Fourier Transform
infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the incorporation of fatty acids into SPC and revealed the occurrence of interactions between both components, depending on the film-forming emulsion pH. Moisture absorption isotherms at selleck chemicals llc high relative humidity (RH) were determined and experimental data were adequately fitted by Peleg’s empirical equation. Control SPC films produced at pH 7 were distinctly more moisture resistant than those at pH 10 owing to the more charged protein molecules at alkaline pH. The increased moisture resistance of SA/PA-added-SPC film at pH 10 was related to the more homogeneous dispersion of fatty acid particles within the protein matrix. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012″
“Background: In contingency management (CM) interventions, monetary consequences are contingent on evidence of drug abstinence. Typically, these consequences are contingent on individual performance.
Consequences contingent on group performance may promote social support (e.g., praise).
Methods: Thus, to combine social support with the monetary incentives selleck inhibitor of CM, we integrated independent and interdependent group contingencies of reinforcement into an Internet-based intervention to promote smoking abstinence. Breath carbon monoxide (CO) measures were compared between treatment conditions and a baseline control condition. Thirteen participants were divided into 5 groups or “”teams”" (n = 2-3 per team). Each participant submitted video recordings of CO measurement twice daily via
the Internet. Teammates could monitor each other’s progress and communicate with one another through an online peer support forum. During a 4-day tapering condition, vouchers exchangeable for goods were contingent on gradual reductions in breath CO. During a 10-day abstinence induction condition, vouchers were contingent on abstinence (CO <= 4 ppm). In both treatment conditions, concurrent independent and interdependent group contingencies were arranged (i.e., a mixed contingency arrangement).
Results: Less than 1% of CO samples submitted during baseline were <= 4 ppm, compared to 57% submitted during abstinence induction. Sixty-five percent of participants’ comments on the online peer support forum were rated CH5183284 mouse as positive by independent observers. Participants rated the intervention favorably on a treatment acceptability questionnaire.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the intervention is feasible and acceptable for promoting abstinence from cigarette smoking. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Decades into the era of evidence-based medicine, most neurosurgeons are aware that the vast majority of our day-to-day patient care decisions are not guided by class I evidence, especially those related to surgical procedures.