394 research outputs found
Lost in space? Architectural psychology - past, present, future
No full textA methodological review by Kaminski (1995) summed up five perspectives in environmental psychology - patterns of spatial distribution, everyday “jigsaw puzzlesi, functional everyday action systems, sociocultural change and evolution of competence. Architectural psychology (named so at the Strathclyde conference 1969, Canter, 1973) as psychology of built environments is one leg of environmental psychology, the second one being psychology of environmental protection. Architectural psychology has come of age and passed its 25th birthday. Thus, a triangulation of its position, especially in Central Europe, seems interesting and necessary. A recent survey mainly on university projects in German-speaking countries (Kruse & Trimpin, 1995) found a marked decrease of studies in psychology of built environments. 1994, 25% of all projects were reported in this category, which in 1975 had made up 40% (Kruse, 1975). Guenther, in an unpublished survey of BDP (association of professional German psychologists) members, encountered only a handful active in architectural psychology - mostly part-time, not full-time. 1996, Austria has two full-time university specialists. The discrepancy between the general interest displayed by planners and a still low institutionalization is noticeable. How is the research situation? Using several standard research data banks, the author collected articles and book(chapter)s on architectural psychology in German- and English-language countries from 1990 to 1996. Studies on main architecture-psychology interface problems such as user needs, housing quality evaluations, participatory planning and spatial simulation / virtual reality did not outline an “old, settled” discipline, but rather the sketchy, random surface of a field “always starting anew”. E.g., discussions at the 1995 EAEA-Conference showed that several architectural simulation studies since 1973 caused no major impact on planner's opinions (Keul&Martens, 1996). “Re-inventions of the wheeli are caused by a lack of meetings (except this one!) and of interdisciplinary infrastructure in German-language countries (contrary to Sweden or the United States). Social pressures building up on architecture nowadays by inter-European competition, budget cuts and citizen activities for informed consent in most urban projects are a new challenge for planners to cooperate efficiently with social scientists. At Salzburg, the author currently manages the Corporate Design-process for the Chamber of Architecture, Division for Upper Austria and Salzburg. A “working group for architectural psychology” (Keul-Martens-Maderthaner) has been active since 1994
Integrin-mediated transcriptional activation of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins protects smooth muscle cells against apoptosis induced by degraded collagen
No full textApoptosis of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) have both been implicated in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We have previously reported that degraded type I collagen fragments induce a rapid but transient apoptotic burst initiated by calpains in SMC. The aim of the current study was to identify the pathway responsible for consecutive SMC survival. We show that exposure of SMC to collagen fragments resulted in a sustained activation of nuclear factor (NF)-{kappa}B via phosphorylation and degradation of I{kappa}B{alpha}. Its prevention through retroviral expression of superrepressor I{kappa}B{alpha} or proteasome inhibition potently induced apoptosis. In the presence of blocking antibodies to {alpha}vß3 integrin and RGD peptides, collagen fragments no longer activated NF-{kappa}B and apoptosis was enhanced. The mechanism by which NF-{kappa}B was protecting SMC against collagen fragment-induced apoptosis was a transcriptional activation of several endogenous caspase inhibitors of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family as: (1) the expression of xIAP, c-IAP2, and survivin was potently induced by collagen fragments; (2) IAP expression was abrogated by superrepressor I{kappa}B{alpha}; and (3) knockdown of each of the 3 IAPs by small interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in enhanced apoptosis after collagen fragment treatment. Our data suggest that SMC exposed to degraded collagen are protected against apoptosis by a mechanism involving {alpha}vß3-dependent NF-{kappa}B activation with consequent activation of IAPs. This may constitute a novel antiapoptotic pathway ensuring SMC survival in settings of enhanced ECM degradation such as cell migration, vascular remodeling, and atherosclerotic plaque rupture
LPS mediated pro-inflammatory molecules release by SCM and BM.
No full text<p>BM and SCM were activated with LPS to measure the difference in their pro-inflammatory molecules release. (A) A significant effect of treatment on TNF-α secretion between groups was observed (ANOVA, F<sub>(3,16)</sub> = 5.201, p = 0.0107). LPS activated BM had significantly higher release of TNF-α compared to BM control and LPS activated SCM (Neuwman-Keuls post hoc test n = 5, p<0.05). SCM had a trend towards increase in TNF-α on activation with LPS. (B) A significant effect of treatment was also observed for IL-1β secretion (ANOVA, F<sub>(3,16)</sub> = 4.210, p = 0.0225). LPS BM had a significantly higher release of IL-1β compared to BM control and LPS activated SCM (Newman-Keul post hoc test n = 5, p<0.05). We did not see any change in IL-1β release between LPS activated SCM and SCM control (Newman-Keul post hoc, n = 5, p>0.05). (C) A significant main effect of treatment group on NO release was observed (ANOVA, F<sub>(3,24)</sub> = 15.76, p = 0.0001). LPS induced a significant increase in release of NO by BM compared to BM control and LPS activated SCM (Newman-Keul post hoc, n = 7, p<0.05). NO release by LPS activated SCM was significantly higher than that of SCM and BM controls (Newman-Keul post hoc, n = 7, p<0.05). However, NO release by LPS activated SCM was significantly less than that of LPS activated BM (Newman-Keul post hoc, n = 7, p<0.05). n represents the number of independent experiment with a minimum of three replicates. Bars represent cytokine or nitrite per milligram of total protein ± s.e.m.</p
An integral tool for the diagnostic evaluation of non-territorial offices
No full textMany organizations now have innovative workplaces, with desk-sharingand desk-rotation. The main objectives are 1) to improve organizationalperformance by better communication, and 2) cost reduction by the moreefficient use of accommodation and other facilities. Although some research has been done into the use and experience of new offices, there is a need for sound data about the overall effects on organizational performance and user needs. Commissioned by the government, the Center for People and Buildings in Delft has developed an instrument for an ex ante or ex post evaluation of non-territorial offices. The tool has been based on an extensive literature review and is being tested in a number of case studies. The tool can be used to indicate problems in the present situation, to evaluate the effects of design interventions, and in support of decisions to change the physical working environment.Design & Construction ManagementReal Estate Managemen
Waterspouts over the North and Baltic Seas: Observations and climatology, prediction and reporting
No full textPerinatal n-3 PUFAs supplementation improves neonatal sevoflurane exposure induced neurobehavioral impairment at adulthood (n = 9 each group).
No full text<p>A–D Morris water maze spatial reference memory. Latency to platform in learning phase (A); Frequency to across the platform region (B); Swimming distance during the probe trial (C); Swimming speed during the probe trial (D); **<i>p</i> = 0.0019 control vs. Sevo. Fear conditioning (E–G). Post shock freezing (E): post shock 1 (F = 29.437, <i>p</i> = 0.0041, one-way ANOVA, Newman-Keul post hoc test, *<i>p</i><0.05 control vs. Sevo; #<i>p</i><0.05 Sevo vs. Sevo+n-3 PUFAs); post shock 2 (F = 10.3, <i>p</i> = 0.0033, one-way ANOVA, Newman-Keul post hoc test, *<i>p</i><0.05 control vs. Sevo group; #<i>p</i><0.05 Sevo vs. Sevo+n-3 PUFAs). Tone freezing (F); Context freezing (G); Morris water maze memory consolidation (H–K): Latency to platform in learning phase (H); Escape latency at 1-min delay (I) F = 10.25, <i>p</i> = 0.0031, one-way ANOVA, Newman-Keul post hoc test,**<i>p</i><0.01 control vs. Sevo, ##<i>p</i><0.01 Sevo vs. Sevo+n-3 PUFAs; Escape latency at 1-h delay (J); F = 13.70, <i>p</i> = 0.0014, one-way ANOVA, Newman-Keul post hoc test, **<i>p</i><0.01 control vs. Sevo ##<i>p</i><0.01 Sevo vs. Sevo+n-3 PUFAs; Escape latency at 4-h delay (K).</p
Molecular Interaction of a New Antibacterial Polymer with a Supported Lipid Bilayer Measured by an in situ Label-Free Optical Technique
No full textThe interaction of the antibacterial polymer–branched poly(ethylene imine) substituted with quaternary ammonium groups, PEO and alkyl chains, PEI25QI5J5A815–with a solid supported lipid bilayer was investigated using surface sensitive optical waveguide spectroscopy. The analysis of the optogeometrical parameters was extended developing a new composite layer model in which the structural and optical anisotropy of the molecular layers was taken into consideration. Following in situ the change of optical birefringence we were able to determine the composition of the lipid/polymer surface layer as well as the displacement of lipid bilayer by the antibacterial polymer without using additional labeling. Comparative assessment of the data of layer thickness and optical anisotropy helps to reveal the molecular mechanism of antibacterial effect of the polymer investigated
Haemodynamic effects of intracoronary pyruvate in patients with congestive heart failure: an open study
No full textBackground Pyruvate, as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle, is an important source of energy for myocardium and improves contractility of normal, hypoxic, and postischaemic animal myocardium. We investigated the effect of intracoronary pyruvate in patients with congestive heart failure. Methods Haemodynamic measurements were done in eight patients with dilated cardiomyopathy after two 15 min infusions of pyruvate into the left main coronary artery and after saline washout of pyruvate. Findings There were no significant differences between the two pyruvate concentrations. Application of pyruvate resulted in a 23% increase in cardiac index (p<0 . 05), a 38% increase in stroke-volume index (p<0 . 05), and a 36% decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (p<0 . 05). Heart rate decreased significantly by 11%. Mean aortic pressure and systemic vascular resistance did not change. Most of the effects of pyruvate were reversed 15 min after the infusion stopped. Interpretation Pyruvate has the profile of a favourable inotropic substance. Other modes of administration need to be studied
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