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This work presented and optimization scheme for daylighting, heating and thermal comfort objectives in a highly insulated apartment, while varying different geometrical aspects of external windows (number, shape, size, position). To satisfy all objectives simultaneously, a large number of design iterations was evaluated by the use of the SPEA2 genetic algorithm as it is implemented on the Octopus
This paper argues that the concept of whistleblowing could best be understood as part of a larger regime of disclosure that includes personal revelations, truth-telling, leaking, informing, snitching and whistleblowing. Disclosure regimes are about knowledge that escapes. This paper discusses the conditions for this escaped knowledge and some of the consequences for organizations and communities.
The creation of 3D scaffolds that mimic the structure of physiological tissue required for normal cell function is a major bioengineering challenge. For corneal stroma reconstruction this necessitates the creation of a stroma-like scaffold consisting of a stack of orthogonally disposed sheets of aligned collagen fibrils. This study demonstrates that such a scaffold can be built up using magnetic a
The action of three matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), 72- and 95-kDa gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and PUMP (MMP-7), and a cysteine proteinase, cathepsin B, were investigated on aggrecan the major proteoglycan of cartilage. All the enzymes cleaved aggrecan although the activity of the 95-kDa gelatinase was very low. Specific cleavage sites were investigated following incubation with a purified agg
Double-stranded (ds) DNA from salmon testes has been incorporated into PVA hydrogels obtained by a technique of repeated freezing and thawing. The cryogels obtained are free of potential toxic species like chemical cross-linkers, and consequently, they can be used in pharmaceutical or medical applications. These cryogels show a good mechanical resistance and a white and opaque appearance caused by
1. Although it is well established that hypertension is the main risk factor for stroke, the complexity of cerebrovascular problems related to hypertension is not generally appreciated. 2. Hypertension can cause stroke through many mechanisms. A high intraluminal pressure will lead to extensive alteration in endothelium and smooth muscle function in intracerebral arteries. The increased stress on
Determination of pK(a) values of titrating residues in proteins provides a direct means of studying electrostatic coupling as well as pH-dependent stability. The B1 domain of protein G provides an excellent model system for such investigations. In this work, we analyze the observed pK(a) values of all carboxyl groups in a variant of PGB1 (T2Q, N8D, N37D) at low and high ionic strength as determine
Objectives To study the association between lifestyle risk factors and chronic hypertension by history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP: gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia) and investigate the extent to which these risk factors modify the association between HDP and chronic hypertension. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Nurses' Health Study II (1991-2013). Participants 5
In transposition of the great arteries (TGA), certain coronary patterns have been associated with major adverse events early after the arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to determine the impact of preoperative echocardiographic (ECHO) diagnosis on the intra and postoperative morbidity. All patients with TGA born between June 2001 and June 2017 and who underwent ASO were reviewed. Data on
Objective: Infliximab-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may respond insufficiently due to low serum infliximab (sIFX) levels, caused by anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). However, monitoring of sIFX and ADAs is not routinely implemented, and levels for optimal outcome have not been validated. We searched for predictors for sIFX < 0.2 μg/mL and ADA development in a randomized setting. Metho
Background: Hand injuries occur at any age and cause disability in hand and arm function as well as impaired quality of life, but no study has focused on hand disability and quality of life in the elderly after a hand injury. Globally, the population over 60 years of age is expected to double by 2050 and more hand injuries are estimated among the elderly population. Our goal is to obtain more info
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Evidence that glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and/or the GIP receptor (GIPR) are involved in cardiovascular biology is emerging. We hypothesised that GIP has untoward effects on cardiovascular biology, in contrast to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and therefore investigated the effects of GIP and GLP-1 concentrations on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality r
The energy use for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures are to a certain extent dependent on the thermal storage capacity of materials in contact with the indoor air. This article describes a conceptual model for investigating the effects of increasing the thermal storage capacity of building materials. A building is modeled as an exterior wall, an indoor air volume and a thermally heavy in
Objective: To evaluate whether the duration of the active phase of labor is associated with maternal body mass index (BMI), in nulliparous women with spontaneous onset of labor. Study design: Historical prospective cohort study including 63,829 nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy and a spontaneous onset of labor, who delivered between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2009. Data were colle
Pressure drop and convective heat transfer characteristics of water and five alumina/water nanofluids of weight concentrations from 0.78% wt. to 7.04% wt. were experimentally investigated for both laminar flow and turbulent flow inside a double-pipe helically coiled heat exchanger. Effect of nanoparticles on the critical Reynolds number is negligible. A new correlation was developed for laminar fl
This report outlines the potential for a more structured and strategic relationship between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran following the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). To both address areas of disagreement and complaints, as well as pursue common interests and matters of mutual benefit, the EU needs to put in place an institutional framework that can withstand the
