The authors of this edited volume address the hidden attraction
that existed between the extremes of left and right, and of
internationalism and nationalism under the decades of communist
...dictatorship in Eastern Europe. One might suppose that under the
suppressive regimes based on leftist ideology and internationalism
their right-wing opponents would have been defeated and ultimately
removed. These essays, on the other hand, recount the itinerary of
survival and revival of 'right-wing' thought and activities under
communist dictatorship. Resistance and accommodation are explored
in the various phases from the Stalinist era to the demise of the
Soviet Bloc, with the continuity provided by tacit or concealed
right-wing discourses receiving particular consideration. The
Eastern European right, both in its conservative and fascist
version, centered on nationalism, a legitimizing factor that
increased with the downfall of the regimes, and the authors thus
accord nationalism special attention.
Two documentary sources for these essays that stand out are
files of the security services and the exceptionally rich Oral
History Archive compiled by The 1956 Institute in Budapest.
Most of the carbon fixed in primary production is rapidly cycled and remineralized, leaving behind various forms of organic carbon that contribute to a vast reservoir of nonliving organic matter in ...seawater. Most of this carbon resides in dissolved molecules of varying bioavailability and reactivity, and aspects of the cycling of this carbon remain an enigma. The size-reactivity continuum model provides a conceptual framework for understanding the mechanisms governing the formation and mineralization of this carbon. In the seawater bioassay experiments that served as the original basis for this model, investigators observed that larger size classes of organic matter were more bioavailable and more rapidly remineralized by microbes than were smaller size classes. Studies of the chemical composition and radiocarbon content of marine organic matter have further indicated that the complexity and age of organic matter increase with decreasing molecular size. Biodegradation processes appear to shape the size distribution of organic matter and the nature of the small dissolved molecules that persist in the ocean.
Absorption coefficients of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were measured together with salinity, δ18O, and inorganic nutrients across the Fram Strait. A pronounced CDOM absorption maximum ...between 30 and 120 m depth was associated with river and sea ice brine enriched water, characteristic of the Arctic mixed layer and upper halocline waters in the East Greenland Current (EGC). The lowest CDOM concentrations were found in the Atlantic inflow. We show that the salinity‐CDOM relationship is not suitable for evaluating conservative mixing of CDOM. The strong correlation between meteoric water and CDOM is indicative of the riverine/terrigenous origin of CDOM in the EGC. Based on CDOM absorption in Polar Water and comparison with an Arctic river discharge weighted mean, we estimate that a 49–59% integrated loss of CDOM absorption across 250–600 nm has occurred. A preferential removal of absorption at longer wavelengths reflects the loss of high molecular weight material. In contrast, CDOM fluxes through the Fram Strait using September velocity fields from a high‐resolution ocean–sea ice model indicate that the net southward transport of terrigenous CDOM through the Fram Strait equals up to 50% of the total riverine CDOM input; this suggests that the Fram Strait export is a major sink of CDOM. These contrasting results indicate that we have to constrain the (C)DOM budgets for the Arctic Ocean much better and examine uncertainties related to using tracers to assess conservative mixing in polar waters.
Key Points
Terrigenous CDOM absorption loss is significant within Arctic Ocean
Export of CDOM through Fram Strait could be up to 50% of inputs
Results imply that terms in the CDOM budget need to be better constrained
The optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were investigated in the Canadian Archipelago and coastal Beaufort Sea surface waters using fluorescence spectroscopy coupled ...with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Environmental dynamics of individual components were evaluated and compared to salinity, in situ fluorescence, absorption at 312 nm (a312), dissolved organic carbon, and lignin phenol concentrations. A positive linear relationship between four fluorescent components and lignin phenols suggests a terrestrial origin, whereas two components were unrelated to a river source, suggesting an autochthonous source. Elevated concentrations of terrestrial components were observed in the Mackenzie River plume near the coast of Alaska and decreased as water was transported to the Canadian Archipelago. The two nonterrestrial components exhibited only background levels in concentrations along the transect, suggesting minimal productivity within plume and archipelago surface waters. The relative abundance of terrestrial components in relation to nonterrestrial components allowed us to distinguish water masses including Atlantic, Archipelago, and Mackenzie River plume, respectively. This study illustrates the usefulness of PARAFAC to fingerprint water masses based on the optical characteristics of CDOM and shows promise to improve our understanding of upper Arctic Ocean ventilation.
The beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE‐1) initiates the generation of amyloid‐β (Aβ), and the amyloid cascade leading to amyloid plaque deposition, neurodegeneration, and ...dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinical failures of anti‐Aβ therapies in dementia stages suggest that treatment has to start in the early, asymptomatic disease states. The BACE‐1 inhibitor CNP520 has a selectivity, pharmacodynamics, and distribution profile suitable for AD prevention studies. CNP520 reduced brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ in rats and dogs, and Aβ plaque deposition in APP‐transgenic mice. Animal toxicology studies of CNP520 demonstrated sufficient safety margins, with no signs of hair depigmentation, retina degeneration, liver toxicity, or cardiovascular effects. In healthy adults ≥ 60 years old, treatment with CNP520 was safe and well tolerated and resulted in robust and dose‐dependent Aβ reduction in the cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, long‐term, pivotal studies with CNP520 have been initiated in the Generation Program.
Synopsis
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with increasing incidence in the aging societies, but without any disease‐modifying treatment. Deposition of toxic forms of the protein Aβ in the brain is pathologic. Treatment with a BACE‐1 inhibitor may prevent Aβ deposition.
Recent BACE inhibitor clinical trials in patients at early or mild‐to‐moderate disease stage have failed, indicating that treatment needs to start earlier, before the onset of clinical symptoms.
BACE inhibitor CNP520 was designed to meet the requirements of prevention treatment.
CNP520 in preclinical models showed acute and chronic Aβ reduction, and a favorable safety profile.
CNP520 is safe and well tolerated in humans, and dose‐dependently reduced Aβ in cerebrospinal fluid.
Prevention studies Generation I and II are underway in patients at enhanced risk to develop symptoms of AD.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with increasing incidence in the aging societies, but without any disease‐modifying treatment. Deposition of toxic forms of the protein Aβ in the brain is pathologic. Treatment with a BACE‐1 inhibitor may prevent Aβ deposition.
Evaluate the current role of lasers in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The results of a MEDLINE search for randomised trials and case series of the last 5 yr and published review ...articles were analysed for the safety and efficacy of neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP), and holmium (Ho):YAG laser prostatectomy. The analysis includes 12 reports on randomised clinical trials, 2 comparative studies, 10 review articles, and a total of >5000 patients.
Laser treatment of BPH has evolved from coagulation to enucleation. Blood loss is significantly reduced compared with transurethral resection and open prostatectomy. Visual laser ablation of the prostate and interstitial laser coagulation cause coagulative necrosis with secondary ablation. Long postoperative catheterisation, unpredictable outcomes, and high reoperation rates have restricted the use of these techniques. Ablative/vaporising techniques have become popular again with the marketing of new high-powered 80-W KTP and 100-W Ho lasers. Vaporisation immediately removes obstructing tissue. Short-term results are promising, but large series, long-term results, and randomised trials are lacking. Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) allows whole lobes of the prostate to be removed, mimicking the action of the index finger in open prostatectomy. Prostates of all sizes can be operated on. It is at least as safe and effective as transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy, with significantly lower morbidity. It is the only laser procedure that provides a specimen for histologic evaluation.
HoLEP appears to be a size-independent new “gold standard” in the surgical treatment of BPH.
Shape Control for Experimental Continuation Neville, Robin M; Groh, Rainer M J; Pirrera, Alberto ...
Physical review letters,
2018-Jun-22, Letnik:
120, Številka:
25
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
An experimental method has been developed to locate unstable equilibria of nonlinear structures quasistatically. The technique involves loading a structure by the application of either a force or a ...displacement at a main actuation point while simultaneously controlling the overall shape using additional bidirectional probe points. The method is applied to a shallow arch, and unstable segments of its equilibrium path are identified experimentally for the first time. Shape control is a fundamental building block for the experimental-as opposed to numerical-continuation of nonlinear structures, which will significantly expand our ability to measure their mechanical response.
Adaptive compliant structures for flow regulation Arena, Gaetano; M. J. Groh, Rainer; Brinkmeyer, Alex ...
Proceedings of the Royal Society. A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences,
08/2017, Letnik:
473, Številka:
2204
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
This paper introduces conceptual design principles for a novel class of adaptive structures that provide both flow regulation and control. While of general applicability, these design principles, ...which revolve around the idea of using the instabilities and elastically nonlinear behaviour of post-buckled panels, are exemplified through a case study: the design of a shape-adaptive air inlet. The inlet comprises a deformable post-buckled member that changes shape depending on the pressure field applied by the surrounding fluid, thereby regulating the inlet aperture. By tailoring the stress field in the post-buckled state and the geometry of the initial, stress-free configuration, the deformable section can snap through to close or open the inlet completely. Owing to its inherent ability to change shape in response to external stimuli—i.e. the aerodynamic loads imposed by different operating conditions—the inlet does not have to rely on linkages and mechanisms for actuation, unlike conventional flow-controlling devices.
Immunotherapy is a well-established treatment option in patients with metastatic melanoma. However, biomarkers that can be used to predict a response in these patients have not yet been found, ...putting patients at risk of severe side effects.
In this retrospective analysis, we investigated the association between the body mass index and ipilimumab treatment response in patients with metastatic melanoma. Patients with metastatic melanoma who received a monotherapy of up to 4 doses of ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) every 3 weeks from 2011 to 2014 in three major hospitals in Austria were included. Patients were classified into two groups: normal group (BMI<25) and overweight group (BMI≥25).
40 patients had a normal BMI, and 36 had a BMI above normal. Patients with a BMI that was above normal showed significantly higher response rates (p = 0.024, χ2), and lower likelihood of brain metastases (p = 0.012, χ2). No differences were found between both groups with respect to gender (p = 0.324, χ2), T-stage (p = 0.197, χ2), or the occurrence of side effects (p = 0.646, χ2). Patients with a BMI above normal showed a trend towards longer overall survival (p = 0.056, Log-Rank), but no difference was found regarding progression-free survival (p = 0.924, Log-Rank).
The BMI correlated with the response to ipilimumab treatment in a cohort of metastatic melanoma patients.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Context There is a continuous decline in the number of transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP) and an increase use of minimally invasive surgical therapy (MIST) for lower urinary ...tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic enlargement. Current results from randomised controlled trials (RCT) and methodologically sound prospective studies suggest that some of the proposed procedures have the potential to replace TURP. Objective To determine the contemporary status of TURP and of the currently most commonly applied transurethral MISTs: (1) bipolar TURP, (2) bipolar transurethral vaporisation of the prostate (bipolar TUVP), (3) holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and (4) potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser vaporisation of the prostate. Evidence acquisition This meta-analysis was based on a systematic Medline search assessing the period 1997–2009. All RCTs comparing TURP and the most commonly discussed ablative treatments were included. The end points of our analyses were functional outcomes and treatment-related adverse events. Evidence synthesis Twenty-seven publications involving 23 different RCTs with a total of 2245 patients provided the highest level of evidence available (level 1b) and were fully assessed. Meta-analysis was conducted with SAS v.9.1.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Forest plots were produced using the R software. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated between various operative techniques versus TURP. Functional results between the specific transurethral procedures versus TURP were summarised as differences in means. Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrates statistically comparable efficacy and overall morbidity for MISTs versus contemporary TURP. Type, category (minor vs major), and the number of complications (safety profile) vary specifically for each of the different transurethral techniques. We feel that the individual patient’s clinical profile should be carefully assessed to identify the most appropriate transurethral technique.
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