The role of inflammation, oxidative stress and the apolipoprotein E genotype in HIV-associated cognitive impairment: a clinical, biochemical and neuro-imaging study

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-135).Twenty percent of HIV-infected patients develop HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), a spectrum of neurological diseases which includes HIV-associated dementia (HAD), a debilitating sUb-cortical dementia. HIV-related cognitive impairment is a primary neurological complication of HIV infection, as opposed to neurological diseases secondary to opportunistic infections in the immune compromised host. Our study investigated the role of systemic markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, inflammatory changes in the brain on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and the role of the APOE E4 allele in HIV-associated dementia (HAD) in a South African population. We hypothesized that cognitive impairment and brain inflammation would correlate with systemic markers of inflammation and oxidative stress; with an inverse relation to anti-oxidant capacity

Kenntnis und Nutzung von Senioren- und Pflegeberatungsstellen

1. Senioren- und Pflegeberatungsstellen sind etwa der Hälfte der Menschen in der zweiten Lebenshälfte bekannt, genutzt werden sie aber höchstens von jeder/m Zweiten. 2. Die Kenntnis von Senioren- und Pflegeberatungsstellen ist bildungsspezifisch. Personen mit hoher Bildung kennen diese Angebote häufiger als Personen mit niedriger Bildung. 3. Personen, die andere aufgrund von gesundheitlichen Problemen unterstützen, kennen und nutzen Bildungsangebote häufiger. 4. Die Nutzung von Senioren- und Pflegeberatungsstellen ist unter Personen mit funktionalen Einschränkungen häufiger als unter nicht funktional Eingeschränkten

On the Kramers-Kronig transform with logarithmic kernel for the reflection phase in the Drude model

We use the Kramers-Kronig transform (KKT) with logarithmic kernel to obtain the reflection phase and, subsequently, the complex refractive index of a bulk mirror from reflectance. However, there remains some confusion regarding the formulation for this analysis. Assuming the damped Drude model for the dielectric constant and the oblique incidence case, we calculate the additional terms: phase at zero frequency and Blashke factor and we propose a reformulated KKT within this model. Absolute reflectance in the s-polarization case of a gold film is measured between 40 and 350 eV for various glancing angles using synchrotron radiation and its complex refractive index is deduced using the reformulated KKT that we propose. The results are discussed with respect to the data available in the literature.Comment: 18 pages, piblished in j. Mod. Opt. 57, 1504 (2010

Estimation of Forces Acting on a Sailboat Using a Kinematic Sensor

Amateur keel boat racing has become increasingly popular in coastal regions with a long sailing tradition, such as the Adriatic. Although the traditional experience is transferred to new generations of skippers and crews that compete in national and international regattas with open class boats, the material limits of the boat are often measured subjectively, by sail or mast failure, and transferred through a story. Most sailors know why a component failed, but often they do not know what force was needed for the particular failure. Forces acting on a boat are usually estimated with CFD and towing tank experiment for relevant sailing conditions, but full scale data in seaway are rarely taken. Here we want to show a low budget method to get a rough estimate of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces acting on a keel sailboat using a kinematic sensor. Some approximations are taken into account to construct a simplified mathematical sailboat model, which allow to relate kinematic data to forces acting on the sail, hull, keel, and rudder. Some data such as the geometry and mass distribution of the boat has to be known; other parameters such as water resistance instead has to be experimentally measured. The results of a series of measurements are presented and discussed. Looking on the limitations of such a method, a proposal for a new sensor is made

Creating a priority based pull system within pre-packing area for Cosira Group, Vulcania

This document provides the reader with insight into the project at Cosira Group, Vulcania, Springs. The document includes the path of the student, as well as the proposed solutions that will potentially be followed in order to successfully complete the project. The aim of the project is for the student to showcase his competency in the relevant areas. This is done so that the University may award the student a BEng Industrial degree. Included in this paper is research that was done by the student regarding similar cases and problems in industry. The methods, tools, techniques, successes and failures from different projects were investigated. This was done to increase the understanding and insight into the problems that the student will face. Relevant techniques that will be used as well as methodologies that will be followed are discussed. Research was done at Cosira and the data was analysed in such a way as to complement the aim of the project. After the solutions or proposed systems are potentially implemented, there will be estimated cost savings as well as improved customer satisfaction. The work in progress (WIP) will be less and the time an order spends in the entire facility should be less. This project will showcase the ability of the student to analyze a problem as well as prove the legitimacy and motivation for the completion of a project using industrial engineering tools and thinking.Thesis (B Eng. (Industrial and Systems Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2012

The Social Ecosystem Dilemma? -- And How to Fix It

An estimated $12 trillion in market opportunities are embedded within the Sustainable Development Goals. Companies can unlock these opportunities with shared value, addressing social challenges in ways that improve a business' competitive positioning and profitability. But long-entrenched social and environmental problems often thwart shared value strategies. While executives know how to manage their corporate ecosystem of suppliers, distributors, and related businesses, those approaches do not work for the social ecosystem of governments, NGOs, and local communities. This guide outlines concrete and actionable steps for companies to build shared value ecosystems, based on insights from 12 companies across industries from around the world