NEWSTART: An 8-Week Faith-Based Health Promotion Program to Reduce Chronic Disease Risk Factors in the US.

This single-group experimental study examined the effectiveness of NEWSTART, an 8-week health promotion program among adults in an Adventist Faith Community. Participants had a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure [Formula: see text] with a moderate effect size (Cohen d = 0.68), reduction of daily sugar-sweetened beverage intake [Formula: see text] with a large effect size (Cohen d = 0.

From the laboratory to the field: Chemical analysis of colored smoke pyrotechnic formulations via mass spectrometry techniques.

Smoke dyes are complex molecular systems that have the potential to form many molecular derivatives and fragments when deployed. The chemical analysis of smoke samples is challenging due to the adiabatic temperature of the pyrotechnic combustion and the molecular complexity of the physically dispersed reaction products. Presented here is the characterization of the reaction byproducts of a simulant Mk124 smoke signal on a multigram scale, which contain the dye disperse red 9 (1-(methylamino)anthraquinone), by ambient ionization mass spectrometry.

Does the model reflect the system? When two-dimensional biomechanics is not 'good enough'.

Models are mathematical representations of systems, processes or phenomena. In biomechanics, finite-element modelling (FEM) can be a powerful tool, allowing biologists to test form-function relationships , replacing or extending results of experimentation. Although modelling simplifications and assumptions are necessary, as a minimum modelling requirement the results of the simplified model must reflect the biomechanics of the modelled system.

Physico-chemical properties of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) diazonium ion: a theoretical investigation.

We have explored the physico-chemical properties of NNK diazonium ion to gain insight into its shape, bonding, charge distribution, and ro-vibrational features. This information is essential if the chemical reactivity and physical properties of this important intermediate are to be understood. NNK diazonium ion is a well-known alkylating agent.

Detection and toxicity modeling of anthraquinone dyes and chlorinated side products from a colored smoke pyrotechnic reaction.

"Green" pyrotechnics seek to remove known environmental pollutants and health hazards from their formulations. This chemical engineering approach often focuses on maintaining performance effects upon replacement of objectionable ingredients, yet neglects the chemical products formed by the exothermic reaction. In this work, milligram quantities of a lab-scale pyrotechnic red smoke composition were functioned within a thermal probe for product identification by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Lipid composition of the stratum corneum in different regions of the body of Kuhl's pipistrelle from the Negev Desert, Israel.

The most superficial epidermal layer in endotherms is the stratum corneum (SC), which is composed of dead corneocytes embedded in a lipid matrix with free fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides, and cerebrosides; the lipid composition of the SC determines its permeability to water vapor. Lipids that are more polar, have longer hydrocarbon chains, and are less bulky are often packed in more ordered phase states to slow cutaneous evaporative water loss (CEWL); these lipids also resist transitions to more disordered phases at high ambient temperatures (T). In bats, wing and tail membranes (wing patagia and tail uropatagium, respectively) allow powered flight, but increase surface area, and hence CEWL, with implications for survival in arid environments.

Synesthesia, hallucination, and autism.

Synesthesia literally means a "union of the senses" whereby two or more of the five senses that are normally experienced separately are involuntarily and automatically joined together in experience (1, 2, 3). For example, some synesthetes experience a color when they hear a sound, although many instances of synesthesia also occur entirely within the visual sense. In this paper, I first mainly engage critically with Sollberger's view that there is reason to think that at least some synesthetic experiences can be viewed as truly veridical perceptions, and not as illusions or hallucinations (4).

Problem-based learning: A strategy to foster generation Z's critical thinking and perseverance.

Educators are concerned about Generation Z's inexperience with higher order critical thinking and tendency to give up or move on when faced with challenges. While acknowledging that this generation brings technological skills and an inclusive mindset that will enhance our profession, educators are challenged to adapt teaching strategies to promote critical thinking and foster perseverance. This manuscript will recount the attributes of Generation Z and describe problem-based learning as a strategy to enhance critical thinking and perseverance.

Effects of membrane fatty acid composition on cellular metabolism and oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts from small and large breed dogs.

There is ample evidence that cell membrane architecture contributes to metabolism and aging in animals; however, the aspects of this architecture that determine the rate of metabolism and longevity are still being debated. The 'membrane pacemaker' hypothesis of metabolism and of aging, respectively, suggest that increased lipid unsaturation and large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in cell membranes increase the cellular metabolic rate as well as the vulnerability of the cell to oxidative damage, thus increasing organismal metabolic rate and decreasing longevity. Here, we tested these hypotheses by experimentally altering the membrane fatty acid composition of fibroblast cells derived from small and large breed dogs by incubating them in a medium enriched in the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) oleic acid (OA, 18:1) to decrease the total saturation.

Characterization and Evolution of Germ1, an Element that Undergoes Diminution in Lampreys (Cyclostomata: Petromyzontidae).

The sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) undergoes substantial genomic alterations during embryogenesis in which specific sequences are deleted from the genome of somatic cells yet retained in cells of the germ line. One element that undergoes diminution in P. marinus is Germ1, which consists of a somatically rare (SR) region and a fragment of 28S rDNA.

Developable mechanisms on developable surfaces.

The trend toward smaller mechanism footprints and volumes, while maintaining the ability to perform complex tasks, presents the opportunity for exploration of hypercompact mechanical systems integrated with curved surfaces. Developable surfaces are shapes that a flat sheet can take without tearing or stretching, and they represent a wide range of manufactured surfaces. This work introduces "developable mechanisms" as devices that emerge from or conform to developable surfaces.

Presence and persistence of a highly ordered lipid phase state in the avian stratum corneum.

To survive high temperatures in a terrestrial environment, animals must effectively balance evaporative heat loss and water conservation. In passerine birds, cutaneous water loss (CWL) is the primary avenue of water loss at thermoneutral temperatures and increases slightly as ambient temperature increases, indicating a change in the permeability of the skin. In the stratum corneum (SC), the outermost layer of the skin, lipids arranged in layers called lamellae serve as the primary barrier to CWL in birds.

First Report of a Mitochondrial Pseudogene in Agnathan Vertebrates (Cyclostomata: Petromyzontidae).

We report herein the characterization of a nuclear paralog of a fragment of the mitochondrial genome (a numt) in two closely related species of lampreys (Ichthyomyzon spp.). Although numts have been characterized in several vertebrate taxa, numts have yet to be reported for fishes in general.

Neuroprotection by chitosan nanoparticles in oxidative stress-mediated injury.

Objective: Oxidative stress is a critical component of nervous system secondary injury. Oxidative stress produces toxic chemical byproducts including reactive aldehydes that traverse intact membranes and attack neighboring healthy cells. This secondary damage often leads to further patho-biochemical cascades that exacerbate the original insult.

The inner membrane protein YhiM is necessary for Escherichia coli growth at high temperatures and low osmolarity.

To survive, Escherichia coli must be able to survive in rapidly changing environmental conditions including changes in temperature and osmolarity. We have studied the role of the inner membrane protein YhiM in changing environmental conditions. Our data indicate that YhiM is required for normal growth at 37 and 41 °C but not 21 °C.

Co-evolution of SNF spliceosomal proteins with their RNA targets in trans-splicing nematodes.

Although the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing has been well characterized, the evolution of spliceosomal proteins is poorly understood. The U1A/U2B″/SNF family (hereafter referred to as the SNF family) of RNA binding spliceosomal proteins participates in both the U1 and U2 small interacting nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). The highly constrained nature of this system has inhibited an analysis of co-evolutionary trends between the proteins and their RNA binding targets.

Organization of lipids in avian stratum corneum: Changes with temperature and hydration.

In response to increases in ambient temperature (Ta), many animals increase total evaporative water loss (TEWL) through their skin and respiratory passages to maintain a constant body temperature, a response that compromises water balance. In birds, cutaneous water loss (CWL) accounts for approximately 65% of TEWL at thermoneutral temperatures. Although the proportion of TEWL accounted for by CWL decreases to only 25% at high Ta, the magnitude of CWL still increases, suggesting changes in the barrier function of the skin.

Lipid composition and molecular interactions change with depth in the avian stratum corneum to regulate cutaneous water loss.

The outermost 10-20 µm of the epidermis, the stratum corneum (SC), consists of flat, dead cells embedded in a matrix of intercellular lipids. These lipids regulate cutaneous water loss (CWL), which accounts for over half of total water loss in birds. However, the mechanisms by which lipids are able to regulate CWL and how these mechanisms change with depth in the SC are poorly understood.

Geochemical and γ ray characterization of Pennsylvanian black shales: Implications for elevated home radon levels in Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Radon ((222)Rn) is a radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium ((238)U) in the Earth's crust. This study characterizes the presence and relative quantity of radon precursors in the Pennsylvanian black shales of southwest Indiana. Cores were drilled on the campus of the University of Southern Indiana to a depth of 237.

Turtle utricle dynamic behavior using a combined anatomically accurate model and experimentally measured hair bundle stiffness.

Anatomically correct turtle utricle geometry was incorporated into two finite element models. The geometrically accurate model included appropriately shaped macular surface and otoconial layer, compact gel and column filament (or shear) layer thicknesses and thickness distributions. The first model included a shear layer where the effects of hair bundle stiffness was included as part of the shear layer modulus.

Safety consciousness: assignments that expand focus beyond the bedside.

In order to stimulate safety consciousness beyond the bedside, a series of meaningful, practice-based learning activities were devised that compel students in a baccalaureate nursing program to consider safety issues beyond the obvious concerns at the point of care. The assignments emphasize systems level thinking and process evaluation of facility characteristics, team communication, and unit based improvement campaigns. Reflective components engage students in evaluation of their comfort level with being an agent of change, the climate for change on their unit, and their confidence in delegation and communication skills.

An expanded look at evaluating clinical performance: faculty use of anecdotal notes in the U.S. and Canada.

The evaluation of students in a clinical setting is often subjective and completed differently among faculty. To describe and compare evaluation practices, faculty were asked to rank order student clinical activities important enough to write an anecdotal note regarding. A total of 15 behaviors were presented and faculty were asked to prioritize their importance.

Detecting violence in the archaeological record: Clarifying the timing of trauma and manner of death in cases of cranial blunt force trauma among pre-Columbian Amerindians of West-Central Illinois.

Confidence in the timing of cranial blunt force trauma and manner of death is needed in order to address violence in antiquity. This paper sought to highlight difficulties in the interpretation of perimortem trauma using examples from the Schild site (AD 700-1200). During excavations in 1962, archaeologist Gregory Perino claimed two victims with celt wounds to the head and six with crushed skulls.

A holistic approach to movement education in sport and fitness: a systems based model.

Unlabelled: The typical model used by movement professionals to enhance performance relies on the notion that a linear increase in load results in steady and progressive gains, whereby, the greater the effort, the greater the gains in performance.

Introduction: Traditional approaches to movement progression typically rely on the proper sequencing of extrinsically based activities to facilitate the individual in reaching performance objectives. However, physical rehabilitation or physical performance rarely progresses in such a linear fashion; instead they tend to evolve non-linearly and rather unpredictably.