Feasibility of unsupervised, home-based leg heat therapy in older adults: a pilot, sham-controlled trial.

Heat therapy (HT) using sauna or hot water immersion can improve cardiovascular and physical function, but these approaches are often impractical for older adults. This pilot, randomized, sham-controlled trial evaluated the feasibility of unsupervised, home-based leg HT using water-circulating trousers in sedentary older adults. Twenty-four participants (mean age: 70 ± 3 yr; 15 women) were randomized to HT (42°C) or sham (33°C) for 90 min daily over 12 wk.

Nitrogen reactive ion etch processes for the selective removal of poly-(4-vinylpyridine) in block copolymer films.

Self-assembling block copolymer (BCP) patterns are one of the main contenders for the fabrication of nanopattern templates in next generation lithography technology. Transforming these templates to hard mark materials is key for pattern transfer and in some cases, involves selectively removing one block from the nanopattern. For poly(styrene)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP), a high χ BCP system which could be potentially incorporated into semiconductor nanofabrication, this selective removal is predominantly done by a wet etch/activation process.

Best interests decisions: professional practices in health and social care.

This paper reports on data collected in 2011 from a national study about the operation of the best interests principle, a key feature of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 for England and Wales. The objective was to provide a picture of current professional practices in best interests decision-making. Four contrasting sample sites were selected, in which National Health Service trusts, social care and other organisations were recruited to participate.

Nitrogen fixation and nitrogenase (nifH) expression in tropical waters of the eastern North Atlantic.

Expression of nifH in 28 surface water samples collected during fall 2007 from six stations in the vicinity of the Cape Verde Islands (north-east Atlantic) was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based clone libraries and quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of seven diazotrophic phylotypes. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) rates and nutrient concentrations were determined for these stations, which were selected based on a range in surface chlorophyll concentrations to target a gradient of primary productivity. BNF rates greater than 6 nmolN l(-1) h(-1) were measured at two of the near-shore stations where high concentrations of Fe and PO(4)(3-) were also measured.

The taxonomic and functional diversity of microbes at a temperate coastal site: a 'multi-omic' study of seasonal and diel temporal variation.

How microbial communities change over time in response to the environment is poorly understood. Previously a six-year time series of 16S rRNA V6 data from the Western English Channel demonstrated robust seasonal structure within the bacterial community, with diversity negatively correlated with day-length. Here we determine whether metagenomes and metatranscriptomes follow similar patterns.

The seasonal structure of microbial communities in the Western English Channel.

Very few marine microbial communities are well characterized even with the weight of research effort presently devoted to it. Only a small proportion of this effort has been aimed at investigating temporal community structure. Here we present the first report of the application of high-throughput pyrosequencing to investigate intra-annual bacterial community structure.

Reported goal setting and benefits of person centred planning for people with intellectual disabilities.

Recent research suggests that person centred planning (PCP) can have a positive impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. This article presents data from open-ended comments collected during research on the impact of PCP on the life experiences of 65 people with intellectual disabilities living in England. These comments addressed the goals set prior to and during PCP, and the main benefits of PCP for participants.

The minimum information about a genome sequence (MIGS) specification.

With the quantity of genomic data increasing at an exponential rate, it is imperative that these data be captured electronically, in a standard format. Standardization activities must proceed within the auspices of open-access and international working bodies. To tackle the issues surrounding the development of better descriptions of genomic investigations, we have formed the Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC).

Longitudinal analysis of the impact and cost of person-centered planning for people with intellectual disabilities in England.

Person-centered planning is central to United Kingdom policies regarding the support of people with intellectual disabilities. However, little evidence exists on the impact or cost of introducing person-centered planning. We examined the efficacy, effectiveness, and costs of introducing person-centered planning for 93 people with intellectual disabilities over 2 years across four localities in England.

Color considerations in fluorescent solar concentrator stacks.

We present modeled results of the luminous and color outputs of a three-layer stack of fluorescent planar concentrators (FPCs). FPCs have the potential to provide sufficient luminous output to illuminate moderate-sized rooms for reasonably-sized collecting areas. It is of course necessary not only that the lumens be sufficient, but also that the light be sufficiently white as to be comfortable.