University of Louisville

About: University of Louisville is a education organization based out in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 24600 authors who have published 49248 publications receiving 1573346 citations. The organization is also known as: UofL.

Ergonomics and human factors: the paradigms for science, engineering, design, technology and management of human-compatible systems.

Abstract: This paper provides a theoretical perspective on human factors and ergonomics (HFE), defined as a unique and independent discipline that focuses on the nature of human-artefact interactions, viewed from the unified perspective of the science, engineering, design, technology and management of human-compatible systems. Such systems include a variety of natural and artificial products, processes and living environments. The distinguishing features of the contemporary HFE discipline and profession are discussed and a concept of ergonomics literacy is proposed. An axiomatic approach to ergonomics design and a universal measure of system-human incompatibility are also introduced. It is concluded that the main focus of the HFE discipline in the 21st century will be the design and management of systems that satisfy human compatibility requirements.

The International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Report of the Subcommittee on Tear Film Lipids and Lipid–Protein Interactions in Health and Disease

Abstract: Understanding the molecular composition (e.g., proteins and lipids) of the tear film (TF) and the contribution of the meibomian gland to the TF is critical in gaining knowledge about TF instabilities, dry eye syndromes, contact lens (CL) incompatibilities, and other eye diseases. Among its functions, the lipid layer of the TF slows evaporation of the aqueous component, preserves a clear optical surface, and forms a barrier to protect the eye from microbial agents and organic matter, such as dust and pollen.1 The TF contains a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, lipids, mucins, and salts that allows the TF to perform its functions (Fig. 1). Researchers believe the outer lipid layer is 5 to 10 molecules thick and is composed primarily of wax and sterol esters, possibly intercalated with each other and with proteins rather than forming distinct repeating layers of molecules.2,3 Evidence from interferometric studies indicate that the TF lipid layer thickness ranges from 20 to 160 nm.4 If the size of a lipid molecule is approximately 2.2 nm (22 Å), then the calculated thickness for one layer would be 11 to 44 nm. The addition of polar and nonpolar layers would add to the lipid thickness, which indicates that the lipid component of the TF may be multiple layers thick or have other contributing sources to correspond with reported thickness measurements.5 Figure 1. A proposed model of the precorneal tear film showing the relationship and interaction of lipid-binding proteins and the outer lipid layer. While the signs and symptoms of TF instability are reasonably well characterized, we are only beginning to understand the specific molecular components of the TF and their relationship with disease and TF stability. The purpose of this review is to examine the meibomian gland's contribution to TF lipids and lipid–protein interactions in health and disease.

The synthesis and fabrication of one-dimensional nanoscale heterojunctions.

Abstract: There are a variety of methods for synthesizing or fabricating one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures containing heterojunctions between different materials. Here we review recent developments in the synthesis and fabrication of heterojunctions formed between different materials within the same 1D nanostructure or between different 1D nanostructures composed of different materials. Structures containing 1D nanoscale heterojunctions exhibit interesting chemistry as well as size, shape, and material-dependent properties that are unique when compared to single-component materials. This leads to new or enhanced properties or multifunctionality useful for a variety of applications in electronics, photonics, catalysis, and sensing, for example. This review separates the methods into vapor-phase synthesis, solution-phase synthesis, template-based synthesis, and other approaches, such as lithography, electrospinning, and assembly. These methods are used to form a variety of heterojunctions, including segmented, core/shell, branched, or crossed, from different combinations of semiconductor, metal, carbon, and polymeric materials.

Role of extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 in neuronal survival

Abstract: Extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) regulate cellular responses to a variety of extracellular stimuli. In the nervous system, ERK1/2 is critical for neuronal differentiation, plasticity and may also modulate neuronal survival. In this minireview, we present evidence that supports prosurvival activity of ERK1/2 in neurons. Several reports suggest that ERK1/2 mediates neuroprotective activity of extracellular factors, including neurotrophins. In addition, ERK1/2 is activated by neuronal injury. In damaged cells, ERK1/2 activation may act as a defensive mechanism that helps to compensate for the deleterious effects of a damaging insult. The emerging mechanisms of ERK1/2-mediated neuroprotection may involve transcriptional regulation and/or direct inhibition of cell death machinery.