180 research outputs found
Quality assurance of imaging techniques used in the clinical management of osteoporosis.
No full textMonthly GDP Estimates for Inter-War Britain
No full textWe derive monthly and quarterly series of UK GDP for the inter-war period from a set of monthly indicators that were constructed by The Economist at the time. The monthly information is complemented with data for quarterly industrial production, allowing us to employ mixed-frequency methods to produce monthly estimates of GDP and of industrial production. We proceed to illustrate how the new data compare with existing high frequency data and how they can be used to contribute to our understanding of the economic history of the UK in the inter-war period and to draw comparisons between recession profiles in the inter-war and the post-war period
Free Infragravity Waves and their Effect on Coastal Dune Safety
No full textThe coastal safety of the dunes are of high importance for low laying countries (Chen et al., 2017). This is especially true for the Netherlands as it is used officially as a safety measure against flooding from extreme weather since 1984 (Rijkswaterstaat, 1989). As of current 1D modelling of the waves is an acceptable method for the Dutch coast to assess the safety of the dunes (Den Heijer, 2013). For assessing the dune coastal safety the 98t h percentile of the runup R2% (Stockdon et al., 2006) is used for defining the wave response during a storm on the dunes. The current dune coastal safety studies consider bound waves (infragravity and sea- swell waves) propagating from offshore to nearshore. However, due to the Dutch coast being located at a very large semi-enclosed basin additional free infragravity waves can be present during a storm next to the bound waves that are reflected from other coasts (Daouk, 2020) as leaky waves (Herbers et al., 1995), and potentially increasing the R2% magnitude. Here we show that the R2% with the additional free infragravity waves in the wave domain can have a significant response on the dune coastal safety. The additional free infragravity waves can have tens of centimetres of R2% magnitude increase that is dependent on the slope of the domain. For the additional free infragravity waves a higher R2% is observed for steeper slopes, while a larger R2% growth is observed at the milder slopes when the free infragravity waves are initially introduced to the slope. The dune coastal safety assessments conducted thus far do not consider the effects from leaky waves from other coasts, therefore underestimating the safety provided from the dunes against flooding. With the research conducted by considering additional free infragravity waves with the traditionally bound waves originating in a storm, a better insight can be provided for dune coastal safety. As a result, companies and governmental bodies such as Rijkswaterstaat in the Netherlands that assess the coastal safety of the dunes can benefit by having a more complete representation of the coastal hydrodynamics that can as a result prevent flooding or provide dune nourishment after the episodic event (Sallenger, 2000).Civil Engineering | Hydraulic Engineerin
Towards Mastery and Control
No full textA redundancy phenomenon triggered by the 2008/2009 global economic recession seems set to continue, representing a risk to all employees. This study has focused on a particular working sector (i.e., the U.K. Financial Services) which has suffered an unprecedented number of involuntary job losses. Notwithstanding diversity in backgrounds, this study has produced findings which show that many City Professionals appear to share similar psychological traits and characteristics which are well suited to working in an intensely competitive, goal driven and pressurised working environment. Namely, high self-esteem and heightened perceptions of mastery and control. Consistent with past research, these psychological resources have been found to be adaptive in relation to coping with the stress of job loss. Concurrently, this study has highlighted that the meanings attributed to involuntary redundancy by individuals who possess those traits appear to present a significant challenge to their psychological well-being.
The proposed holistic model conceives involuntary redundancy as a trajectory which begins with the Awaiting phase (pre-event). The model then progresses to four further phases each of which denote reactions, actions and interactions over time which are described in relation to Lazarus & Folkman‟s (1984) Transactional Model of Coping. The current model demonstrates how an individual with a strong sense of mastery and control may become vulnerable to more serious mental health issues over a prolonged period of unemployment. Drawing on Younger‟s (1991) Theory of Mastery, however, it also shows how an individual may emerge not demoralized and vulnerable but possibly with a stronger sense of mastery and control. Implications for clinical practitioners and recommendations for employers are discussed
Análise dos polimorfismos da região 3’ não traduzida do gene hla-g e inserção aluyhg com a manifestação do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico na população do estado de Santa Catarina
No full textTCC(graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro de Ciências Biológicas. Biologia.O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico é uma doença inflamatória crônica de caráter autoimune, multissistêmica, remitente e recidivante, sendo caracterizada por causar a produção e deposição de autoanticorpos, e a infiltração de células inflamatórias causa dano a alguns órgãos. A origem da doença é desconhecida, mas acredita-se que uma combinação da genética, fatores ambientais, hormônios e cromossomos sexuais estejam envolvidos. O HLA-G está relacionado com a inibição de células do sistema imune, como células T e NK, conferindo proteção contra respostas inflamatórias. Entre os polimorfismos ligados a sua expressão está a inserção ou deleção de 14pb localizado na 3’UTR. A família Alu é o elemento móvel mais comum em genomas de primatas, com mais de 1,1 milhões de cópias no Homo sapiens. A inserção AluyHG encontra-se entre os loci HLA-A e HLA-G, podendo ser um marcador da região. A partir disso, o objetivo desse estudo foi genotipar 153 pacientes e 153 controles (pareados por idade e sexo) e verificar a influência desses polimorfismos na manifestação da doença. Para isso, foi realizado um levantamento de dados epidemiológicos relacionados à manifestação da doença (hábito tabagista, histórico familial e idade de manifestação da doença) e estes foram testados. O DNA foi extraído de sangue total e a genotipagem feita por PCR e visualizada em eletroforese em gel vertical de poliacrilamida em concentração de 7% corado com nitrato de prata, no caso do polimorfismo do HLA-G, e em gel de agarose 1%, no caso do polimorfismo AluyHG (com 322pb). Foram realizados cálculos das frequências alélicas e genotípicas, análises de associações e inferência de haplótipos. Após as análises foram encontrados valores significativos de associação dos polimorfismos e a manifestação de LES para os genótipos 14pb*Del*Del (OR=0,589, p=0,046), 322pb*Del*Del (OR=1,653, p=0,039). Para os dados epidemiológicos, foram encontradas associação para fumantes (OR=2,637, p=0,009) e proteção para nunca fumantes (OR=0,545, p=0,047). Também houve valor significativo entre o grupo nunca fumantes e o genótipo 14pb*Del*Del (OR=0,475, p=0,043). Considerando os haplótipos inferidos, os valores significativos encontrados foram 14pb*In/322pb*In (OR=0,198, p=0,048), 14pb*Del/322pb*In (OR=0,509, p=0,018), 14pb*In/322pb*Del (OR=1,725, p=0,008), assim como para a composição haplotípica 14pb*Del*Del/322pb*Del*In (OR=0,309, p=0,003). Nas associações entre haplótipos e dados epidemiológicos, foram encontradas associações positiva entre nunca fumantes e o haplótipo 14pb*In/322pb*Del (OR=2,186, p=0,006), entre histórico familial e as composições haplotípicas 14pb*Del*Del/322pb*Del*Del (OR=6,465, p=0,002) indicando risco para a manifestação da doença, e associação negativa para 14pb*Del*In/322pb*Del*In (OR=0,221, p=0,010). A idade de manifestação da doença antes dos 16 anos apontou risco quando com o haplótipo 14pb*Del/322pb*In (OR=4,308, p=0,013) e proteção na manifestação entre 16 e 50 anos quando com o haplótipo 14pb*Del/322pb*In (OR=0,309, p=0,023). Em conclusão, os polimorfismos da 3’UTR do HLA-G são associados à doença bem como aos dados epidemiológicos analisados neste trabalho e a inserção AluyHG encontra-se em desequilíbrio de ligação com o polimorfismo do HLA-G aqui analisado, podendo ser um marcador da região cromossômica. Palavras chaveSystemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease of character autoimmune, multisystem, remitting and relapsing, characterized by causing the production of autoantibodies and deposition, and infiltration of inflammatory cells cause damage to some organs. The origin of the disease is unknown but it is believed that a combination of genetics, environmental factors, hormones and sex chromosomes are involved. HLA-G is associated with inhibition of immune system cells, such as NK and T cells, conferring protection against inflammatory responses. Among polymorphisms linked to its expression is insertion or deletion of 14pb located in the 3'UTR. The Alu family is the most common mobile element in primate genomes, with more than 1.1 million copies in Homo sapiens. The insertion AluyHG located between the loci HLA-A and HLA-G, may be a marker region. From this, the objective of this study was to genotype 153 patients and 153 controls (matched for age and sex) and the influence of these polymorphisms in the demonstration and development of the disease. For this, a survey was conducted of epidemiological data related to the development of the disease (smoking habits, family history and age of onset of the disease) and these were tested. DNA was extracted from whole blood by PCR and genotyping made and viewed in vertical gel electrophoresis in polyacrylamide concentration of 7% stained with silver nitrate in the case of polymorphism of HLA-G, and 1% agarose gel in AluyHG case polymorphism (with 322pb). Calculations were made of the allele and genotype frequencies, analyzes of associations and haplotype inference. The analysis found associations of the polymorphisms and the risk of developing SLE or protection for genotypes *14pb*DelDel (OR = 0.589, p = 0.046), *322pb*DelDel (OR = 1.653, p = 0.039). For epidemiological data, we found an association for smokers (OR = 2.637, p = 0.009) and protection for never smokers (OR = 0.545, p = 0.047). There was also significant values among the never smokers group and genotype *14pb*DelDel (OR = 0.475, p = 0.043). Considering the inferred haplotypes, significant values were in 14pb*In/322pb*In (OR = 0.198, p = 0.048), 14pb*Del/322pb*In (OR = 0.509, p = 0.018), 14pb*In/322pb*Del (OR = 1.725, p = 0.008) and for composing haplotype 14pb*Del*Del/322pb*Del*In (OR = 0.309, p = 0.003). In the associations between haplotypes and epidemiological data, associations were found between risk of never smokers and haplotype *14pbIn/322pb*Del (OR = 2.186, p = 0.006), between family history and compositions haplotype 14pb*Del*Del/322pb*Del*Del (OR = 6.465, p = 0.002) indicating risk and protection for 14pb*Del*In/322pb*Del*In (OR = 0.221, p = 0.010). The age of disease onset before age 16 was associated with the risk haplotype *14pbDel/322pb*In (OR = 4.308, p = 0.013) and protection on manifestation between 16 and 50 years with haplotype *14pbDel/322pb*In (OR = 0.309, p = 0.023). In conclusion, the polymorphisms of HLA-G 3'UTR are associated with the disease as well as the epidemiological data analyzed in this study and insertion AluyHG is in linkage disequilibrium with the polymorphism of HLA-G analyzed here and may be a marker of chromosomal region
Over-expression of Slc30a8/ZnT8 selectively in the mouse α cell impairs glucagon release and responses to hypoglycemia
No full textBackground
The human SLC30A8 gene encodes the secretory granule-localised zinc transporter ZnT8 whose expression is chiefly restricted to the endocrine pancreas. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human SLC30A8 gene have been associated, through genome-wide studies, with altered type 2 diabetes risk. In addition to a role in the control of insulin release, recent studies involving targeted gene ablation from the pancreatic α cell (Solomou et al., J Biol Chem 290(35):21432-42) have also implicated ZnT8 in the control of glucagon release. Up to now, however, the possibility that increased levels of the transporter in these cells may impact glucagon secretion has not been explored.
Methods
Here, we use a recently-developed reverse tetracyline transactivator promoter-regulated ZnT8 transgene to drive the over-expression of human ZnT8 selectively in the α cell in adult mice. Glucose homeostasis and glucagon secretion were subsequently assessed both in vivo during hypoglycemic clamps and from isolated islets in vitro.
Results
Doxyclin-dependent human ZnT8 mRNA expression was apparent in both isolated islets and in fluorescence-activated cell sorting- (FACS) purified α cells. Examined at 12 weeks of age, intraperitoneal glucose (1 g/kg) tolerance was unchanged in transgenic mice versus wild-type littermates (n = 8-10 mice/genotype, p > 0.05) and sensitivity to intraperitoneal insulin (0.75U/kg) was similarly unaltered in transgenic animals. In contrast, under hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamp, a ~45 % (p 0.05). Over-expression of ZnT8 in glucagonoma-derived αTC1-9 cells increased granule free Zn2+ concentrations consistent with a role for Zn2+ in this compartment in the action of ZnT8 on glucagon secretion.
Conclusions
Increased ZnT8 expression, and a likely increase in intragranular free Zn2+ concentration, is deleterious in pancreatic α cells for stimulated glucagon release. These data provide further evidence that type 2 diabetes-associated polymorphisms in the SLC30A8/ZnT8 gene may act in part via alterations in glucagon release and suggest that ZnT8 activation may restrict glucagon release in some settings
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pineal Tumors and Drop Metastases: A Review Approach
No full text Pineal region tumors represent less than 1% and 3-8% of brain tumors in adults and children respectively. There is a wide range of pineal masses, with the majority being germ cell and pineal parenchymal tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for the assessment of pineal masses. It is considered as the gold standard for the evaluation of the central nervous system. MRI has the ability to produce very detailed images of the brain anatomy and is used to distinguish true pineal masses from parapineal with invasion of the gland. Specific MRI findings are helpful to the differential diagnosis of pineal tumors and the distinction between benign from malignant tumors. Pineal neoplasms may seed the subarachnoid space resulting in the development of intradural extramedullary metastases, known as drop metastases. MRI is the most sensitive method for the assessment of the spinal cord, meninges and nerve roots and the differentiation of the spinal lesions into intra/extra medullary and extradural. Because of its high sensitivity and the advances of the method, drop metastases can be easily diagnosed at an earlier stage than in the past, contributing to the selection of the appropriate treatment. Therefore, the entire neuroaxis should be investigated with MRI for the presence of intradural extramedullary lesions. The present study focuses on the main MR imaging characteristics of pineal masses and drop metastases with reference to the differential diagnosis. There is also a detailed approach to the MR protocol which should be obtained in order to evaluate the lesions. </jats:p
Magnetic resonance imaging of pineal tumors and drop metastases: a review approach
No full textPineal region tumors represent less than 1% and 3-8% of brain tumors in adults and children respectively. There is a wide range of pineal masses, with the majority being germ cell and pineal parenchymal tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for the assessment of pineal masses. It is considered as the gold standard for the evaluation of the central nervous system. MRI has the ability to produce very detailed images of the brain anatomy and is used to distinguish true pineal masses from parapineal with invasion of the gland. Specific MRI findings are helpful to the differential diagnosis of pineal tumors and the distinction between benign from malignant tumors. Pineal neoplasms may seed the subarachnoid space resulting in the development of intradural extramedullary metastases, known as drop metastases. MRI is the most sensitive method for the assessment of the spinal cord, meninges and nerve roots and the differentiation of the spinal lesions into intra/extra medullary and extradural. Because of its high sensitivity and the advances of the method, drop metastases can be easily diagnosed at an earlier stage than in the past, contributing to the selection of the appropriate treatment. Therefore, the entire neuroaxis should be investigated with MRI for the presence of intradural extramedullary lesions. The present study focuses on the main MR imaging characteristics of pineal masses and drop metastases with reference to the differential diagnosis. There is also a detailed approach to the MR protocol which should be obtained in order to evaluate the lesions
The political role of the great families during the palaiologan period: the persons and the texts: 1258-1453
No full textThis thesis aims to explore and examine, through the intertextuality, total approach and in the context, the political role of the great families. First of all, the political role of the great families is the result from the features of late Byzantium (1258-1453). Furthermore, the political role used to have a strongly centralized system to the functions in the members of their families. This tension is more intense during the first half of 15th century. Primarily, the great families with political role are classified as Constantinopolitan and provincial families. Moreover, the first are classified as imperial families (Palaiologues, Kantacuzenoi) as families, whose their origin are localized in the komnenian period, as families from the Nicean period and as new families, who appear on the political stage during palailogan era. Finally, there are families who tend to be marginalized in authority like the Laskarides or Skleroi. In addition, the political role is determined by the political action of the provincial families and their connection with the central authority or their encouragement of the development of resistance. The provincial families are classified as hegemonic, Angeloi-Doukes in Epirus, Great-Komnenoi in Trabzon, who develop relations with the imperial families. Moreover, members of the families of the capital take functions in province, after assuming his post. However, provincial families, whose their political action is determined in the limits of a region, are present. The special features of the families correspond to finance, military, ecclesiastical, judiciary, spiritual, foreign affairs and ideological domain. The political role is established on the network, which is developed between the house of Palaiologues and the other great families. The network is presented as thick and simultaneously wide with a concentric character. There are two major pillars: Palaiologues and Kantacuzenoi. The close family relationship and the friendship support the network of the paleologan era. The centripetal powers are created and reinforced by the network of relations. About the evaluation of texts, these of administration, reflecting the hierarchy in the court, constitute a precise source for the political role. The narrative sources, both in prose and in verse, declare, describe and interpret, in the light of the author, the political action of persons. The documents of monasteries and the correspondence aid on the research of the network of relationships, of the favorable or unfavorable position of a family or a member of her. The rhetorical texts reflect the political ideology and the persons who maintain her. In the hagiological texts, from the house of Palaiologues, Andronikos II and Manuel II are glorified, while Michael VIII is stigmatized. Finally, in Mazaris’ Journey to Hades, the author light the political action of the local authorities and the alliances with the central power.Στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής είναι να διερευνήσει μέσω της διακειμενικότητας, της πολύπλευρης προσέγγισης και με συνθετικό τρόπο, τον πολιτικό ρόλο των μεγάλων οικογενειών κατά την παλαιολόγεια περίοδο. Πρώτα απ' όλα, ο πολιτικός ρόλος είναι απότοκος της φυσιογνωμίας του ύστερου Βυζαντίου (1258-1453). Επιπροσθέτως, διέπεται από έναν έντονο συγκεντρωτισμό πολιτικών καθηκόντων στα μέλη των οικογενειών. Μάλιστα, η τάση αυτή ενισχύεται κατά το πρώτο ήμισυ του 15ου αιώνα. Χάρη στη διεξαχθείσα έρευνα, οι μεγάλες οικογένειες με πολιτική δράση, δύναται να κατηγοριοποιηθούν σε κωνσταντινουπολίτικες και σε επαρχιακές. Περαιτέρω, οι πρώτες, σε αυτοκρατορικές, σε αναβαθμισμένες που προέρχονται από την κομνήνεια περίοδο και την περίοδο της Νίκαιας, σε νέες, που εμφανίζονται στο πολιτικό προσκήνιο κατά την παλαιολόγεια εποχή και σε υποβαθμισμένες, που περιθωριοποιούνται από την πολιτική εξουσία. Με τη σειρά τους, οι επαρχιακές κατηγοριοποιούνται σε ηγεμονικές (Άγγελοι-Δούκες στην Ήπειρο, Μεγαλοκομνηνοί στην Τραπεζούντα) οι οποίες συνήπταν σχέσεις με τις αυτοκρατορικές. Επιπλέον, μέλη των οικογενειών της πρωτεύουσας αναλαμβάνουν καθήκοντα στην επαρχία, ενώ απαντούν και οικογένειες, των οποίων η δράση περιορίζεται στα όρια μιας περιοχής. Η δράση των οικογενειών είναι πολύπλευρη και εκτείνεται στον οικονομικό, στρατιωτικό, εκκλησιαστικό, δικαστικό τομέα, σε εκείνον της εξωτερικής πολιτικής και της ιδεολογίας. Ο πολιτικός ρόλος θεμελιώνεται σε ένα δίκτυο σχέσεων, το οποίο υφαίνεται ανάμεσα στους Παλαιολόγους και στις άλλες μεγάλες οικογένειες. Το δίκτυο διέπεται από πυκνότητα, ευρύτητα και συγκεντρωτικό χαρακτήρα. Εντοπίζονται δύο μεγάλοι πυλώνες, οι Παλαιολόγοι και οι Καντακουζηνοί, γύρω από τους οποίους πλέκεται το δίκτυο. Οι συγγενικές και φιλικές σχέσεις επικουρούν στην οικοδόμηση του δικτύου, όπως και οι κεντρομόλες δυνάμεις. Σχετικά με την αποτίμηση των κειμένων, τα κείμενα της διοίκησης, αντικατοπτρίζοντας την ιεραρχική κατάταξη των αξιωμάτων, συνιστούν πολύτιμη πηγή για τον πολιτικό ρόλο. Οι αφηγηματικές πηγές, πεζές ή έμμετρες, δηλώνουν, περιγράφουν και αναλύουν, υπό την οπτική εκάστου συγγραφέα, την πολιτική δράση των προσώπων. Τα μοναστηριακά έγγραφα και η αλληλογραφία συμβάλλουν στον εντοπισμό του δικτύου των σχέσεων, στην ευνοϊκή ή δυσμενή θέση μιας οικογένειας ή ενός μέλους αυτής. Επίσης, τα ρητορικά κείμενα αντανακλούν την πολιτική ιδεολογία και τα πρόσωπα που συντηρούν αυτή. Τα αγιολογικά, επαινούν από τον οίκο των Παλαιολόγων, τον Ανδρόνικο Β΄και τον Μανουήλ Β΄, ενώ στηλιτεύουν τον Μιχαήλ Η΄.Τέλος, από τα σατιρικά, η Επιδημία Μάζαρη φωτίζει τις σχέσεις κέντρου- περιφέρειας, όπως και την πολιτική δράση των κατά τόπους οικογενειών. Εν κατακλείδι, ο πολιτικός ρόλος των μεγάλων οικογενειών καταδεικνύει τον αγώνα του Βυζαντίου για επιβίωση ενόψει των αντίξοων εσωτερικών και εξωτερικών συνθηκών.Cette thèse essaie de prouver que le rôle politique que les grandes familles jouent, est le résultat de la physionomie de Byzance pendant la période tardive. D’un côté, il est caractérisé par une concentration de devoirs à une famille ou à un de ses représentants. Certes, ce phénomène est plus fort pendant la moitié du 15ème siècle. De l’autre côté, il est caractérisé par l’apparition des forces régionales et l’action politique des familles régionales, leur liaison avec le pouvoir central et leur résistance.Les familles, qui jouent un rôle politique, peuvent être divisées à des familles Constantinopolitains et des familles régionales. Ces premières sont classifiées à des familles impériales (Paléologues, Cantacuzènes,) à des familles qui existaient déjà à l’avant scène avant 1204, soit à des familles dans l’État de Nicée (voir Acropolitès) Ensuite, il y a des familles marginalisées, comme les Laskarides. Le caractère des familles est économique, militaire, ecclésiastique, juridique, spirituel et intellectuel. De plus, le réseau des relations qui se développe entre les Paléologues et les autres grandes familles, lequel est soutenu dans la parenté de sang ou la parenté d’alliance ou dans toute sorte d’amitié, c’est ce par lequel le rôle politique se réalise. Le réseau est épais et en même temps vaste avec un caractère concentratif. Les forces centripètes sont créées et renforcées par le réseau des relations que les Paléologues essaient de construire. Concernant l’évaluation des textes, on remarque que ceux de l’administration, qui reflètent la classe des dignités de la cour ainsi que le service de chacun, constituent une source précieuse pour le rôle politique des grandes familles. Les textes historiques offrent une abondance des renseignements avec une matière précieuse et analytique, à travers le prisme de chaque historien. Les archives des couvents contribuent aussi à faire apparaître un représentant d’une grande famille au rôle politique, à reconnaître le réseau des relations avec l’empereur. De plus, les textes rhétoriques constituent une matière précieuse pour l’idéologie politique de Byzance tardif et d’habitude ils décrivent d’une matière indirecte et littéraire ce qui reste des événements historiques. La correspondance de l’époque certifie leurs relations entre les grandes familles et dévoile le réseau entre les représentants des grandes familles. Les textes hagiologiques ont aussi des renseignements concernant le rôle politique des représentants des grandes familles. Enfin, les textes satyriques peuvent constituer une source pour la mauvaise image politique existante dans la cour de Constantinople et dans le Péloponnèse, mais aussi donner des renseignements sur les autorités locales et leur relation avec le pouvoir central. À la clé, l’action politique des grandes familles de la période paléologue exprime d’une manière exceptionnelle combien Byzance a essayé de survivre devant les conditions extrêmement difficiles intérieures et extérieures
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