Evidence for a palaeo-subglacial lake on the Antarctic continental shelf

Subglacial lakes are widespread beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet but their control on ice-sheet dynamics and their ability to harbour life remain poorly characterized. Here we present evidence for a palaeo-subglacial lake on the Antarctic continental shelf. A distinct sediment facies recovered from a bedrock basin in Pine Island Bay indicates deposition within a low-energy lake environment. Diffusive-advection modelling demonstrates that low chloride concentrations in the pore water of the corresponding sediments can only be explained by initial deposition of this facies in a freshwater setting. These observations indicate that an active subglacial meltwater network, similar to that observed beneath the extant ice sheet, was also active during the last glacial period. It also provides a new framework for refining the exploration of these unique environments

Two Functions from a Single Photoresist: Tuning Microstructure Degradability from Light‐Stabilized Dynamic Materials

A photoresist—based on a light-stabilized dynamic material driven by an out-of-equilibrium photo-Diels–Alder reaction of triazolinediones with naphthalenes—whose ability to intrinsically degrade postprinting can be tuned by a simple adjustment of laser intensity during 3D laser lithography is introduced. The resist\u27s ability to form stable networks under green light irradiation that degrade in the dark is transformed into a tunable degradable 3D printing material platform. In-depth characterization of the printed microstructures via atomic force microscopy before and during degradation reveals the high dependency of the final structures’ properties on the writing parameters. Upon identifying the ideal writing parameters and their effect on the network structure, it is possible to selectively toggle between stable and fully degradable structures. This simplifies the direct laser writing manufacturing process of multifunctional materials significantly, which typically requires the use of separate resists and consecutive writing efforts to achieve degradable and nondegradable material sections

A prospective clinical trial on the influence of a triamcinolone/demeclocycline and a calcium hydroxide based temporary cement on pain perception

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the degree of short term post-operative irritation after application of a triamcinolone/demeclocycyline based or a calcium hydroxide based provisional cement.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 109 patients (55 female and 54 male; mean age: 51 ± 14 years) with primary or secondary dentinal caries were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups of this biomedical clinical trial (phase III). Selection criteria were good systemic health and treated teeth, which were vital and showed no symptoms of pulpitis. Up to three teeth were prepared for indirect metallic restorations, and the provisional restorations were cemented with a triamcinolone/demeclocycyline (Ledermix) or a calcium hydroxide (Provicol) based material. The intensity of post-operative pain experienced was documented according to the VAS (4, 12, 20, 24, and 82 h) and compared to VAS baseline.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 159 teeth were treated (Ledermix: 83 teeth, Provicol: 76 teeth). The minor irritation of the teeth, experienced prior to treatment, was similar in both groups; however, 4 h after treatment this value was significantly higher in the Provicol group than in the Ledermix group (p < 0.005, t-test). After 12 h, the difference was no longer significant. The number of patients taking analgesics for post-treatment pain was higher in the Provicol group (n = 11/53) than in the Ledermix group (n = 3/56).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The patients had no long term post-operative pain experience in both groups. However, within the first hours after cementation the sensation of pain was considerably higher in the Provicol group than in the Ledermix group.</p

Riesgos psicosociales intralaborales y estrés en el área de logística de una empresa multinacional del sector manufacturero

Psychosocial factors in work environment are job and organization characteristics that influence individual’s health and wellbeing. Among these alterations, Job stress has been described as one of the most important consequences on health. Objective: Determine the prevalence of risk factors and the psychosocial stress level in an area previously identified as vulnerable in a multinational company. Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional study, in 22 workers of a logistics area at a multinational manufacturing company from Cali, Colombia. It was applied the “tool package for the assessment of psychosocial risk factors”, which has been previously validated by the Colombian Ministry of Social Protection. We also explored the correlation between stress and psychosocial factors at work (Pearson, α: 0,05). Results: The group assessed were primarily male (95%) with scholar level of technician (91%). Psychosocial factors presenting very high risk were: environmental demands and physical stress (65%) and relationship with colleagues (54%). Regard stress, 82% of workers had high level of physiological symptoms and 18% had psychoemotional symptoms in a very high level. No correlation was found between psychosocial factors at work and stress level. Conclusions: psychosocial factors at work and stress level detected suggest immediate intervention.Los factores psicosociales intralaborales son las características del trabajo y su organización que influyen en la salud y bienestar del individuo. Una de las consecuencias más importantes sobre la salud del individuo es el estrés laboral. Objetivo:&nbsp;Determinar la prevalencia de factores de riesgo psicosocial intralaboral y el nivel de estrés en un área previamente identificada como vulnerable en una empresa multinacional. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, realizado en 22 trabajadores del área de logística de una empresa multinacional del sector manufacturero de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. Se aplicó la Batería de Instrumentos para la Evaluación de los Factores de Riesgo Psicosociales validado por el Ministerio de la Protección Social de Colombia. Se exploró la correlación entre factores intralaborales y estrés (Pearson; α: 0,05). Resultados: La muestra evaluada fueron principalmente hombres (95%) con grado de escolaridad técnico (91%). Los factores psicosociales intralaborales que presentaron nivel muy alto de riesgo fueron: demandas ambientales y de esfuerzo físico (65%) y relación con colaboradores (54%). Con respecto al estrés, el 82% de los trabajadores presentaron síntomas fisiológicos en nivel alto y el 18% presentaron síntomas psicoemocionales en un nivel muy alto. No se encontró correlación entre los factores intralaborales y el nivel de estrés. Conclusiones: Los factores psicosociales intralaborales y el nivel de estrés identificado sugieren una intervención inmediata

Firms' investment under financial constraints: a Euro area investigation

In this paper we describe a model of optimal investment of various types of financially constrained firms. We show that the resulting relationship between internal funds and investment is non-monotonic. In particular, the magnitude of the cash flow sensitivity of the investment is lower for firms with credit rationing compared to firms that are able to obtained short-term external financing. The inverse relationship is driven by the leverage multiplier effect. A positive cash flow shock increases the short-term borrowing capacity of the firm, which in turn has a positive effect on investment and firm's growth. Moreover, the leverage multiplier effect is the highest for firms relying on short-term credits and it is lower for firms that are able to obtain long-term financing. Analysing a large euro area data set we find strong empirical support for our theoretical predictions. The results also help to explain some contrasting findings in the financial constraints literature

Efficacy of an Extracorporeal Endotoxin Adsorber System during Hyperdynamic Porcine Endotoxemia

Background: Endotoxemia is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Elimination of endotoxin is aimed at the reduction of sepsis-related morbidity and lethality. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of an endotoxin adsorber on hemodynamics, O2 exchange and metabolism during resuscitated porcine endotoxemia. Methods: Twenty pigs were randomized into 2 intervention groups (n = 7 each) and 1 control group (n = 6). Endotoxemia was induced by continuous intravenous application of lipopolysaccharide for 8 h. Adsorber therapy was started at the same time as the induction of endotoxemia or 2 h later. An extracorporeal hemoperfusion device using immobilized human serum albumin for endotoxin adsorption was used. Results: Hemodynamic, metabolic and acid-base parameters, as well as the kinetics of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α, were characteristic for endotoxic shock. Endotoxin plasma levels were low (arterial, hepatic and portal vein). None of the parameters were significantly influenced by the adsorber system. Conclusion: Despite typical clinical signs of endotoxemia, the adsorber system had no significant effect on hemodynamic, metabolic and acid-base parameters during endotoxic shock. The reasons for the absence of an effect are elusive; however, failure of the method per se or exceeded capacity of the adsorber cannot be excluded

Franchise Business Development Model: Theoretical Considerations

Franchising is not a popular business development form in Lithuania. Only 0.02% of all Lithuanian companies use franchising for business development, while in most of the developed countries franchise is recognized as a convenient business expansion form. So, what factors determine such differences in the use of franchising? Analysis of related literature showed, that mainly researchers analyse some aspects of franchising, however there is no systematized analysis which covers all the main franchise development elements. Therefore, the aim of this article is to systematize franchise business development phases, main elements and factors, influencing this process and to propose a theoretical franchise system development model. Thus, theoretical considerations about the main phases and elements of franchise system development as well as advantages and disadvantages of the system are analysed in the article. These theoretical considerations are generalized in theoretical franchise system development model, which shows, that development of franchise business consists of particular steps, starting from favourable conditions for the system to emerge; intention and ability of franchisor to form franchise based on his business; the establishment and initial development of franchise system; and its further functioning. The article does not test the model and even does not discuss the operationalization of it. Operationalization of the model as well as empirical evidence is presented by the authors in the forthcoming articles

NMR spectroscopy and perfusion of mammalian cells using surface microprobes

NMR spectra of mammalian cells are taken using surface microprobes that are based on microfabricated planar coils. The surface microprobe resembles a miniaturized Petri dish commonly used in biological research. The diameter of the planar coils is 1 mm. Chinese Hamster Ovaries are immobilized in a uniform layer on the microprobe surface or patterned by an ink-jet printer in the centre of the microcoil, where the rf-field of the planar microcoil is most uniform. The acquired NMR spectra show the prevalent metabolites found in mammalian cells. The volumes of the detected samples range from 25 nL to 1 nL (or 50000 to 1800 cells). With an extended set-up that provides fluid inlets and outlets to the microprobe, the cells can be perfused within the NMR-magnet while constantly taking NMR spectra. Perfusion of the cells opens the way to increased cell viability for long acquisitions or to analysis of the cells response to environmental change

Holocene history of the 79° N ice shelf reconstructed from epishelf lake and uplifted glaciomarine sediments

Acknowledgements This work was funded by a NERC standard grant (grant no. NE/N011228/1), and some radiocarbon analysis was funded by NEIF (grant NE/S011587/1; allocation number 2169.1118). We thank the Alfred Wegener Institute, particularly Angelika Humbert and Hicham Rafiq, for significant logistic support through the iGRIFF project. Additional support was provided by Station Nord (Jorgen Skafte), Nordlandair, Air Greenland, and the Joint Arctic Command. Naalakkersuisut (government of Greenland) provided scientific survey (VU-00121) and export (046/2017) licences for this work. Finally, we would like to thank our (Nanu Travel) field ranger Isak (and dog Ooni) for keeping us safe in the field and taking great pleasure in beating James A. Smith at cards. Financial support This research has been supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (grant no. NE/N011228/1).Peer reviewedPublisher PD