Photon asymmetry measurements of γ→ p→ π0p for Eγ= 320-650 MeV

High-statistics measurements of the photon asymmetry Σ for the γ→ p→ π0p reaction have been made in the center-of-mass energy range W= 1214 - 1450 MeV. The data were measured with the MAMI A2 real photon beam and Crystal Ball/TAPS detector systems in Mainz, Germany. The results significantly improve the existing world data and are shown to be in good agreement with previous measurements, and with the MAID, SAID, and Bonn-Gatchina predictions. We have also combined the photon asymmetry results with recent cross-section measurements from Mainz to calculate the profile functions, Σˇ (= σ0Σ) , and perform a moment analysis. Comparison with calculations from the Bonn-Gatchina model shows that the precision of the data is good enough to further constrain the higher partial waves, and there is an indication of interference between the very small F-waves and the N(1520) 3 / 2 - and N(1535) 1 / 2 - resonances

Predicting safe sex practices from gender-related interpersonal variables

This study investigated whether safe sex practices, including condom use and partner communication, may be predicted from the interpersonal traits of agency, unmitigated agency, communion, and unmitigated communion. Participants were 375 college students (77% women, 23% men), who completed an online questionnaire assessing the variables of interest. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that high-agency individuals employed greater safe sex practices (p = .001) and had greater communication with their partners about safe sex (p < .001) than low-agency individuals, whereas high-unmitigated agency individuals employed fewer safe sex practices (p = .009) and used condoms less often (p = .017) than low-unmitigated agency individuals. Furthermore, high-communion individuals had better partner communication about safe sex (p = .013) than low-communion individuals. These findings are consistent with past research showing the positive impact of agency and communion, as well as negative impact of unmitigated agency, on risky health behaviors

Effects of Music and Grade Consequences on Test Anxiety and Performance

This research investigated the effects of grade consequences and music on test anxiety and performance. Eighty undergraduate participants (75% women, 25% men; mean age of 19.63 years; 51% Caucasian, 38% Hispanic, 4% African American) were instructed that their performance on a mathematics test either would or would not affect their course credit. Afterward, they listened to either calm or obnoxious music for 5 min prior to the test. Anxiety was assessed with a self-report inventory, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Compared with those who listened to obnoxious music, those who listened to calm music had lower systolic blood pressure (p = .01, =2 = .08), lower heart rate (p = .04, =2 = .06), and higher test scores (p = .01, =2 = .11); however, the latter 2 effects were only significant for those whose course credit was threatened (p = .05, =2 = .05). Self-reported anxiety (p = .50, =2 = .01) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .79, =2 = .01) were not significantly affected. These findings suggest a benefit of relaxing music for students experiencing test anxiety

Preparation and characterization of chitosan and trimethyl-chitosanmodified poly-(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles as DNA carriers

The purpose of this research was to prepare poly-(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) particles by an emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method using a blend of poly-(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan derivatives as stabilizers. The chitosan derivatives used were chitosan hydrochloride and trimethyl chitosans (TMC) with varying degrees of quaternization. Particle characteristics-size, zeta potential, surface morphology, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency-were investigated. The developed method yields PCL nanoparticles in the size range of 250 to 300 nm with a positive surface charge (2.5 to 6.8 mV). The cytotoxicity was found to be moderate and virtually independent of the stabilizers' concentration with the exception of the highly quaternized TMC (degree of substitution 66%) being significantly more toxic. In immobilization experiments with gel electrophoresis, it could be shown that these cationic nanoparticles (NP) form stable complexes with DNA at a NP:DNA ratio of 3:1. These nanoplexes showed a significantly higher transfection efficiency on COS-1 cells than naked DNA

A consensus document on definition and diagnostic criteria for orthorexia nervosa

Purpose Since the term orthorexia nervosa (ON) was coined from the Greek (omicron rho theta omicron sigma, right and omicron rho epsilon xi iota sigma, appetite) in 1997 to describe an obsession with "correct" eating, it has been used worldwide without a consistent definition. Although multiple authors have proposed diagnostic criteria, and many theoretical papers have been published, no consensus definition of ON exists, empirical primary evidence is limited, and ON is not a standardized diagnosis. These gaps prevent research to identify risk and protective factors, pathophysiology, functional consequences, and evidence-based therapeutic treatments. The aims of the current study are to categorize the common observations and presentations of ON pathology among experts in the eating disorder field, propose tentative diagnostic criteria, and consider which DSM chapter and category would be most appropriate for ON should it be included.Methods 47 eating disorder researchers and multidisciplinary treatment specialists from 14 different countries across four continents completed a three-phase modified Delphi process, with 75% agreement determined as the threshold for a statement to be included in the final consensus document. In phase I, participants were asked via online survey to agree or disagree with 67 statements about ON in four categories: A-Definition, Clinical Aspects, Duration; B-Consequences; C-Onset; D-Exclusion Criteria, and comment on their rationale. Responses were used to modify the statements which were then provided to the same participants for phase II, a second round of feedback, again in online survey form. Responses to phase II were used to modify and improve the statements for phase III, in which statements that met the predetermined 75% of agreement threshold were provided for review and commentary by all participants.Results 27 statements met or exceeded the consensus threshold and were compiled into proposed diagnostic criteria for ON.Conclusions This is the first time a standardized definition of ON has been developed from a worldwide, multidisciplinary cohort of experts. It represents a summary of observations, clinical expertise, and research findings from a wide base of knowledge. It may be used as a base for diagnosis, treatment protocols, and further research to answer the open questions that remain, particularly the functional consequences of ON and how it might be prevented or identified and intervened upon in its early stages. Although the participants encompass many countries and disciplines, further research will be needed to determine if these diagnostic criteria are applicable to the experience of ON in geographic areas not represented in the current expert panel