An orphan nuclear receptor activated by pregnanes defines a novel steroid signaling pathway

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of 28 d of creatine supplementation during training on body composition, strength, sprint performance, and hematological profiles. METHODS: In a double-blind and randomized manner, 25 NCAA division IA football players were matched-paired and assigned to supplement their diet for 28 d during resistance/agility training (8 h x wk[-1]) with a Phosphagen HP (Experimental and Applied Sciences, Golden, CO) placebo (P) containing 99 g x d(-1) of glucose, 3 g x d(-1) of taurine, 1.1 g x d(-1) of disodium phosphate, and 1.2 g x d(-1) of potassium phosphate (P) or Phosphagen HP containing the P with 15.75 g x d(-1) of HPCE pure creatine monohydrate (HP). Before and after supplementation, fasting blood samples were obtained; total body weight, total body water, and body composition were determined; subjects performed a maximal repetition test on the isotonic bench press, squat, and power clean; and subjects performed a cycle ergometer sprint test (12 x 6-s sprints with 30-s rest recovery). RESULTS: Hematological parameters remained within normal clinical limits for active individuals with no side effects reported. Total body weight significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the HP group (P 0.85 +/- 2.2; HP 2.42 +/- 1.4 kg) while no differences were observed in the percentage of total body water. DEXA scanned body mass (P 0.77 +/- 1.8; HP 2.22 +/- 1.5 kg) and fat/bone-free mass (P 1.33 +/- 1.1; HP 2.43 +/- 1.4 kg) were significantly increased in the HP group. Gains in bench press lifting volume (P -5 +/- 134; HP 225 +/- 246 kg), the sum of bench press, squat, and power clean lifting volume (P 1,105 +/- 429; HP 1,558 +/- 645 kg), and total work performed during the first five 6-s sprints was significantly greater in the HP group. CONCLUSION: The addition of creatine to the glucose/taurine/electrolyte supplement promoted greater gains in fat/bone-free mass, isotonic lifting volume, and sprint performance during intense resistance/agility training.     

VAI-CON~Link转炉悬挂系统从开发到6年的使用经验

悬挂系统是转炉设备的最重要部件之一。由于转炉改造项目不断增多 ,奥钢联开发了改进型悬挂系统并命名为VAI-CON○RLink。自 1997年首次投入使用以来已拥有了 2 5个样板厂 ,最近的一个是美国钢铁公司Ko ice厂 ,其 180t转炉上将安装该系统。该系统设计坚固 ,无需维护 ,与钢水直接接触也不会对主要部件造成严重影响     

An investigation of novel methods of preparing dense,homogeneous, spinodally decomposable copper-nickel-iron alloys

The densification behaviour of four different powder metallurgical alloying techniques have been studied in two spinodally decomposable alloys, Cu 24.5-Ni 48.5-Fe 27.0 at. % and Cu 35.5-Ni 19.5-Fe 45.0 at. %. Three of the techniques involve variations in producing the alloy by the direct reduction of mixed oxides. The fourth technique uses mixed commercial elemental powders. Within short sintering times (2.5 to 4.5 h) at 1000° C, the first three techniques produced microstructurally homogeneous and very dense (96 to 99% theoretical density) alloys. Within the same times and temperatures, the fourth technique showed no increase in the as-pressed (∼ 60%) densities. The difference in densification kinetics is believed to be due to the marked difference in specific surface area between alloy particles produced by the reduction of submicrometer oxide powders and atomized elemental powders ranging between 15 and 30 μm in size. The first three techniques are concluded to be useful and promising as means to produce homogeneous, high density Cu-Ni-Fe alloys.     

VAI-CON(R) Link转炉悬挂系统从开发到6年的使用经验

悬挂系统是转炉设备的最重要部件之一.由于转炉改造项目不断增多,奥钢联开发了改进型悬挂系统并命名为VAI-.CON Link.自1997年首次投入使用以来已拥有了25个样板厂,最近的一个是美国钢铁公司Kosice厂,其180 t转炉上将安装该系统.该系统设计坚固,无需维护,与钢水直接接触也不会对主要部件造成严重影响.     

Respiratory failure in systemic lupus erythematosus: decisive differentiation between acute pneumonitis and infection

Plasma and tissue concentrations of amphotericin B were determined in a patient treated with liposomal amphotericin B during liver transplant failure. A cumulative rise in amphotericin B plasma concentrations was observed accompanied by an enhanced pulmonary deposition of the drug. Failure of the liver as a major component of the reticuloendothelial system may cause elevated plasma concentrations of liposomal amphotericin B and may consequently enhance deposition of liposomes in the lungs as a substitutive clearing organ.     

People nominated as wise: A comparative study of wisdom-related knowledge.

This study examined whether our conception of wisdom has a psychological bias, by focusing on a group of distinguished individuals nominated as being wise. The comparison groups included older clinical psychologists and highly educated old and young control groups. Wisdom-related knowledge was assessed by 2 tasks and evaluated with a set of 5 wisdom criteria. First, old wisdom nominees performed as well as clinical psychologists who in past research had shown the highest levels of performance. Second, wisdom nominees excelled in the task of existential life management and the criterion of value relativism. Third, up to age 80, older adults performed as well as younger adults. If there is a psychological bias to our conception of wisdom, this does not prevent nonpsychologists from being among the top performers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Benchmarking E-Government

E-government benchmarking reports are characterized by their multitude as well as by the dissimilarity of the approaches applied to assessing development. This article will present and compare the research methods and the main results of four selected e-government benchmarking series. Built in this remarks the authors raise the question whether these reports are able to contribute to the realization of benefits inherent in the benchmarking of e-government. It will be demonstrated, that depending on the specification of different system parameters benchmarking series show varying relevance for governments seeking to exercise certain functions. Subsequent to this functional analysis the authors will discuss whether these reports represent an appropriate foundation for governments striving for the implementation of e-government designed in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. For this purpose key elements of e-government are brought together into a holistic evaluation model. Based on this comprehensive approach it is argued that the functionality of the presented benchmarking reports remains confined to certain elements of e-government as well as to certain stakeholders’ views.