethnic cohort.

Purpose: To determine if changes in physical activity were associated with changes in fruit and vegetable intake.

Design: Prospective cohort.

Setting: Hawaii.

Are constructs of the transtheoretical model for physical activity measured equivalently between sexes, age groups, and ethnicities?

Background/purpose: Identifying mediators of physical activity change requires measurement instruments that are reliable, valid, and generalizable to multiple populations. Despite continued application of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to the study of physical activity, the structural components of the TTM measurement instruments have been understudied in diverse populations.

Methods: A multiethnic sample (N = 700, M (age) = 47, 63% women, 38% Caucasian) of participants living in Hawaii completed TTM measures.

Effects of a mandibular repositioning appliance on sleep structure, morning behavior and clinical symptomatology in patients with snoring and sleep-disordered breathing.

Background: Mandibular repositioning appliances (MRAs) have become an established treatment for snoring and sleep-disordered breathing - though most studies only focused on the evaluation of respiratory variables.

Methods: This single-blind, placebo-controlled case-series study investigated the effects of an individually adjustable MRA on psychopathology, macro-/microstructure of sleep, periodic leg movements, morning performance, mood/affect and psychophysiology. Fifty patients (37 males) aged 59.

Oct-4 expression in human endometrium.

The transcription factor Oct-4 is crucial for the maintenance of cell pluripotency and is known to be expressed in embryonic stem cells, germ cells and whole embryos at various stages of development. Oct-4 regulates cell fate in a dose-dependent manner and plays a key role in germ-cell tumours. In the past, several stem-cell markers have been detected, and their role in the pathogenesis of diseases has been discussed frequently.