When applying axial load on piles subjected to negative skin friction (NSF), the yielded NSF is gradually eliminated. The process is notably influenced by the tip location (Y) and still a lack of understanding. This paper reports three-dimensional numerical simulations with tip locations Y = 1.00 pile diameter (D), 0.25D, 0.00D, and -1.00D. It is found that, against expectations, the dragload a...

This happy occasion is a birthday celebration. It is a time for affectionate reminiscences and optimistic prognostications. It's a time to look back and a time to look forward-but most of all it's a time to sing Happy Birthday-off key or on. It's a time to look at the stars-not at the budget. It's a time to chortle in our joy for surely this is one of Lewis Carroll's frabjous days. Callooh! Cal...

The workshop on Molecular Communication/Biological Communications Technology (February 20-21, 2008) has provided a forum to discuss the emerging interdisciplinary field of Biological Communications Technology. The workshop has focused on various key themes at the intersection of biology and computing/communications technology. The workshop has in particular focused on the following five topics;...

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a fibrosing skin condition of unknown origin. Most cases have been described in patients with acute or chronic renal failure. The cutaneous changes include firm and thickened, indurate skin plaques and papules on the extremities and trunk. Histopathology typically shows an increase in dermal fibroblast-like cells associated with mucin deposition. Previous ...

Dear Sir, Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is exclusively found in patients with marked renal impairment who have been exposed to gadolinium (Gd) through its use as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies [1]. The main clinical feature of NSF is thickening and hardening of the skin, and joint contractures are common. There is no confirmed effective treatment for NSF and ...

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a devastating condition associated with gadolinium (Gd3+)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in patients with kidney disease. The release of toxic Gd3+ from GBCAs likely plays a major role in NSF pathophysiology. The cause and etiology of Gd3+ release from GBCAs is unknown. Increased Acidic Serine Aspartate Rich MEPE-associated peptides (ASARM peptides) induce ...

We describe here a 50-year-old Japanese man with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. He had been suffering from chronic renal insufficiency and had been treated with haemodialysis. He had undergone magnetic resonance angiography using gadodiamide 7 years previously. One month after magnetic resonance angiography, he noted swelling, hotness, induration and pain in his left arm. The same symptoms grad...