Thermocapillary Migration of Deformable Bubbles at Moderate to Large Marangoni Number in Microgravity

Using the level-set method and the continuum interface model, the axisymmetric thermocapillary migration of gas bubbles in an immiscible bulk liquid with a temperature gradient at moderate to large Marangoni number is simulated numerically. Constant material properties of the two phases are assumed. Steady state of the motion can always be reached. The terminal migration velocity decreases monotonously with the increase of the Marangoni number due to the wrapping of isotherms around the front surface of the bubble. Good agreements with space experimental data and previous theoretical and numerical studies in the literature are evident. Slight deformation of bubble is observed, but no distinct influence on the motion occurs. It is also found that the influence of the convective transport of heat inside bubbles cannot be neglected at finite Marangoni number, while the influence of the convective transport of momentum inside bubbles may be actually negligible.

Ambiguities and Deviations in Qualitative Circuit Analysis

Lee M.H., Bell J. and Coghill G.M., Ambiguities and Deviations in Qualitative Circuit Analysis, in Proc. QR?2001, 15th Int. Workshop on Qualitative Reasoning, San Antonio, Texas, May 2001, pp51-58.

Confidence intervals for half-life deviations from purchasing power parity

Existing point estimates of half-life deviations from purchasing power parity (PPP), around 3-5 years, suggest that the speed of convergence is extremely slow. This article assesses the degree of uncertainty around these point estimates by using local-to-unity asymptotic theory to construct confidence intervals that are robust to high persistence in small samples. The empirical evidence suggests that the lower bound of the confidence interval is between four and eight quarters for most currencies, which is not inconsistent with traditional price-stickiness explanations. However, the upper bounds are infinity for all currencies, so we cannot provide conclusive evidence in favor of PPP either. © 2005 American Statistical Association.

Effects of Aging and Moderate Calorie Restriction on the Reproductive Axis of the Male Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)

Calorie restriction (CR) has been established as the only non-genetic method of altering longevity and attenuating biological changes associated with aging. This nutritional paradigm has been effective in nematodes, flies, rodents, dogs and possibly non-human primates. Its long history notwithstanding, little is known regarding the exact mechanism(s) of CR action or its potential impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The objectives of this project were to: 1) analyze neuroendocrine changes to the HPG axis that occur with aging and 2) evaluate the effects of moderate CR on reproductive function in male rhesus macaques. Pituitary gene expression profiling, semi-quantitative RT-PCR (sqRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry showed circadian clock mechanism components present in three age categories of macaques, demonstrated age differences in expression for Per2, indicated differential expression of Per2 and Bmal1 at opposing time points and revealed daily rhythmic expression of REV-ERBα protein. These data indicate the ability of the macaque pituitary to express core-clock genes, their protein products, and to do so in a 24-hour rhythm. Young Adult CON and CR pituitary gene expression profiles detected potential differential expression in <150 probesets. A decline in>TSHR and CGA was detected in CR macaques as measured by sqRT-PCR. Other genes investigated showed no diet-induced changes. Young Adult CON and CR testicular gene expression profiles detected potential differential expression in <300 probesets although mRNA expression was not altered based on sqRT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Age-related>and/or diet-induced changes in HSD17β3, INSL3, CSNK1E and CGA were observed in a separate experiment with CGA in Old Adult CR subjects returning to youthful levels. Semen samples were collected from Young Adult CON and CR macaques. Normal spermiogram measures, ZP-binding, AR assay and SCSA^® were conducted and indicated no differences between CON and CR-treated animals. Both groups exhibited similar daily testosterone profiles with no differences in mean or maximum levels; however, daily minimum testosterone levels were lower in CON animals. It appears that moderate CR had limited impact on neuroendocrine or reproductive function in male rhesus macaques based on our selected endpoints. Thus, advantageous CR health benefits can be achieved without obvious negative consequences to the HPG axis.

Rationale and design of the Exercise Intensity Trial (EXCITE): A randomized trial comparing the effects of moderate versus moderate to high-intensity aerobic training in women with operable breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The Exercise Intensity Trial (EXcITe) is a randomized trial to compare the efficacy of supervised moderate-intensity aerobic training to moderate to high-intensity aerobic training, relative to attention control, on aerobic capacity, physiologic mechanisms, patient-reported outcomes, and biomarkers in women with operable breast cancer following the completion of definitive adjuvant therapy. METHODS/DESIGN: Using a single-center, randomized design, 174 postmenopausal women (58 patients/study arm) with histologically confirmed, operable breast cancer presenting to Duke University Medical Center (DUMC) will be enrolled in this trial following completion of primary therapy (including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy). After baseline assessments, eligible participants will be randomized to one of two supervised aerobic training interventions (moderate-intensity or moderate/high-intensity aerobic training) or an attention-control group (progressive stretching). The aerobic training interventions will include 150 mins.wk⁻¹ of supervised treadmill walking per week at an intensity of 60%-70% (moderate-intensity) or 60% to 100% (moderate to high-intensity) of the individually determined peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) between 20-45 minutes/session for 16 weeks. The progressive stretching program will be consistent with the exercise interventions in terms of program length (16 weeks), social interaction (participants will receive one-on-one instruction), and duration (20-45 mins/session). The primary study endpoint is VO₂peak, as measured by an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test. Secondary endpoints include physiologic determinants that govern VO₂peak, patient-reported outcomes, and biomarkers associated with breast cancer recurrence/mortality. All endpoints will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention (16 weeks). DISCUSSION: EXCITE is designed to investigate the intensity of aerobic training required to induce optimal improvements in VO₂peak and other pertinent outcomes in women who have completed definitive adjuvant therapy for operable breast cancer. Overall, this trial will inform and refine exercise guidelines to optimize recovery in breast and other cancer survivors following the completion of primary cytotoxic therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01186367.

The Effects of Insulin-Induced Moderate Hypoglycemia on Hippocampal Plasticity

Self-regulation of blood glucose in diabetics via insulin administration introduces the risk of hypoglycemia. Previous studies have shown hypoglycemia damages the dentate gyrus, an area of the hippocampus associated with anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. To date, only depressive-like behaviors have been observed following moderate hypoglycemia. This study sought to examine whether acute moderate hypoglycemia induces both behaviors due to high clinical comorbidity. One episode of moderate hypoglycemia was induced in a male Sprague-Dawley rat. Twenty-four hours later, hippocampal function was evaluated via the elevated plus maze and the forced swim test to assess anxiety-like and depressive-like behavior. Results, though not statistically significant, suggested that acute moderate hypoglycemia may increase anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. These findings may elucidate hypoglycemia-related behavioral changes.

A multinational, randomised, 12-week study comparing the effects of donepezil and galantamine in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

To compare directly, in the same patient cohort, the ease of use and tolerability of donepezil and galantamine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and investigate the effects of both treatments on cognition and activities of daily living (ADL).