Analysis of posterior plagiocephaly: deformational versus synostotic

Dendritic cells (DCs) express several receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin (Ig)G (FcgammaR), which mediate internalization of antigen-IgG complexes (immune complexes, ICs) and promote efficient major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-restricted antigen presentation. We now show that FcgammaRs have two additional specific attributes in murine DCs: the induction of DC maturation and the promotion of efficient MHC class I-restricted presentation of peptides from exogenous, IgG-complexed antigens. Both FcgammaR functions require the FcgammaR-associated gamma chain. FcgammaR-mediated MHC class I-restricted antigen presentation is extremely sensitive and specific to immature DCs. It requires proteasomal degradation and is dependent on functional peptide transporter associated with antigen processing, TAP1-TAP2. By promoting DC maturation and presentation on both MHC class I and II molecules, ICs should efficiently sensitize DCs for priming of both CD4(+) helper and CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo.     

Experimental Study of Aqueous Binary Mixture Droplet Vaporization on Nanostructured Surfaces

ABSTRACT

In this study, heat transfer due to vaporization is investigated for low concentration binary mixtures of 2-propanol/water on nanostructured surfaces. The surfaces comprise zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals grown by hydrothermal synthesis on a smooth copper substrate having an average roughness of 0.06 µm. Three nanostructured surfaces used in this study differ only in the duration of the hydrothermal synthesis consisting of 4, 10, and 24 hours of surface growth. Surface geometries were observed to be a function of hydrothermal synthesis time with an increase in area coverage, length, and diameter of nanocrystals with increased synthesis time. ZnO nanocrystals exhibited a mean diameter of 500–700 nm, a mean length of 1.7–3.3 µm, and porosities of 0.04–0.58. Individual droplets between 2.5 and 3.9 mm in diameter consisting of a binary mixture of 2-propanol/water with concentration of either 0.01 M or 0.03 M were deposited at a minimum distance above the surface, equivalent to the droplet radius plus a very small fraction of the radius such that the bottom surface is slightly above the surface without touching it. Droplets detached from the tip of a hypodermic needle from the minimum distance due to their own weight onto a nanostructured surface at temperatures between 110 and 140°C. High speed video was used to record the deposition and vaporization process and through image analysis it was possible to measure heat transfer coefficients based on the wetted area, as well as other parameters. Through the video analysis it was observed that droplets which are approximately spherical, impinged gently on the surface at nearly zero speed and spread into a thin film with mean film thickness between 65 and 400 µm which then evaporated by film evaporation without nucleate boiling. Wettability of each of the surfaces was characterized through contact angle measurements from photographs of the droplet profile when the droplet profile was discernible. When profiles were not discernible due to hydrophilicity of some surfaces, contact angles were calculated by utilizing droplet volume and spread area. Contact angle measurements were performed on the surfaces before and after each experiment in order to document changes in wettability as a result of experimentation. Results from this experiment are compared to water droplet vaporization results from a previous experiment in order to determine whether 2-propanol enhances the heat transfer and found that the heat transfer coefficient was increased by up to 128% in some cases. Heat transfer enhancement was found to be a function of droplet diameter as well as mixture concentration with 3.9 mm 0.01 M 2-propanol/water droplets showing larger enhancement.     

A taxometric analysis of actual internet sports gambling behavior.

This article presents findings from the first taxometric study of actual gambling behavior to determine whether we can represent the characteristics of extreme gambling as qualitatively distinct (i.e., taxonic) or as a point along a dimension. We analyzed the bets made during a 24-month study period by the 4,595 most involved gamblers among a cohort of 48,114 people using an Internet service to gamble on sporting events. We applied two taxometric procedures (i.e., MAMBAC and MAXCOV) to three indicators of betting behavior: total money lost, total number of bets, and total money wagered. The results fail to provide support for the view that the most involved Internet sports gamblers include a distinct category of gamblers. More research is necessary to clarify the similar features of recreational and extreme gamblers and the dimensions that scientists can use to measure these behaviors. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings for clinical, research, and public policy activities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Identifying factors that increase the likelihood of driving after drinking among college students

Driving after drinking (DAD) is a serious public health concern found to be more common among college students than those of other age groups or same-aged non-college peers. The current study examined potential predictors of DAD among a dual-site sample of 3753 (65% female, 58% Caucasian) college students. Results showed that 19.1% of respondents had driven after 3 or more drinks and 8.6% had driven after 5 or more drinks in the past 3 months. A logistic regression model showed that male status, fraternity or sorority affiliation, family history of alcohol abuse, medium or heavy drinking (as compared to light drinking), more approving self-attitudes toward DAD, and alcohol expectancies for sexual enhancement and risk/aggression were independently associated with driving after drinking over and above covariates. These results extend the current understanding of this high risk drinking behavior in collegiate populations and provide implications for preventive strategies. Findings indicate that in addition to targeting at-risk subgroups, valuable directions for DAD-related interventions may include focusing on lowering both self-approval of DAD and alcohol-related expectancies, particularly those associated with risk/aggression and sexuality.