The Structure of Complex Physical Performance

This paper discusses the use of the statistical technique of factor analysis as a research tool in assessing complex performance, and its potential application to simulation research programs. A preliminary factor analytic investigation of complex perceptual-motor performance is presented. In the investigation, 12 complex physical proficiency tests were administered in a battery of tests which included 24 simple perceptual-motor measures of speed, flexibility, balance, and strength. The results indicated that factor analytic techniques are valuable in identifying the differential components or abilities underlying performance in complex motor skills performance

Architectural/Environmental Handbook for Extraterrestrial Design

Handbook on environmental and space utilization criteria for design of extraterrestrial manned spacecraft and shelter

River Otter in Arkansas: II. Indications of a Beaver-Facilitated Commensal Relationship

Dam building activities of beaver (Castor canadensis) create ponds that apparently augment habitat available to otter (Lutra canadensis). This paper considers possible effects of beaver activity and pond formation on distribution and populations of otter in Arkansas. Literature synthesis and analysis of harvest records were used to investigate the suspected relationship

Off-Duty Concepts for Long Duration Space Missions

Leisure time preferences were surveyed in three populations which are potential sources of future spacecrew candidates: test pilots, military pilots and aerospace engineers and scientists. A questionnaire designed to provide rating scale measures of preferences for various types of spacecraft recreational equipment items, leisure time activity categories, content within activity categories, and various .kinds of snack items was administered to the samples from the three populations. The results indicated that leisure time preferences in the three populations were quite similar. Representative spacecraft off-duty concepts for long duration space missions and possible engineering constraints are discussed

Age and Prostate-Specific Antigen Level Prior to Diagnosis Predict Risk of Death from Prostate Cancer.

A single early prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level has been correlated with a higher likelihood of prostate cancer diagnosis and death in younger men. PSA testing in older men has been considered of limited utility. We evaluated prostate cancer death in relation to age and PSA level immediately prior to prostate cancer diagnosis. Using the Veterans Affairs database, we identified 230,081 men aged 50-89 years diagnosed with prostate cancer and at least one prior PSA test between 1999 and 2009. Prostate cancer-specific death over time was calculated for patients stratified by age group (e.g., 50-59 years, through 80-89 years) and PSA range at diagnosis (10 ranges) using Kaplan-Meier methods. Risk of 10-year prostate cancer mortality across age and PSA was compared using log-rank tests with a Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing. 10.5% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer died of cancer during the 10-year study period (mean follow-up = 3.7 years). Higher PSA values prior to diagnosis predict a higher risk of death in all age groups (p < 0.0001). Within the same PSA range, older age groups are at increased risk for death from prostate cancer (p < 0.0001). For PSA of 7-10 ng/mL, cancer-specific death, 10 years after diagnosis, increased from 7% for age 50-59 years to 51% for age 80-89 years. Men older than 70 years are more likely to die of prostate cancer at any PSA level than younger men, suggesting prostate cancer remains a significant problem among older men (even those aged 80+) and deserves additional study

Antiangiogenic Effects and Therapeutic Targets of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract in Endothelial Cells

Azadirachta indica (common name: neem) leaves have been found to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. The present study evaluates anti-angiogenic potential of ethanol extract of neem leaves (EENL) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment of HUVECs with EENL inhibited VEGF induced angiogenic response in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro proliferation, invasion and migration of HUVECs were suppressed with EENL. Nuclear fragmentation and abnormally small mitochondria with dilated cristae were observed in EENL treated HUVECs by transmission electron microscopy. Genome-wide mRNA expression profiling after treatment with EENL revealed differentially regulated genes. Expression changes of the genes were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, increase in the expression of HMOX1, ATF3 and EGR1 proteins were determined by immunoblotting. Analysis of the compounds in the EENL by mass spectrometry suggests the presence of nimbolide, 2′,3′-dehydrosalannol, 6-desacetyl nimbinene and nimolinone. We further confirmed antiproliferative activity of nimbolide and 2′,3′-dehydrosalannol in HUVECs. Our results suggest that EENL by regulating the genes involved in cellular development and cell death functions could control cell proliferation, attenuate the stimulatory effects of VEGF and exert antiangiogenic effects. EENL treatment could have a potential therapeutic role during cancer progression

Subsidizing Religious Participation through Groups: A Model of the “Megachurch” Strategy for Growth

Either despite or because of their non-traditional approach, megachurches have grown significantly in the United States since 1980. This paper models religious participation as an imperfect public good which, absent intervention, yields suboptimal participation by members from the church’s perspective. Megachurches address this problem in part by employing secular-based group activities to subsidize religious participation that then translates into an increase in the attendees’ religious investment. This strategy not only allows megachurches to attract and retain new members when many traditional churches are losing members but also results in higher levels of an individual’s religious capital. As a result, the megachurch may raise expectations of members’ levels of commitment and faith practices. Data from the FACT2000 survey provide evidence that megachurches employ groups more extensively than other churches, and this approach is consistent with a strategy to use groups to help subsidize individuals’ religious investment. Religious capital rises among members of megachurches relative to members of non-megachurches as a result of this strategy

The Ford Nuclear Reactor Control System

Submitted for presentation at the Fall Meeting of the American Nuclear Society held in New York on October 28, 1957.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86114/1/MMPP FNR Control 28 Oct 1957 ANS.PDF-