Singular periodic solutions to a critical equation in the Heisenberg group

We construct positive solutions to the equation-Delta(Hn)u = u(Q+2/Q-2)on the Heisenberg group, singular in the origin, similar to the Fowler solutions of the Yamabe equations on R-n. These satisfy the homogeneity property u o delta(T) = T-(Q-2)/2 u for some T large enough, where Q = 2n + 2 and delta(T) is the natural dilation in H-n. We use the Lyapunov-Schmidt method applied to a family of approximate solutions built by periodization from the global regular solution classified by Jerison and Lee (1988)

Geometric aspects of PDEs on sub-Riemannan manifolds

We consider sone analytic problems arising in sub-Riemannian geometry. First, we construct singular solutions to the CR Yamabe equation in the Heisenberg group in two regimes: nearly cylindrical solutions via bifurcation theory and nearly locally spherical solutions via a refined implicit function argument. We then consider the Einstein-Hilbert action in the CR setting. We characterize stationary points as pseudo-Einstein structures, then showing the role of embeddability in determining the sign of the second variation at standard spheres

We Are Family: Family Business Case Study Analysis

This research paper introduces the concept of family/non-family boundary work as a form of boundary work. This study focuses on family member and non-family member employees working in a family-owned business who are involved in top management positions within the company. Through an analysis of narratives and interactive practices within the work context, based on ethnographic interviews and observations, boundary negotiations were distinguishable; work and family, business and personal and family and non-family. The analysis shows that family members perform an ongoing boundary negotiation between work and family, business and pleasure and family and non-family. Drawing on the notion of work/family border theory it is suggested that the boundary work process is influenced by personal variations in trying to find ways to support the variety of ‘roles’ we construct and adopt throughout our day and in our lives. It is argued that family members who work together in a family firm perform ongoing boundary negotiations between family and non-family members and this can create a conflict within the domains and roles. Furthermore, the family/non-family boundary negotiations within a family-owned business can shed light on positive and negative aspects for the business relationships and professionalism

Intrarenal arterial stiffness is increased in systemic sclerosis patients with anti-ribonucleic acid polymerase III antibodies

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Angiogenic and angiostatic factors in renal scleroderma-associated vasculopathy

BACKGROUND: The angiogenesis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is impaired. An imbalance of pro-angiogenic factors and angiogenesis inhibitors has been implicated in the progression of peripheral microvascular damage, defective vascular repair and fibrosis. Intrarenal resistance index are considered markers of renal vasculopathy. The aim of the study is to evaluate angiogenic and angiostatic factors (VEGF and endostatin) in SSc patients and to correlate with intrarenal hemodynamic parameters. METHODS: 91 SSc patients were enrolled in this study. Serum VEGF and endostatin levels were determined. All patients underwent a renal Doppler ultrasound RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was observed between endostatin and renal Doppler parameters (p<0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between serum levels of endostatin and eGFR (p<0.01). In SSc patients with high resistive index, serum levels of endostatin were significantly (p<0.01) higher than in SSc patients with normal resistive index. The serum levels of endostatin significantly increased with progression of nailfold videocapillaroscopy damage (p<0.01) and were significantly (p<0.05) higher in SSc patients with digital ulcers than in SSc patients without digital ulcers. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that assess in SSc patients intrarenal hemodynamic parameters and endostatin. In SSc patients, endostatin represents a marker of renal scleroderma-associated vasculopathy

Set of Classical PCRs for Detection of Mutations in Candida glabrata FKS Genes Linked with Echinocandin Resistance

Clinical echinocandin resistance among Candida glabrata strains is increasing, especially in the United States. Antifungal susceptibility testing is considered mandatory to guide therapeutic decisions. However, these methodologies are not routinely performed in the hospital setting due to their complexity and the time needed to obtain reliable results. Echinocandin failure in C. glabrata is linked exclusively to Fks1p and Fks2p amino acid substitutions, and detection of such substitutions would serve as a surrogate marker to identify resistant isolates. In this work, we report an inexpensive, simple, and quick classical PCR set able to objectively detect the most common mechanisms of echinocandin resistance in C. glabrata within 4 h. The usefulness of this assay was assessed using a blind collection of 50 C. glabrata strains, including 16 FKS1 and/or FKS2 mutants.Fil: Dudiuk, Catiana Beatriz. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; ArgentinaFil: Gamarra, Maria Soledad. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; ArgentinaFil: Leonardelli, Florencia. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; ArgentinaFil: Jimenez Ortigoza, Cristina. State University of New Jersey; Estados UnidosFil: Vitale, Roxana Gabriela. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos ; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Afeltra, Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Perlin, David S.. State University of New Jersey; Estados UnidosFil: Garcia, Guillermo Manuel. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; Argentin

The involvement of T regulatory lymphocytes in a cohort of lupus nephritis patients: a pilot study

T regulator lymphocytes (Tregs) play a key role in the maintenance of immune tolerance and in the development of autoimmune diseases. Expression of Foxp3 is specific for Tregs, and can be used for the identification of these cells. This study investigated the variations of Tregs Foxp3? in the kidney biopsies inflammatory infiltrate of different lupus nephritis classes compared to that of ANCA glomerulonephritis, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and nephroangiosclerosis. Sections of paraffin-embedded tissue have been stained by immunohistochemistry with anti-CD3 and anti-FoxP3 antibodies. We find that the ratio of FoxP3?/CD3? cells is significantly lower in patients with lupus nephritis class IV and in patients with vasculitides than in the course of nephroangiosclerosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis and lupus nephritis class V. The data presented herein demonstrate a decrease of FoxP3? Treg cells in the inflammatory infiltrate of lupus nephritis, particularly during the most active phases of lupus nephritis, as observed in the course of a IV class nephritis

Assessing the Integrated Impact of Sustainable Innovation on Organisational Performance: An Empirical Evidence From Manufacturing Firms

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have gained importance and the world is moving on a sustainability trajectory, which requires organisations to balance financial, environmental, and social dimensions of management. Companies are encouraged to adopt sustainable innovations that include resource efficiency, waste reduction, energy use, responsible behavior etc., to overcome environmental issues and incorporate societal aspects. However, the types of innovations that embrace the so-called triple bottom line philosophy have been tenuously investigated in relation to organisational performance of firms. Through an empirical study, this work investigates the relationship between sustainable innovation in its three dimensions and organisational performance, including stakeholder management, human resource management and process measures, in the context of Italian manufacturing companies. The results show that a greater emphasis on sustainable innovations has a positive impact on the organisational performance and competitive advantage of firms, revealing the key role of human capital and portraying important avenues for future research

To review how doctors on duty in emergency departments in South Africa diagnose acute cardiac injury following blunt chest trauma

Thesis (M.Sc. (Med.) (Emergency Medicine))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2014.INTRODUCTION Cardiac injury following blunt chest trauma (BCT) presents a clinical spectrum of varying severity ranging from asymptomatic to severe and life-threatening. Attempts to diagnose acute cardiac injury may lead to unnecessary investigations and hospitalisation. Conversely, those patients “not at risk” could potentially be discharged from hospital. This research reviewed what methods are utilised by doctors to identify those patients at risk of acute cardiac injury. METHODS An on-line questionnaire was mailed to doctors working in emergency departments (EDs) throughout South Africa to ascertain what history, examination, and special investigations should be performed on patients presenting with blunt chest injury to exclude cardiac injury. RESULTS These revealed varied responses with inappropriate investigations and lacked unanimity in the diagnostic methods. The majority of doctors did not adhere to up-to-date consensus driven and evidenced based up-to-date practice There was not much difference in the respondents responses between specialist emergency physicians (SEPs) and general practitioners (GPs). CONCLUSION A high index of suspicion based on careful history taking and physical examination together with specific diagnostic testing limited to identifying those patients at risk of a cardiac injury (and developing cardiac complications) presenting with BCT should be the cornerstone of this diagnostic challenge. It was evident that the diagnosis of acute cardiac injury remains an elusive challenge and lacks consistent utilisation of diagnostic criteria

Assessing the Integrated Impact of Sustainable Innovation on Organisational Performance: An Empirical Evidence From Manufacturing Firms

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have gained importance and the world is moving on a sustainability trajectory, which requires organisations to balance financial, environmental, and social dimensions of management. Companies are encouraged to adopt sustainable innovations that include resource efficiency, waste reduction, energy use, responsible behavior etc., to overcome environmental issues and incorporate societal aspects. However, the types of innovations that embrace the so-called triple bottom line philosophy have been tenuously investigated in relation to organisational performance of firms. Through an empirical study, this work investigates the relationship between sustainable innovation in its three dimensions and organisational performance, including stakeholder management, human resource management and process measures, in the context of Italian manufacturing companies. The results show that a greater emphasis on sustainable innovations has a positive impact on the organisational performance and competitive advantage of firms, revealing the key role of human capital and portraying important avenues for future research