1,187 research outputs found

    Maxillary Sinus Augmentation With Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Proteinâ 2 and Particulate Allograft Without an Absorbable Sponge: A Case Report

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    Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141930/1/cap0175.pd

    Synoptic-Scale Convective Environment Climatology by ENSO Phase in the North Central United States

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    The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is known to affect synoptic patterns across the continental United States, particularly by its impact on the upper tropospheric jet stream position. Global circulation patterns influence synoptic weather patterns by impacting the location of mid-tropospheric ridge and trough locations and thus areas favorable for temperature and precipitation anomalies, which in turn influence regional severe weather activity. Though it is one of several factors associated with the potential for severe weather, the synoptic environment plays a key role in severe weather potential by providing favorable ingredients for the development of severe convection (e.g. Miller 1967). While ENSO is one of many factors that influence global circulations, and by distillation may have a less distinguishable influence on the synoptic pattern, coherent signals can be uncovered in the synoptic environment, based on ENSO phase, that would influence the potential for severe convection in the north central United States. Seasonal predictions of severe weather potential are not much aid for daily operations, but they can be used by emergency managers, the media, and forecasters to increase preparedness for seasons that have the potential for above normal convective activity

    Characterising the HLA-I Immunopeptidome of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles in patients with melanoma

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    This work was funded by grants from Breast Cancer Now UK (2018JulPR1086), and the Melville Trust for the Care and Cure of Cancer UK (XCT014). We also gratefully acknowledge funding from the EPSRC via EP/L017008/1 for TEM imaging infrastructure, and EP/R023751/1 and EP/T019298/1.Extracellular vesicles (EVs) frequently express human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules. The immunopeptidomes presented on EV HLA-I are being mapped to provide key information on both specific cancer-related peptides, and for larger immunopeptidomic signatures associated with disease. Utilizing HLA-I immunoisolation and mass spectrometry, we characterised the HLA-I immunopeptidome of EVs derived from the melanoma cancer cell line, ESTDAB-026, and the plasma of 12 patients diagnosed with advanced stage melanoma, alongside 11 healthy controls. The EV HLA-I immunopeptidome derived from melanoma cells features T cell epitopes with known immunogenicity and peptides derived from known tumour associated antigens (TAAs). Both T cell epitopes with known immunogenicity and peptides derived from known TAAs were also identifiable in the melanoma patient samples. Patient stratification into two distinct groups with varying immunological profiles was also observed. The data obtained in this study suggests for the first time that the HLA-I immunopeptidome of EVs derived from blood may aid in the detection of important diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and also provide new immunotherapy targets.Peer reviewe

    Place matters: but does local leadership?

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    The arrival of New Labour into Government witnessed the prominent re-emergence of place onto the policy agenda. This heralded a range of area-based-initiatives designed to both tackle neighbourhood forms of deprivation and to re-establish a sense of identity and connection between individuals and their local community. In terms of place-making, effective and inclusive participation, representation and leadership were all identified as prerequisites for the creation of sustainable communities . But how important is local leadership and strategic vision within local public service organisations in achieving the desired place-making outcomes? This paper examines the extent to which local leadership and strategic vision represents a significant factor in promoting higher levels of satisfaction, belonging, cohesion and participation across single tier councils in England. The ensuing empirical evidence raises significant questions not only about the importance of local leadership in place-making, but also the environmental and organizational factors that shape local places

    An Interaction between KSHV ORF57 and UIF Provides mRNA-Adaptor Redundancy in Herpesvirus Intronless mRNA Export

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    The hTREX complex mediates cellular bulk mRNA nuclear export by recruiting the nuclear export factor, TAP, via a direct interaction with the export adaptor, Aly. Intriguingly however, depletion of Aly only leads to a modest reduction in cellular mRNA nuclear export, suggesting the existence of additional mRNA nuclear export adaptor proteins. In order to efficiently export Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) intronless mRNAs from the nucleus, the KSHV ORF57 protein recruits hTREX onto viral intronless mRNAs allowing access to the TAP-mediated export pathway. Similarly however, depletion of Aly only leads to a modest reduction in the nuclear export of KSHV intronless mRNAs. Herein, we identify a novel interaction between ORF57 and the cellular protein, UIF. We provide the first evidence that the ORF57-UIF interaction enables the recruitment of hTREX and TAP to KSHV intronless mRNAs in Aly-depleted cells. Strikingly, depletion of both Aly and UIF inhibits the formation of an ORF57-mediated nuclear export competent ribonucleoprotein particle and consequently prevents ORF57-mediated mRNA nuclear export and KSHV protein production. Importantly, these findings highlight that redundancy exists in the eukaryotic system for certain hTREX components involved in the mRNA nuclear export of intronless KSHV mRNAs

    Prosocial Behavior and Public Service Motivation

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    Although research on public service motivation (PSM) is vast, there is little evidence regarding the effects of PSM on observable behavior. This article contributes to our understanding of the behavioral implications of PSM by investigating whether PSM is associated with prosocial behavior. Moreover, we address if and how the behavior of other group members influences this relationship. The study uses the (pseudo-)experimental setting of the public goods game (the experimental part), run with a sample of 263 students, in combination with survey-based PSM measures (the non-experimental element). We find a positive link between PSM and prosocial behavior. Moreover, we reveal that this relationship is moderated by the behavior of other group members: High PSM people act even more prosocially when the other members of the group show prosocial behavior as well, but they do not do so if the behavior of other group members is not prosocial

    Leadership and decision-making practices in public versus private universities in Pakistan

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    The goal of this study is to examine differences in leadership and decision-making practices in public and private universities in Pakistan, with a focus on transformational leadership (TL) and participative decision-making (PDM). We conducted semi-structured interviews with 46 deans and heads of department from two public and two private universities in Pakistan. Our findings indicate that leadership and decision-making practices are different in public and private universities. While differences were observed in all six types of TL-behaviour, the following three approaches emerged to be crucial in both public and private universities: (1) articulating a vision, (2) fostering the acceptance of group goals, and (3) high-performance expectations. In terms of PDM, deans and heads of department in public and private universities adopt a collaborative approach. However, on a practical level this approach is limited to teacher- and student-related matters. Overall, our findings suggest that the leadership and decision-making practices in Pakistani public and private universities are transformational and participative in nature

    Microscope and microâ camera assessment of Schneiderian membrane perforation via transcrestal sinus floor elevation: A randomized ex vivo study

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    ObjectiveWe sought to assess the effectiveness of using a microscope and nonâ invasive camera for assessing sinus membrane perforations during transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE).Materials and methodsFive fresh human cadaver heads corresponding to eight maxillary sinuses (six bilateral and two unilateral) underwent 4 TSFEs per sinus (a total of 32 single site elevations). Each elevation was randomly assigned to receive a three or six mm membrane elevation height (MEH). A microscope and microâ camera were used to assess the sinus membrane perforation. Afterwards, radiological and clinical membrane perforation assessments were performed. The statistical analysis results are expressed using the means, standard deviations, range values of the residual ridge height (RRH), residual ridge width (RRW), sinus membrane thickness (SMT) and incidence of perforation (IoP). Generalized linear methods were used to test for the correlation of RRH and MEH to the microscope and microâ camera perforation assessments and the correlation of microscope and microâ camera assessments with the postâ operative CBCT and crestal liquid evaluation.ResultsThe cumulative percentage of IoP was 40.62%, (23.07% with 3 mm MEH, and 76.92% with 6 mm MEH, p < 0.05). The perforation assessed using either the microscope or microâ camera coincided with the postâ operative CBCT and crestal liquid assessment in 87.55% sites. No significant correlation was found between the microscope or microâ camera assessments with RRH or MEH.ConclusionApplication of a microscope and microâ camera during transcrestal sinus floor elevation may allow the detection of the integrity of the Schneiderian membrane with greater than 85% accuracy in this ex vivo model.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149727/1/clr13453.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149727/2/clr13453_am.pd

    Re-imagining the Borders of US Security after 9/11: Securitisation, Risk, and the Creation of the Department of Homeland Security

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    The articulation of international and transnational terrorism as a key issue in US security policy, as a result of the 9/11 attacks, has not only led to a policy rethink, it has also included a bureaucratic shift within the US, showing a re-thinking of the role of borders within US security policy. Drawing substantively on the 'securitisation' approach to security studies, the article analyses the discourse of US security in order to examine the founding of the Department of Homeland Security, noting that its mission provides a new way of conceptualising 'borders' for US national security. The securitisation of terrorism is, therefore, not only represented by marking terrorism as a security issue, it is also solidified in the organisation of security policy-making within the US state. As such, the impact of a 'war on terror' provides an important moment for analysing the re-articulation of what security is in the US, and, in theoretical terms, for reaffirming the importance of a relationship between the production of threat and the institutionalisation of threat response. © 2007 Taylor & Francis

    Factors associated with lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity of patients with heart failure

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    Aims Improvement in exercise capacity is the primary goal of physical activity programmes for patients with heart failure (HF). Although activity programmes are effective for some patients, others do not benefit. Identifying factors related to a lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity may help us interpret findings and design new interventions. The aim of this study is to identify factors contributing to a lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity 3 months after physical activity advice or an exergame intervention in patients with HF. Additionally, we aimed to assess differences in lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity of patients whose baseline exercise capacity predicted a worse compared with better prognosis of HF.Methods and results This secondary analysis of the HF-Wii study analysed baseline and 3 month data of the 6 min walk test (6MWT) from 480 patients (mean age 67 years, 72% male). Data were analysed separately in patients with a pre-defined 6 min walking distance at baseline of &lt;300 m (n = 79) and &gt;= 300 m (n = 401). Among patients with a baseline 6MWT of &gt;= 300 m, 18% had deteriorated submaximal exercise capacity. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, lower baseline levels of self-reported physical activity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60-0.97], lower baseline levels of cognitive function (OR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.79-0.96) were significantly associated with lack of improvement in exercise capacity at 3 months. Not randomized to exergaming (OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.37-1.09) was likely (P = 0.097) to be associated with lack of improvement in exercise capacity at 3 months. Among the 79 patients with baseline 6MWT of &lt;300 m, 41% (n = 32) did not improve 6MWT distance at 3 months. Independent predictors for the lack of improvement for 6MWT were New York Heart Association class III/IV (OR = 4.68, 95%CI = 1.08-20.35), higher levels of serum creatinine (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.003-1.03), lower cognitive function (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.75-0.99), and fewer anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.72-0.98).Conclusions Lower self-reported physical activity and cognitive impairment predict lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity in HF patients. Patients who have a worse prognosis (score &lt;300 m at the 6MWT) are often frail and gain less in exercise capacity. These patients may need a more comprehensive approach to have an effect on exercise capacity, including an individually tailored exercise programme with aerobic exercise (if tolerated) and strength exercises
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