Autoignition test cell Patent

Test chamber for determining decomposition and autoignition of materials used in spacecraft under controlled environmental condition

Geometric combinatorial algebras: cyclohedron and simplex

In this paper we report on results of our investigation into the algebraic structure supported by the combinatorial geometry of the cyclohedron. Our new graded algebra structures lie between two well known Hopf algebras: the Malvenuto-Reutenauer algebra of permutations and the Loday-Ronco algebra of binary trees. Connecting algebra maps arise from a new generalization of the Tonks projection from the permutohedron to the associahedron, which we discover via the viewpoint of the graph associahedra of Carr and Devadoss. At the same time that viewpoint allows exciting geometrical insights into the multiplicative structure of the algebras involved. Extending the Tonks projection also reveals a new graded algebra structure on the simplices. Finally this latter is extended to a new graded Hopf algebra (one-sided) with basis all the faces of the simplices.Comment: 23 figures, new expanded section about Hopf algebra of simplices, with journal correction

International Perspectives on Nonformal Education

The New England Regional Meeting of the Comparative and International Education Society was held on the campus of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, on 3 May, 1979. The conference was co-sponsored by the Division of Community Education, Springfield College, and the Center for International Education, School of Education, University of Massachusetts. The theme of the conference was International Perspectives on Nonformal Education. The papers delivered ranged in topics from the use of traditional art forms and poetry as a medium of nonformal education to the discussion of the philosophical foundations underlying the field. Case studies of specific nonformal education projects helped to highlight the conference. A total fifteen papers were delivered, all of which are included in their original form in this document. The papers represent the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the organizers

Resilience and CVD-protective Health Behaviors in Older Women: Examining Racial and Ethnic Differences in a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Women\u27s Health Initiative

Little is known about the relationship between self-reported psychological resilience (resilience) and health behaviors shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines the associations between resilience and CVD-related risk factors, such as diet, smoking, physical activity, sleep, and alcohol consumption among older American women from diverse backgrounds. METHODS: A cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted on 77,395 women (mean age 77 years, Black (N = 4475, 5.8%), non-Hispanic white (N = 69,448, 89.7%), Latina (N = 1891, 2.4%), and Asian or Pacific Islander (N = 1581, 2.0%)) enrolled in the Women\u27s Health Initiative Extension Study II. Resilience was measured using an abbreviated version of the brief resilience scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between resilience and health behaviors associated with risk for CVD, while adjusting for stressful life events and sociodemographic information. To test whether these associations varied among racial/ethnic groups, an interaction term was added to the fully adjusted models between resilience and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: High levels of resilience were associated with better diet quality (top 2 quintiles of the Healthy Eating Index 2015) (OR = 1.22 (95% Confidence Interval (1.15-1.30)), adhering to recommended physical activity ( \u3e /= 150 min per week) (1.56 (1.47, 1.66)), sleeping the recommended hours per night (7-9) (1.36 (1.28-1.44)), and moderate alcohol intake (consuming alcoholic drink(s) 1-7 days per week) (1.28 (1.20-1.37)). The observed association between resilience and sleep is modified by race/ethnicity (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of race/ethnicity, high resilience was associated with CVD-protective health behaviors. This warrants further investigation into whether interventions aimed at improving resilience could increase the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions

Transforming growth factor-beta: possible roles in Dupuytren's contracture

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional polypeptide that stimulates extracellular matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation. Because both these features characterize Dupuytren's contracture, we investigated a possible role for TGF-beta in the etiology of this disorder. We studied receptor expression for TGF-beta, effects of TGF-beta 1 on DNA-synthesis, and in vitro production of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 in both normal and Dupuytren-derived fibroblasts. We also studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on growth of the different cell types. TGF-beta receptor profiles were different between the two cell types, as were TGF-beta 1 and EGF-induced stimulation of cell growth. Both cell types secreted both active and latent TGF-beta. Our results suggest that growth factors such as TGF-beta and EGF may play a role in Dupuytren's contractur

Expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptors, TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 production and autocrine growth control in osteosarcoma cells

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a polypeptide with multiple physiological functions. Isoforms of this growth factor have important roles in control of the cell cycle, in regulation of cell-cell interactions and in growth and development. Malignant transformation has been shown to be associated with increased expression of TGF-beta. Since bone is the largest storage site and producer of TGF-beta, we speculated on the existence of an autocrine mechanism in osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor. Expression of TGF-beta cell surface receptors, effects on growth of TGF-beta and TGF-beta antibodies and production of 2 TGF-beta isoforms were studied in a panel of 7 osteosarcoma cell lines. In contrast to most previous reports on the effects of TGF-beta on osteosarcoma cell growth, we found a mitogenic effect of TGF-beta 1 in 4 of 7 osteosarcoma cell lines. Receptor profiles for TGF-beta were aberrant in 5 of the 7 cell lines tested, and production of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 varied among cell lines. Addition of anti-TGF-beta antagonized the effects of endogenous TGF-beta. Our results suggest a potential role of TGF-beta in autocrine growth control of osteosarcoma cell

Consumers' perspectives of quality in student delivered occupational therapy services

Abstract: Aims: Consumer feedback on the quality of health services, in general, and student provided services, in particular, have received limited attention. This paper describes a study of the perspectives of 101 consumers of occupational therapy services delivered by students in Queensland, Australia during the second half of 2009.\ud \ud Method: Consumers were drawn from a range of hospital and community services, across both government and non-government organisations providing occupational therapy services for consumers across the lifespan. A purpose designed questionnaire (incorporating qualitative and quantitative items) was developed based on the literature and authors' experiences with practice education. The questionnaire investigated consumer satisfaction with student delivered occupational therapy services and their perspectives on specific attributes they considered important regarding the quality of student delivered occupational therapy services.\ud \ud Results: Consumers were generally satisfied with the occupational therapy services provided by students and described advantages for themselves and for the students. In addition, they would recommend these services to family and friends. Few disadvantages were identified. Attributes that consumers considered important included courtesy and respect, explaining the chosen intervention and rationale, being prepared and organised, providing information they could understand, being empathetic, understanding their problems, answering their questions and taking the time necessary to complete tasks.\ud \ud Conclusions: While the overall response rate was low (16.1%), the results are generally congruent with studies of student delivered services in medicine and nursing. The findings have relevance for preparation of students for practice placements, curriculum development and quality assurance. For example, developing the qualities the patients' value can be incorporated within health professional curricula. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are identified