Revista Jurídica Digital UANDES
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Differential effect of LPS and IL-1β in term placental explants
No full text Introduction: Inflammation is an important cause of placental dysfunction often associated with pregnancy complications. One well-known cause of inflammation is infection, through conserved “pathogen-associated molecular patterns” (PAMPs). Endogenous inducers of inflammation, known as “damage-associated molecular patterns” (DAMPs), have also been associated with pathological pregnancies and could contribute to the observed placental inflammation. Although both stimuli (i.e. PAMPs/DAMPs) can induce inflammation, they have yet to be studied together to compare their inflammatory effects on the placenta. Methods: We used a model of term placental explants to compare the effects of a classical PAMP, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and a DAMP, the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1. Gene and protein expression of several cytokines were analysed by qPCR and ELISAs and immunohistochemistry performed to study placental resident immune cells and apoptosis. Results: LPS induced pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-1β/α, TNF-α) whereas IL-1β induced only IL-6. Furthermore, LPS but not IL-1 exposure, led to elevated IL-10 and IL-1Ra secretion. Blocking the IL-1 signalling pathway abrogated the pro-inflammatory actions of LPS, whilst anti-inflammatory effects were preserved. The number of CD45 + immune cells was elevated in explants treated with LPS only. A subpopulation of CD45 + cells were positive for PCNA indicating proliferation of tissue resident macrophages. Discussion: We conclude that LPS, a classical PAMP, and IL-1, a DAMP, have shared and distinct actions with pro-inflammatory effects mediated through IL-1 but anti-inflammatory actions having a distinct pathway. Identification of an inflammatory mediator (i.e. IL-1) common to multiple stimuli could be a therapeutic target to preserve the placenta. </p
Selecting the best piping arrangement for scaling-up an annular channel reactor:An experimental and computational fluid dynamics study
No full text This study is focused on the selection of the best piping arrangement for a pilot scale annular channel reactor intended for the remediation of waters and wastewaters. Two annular channel reactors composed of a single UV lamp and distinct piping arrangements were considered: (i) a novel reactor with tangential inlet/outlet pipes – the FluHelik reactor, and (ii) a conventional Jets reactor. These two reactors were manufactured at lab scale and characterized in terms of residence time distribution (RTD), radiant power and ability to degrade aqueous solutions spiked with a model compound – 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole (AMI) – by H 2 O 2 /UVC and UVC processes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to assess the hydrodynamics, RTD and UV radiation intensity distribution of both reactors at pilot scale. In general, experimental results at lab scale revealed quite similar RTDs, radiant powers and AMI degradation rates for both reactors. On the other hand, CFD simulations at pilot scale revealed the generation of a helical motion of fluid around the UVC lamp in the FluHelik reactor, inducing: (i) a longer contact time between fluid particles and UV light, (ii) more intense dynamics of macromixing as a result of larger velocity gradients, turbulent intensities and dispersion of RTD values around the peak, and (iii) a more homogeneous UV radiation distribution. In addition, the design of the FluHelik reactor can favor the implementation of various reactors in series, promoting its application at industrial scale. The FluHelik reactor was chosen for scaling-up. A pre-pilot scale treatment unit containing this reactor was constructed and its feasibility was proven. </p
Exploring Deep Models for Comprehension of Deictic Gesture-Word Combinations in Cognitive Robotics
No full textIn the early stages of infant development, gestures and speech are integrated during language acquisition. Such a natural combination is therefore a desirable, yet challenging, goal for fluid human-robot interaction. To achieve this, we propose a multimodal deep learning architecture, for comprehension of complementary gesture-word combinations, implemented on an iCub humanoid robot. This enables human-assisted language learning, with interactions like pointing at a cup and labelling it with a vocal utterance. We evaluate various depths of the Mask Regional Convolutional Neural Network (for object and wrist detection) and the Residual Network (for gesture classification). Validation is carried out with two deictic gestures across ten real-world objects on frames recorded directly from the iCub’s cameras. Results further strengthen the potential of gesture-word combinations for robot language acquisition
Changes in belowground biodiversity during ecosystem development
No full textBelowground organisms play critical roles in maintaining multiple ecosystem processes, including plant productivity, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Despite their importance, we have a limited understanding of how and why belowground biodiversity (bacteria, fungi, protists, and invertebrates) may change as soils develop over centuries to millennia (pedogenesis). Moreover, it is unclear whether belowground biodiversity changes during pedogenesis are similar to the patterns observed for aboveground plant diversity. Herein, we evaluated the role of resource availability, nutrient stoichiometry and soil abiotic factors in driving belowground biodiversity across 16 soil chronosequences (from centuries to millennia) spanning a wide range of globally-distributed ecosystem types. Changes in belowground biodiversity during pedogenesis followed two main patterns. In lower productivity ecosystems (drier and colder), increases in belowground biodiversity tracked increases in plant cover. In more productive ecosystems (wetter and warmer), increased acidification during pedogenesis was associated with declines in belowground biodiversity. Changes in the diversity of bacteria, fungi, protists, and invertebrates with pedogenesis were strongly and positively correlated worldwide, highlighting that belowground biodiversity share similar ecological drivers as soils and ecosystems develop. In general, temporal changes in aboveground plant diversity and belowground biodiversity were not correlated, challenging the common perception that belowground biodiversity should follow similar patterns to those of plant diversity during ecosystem development. Together, our findings provide evidence that ecological patterns in belowground biodiversity are predictable across major globally-distributed ecosystem types, and suggest that shifts in plant cover and soil acidification during ecosystem development are associated with changes in belowground biodiversity over centuries to millennia
Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory (CP-FIT):A New Theory for Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Feedback in Health Care Based on a Systematic Review and Meta-synthesis of Qualitative Research
No full textBackgroundProviding health professionals with quantitative summaries of their clinical performance when treating specific groups of patients (“feedback”) is a widely used quality improvement strategy, yet systematic reviews show it has varying success. Theory could help explain what factors influence feedback success, and guide approaches to enhance effectiveness. However, existing theories lack comprehensiveness and specificity to health care. To address this problem, we conducted the first systematic review and synthesis of qualitative evaluations of feedback interventions, using findings to develop a comprehensive new health care-specific feedback theory.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception until 2016 inclusive. Data were synthesised by coding individual papers, building on pre-existing theories to formulate hypotheses, iteratively testing and improving hypotheses, assessing confidence in hypotheses using the GRADE-CERQual method, and summarising high-confidence hypotheses into a set of propositions.ResultsWe synthesised 65 papers evaluating 73 feedback interventions from countries spanning five continents. From our synthesis we developed Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory (CP-FIT), which builds on 30 pre-existing theories and has 42 high-confidence hypotheses. CP-FIT states that effective feedback works in a cycle of sequential processes; it becomes less effective if any individual process fails, thus halting progress round the cycle. Feedback’s success is influenced by several factors operating via a set of common explanatory mechanisms: the feedback method used, health professional receiving feedback, and context in which feedback takes place. CP-FIT summarises these effects in three propositions: (1) health care professionals and organisations have a finite capacity to engage with feedback, (2) these parties have strong beliefs regarding how patient care should be provided that influence their interactions with feedback, and (3) feedback that directly supports clinical behaviours is most effective.ConclusionsThis is the first qualitative meta-synthesis of feedback interventions, and the first comprehensive theory of feedback designed specifically for health care. Our findings contribute new knowledge about how feedback works and factors that influence its effectiveness. Internationally, practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers can use CP-FIT to design, implement, and evaluate feedback. Doing so could improve care for large numbers of patients, reduce opportunity costs, and improve returns on financial investments
Bimetallic Cooperative Cleavage of Dinitrogen to Nitride and Tandem Frustrated Lewis Pair Hydrogenation to Ammonia
No full textAlthough reductive cleavage of dinitrogen (N2) to nitride (N3‐) and hydrogenation with dihydrogen (H2) to yield ammonia (NH3) is accomplished in heterogeneous Haber Bosch industrial processes on a vast scale, sequentially coupling these elementary reactions together with a single metal complex remains a major challenge for homogeneous molecular complexes. Here, we report that reaction of a chloro titanium triamidoamine complex with magnesium effects complete reductive cleavage of N2 to give a dinitride dititanium dimagnesium ditriamidoamine complex. Tandem H2 splitting by a phosphine‐borane Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) shuttles H‐atoms to the N3‐, evolving NH3. Isotopic labelling experiments confirm N2‐ and H2‐fixation. Though not yet catalytic, these results give unprecedented insight into coupling N2‐ and H2‐cleavage and N‐H bond formation steps together, highlight the importance of heterobimetallic cooperativity in N2‐activation, and establish FLPs in NH3 synthesis
Does rhythm matter in Acute Heart Failure? an insight from the British Society for Heart Failure National Audit
No full textBackground: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in patients with acute Heart Failure (AHF). The presence of AF is associated with adverse prognosis in patients with chronic Heart Failure (CHF) but little is known about its impact in AHF. Methods: Data was collected between April 2007 to March 2013 across 185 (>95%) hospitals in England & Wales for patients with a primary death or a discharge diagnosis of AHF. We investigated the association between the presence of AF and all-cause mortality during the index hospital admission, at 30 days and 1-year post-discharge. Results: Of 96,593 patients admitted with AHF, 44,642 (46%) were in sinus rhythm (SR) and 51,951 (54%) in AF. Patients with AF were older (mean age 79.8 (79.7-80) versus 74.7 (74.5-74.7) years; p<0.001), than those in SR. In a multivariable analysis, AF was independently associated with mortality at all time points, in hospital (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09-1.21, p<0.0001), 30 days (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.19, p<0.0001), and 1 year (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.12, p<0.0001). In subgroup analyses, AF was independently associated with worse 30 days outcome irrespective of sex, ventricular phenotype and in all age groups except in those who aged between 55-74 years. Conclusion: AF is independently associated with adverse prognosis in AHF during admission and up-to one-year post discharge. As the clinical burden of concomitant AF and AHF increases, further refinement in the detection, treatment and prevention of AF-related complications may have a role in improving patient outcomes
INRFlow: An Interconnection Networks Research Flow-level Simulation Framework
No full textThis paper presents INRFlow, a mature, frugal, flow-level simulation framework for modelling large-scale networks and computing systems. INRFlow is designed to carry out performance-related studies of interconnection networks for both high performance computing systems and datacentres. It features a completely modular design in which adding new topologies, routings or traffic models requires minimum effort. Moreover, INRFlow includes two different simulation engines: a static engine that is able to scale to tens of millions of nodes and a dynamic one that captures temporal and causal relationships to provide more realistic simulations. We will describe the main aspects of the simulator, including system models, traffic models and the large variety of topologies and routings implemented so far. We conclude the paper with a case study that analyses the scalability of several typical topologies. INRFlow has been used to conduct a variety of studies including evaluation of novel topologies and routings (both in the context of graph theory and optimization), analysis of storage and bandwidth allocation strategies and understanding of interferences between application and storage traffic
The changing nature of managerial work:The effects of corporate restructuring on management jobs and careers
No full textThis article analyses contemporary issues relevant to understanding the changing nature of management and managerial work. The argument is developed in four parts. First, to provide context, we offer an overview of the literature on the organization and control of managerial work, tracing contributions mainly from the early 1950s onwards. Second, we discuss the first of two related concerns relevant to understanding the contemporary nature of managerial work – strategies of organizational restructuring: an analysis highlighting the role of downsizing and delayering within corporate campaigns promoting ‘post-bureaucratic’ systems. Third, we extend this discussion by addressing how such corporate restructuring affects managers in their everyday work – notably in relation to the perceptions and realities of growing job insecurity and career uncertainty: an analysis that frequently draws upon our own investigations to establish an agenda for future research. The article concludes by summarizing the content of four research articles whose arguments relate to issues discussed in this analysis of managerial work.</p
Economic sustainability of food supply chains: Life cycle costs and value added in the confectionary and frozen desserts sectors
No full textThe confectionary and frozen desserts sectors are important parts of the food industry but have received relatively little attention from a life cycle cost perspective. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to evaluate the life cycle costs (LCC) and value added (VA) in these sectors in the UK, focusing on four major product categories: biscuits, cakes (ambient and frozen), chocolates and ice cream. In total, 18 products are considered along their life cycles, including the raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, retail, consumption and waste management stages. The results suggest that cakes have the highest LCC (£1.52–2.64/kg) and the biscuits the lowest (£0.72–0.91/kg). The LCC of chocolates and ice cream fall within a similar range to each other (£1.16–1.46/kg and £1.03–1.30/kg, respectively). Divergent trends are noted between LCC and VA: for instance, ‘premium’ ice creams have only 18% higher costs than their ‘regular’ counterparts, but a four-fold higher VA. For all the products, raw materials contribute most to the costs (43%–95%), followed by packaging (1%–29%) and manufacturing (1%–14%). The annual LCC at the sectoral level are estimated at £3.455 billion, to which biscuits contribute 42%. The share of chocolates and cakes is 24% and 19%, respectively, with ice cream contributing the remaining 15%. By contrast, chocolates contribute more than 50% of the total sectoral VA, which is five-fold higher than that of ice cream. The study also demonstrates how LCC can be used to evaluate the eco-efficiency of products and sectors. With respect to global warming potential, whole cakes are the most eco-efficient and vanilla regular ice cream the least efficient products. Overall, the confectionary sector is nearly 70% more eco-efficient than the frozen desserts sector. These results can be used for benchmarking and to drive innovation towards more economically-sustainable and eco-efficient confectionary and frozen desserts supply chains