Thermogravimetric characterization and gasification of pecan nut shells.

This study focuses on the evaluation of pecan nut shells as an alternative source of energy through pyrolysis and gasification. The physicochemical characteristics of the selected biomass that can influence the process efficiency, consumption rates, and the product yield, as well as create operational problems, were determined. In addition, the thermal decomposition kinetics necessary for prediction of consumption rates and yields were determined.

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from the fat layer on the density gradient separated bone marrow.

The density gradient centrifugation method was originally designed for the isolation of mononuclear peripheral blood cells and rapidly adapted to fractionate bone marrow (BM) cells. This method involves the use of gradient density solutions with low viscosity and low osmotic pressure that allows erythrocytes and more mature cells gravitate to the bottom at a density fraction superior to 1.080 g/dL; mononuclear cells (MNCs) held in the plasma-solution to interphase at a density between 1.

Some factors in sanctions for unsportsmanlike behavior of players and coaches in youth soccer.

Reasons and motives for sanctions imposed on players and coaches in youth soccer were examined to evaluate frequency and type of infraction by competition category (Under 12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18 years). Analysis of the first 30% of competitions yielded 1,202 sanctions of 340 teams with 6,120 players and 340 coaches. For older groups, the number of sanctions for aggressive conduct by the players was significantly higher; frequency of sanctions imposed on the coaches for disrespect also was significantly higher, and those for aggression were higher although not significantly so; the number of sanctions for disrespect by players was not different.

Use of an electrosurgical scalpel in gingival overgrowth associated with Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome.

We present a case of gingival overgrowth, with aesthetic repercussions, associated with Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome. Treatment consisted of electric gingivectomy. We noted that it is necessary to carefully monitor hemorrhaging during surgery as well as to provide a correct differential diagnosis to distinguish this syndrome from other illnesses that involve gingival growth.