Mon, Jan 23, 2017 at noon:
Decline of cash assistance and child well-being, Luke Shaefer
Merline, A.C., Patrick M. O'Malley, John E. Schulenberg, Jerald Bachman, and Lloyd Johnston. 2004. "Substance Use Among Adults 35 Years of Age: Prevalence, Adulthood Predictors, and Impact of Adolescent Substance Use."
American Journal of Public Health, 94:96-102.
Objectives. We examined the prevalence of substance use among American adults aged 35 years, and we considered adulthood predictors and the impact of adolescent substance use. Methods. National panel data were drawn from the Monitoring the Future study. Logistic regressions were conducted to assess the impact of demographics, life experiences, and adolescent substance use on smoking, heavy drinking, prescription drug misuse, marijuana use, and cocaine use at 35 years of age. Results. Factors related to increased likelihood of substance use include high school use, unemployment, and noncustodial parenthood. Lower use was associated with being female, a college graduate, a professional, married, or a custodial parent. Conclusions. Among those aged 35 years, substance use was still rather prevalent and was a function of adulthood roles, experiences, and previous use. (Am J Public Health. 2004;94:96-102).
PMCID: PMC1449833. (Pub Med Central)


The PwC Transparency Awards were introduced to Australia in 2007 in collaboration with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to recognise the quality and transparency of reporting in the not-for-profit sector. During 2008 this collaboration was extended to include the Centre for Social Impact (CSI).
Since the launch of the Awards, PwC have been pleased to note a continuous increase in the standard of submissions with the average score improving by ten percentage points over the seven year period. While we believe transparency will always be an issue of critical importance for the sector, the challenges and opportunities for the sector are rapidly changing. From social enterprise to social media, the landscape is evolving and accordingly, we are currently reviewing the Awards. PwC remain committed to supporting the not-for-profit sector through a firm sponsored awards process that recognises best practice and supports sector wide learning and improvement. PwC are currently holding discussions with its partners and the sector on a future Awards model and look forward to sharing our new direction.
In the meantime, however, the PwC Transparency Awards will not be continuing. While the Awards cease to exist, a list of the past winners and the 2013 Awards Jury Report will continue to be available online, as the key findings and best practice examples continue to be valuable materials for all not-for profit organisations.
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is a trading name for The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ABN 50 084 642 571) and the New Zealand Organisation of Chartered Accountants - see charteredaccountantsanz.com for further information.


Purpose: To compare the interdental plaque removal capacity of dental floss, a cylindrical and a conical interdental brushes. Material and Methods: Fifty individuals were selected from those attending a maintenance programme for periodontally treated patients. Upon written agreement, the Silness and Löe Plaque Index (Pl.I) was registered in nine interdental spaces in three quadrants. The patients were then instructed on the use of each device and performed the cleaning until they felt it was satisfactory using one instrument for each quadrant. The same calibrated examiner registered Pl.I again, unaware of the instruments used in each quadrant. Mean values were calculated and compared by One Way ANOVA + Bonferroni and paired sample t test (α=.05). Frequency distribution of scores 0+1 and 2+3 was also calculated and compared by Mc Nemar. Results: The mean Pl.I at start was 1.71 for dental floss, 1.69 for the conical and 1.66 for the cylindric interdental brushes. All three instruments reduced plaque significantly. Thus, the final mean Pl.I was 1.02, 0.46 and 0.42 for floss, conical and cylindric brushes, respectively. The final values observed for the interdental brushes were significantly smaller than those observed for floss. The same result was observed for the frequencies of 0+1 and 2+3 criteria of the Pl.I. Conclusion: It may be concluded that, for individuals in periodontal maintenance care, interdental toothbrushes, regardless of their shape (conical or cylindric) are more efficacious in interdental supragingival plaque removal than dental floss.
Keywords: dental floss, efficacy, interdental brush, supragingival plaque control


San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/03/2014 -- The global market for rare earth elements is expected to reach USD 10.96 billion by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing demand for metal catalysts such as Cerium and Lanthanum is expected to drive the market over the next six years. These metal catalysts find applications across a host of industries including automobiles, metallurgy, phosphors and glass among others. In addition, growing market for permanent magnets is expected to particularly boost the demand for Neodymium.
Certain rare earth elements such as terbium, europium and yttrium find applications in the phosphor industry. Phosphor is a vital component in the manufacturing of LCD screens and CRT displays, the growing electronic industry; particularly in Asia Pacific is expected to increase the demand for these elements. Depleting reserves, stringent regulatory framework, complex extraction and capital intensive nature of the extraction process are expected to be key challenges for market participants over the next six years. Recycling of these elements from waste could prove to be a key opportunity for the market in the near future. The report “Rare Earth Elements Market Analysis And Segment Forecasts To 2020,” is available now to Grand View Research customers and can also be purchased directly at http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/rare-earth-elements-market Further Key findings from the study suggest: - Cerium dominated the global market and accounted for nearly 40% of rare earth element consumption in 2013, finding a surge in demand as a catalyst. Other predominantly consumed elements include Lanthanum, Neodymium, Praseodymium and Yttrium among others. - Key applications of rare earth elements include metallurgy, polishing, catalyst and magnets. Magnets and metallurgy was the largest application segment for the market and together accounted for over 40% of consumption in 2013. Metallurgy is expected to witness fastest growth over the forecast period due to the use of elements such as cerium, lanthanum, neodymium and yttrium, which are primarily added to improve physical properties of the metal. - Asia Pacific was the largest consumer of rare earth elements in 2013, with estimated market revenue of over USD 3.74 billion. The region is also expected to witness fastest growth in terms of consumption, at an estimated CAGR of 11.9 % from 2014 to 2020. Growing industrialization and extraction activities in China are the primary factors responsible for high growth in Asia Pacific. - North America was the second largest consumer of rare earth elements in 2013 and consumed over 14 kilo tons. However, the region is expected to lose market share to the high growth regions of Latin America, Middle East and Asia Pacific over the forecast period. - Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Rare Earth Hi-Tech Co and China Rare Earth Holdings were the largest suppliers of rare earth element in 2013, together accounting for over 33% of total market revenue. Other key companies in the market include Indian Rare Earths Ltd, Molycorp, Great Western Mineral Group and Lynas Corporation Limited among others. Request Sample of This Report @ http://www.grandviewresearch.com/request/222 For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global rare earth elements market on the basis of products, application and region: - Rare Earth Elements Product Outlook, - Cerium - Dysprosium - Erbium - Europium - Gadolinium - Holmium - Lanthanum - Lutetium - Neodymium - Praseodymium - Promethium - Samarium - Scandium - Terbium - Thulium - Ytterbium - Yttrium - Rare Earth Elements Application Outlook, - Magnets - Catalysts - Metallurgy - Polishing - Glass - Phosphors - Ceramics - Other - Rare Earth Elements Regional Outlook, - North America - Europe - Asia Pacific - RoW Browse All Reports of This Category @ http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/advanced-materials About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a market research and consulting company that provides off-the-shelf, customized research reports and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and energy. With a deep-seated understanding of varied business environments, Grand View Research provides strategic objective insights. For more information, visit http://www.grandviewresearch.com Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Latest Reports: Microscopes Market Analysis and Segment Forecasts To 2020 - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/Microscopes-Industry Omega 3 Market Analysis And Segment Forecasts To 2020 - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/omega-3-market


A paper presents further results of continuing research reported in several previous
NASA Tech Briefs articles, the two most recent being “Stochastic Representations of Chaos Using Terminal Attractors” (NPO-41519), [Vol. 30, No. 5 (May 2006), page 57] and “Physical Principle for Generation of Randomness” (NPO-43822) [Vol. 33, No. 5 (May 2009), page 56]. This research focuses upon a mathematical formalism for describing postinstability motions of a dynamical system characterized by exponential divergences of trajectories leading to chaos (including turbulence as a form of chaos).
The formalism involves fictitious control forces that couple the equations of motion of the system with a Liouville equation that describes the evolution of the probability density of errors in initial conditions. These stabilizing forces create a powerful terminal attractor in probability space that corresponds to occurrence of a target trajectory with probability one. The effect in configuration space (ordinary three-dimensional space as commonly perceived) is to suppress exponential divergences of neighboring trajectories without affecting the target trajectory. As a result, the postinstability motion is represented by a set of functions describing the evolution of such statistical quantities as expectations and higher moments, and this representation is stable.
This work was done by Michail Zak of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-45594 This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP). (reference NPO-45594) is currently available for download from the TSP library. Extending Newtonian Dynamics To Include Stochastic Processes
Please Login at the top of the page to download.


DON’T TAKE AMERICA FOR GRANTED
Have you gone without electricity, air conditioning, and running water for several days in 100-degree temperatures lately? Less fortunate Americans and U.S. natural disaster victims often do, but these are, with rare exceptions, temporary experiences. When they occur, they remind us of just how fortunate and vulnerable modern American life has made us; but how would we cope if we were without these “necessities” for a long time?
(Read the full column at EWRoss.com)
Filed under: Climate Change, Terrorism, 100-degree temperatures lately, 75-mph-plus winds, air conditioning, catastrophe, climate change, common sense, D.C., derecho, Ed Ross, electrical grid, electricity, electro-magnetic pulse, emergency food and water, emergency mentality, EMP, EMP-hardened systems, ewross, Fairfax County, global warming fanatics, industrial control systems, less fortunate Americans, metropolitan area, missile, missile-defense radars, modern American life, nuclear warhead, outskirts of the hub of Western Civilization, power outages, running water, storms, Stuxnet and Flame viruses, survivalists, the Dark Ages, U.S. and Israel, U.S. military, U.S. natural disaster victims, utility companies, Virginia, Washington


English français Disrupting astrocyte-neuron lactate transfer persistently reduces conditioned responses to cocaine
A central problem in the treatment of drug addiction is the high risk of relapse often precipitated by drug-associated cues. The transfer of glycogen-derived lactate from astrocytes to neurons is required for long-term memory. Whereas blockade of drug memory reconsolidation represents a potential therapeutic strategy, the role of astrocyte-neuron lactate transport in long-term conditioning has received little attention. By infusing an inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase into the basolateral amygdala of rats, we report that disruption of astrocyte-derived lactate not only transiently impaired the acquisition of a cocaine-induced conditioned place preference but also persistently disrupted an established conditioning. The drug memory was rescued by L-Lactate co-administration through a mechanism requiring the synaptic plasticity-related transcription factor Zif268 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling pathway but not the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf). The long-term amnesia induced by glycogenolysis inhibition and the concomitant decreased expression of phospho-ERK were both restored with L-Lactate co-administration. These findings reveal a critical role for astrocyte-derived lactate in positive memory formation and highlight a novel amygdala-dependent reconsolidation process, whose disruption may offer a novel therapeutic target to reduce the long-lasting conditioned responses to cocaine.


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In Georgia, when can a landlord be held responsible when a tenant's dog bites someone? While it can be difficult to hold a landlord responsible, there are circumstances under which a landlord may owe
What if you have been hurt by a drunk driver- but you yourself had a DUI at some time in your past? Can the at-fault DUI driver use that against you in the trial of your case? There is not an easy a
Test
When it comes to considering who may be at fault in a car, truck or motorcycle accident (or other motor vehicle crash or collision) Georgia law allows the application of something known as the "sudden emergency doctrine." Under the Georgia laws regarding negligence, an emergency ...
Georgia's dram shop act, O.C.G.A. 51-1-40, allows innocent victims to bring a legal claim against the seller of alcoholic beverages, such as a restaurant, bar, or tavern, if two conditions are met: first, the victim must prove that the seller knowingly sold, furnished, or served ...
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem. For example, if a case involves a specific situation such as a concrete wall falling on a salesperson on a construction site, a painter falling through an unguarded skylight, a collapsing stairway, or part of a...
Stay out of a trucker’s blind spot. Try not to drive alongside a truck. This may mean that you are in a truck driver’s blind spot. If you must drive alongside a truck, avoid driving along the front
The future is now for people involved in a vehicle accident in Gwinnett County, Georgia. That's because, from now on, responding officers will fill-out special cards with relevant information; hand those cards to the drivers involved; and suggest that they visit www.buycrash.com,...


Cancer cells often acquire a constitutively active nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) program to promote survival, proliferation and metastatic potential by mechanisms that remain largely unknown. Extending observations from an immunologic setting, we demonstrate that microRNA-146a and microRNA-146b (miR-146a/b) when expressed in the highly metastatic human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 function to negatively regulate NF-kappaB activity. Lentiviral-mediated expression of miR-146a/b significantly downregulated interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase and TNF receptor-associated factor 6, two key adaptor/scaffold proteins in the IL-1 and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, known to positively regulate NF-kappaB activity. Impaired NF-kappaB activity was evident from reduced phosphorylation of the NF-kappaB inhibitor IkappaBalpha, reduced NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity and suppressed expression of the NF-kappaB target genes IL-8, IL-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Functionally, miR-146a/b-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells showed markedly impaired invasion and migration capacity relative to control cells. These findings implicate miR-146a/b as a negative regulator of constitutive NF-kappaB activity in a breast cancer setting and suggest that modulating miR-146a/b levels has therapeutic potential to suppress breast cancer metastases.


Using Simulation to Improve Rail Network Efficiency for a Large Mining Company
When mining companies aim to increase their annual production, their railroads can often become a bottleneck in the supply chain between mines and ports. By using simulation to identify improvement opportunities in the rail network, companies can make changes to help sustain such growth in capacity.


Fed Releases Road Map to Faster Payments Feb. 2, 2015
A long-awaited Fed report promised some action on an even longer-awaited overhaul of the U.S. payments system. While consumers and technology companies have been pushing for faster payments, the Federal Reserve and banks are challenged by a legacy system that would be very expensive to update. Last week’s Strategies for Improving the U.S. Payment System at least establishes faster payments as a Fed priority with the expressed aim of including banks in the process.
The report set a general timetable starting with establishing two task forces early this year that will study faster payments and payment security. They will be part of a five-prong attack the Fed set out to tackle improving the payment system that stresses engaging with all payments stakeholders to identify the most effective approaches for implementing faster payments—and doing it securely—both within the U.S. and in cross-border environments.
The paper continually stressed the need for stakeholder action and defined its role as a facilitator to achieve this.
“The Federal Reserve is committed to advancing these initiatives through leadership and action. The Federal Reserve will act as leader, convener, catalyst and service provider, as appropriate, and will commit its resources to supporting these initiatives. The Federal Reserve will also actively monitor and communicate progress, seek feedback and adjust strategies in response to developments.”


Protective Effects of Ticagrelor on Myocardial Injury After Infarction Abstract —The P2Y Background 12receptor antagonist ticagrelor has shown to be clinically superior to clopidogrel. Although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, ticagrelor may exert off-target effects through adenosine-related mechanisms. We sought to investigate whether ticagrelor reduces myocardial injury to a greater extent than clopidogrel after myocardial infarction (MI) at similar level of platelet inhibition and determine the mechanisms behind. —Pigs received prior to MI-induction: I) placebo-control; II) a loading dose (LD) of clopidogrel (600mg); III) a LD of ticagrelor (180mg); or IV) a LD of ticagrelor followed by an adenosine A1/A2-receptor antagonist (8-p-sulfophenyl-theophylline; 8SPT, 4mg/kg intravenous) to determine the potential contribution of adenosine in ticagrelor-related cardioprotection. Animals received the corresponding maintenance doses of the antiplatelet agents during the following 24hours and underwent 3T-cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) analysis. Platelet inhibition was monitored by ADP-induced platelet aggregation. In the myocardium we assessed the expression and activation of proteins known to modulate edema formation including aquaporin-4 and AMPK and its downstream effectors CD36 and eNOS and Cox2 activity. Methods —Clopidogrel and ticagrelor exerted a high and consistent antiplatelet effect (68.2% and 62.2% of platelet inhibition, respectively, upon challenge with 20μM ADP) that persisted up to 24hours post-MI (p<0.05). All groups showed comparable myocardial area-at-risk and cardiac worsening following MI-induction. CMR analysis revealed that clopidogrel- and ticagrelor- treated animals had a significantly smaller extent of MI than placebo-control animals (15.7g/LV and 12.0g/LV vs. 22.8g/LV, respectively). Yet, ticagrelor reduced infarct size to a significantly greater extent than clopidogrel (further 23.5% reduction; p=0.0026), an effect supported by troponin-I assessment and histopathological analysis (p=0.0021). Furthermore, as compared to clopidogrel, ticagrelor significantly diminished myocardial edema by 24.5% (p=0.004), which correlated with infarct mass (r=0.73; p<0.001). 8SPT administration abolished the cardioprotective effects of ticagrelor over clopidogrel. At a molecular level, aquaporin-4 expression decreased and the expression and activation of AMPK-signaling and Cox-2 increased in the ischemic myocardium of ticagrelor- vs. clopidogrel- treated animals (p<0.05). These protein changes were not observed in those animals administered the adenosine receptor blocker 8SPT. Results —Ticagrelor, beyond its antiplatelet efficacy, exerts cardioprotective effects by reducing necrotic injury and edema formation via adenosine-dependent mechanisms. Conclusions antiplatelet agent ischemia reperfusion injury cardioprotection magnetic resonance imaging animal model cardiovascular disease Received June 15, 2016. Revision received September 22, 2016. Accepted October 8, 2016.


Mechano-Sensitive PPAP2B Regulates Endothelial Responses to Athero-Relevant Hemodynamic Forces Abstract PhosPhatidic-Acid-Phosphatase-type-2B (PPAP2B), an integral membrane protein that inactivates lysophosphatidic acid, was implicated in coronary artery disease (CAD) by genome-wide-association-studies (GWAS). However, it is unclear whether GWAS-identified CAD genes including PPAP2B participate in mechanotransduction mechanisms by which vascular endothelia respond to local athero-relevant hemodynamics that contribute to the regional nature of atherosclerosis. Rationale: To establish the critical role of PPAP2B in endothelial responses to hemodynamics. Objective: Reduced PPAP2B was detected in vivo in mouse and swine aortic arch endothelia exposed to chronic disturbed flow, and in mouse carotid artery endothelia subjected to surgically-induced acute disturbed flow. In humans, PPAP2B was reduced in the downstream part of carotid plaques where low shear stress prevails. In culture, reduced PPAP2B was measured in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) under athero-susceptible waveform mimicking flow in human carotid sinus. Flow-sensitive microRNA-92a and transcription factor KLF2 were identified as upstream inhibitor and activator of endothelial PPAP2B, respectively. PPAP2B suppression abrogated athero-protection of unidirectional flow; Inhibition of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) restored the flow-dependent, anti-inflammatory phenotype in PPAP2B-deficient cells. PPAP2B inhibition resulted in myosin-light-chain phosphorylation and intercellular gaps, which were abolished by LPAR1/2 inhibition. Expression-quantitative-trait-locus-mapping demonstrated PPAP2B CAD risk allele is not linked to PPAP2B expression in various human tissues but significantly associated with reduced PPAP2B in HAEC. Methods and Results: Athero-relevant flows dynamically modulate endothelial PPAP2B expression through miR-92a and KLF2. Mechano-sensitive PPAP2B plays a critical role in promoting anti-inflammatory phenotype and maintaining vascular integrity of endothelial monolayer under athero-protective flow. Conclusions: vascular permeability hemodynamics microRNA Genome Wide Association Study atherosclerosis endothelial cell Received March 23, 2015. Revision received May 27, 2015. Accepted June 1, 2015.


Date of this Version
2013
Citation Proceedings of the 15th Wildlife Damage Management Conference. (J. B. Armstrong, G. R. Gallagher, Eds). 2013. Abstract
Prior to 1990, the four provincial governments of South Africa had a variety of programs in place to manage predation by black-backed jackals and caracals through lethal and nonlethal manage-ment in close cooperation with livestock farmers. During the 1990s the official programmes were phased out due to a multitude of factors including lower predation rates. Today, thousands of livestock (primari-ly sheep and goats, but also cattle and wildlife) are lost each day in South Africa due to black-backed jackal and caracal predation. The actual numbers are not known because not all losses are accounted or reported. It also does not account for the scores of cattle and wildlife lost to black-backed jackals and caracals, nor does it include livestock predation from other predators. To address the losses, the major producer organizations including the National Wool Growers’ Association of South Africa, the South Af-rican Mohair Growers’ Association, the Red Meat Producers Organization, and Wildlife Ranching SA formed the Predation Management Forum in 2009. The overall goal of the Predation Management Forum is to address predation by black-backed jackals and caracals by reestablishing a national program to in-clude the national government of South Africa, provincial governments, and producers. Currently, the Predation Management Forum is actively engaging in initiatives to address predation in South Africa to ensure food security, biodiversity, and jobs.


Drosophila Trithorax-related (Trr), human MLL3 and MLL4 are homologs of a family of SET domain-containing proteins that constitute enzymes with methyltransferase activity towards histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4) and form the catalytically active hub of highly conserved protein complexes termed COMPASS. Recent genome- wide studies have revealed that MLL3 and MLL4 are frequently mutated in various forms of cancer. Similarly, Trr and Utx, a complex-specific component of the Drosophila Trr COMPASS-like complex, constitute suppressors of tissue growth. Trr acts as a major H3K4 monomethyltransferase in vivo and both Trr and MLL3 play a role in enhancer-mediated processes. Accumulating evidence also suggests that changes in enhancer activity might be one of the driving forces of carcinogenesis. However, despite the importance to maintain Trr/MLL3/MLL4 integrity for proper tissue homeostasis, very little is known about the Trr/MLL3/MLL4- dependent basic mechanisms that mediate tumor suppression. This proposal is designed to provide a training platform for the candidate to enhance his skills in working with human cells (Aim 1-2), designing, and executing high-throughput RNAi screens in Drosophila and human cells (Aim 2), to become proficient in flow cytometry and biochemical techniques (both Aim 2) and to acquire bioinformatics skills to analyze genome-wide high-throughput sequencing data (Aim 1). Based on the role of Trr/MLL3/MLL4 in enhancer-associated H3K4 monomethylation, the candidate hypothesizes that changes in the enhancer landscape of MLL3 and/or MLL4 mutant cancers constitute a driving force of tumorigenesis.
All research aims of this proposal are designed to gain mechanistic insights into the role of Trr/MLL3/MLL4 in enhancer-mediated processes in general, and particularly how changes in enhancer activity might contribute to tumorigenesis. Experiments will include the identification of MLL3/MLL4-dependent enhancers with tumorigenic potential in human colon cancer cells (Aim 1). Additionally, we want to identify factors that mediate Trr/MLL3/MLL4-dependent enhancer-activity using genome-wide RNAi screens with select enhancer elements in Drosophila and human cell lines, and by using biochemical enhancer pull down approaches (Aim 2). Finally, we want to define the role of Trr/MLL3/MLL4 and its H3K4 methyltransferase activity in enhancer-mediated tumor suppression in vivo (Aim 3). Rescue experiments of trr mutants with wild-type, catalytically inactive or hyperactive trr constructs, together with the genome-wide studies, will help us to assess whether the H3K4 methyltransferase activity of Trr is vital for its role in enhancer-mediated tumor suppression. In summary, these aims will enable us to identify select factors and enhancer-mediated processes that are crucial in cancers bearing mutations in MLL3/MLL4. This will permit the development of specific pharmaceuticals that can be used for the treatment of enhancer-mediated tumorigenesis.
MLL3 and MLL4 are frequently mutated in various forms of cancer. The goal of this proposal is to gain a better understanding of the enhancer-mediated processes that drive tumor progression in cancers mutated for MLL3/MLL4. The results of our studies will promote the development of targeted therapeutics in cancers bearing mutations in MLL3/MLL4.


We investigate the role of firm size in generating political cycle outcomes. Like in the U.S., New Zealand’s political cycle premium is driven by small firms; however, the results are opposite. In New Zealand, periods governed by the right of the political spectrum produce significantly higher stock returns than those from the left and this finding is primarily driven by small firms who perform particularly poorly under left-of-centre governments. We identify several explanations for the poor performance in small firms. These firms were relatively heavily affected by the move to an open, deregulated economy; they were also less able to cope with tight monetary conditions, and periods of sharply falling inflation.
Citation
Managerial Finance, 2015, 41 (10), pp. 1077 - 1095 (23)


We all need a place to call home. Shelter provides vulnerable families with life-saving security and safety against bad weather, disease, and violence – especially in the early stages of a disaster or during man-made conflict. It’s vital for human dignity, offering a sense of security in the face of great upheaval. A well-built, strong shelter brings peace of mind and hope for the future.
HOW WE HELP Emergency Shelter – When disasters strike and destroy families’ homes, your support enables us to act swiftly to reach communities in crisis while focusing on survival and safety. We supply protective and durable shelter and essential household items to vulnerable families for immediate relief and warmth.
In times of crisis when people have fled their homes, we provide cash assistance when appropriate to vulnerable families seeking refuge in rented accommodations. This vital support allows families a dignified way to pay their rent so they have a place to live and purchase the items they need the most.
Recovery & Training – To safeguard against future disasters, we help families rebuild their homes back better than before using strong building materials and disaster-resilient construction methods. Medair works in close partnership with communities and includes families in the design and construction, which leads to a strong sense of ownership. Shelter Improvements – In places like refugee settlements, we work alongside local builders to improve temporary shelters to make them warmer and safer for fleeing families. We also improve site conditions to make them healthier, safer places to live.


Nature has often been a source of inspiration in film and literature, but more recently, engineers have gotten into the natural trend, designing robots inspired by wildlife. This development demonstrates how our surrounding environment can influence human innovation and strengthens the interaction between humans and machines.
ExoHand
Festo's ExoHand is a solution for future human-machine cooperation, as the exoskeleton can be worn like a glove and the operator's hand movements are registered and transmitted to it in real time. This invention can simulate all the major movements of a human hand — even the fingers can be actively moved. It was designed for use in industrial environments based on soft robotics and to function as an assistance system for the elderly. Image: Festo
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Arrested Justice: Black Women, Violence, and America? Prison Nation, by Richie, Beth E. Note:Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases. ISBN: 9780814776230 | 081477623X Cover: Paperback Copyright: 5/22/2012
In recent years, the Republic of Guinea has shed its reputation as one of the most tightly controlled state economies in Africa, leaving behind a cloistered era marked by an extraordinarily closed economic and political system. In breaking with its dismal past, Guinea has launched an ambitious program of reform which has affected the entire range of the country's institutions, regulations, and markets. Culling data from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, and numerous interviews and previously unpublished government data, Jehan Arulpragasam and David E. Sahn here present an overview of the Guinean economy, and its evolution--from independence, through crisis, to reform--and model implications of these changes for economic performance and living standards of the poor. Highlighting the chasm between theory and practice, between well-intentioned program and problematic implementation, the authors reveal how Guinea both parallels and contradicts past experiences of economic reform in Africa. Most notably, reform in Guinea has been hindered by the weighty administrative, managerial, and logistical demands of undertaking a vast battery of economic adjustments, all in one fell swoop. The most detailed and informative study of the Guinean economy to date, Economic Transition in Guineaillustrates not only the successes of the nation's reform agenda, but also the fundamental constraints to development that often lie beyond the reach of such reform.


In the U.S., compressed natural gas has been used more extensively in commercial vehicles like buses than in passenger cars. Honda does offer a CNG version of its Civic GX sedan.
Natural gas (primarily methane) is said to be among the cleanest burning alternative fuels. It is available as compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas from high-pressure fuel tanks.
The technologies are vastly different, and so is the refueling equipment, fuel costs, pumps, hazards and capital costs. One thing natural gas vehicles share is that their engines designed for gasoline require computer-controlled fuel valves.
Natural gas vehicles are not available on a large scale in the U.S., though Honda offers its CNG Civic GX. However, conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles can be retrofitted for CNG. according to the U.S. Department of Energy.


Abstract:
This paper provides a critical narrative review of the scientific literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) and
risky sexual behavior as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents, aged 14-24 years. Intimate
partner violence has been associated with a number of high risk sexual behavior, including inconsistent condom use,
multiple sexual partners, earlier sexual debut, consuming substances while engaging in sexual behavior, and sexually
transmitted infections among adolescents. An electronic search of the literature was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE,
PsycINFO, and Web of Science and articles from January 2000 - June 2013 were reviewed. Search terms included a
combination of keywords for IPV, HIV/STI risk, and adolescents. The findings from the review indicated that IPV was
associated with inconsistent condom use, STIs, early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and other HIV/STI-associated
risk factors among adolescents. HIV/STI interventions for female adolescents often focus on increasing behavioral and
cognitive skills, specifically condom negotiation. However, within the context of an abusive relationship, it becomes
challenging for adolescents to enact these skills, where this behavior could potentially place them at greater risk.
Components that address violence are necessary within HIV prevention programming. Additionally, integration of IPV
screening within healthcare settings is important along with a combined approach that merges resources from healthcare,
social, and community-level settings.


Sugary Beverages can Affect Learning Ability, Memory in Teens
A new study suggests that drinking high amounts of sugary drinks during teenage years can impair learning abilities.
Consumption of beverages with high-fructose corn syrup or sucrose has been linked to an increased risk of health issues such as diabetes and obesity. Researchers at the University of Southern California have now found that teenagers who drink large amounts of sugary drinks might face problems in learning and remembering things.
Sugary drinks are the top calorie source in an average teens' diet. Between 1989 and 2008, calories consumed from soft drinks have increased by 60 percent in children aged between 6-11 years.
"It's no secret that refined carbohydrates, particularly when consumed in soft drinks and other beverages, can lead to metabolic disturbances. However, our findings reveal that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks is also interfering with our brain's ability to function normally and remember critical information about our environment, at least when consumed in excess before adulthood," said Dr. Scott Kanoski from the University of Southern California, lead author of the study, according to a news release.
The study was conducted on rat models. Researchers found that sugar-laden beverages didn't affect adult rats' performance on tests that assessed their cognitive abilities. However, young rats exposed to sugar solution had poor scores on the test.
The team found that young rats on sugary drinks had an inflammation in the hippocampus - a brain region regulating learning and memory.
"The hippocampus is such a critical brain region for memory function," said Kanoski, according to a news release. "In many ways this region is a canary in the coal mine, as it is particularly sensitive to insult by various environmental factors, including eating foods that are high in saturated fat and processed sugar."
The study will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior (SSIB).


I love LED lighting. Be it solar, decorative, holiday, security, or regular indoor house lighting. It is leaps and bounds better then compact fluorescents. Compact fluorescents have powdered mercury in them. 1,009 more words
Tags » Task Lighting
Natural light is both physically and psychologically rewarding to people, contributing to
our health, productivity and wellbeing, at home, work, or school.
In a built environment, thresholds, portals, doors, bridges and windows, are transitional spaces, providing access from one area to another. 414 more words


OPINION
Unlocking the awesome power of shared services
By Walt Sirene May 09, 2014
Decreased federal government spending over the past few years has affected government organizations as well as companies that serve the public sector.
Faced with substantial budget cuts and revenue shortfalls, these enterprises are focusing on various cost cutting initiatives. One popular method is the adoption of a shared services organizational model.
In a shared services model, all the back office services in an enterprise, such as procurement, finance, human resources, and IT, are consolidated into one centralized unit that services the enterprise as a whole.
The goal of a shared services model is to increase efficiencies, save money, and increase customer service. However, enterprises transitioning to a shared services model often fail to achieve these goals, primarily due to two reasons: 1) internal versus external customer service focus and 2) failure to identify true baseline costs.
Internal versus external customer service focus
Many shared services organizations place detailed service level agreements with numerous metrics around customer service.
The organization is managed with the goal of measuring and improving things that are internal to the shared services organization. The focus is primarily on internal efficiency — starting from the moment a customer requests something from the organization. These metrics help in measuring how well the organization reacts to a request, but they fail to capture the customer experience of placing a request to the shared services organization.
In a conventional setup, making a request can be as easy as walking down the hall and asking for what’s needed. With a shared services model, a customer might have to spend a significant amount of time searching for phone numbers and navigating successfully through an automated phone menu to get to the correct person who can take the request. This is especially true in large decentralized organizations such as the federal government or large government contracting companies. In fact, many customer organizations set up “shadow staff” to do many of the same tasks as the shared service organizations. The shadow staff create a redundant operation that is counterproductive to the cost savings goals of the enterprise.
To combat the demand for “shadow staff”, shared service organizations must strive to streamline the entry process and make it as easy and lean as possible for the customer.
Shared services organizations must make it easy for customers to find, reach, and interact with them through phone, email, text, or instant message. By simplifying and streamlining the process of discovery and entry, enterprises can improve the adoption of shared services among staff and reduce the demand for “shadow staff”.
Failure to identify true baseline costs
Reducing costs is one of the most important drivers for implementing a shared services organization. Often, enterprises assume that contracting out shared services or moving them to a lower cost location will automatically result in cost savings. Fact is, realizing committed cost savings can be really difficult without knowing the true baseline costs.
Many enterprises fail to measure actual savings after implementing a shared services model due to lack of understanding of true baseline costs of their legacy processes.
Clearly defining, publicizing, and gaining stakeholder agreement on what people, processes, material, and technology are associated with the legacy activities the shared service organization will be absorbing is necessary to calculate the true baseline costs.
Even though this seems like a simple step, it is often very complicated to gather this information and even more complicated getting all stakeholders to agree on the baseline costs. Once the baseline costs are known, it’s easy to compare the new costs and capture any savings achieved after the implementation of the new shared services model.
Conclusion
Large enterprises such as government agencies and federal contractors can achieve significant cost savings by adopting a shared services organization model. By adopting a holistic approach towards customer service and knowing true baseline costs of current people, processes, material, and technology executing legacy shared services activities, enterprises implementing a shared services model can achieve better business results and drive more cost savings across the board.
Walt Sirene is a senior director in charge of GEP’s federal business, where he advises clients on acquisition, procurement, and supply chain issues.


In the twentieth-century, oil and gas were key energy sources. But in the current century, it has become increasingly important that these resources are utilized efficiently, are not subject to investor speculation, and are increasingly replaced by renewable sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. CFA supports these goals, ever mindful that lower-income consumers still depend heavily on these fossil fuels.


Building and maintaining an effective website requires a significant investment of time and resources. Websites that are built without planning or evaluation of user needs can become confusing, cluttered, and outdated – a source of frustration for both website owners and visitors.
Before you begin building your website, take a step back to answer some fundamental questions, and develop a strategy to guide the process.
What are the main goals for the website? Who are the primary audiences, and why are they visiting the site? Who is responsible for site’s strategic direction, producing content, and updating it after launch?
To help you answer these questions and develop a strategic approach, we encourage you to use this project charter template.
The template includes a series of prompts to help you think through the issues listed above, as well as others central to the website planning process. Completing the charter will result in a strategic framework you can use as a guide while working on your organization’s website.


“Like sensuous opening ceremonies, warm-ups prepare the body, mind, and spirit for making music.” – The Musician’s Way,p. 37
I always take pleasure in my daily warm-ups.
As I open my guitar case, tune, and play my first notes, I feel inspired and grateful to be able to make music.
Students, however, often lack clarity about how they might warm up.
In response, I’ve developed an adaptable 6-part framework that musicians and others can use to fashion warm-ups.
Here’s the basic design. Details can be found on p. 37-39 of
The Musician’s Way. 6-Step Warm-Up Framework 1. Breathe, Move, and Center. To transition from everyday life to the higher realm of creative work, I do a few whole-body movements before I unpack my instrument – these help me limber up and achieve a centered presence (see “The Centered Performer“).
Depending on your musical medium, you might opt to do things like arm circles and shoulder rolls, or you could do movements drawn from the yoga, tai chi, or other traditions. Representative movements are shown on p. 76-82 of
The Musician’s Way . 2. Specify Goals. Vivid goals ignite creativity, so before I unlatch my guitar case, I always pinpoint what I’m aiming to accomplish in my playing. I then craft a warm-up in line with the repertoire I’ll tackle and the situation before me.
If I’m going to practice high-velocity music, my warm-up will culminate with speed-building exercises. If I’m backstage getting ready for a show, I’ll focus on soulful expression and the emotional fabric of my repertoire.
3. Mindfully Set Up and Tune. As I unpack my instrument and otherwise prepare to practice or perform, I do so with a focused demeanor that supports my artistic mindset. I never let myself blast through the steps of preparing to play.
As you set up, I invite you to likewise affirm your passion for music. Then, tune with precision and cross reverentially into the lofty spheres of music.
4. Begin Moderately. Warming up increases the blood-flow in our music-making muscles and stimulates lubrication in our joints or vocal folds. Hence, warm-ups help us execute with ease and contribute to the prevention of music-related injuries.
We should start at moderate tempos, therefore, and gradually step up speed, intensity, and range. We can begin with any sort of material, as long as it’s undemanding, infusing every phrase with habits of excellence.
5. Mix It Up. Our opening routines should give us wide-ranging control over our instrument and also fire up our imagination. To that end, I avoid beginning with the same material each day. Instead, I typically start with some gentle improvisation. I next proceed through a variety of techniques and registers.
Whatever your musical style, soulfully explore an assortment of material during your warm-ups, and be open to whatever you experience. If a particular technique feels odd, you might invent or review some targeted exercises.
6. Finish in 10–15 Minutes. Once you begin to play or sing, ordinarily conclude your warm-up in 10-15 minutes so that you’re nimble and focused but not fatigued. In contrast, extended drills can lead to exhaustion during rehearsals or performances.
That said, some of us warm up more quickly than others, and different instruments and music come with different demands, so be flexible.
For instance, before brief, high-stakes performances such as auditions, we might prolong our warm-ups. On tougher days, we could similarly take our time and incrementally restore our coordination.


Elevate.Make saving a top priority in one's life. As I wrote in an earlier post, Saving is the starting point for building one's wealth. The key habit to develop is to pay oneself first, don't touch those funds, and invest and grow those accounts.
Saving part of the amount is the first thing I do with any money I receive. This includes my paycheck, a pay raise, gifts of money, tax refunds, stock gains, and winnings.
Eliminate.Right now, most of us do not have any additional money to save. To create money, I needed to eliminate spending. For me the best place to start were recurring expenses. Here are a few of the things I eliminated (or never started): Cable television. This is a recurring cost of $30 to over $100 for many people. Telephones. I chose not to add a cell phone. For others, it may make sense to eliminate a land line. Credit cards. If one carries a balance, consider eliminating credit cards to eliminate credit card debt. Automate. Once one has elevated savings as priority and eliminated unneeded recurring or unnecessary spending, a third step is make the savings transfer effortless. I have my savings deposited automatically, before any bills are paid. Thus, I don't even see the money. When I first started doing automatic deposit, I did notice the reduction. However, I no longer notice the deduction, since I am used the "after saved" amount of my paycheck.
These are environments and behviours I have created to help me save. I will continue to use these during the Retirement Saving Challenge.
Remember, the Retirement Saving Challenge starts on July 1, 2007. Join the fun.
For more on
Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment. This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2007 Achievement Catalyst, LLC


Freeman Technology and GEA Pharma Systems are collaborating to advance the application of continuous wet granulation and drying technology in the pharmaceutical industry.
The work involves Freeman Technology’s FT4 Powder Rheometer and GEA Pharma Systems’ ConsiGma 1 continuous granulation unit. Data from the FT4 are being used to quantify the influence of the operating conditions of the ConsiGma1 on the bulk characteristics of the granules being manufactured. These data are then correlated to attributes of the tablets, providing the link between granule and tablet properties.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers frequently utilize wet granulation as a precursor to tableting, with the current trend moving from traditional batch manufacturing toward integrated continuous processing. The ConsiGma 1 is a laboratory-scale version of GEA Pharma Systems’ ConsiGma concept, which incorporates a continuous high-shear granulator and small batch dryer. It has been developed specifically to meet this continuous wet-granulation need.
The FT4 Powder Rheometer enables the measurement of bulk, shear and dynamic powder properties that can be correlated directly with process performance and product quality. It can be used as tool for scoping the design space for powder processes, as advocated by QbD.
For more information, visit www.freemantech.co.uk.


My husband the gourmet
When it comes to the culinary life, I clearly married up.
Once, after three months of wedded bliss, I made a mistake that was nearly fatal to my marriage: I suggested an omelet for dinner. My husband looked at me as if he'd married a hot dog vendor. I intended to fill my fluffy egg concoction with all manner of delectable goodies, from peppers and assorted cheeses to Vidalia onions. Still, we ate out.
I quickly learned that food was a vital part of my husband's life, as it would become for mine. I should have realized this when I met his family. Never before had I experienced people so focused on what they ate that it absorbed a good part of their daily routine. The epitome of their culinary commitment occurred on Sundays, a day devoted to cooking, eating, recovering, and recalling splendid meals – or meals that had failed miserably.
"This reminds me of the time we had that extraordinary cassoulet in Carcassonne," my mother-in-law would say as she cut into her Sunday lunch of perfectly roasted pork with sage-and-onion dressing, crisply roasted potatoes, and fresh haricots verts.
"Oh," another relative invariably chimed in, "wasn't that the trip to the Pyrenees when we ate magnificent beef bourguignon?"
"Too greasy," someone else snuffed. "What are we eating next Sunday?"
No wonder my husband is a gourmet cook. His repertoire ranges from soups to zabaglione with main courses of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, pad Thai, and Indian curry. He loves nothing more than to thumb through his cookbooks until "Got it!" reverberates from the kitchen. He copies down the esoteric ingredients and rushes to the supermarket. Hours later, we sit down to an exotic meal. We seldom go out to eat now; there's nothing to compete with a home-cooked offering.
When I think about how we ate when I was growing up, I recall the Charlie Chaplin movie in which he savors a leather shoe as if it were a sirloin steak. That clip reminds me of my father, a steak-and-potatoes man of routine. We ate roast on Sunday, leftovers on Monday, chicken on Tuesday, overdone steak on Wednesday, fish on Thursday, and spaghetti on Friday. On Saturdays we went to Ponzio's Diner for deli or to Luigi's, possibly a Mafia-owned restaurant.
My father's eating habits killed the creativity of my mother's cooking. Still, she had some great recipes and every once in a while, she treated us to one of them. Among my favorites was prakas, sweet-and-sour stuffed cabbage. In my mother's recipe, the sweet-and-sour flavor is achieved by equal parts sugar and vinegar. These ingredients are mixed with tomato paste, water, bouillon, onions, mushrooms, and seasonings. The cabbage, parboiled so that the leaves fold easily, is wrapped around seasoned meatballs. The prakas are held together with toothpicks while they simmer for hours in the sweet-and-sour sauce.
When I wanted to escape shoe leather and canned pears, I went to a neighbor's house. If I felt like baked ham trimmed with pineapple, mashed potatoes, and green-bean casserole, I'd head for Helen's. At Gladys's place, turkey breast and luscious seasonal pie were likely to be available.
Away from home, there were eating rituals that still make my mouth water. One of them was grabbing the end piece of yellow cake with chocolate icing in the school cafeteria. Then there was Weber's drive-in where waitresses on roller skates brought hamburgers and root beer to your car window. Another treat was junk food such as vinegar French fries, Taylor pork roll, and Kohr's soft ice cream.
My culinary tastes became more sophisticated once I'd begun traveling. I was in Paris, for example, when I recognized veau on the menu. I pointed and the waiter smiled and returned with what was unmistakably veal's brain. I tried it and voilà! Très bon!
Over the years I've widened my culinary repertoire, and I'm now adept at throwing dinner parties. I'm also the rave at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Seder. Still, my offerings remain limited compared with my husband's. When it comes to the culinary life, I clearly married up. We now eat omelets only for brunch, my casseroles are tuna-free, and his marinated salmon has been known to make friends swoon.
It's enough to make me proud at Sunday lunch with my in-laws.


DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer Keeping a basement dry is a challenge even under the best of circumstances. I’ve written many articles on how to insulate them properly to prevent mold and mildew issues. Another consideration for keeping basements dry is preventing water vapor that’s trapped inside the foundation walls from migrating into the basement. Water…
How To Insulate Basement Walls Insulating a basement properly is rather challenging in cold climates. In this article I'd like to discuss how to insulate basement walls in cold climates. Insulating basement walls in cold climates is a great way to keep your home warmer and drier. However, special care should be used when insulating…


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Probate is a court-supervised process used to validate your will and distribute your property. The process takes anywhere from six months to three years, and may require that lawyers or other professionals be hired. Even if you die without a will, if your estate's value exceeds a threshold amount, your property will still go through probate. In such cases, the court decides how to distribute your estate among your relatives.
A living trust can help you avoid probate. If your assets are placed in a trust, you do not "own" the assets; the trustee of the trust does. You control the assets
as if they were yours. When you die, you do not "own" the trust property. Therefore, the trust property does not have to go through probate.


Requests for Parking RestrictionsParking regulations are approved by the City Council. If you request a change in the existing parking restrictions in front of your property, please contact the Engineering Department at 320-255-7249.Requests for Traffic Control SignsRequests for traffic control signs are approved by the City Council. If you request a stop sign or other traffic control sign, please contact the Engineering Department at 320-255-7249.Children at Play SignsWe often get requests for the installation of Children at Play or similar signage. Although there are a few existing signs of this type located within the City of St. Cloud, we no longer install such signs. We understand that parental concern for the safety of children in the street near home often prompts these requests, but no factual evidence has been presented to document their success in reducing pedestrian accidents and operating speeds of vehicles.
Studies have shown that many types of signs attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential areas have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits. If signs encourage parents and children to believe they have an added degree of protection, which the signs do not and cannot provide, a great disservice results. Children should not be encouraged to play in the streets or alleys. The sign has long been rejected since it is a direct and open suggestion that this behavior is acceptable.


Venus Express' swansong experiment sheds light on Venus' polar atmosphere
19 April 2016
Some of the final results sent back by ESA's Venus Express before it plummeted down through the planet's atmosphere have revealed it to be rippling with atmospheric waves – and, at an average temperature of -157°C, colder than anywhere on Earth.
As well as telling us much about Venus' previously-unexplored polar regions and improving our knowledge of our planetary neighbour, the experiment holds great promise for ESA's ExoMars mission, which is currently winging its way to the Red Planet. The findings were published in the journal
ESA's Venus Express arrived at Venus in 2006. It spent eight years exploring the planet from orbit, vastly outliving the mission's planned duration of 500 days, before running out of fuel. The probe then began its descent, dipping further and further into Venus' atmosphere, before the mission lost contact with Earth (November 2014) and officially ended (December 2014).
However, Venus Express was industrious to the end; low altitude orbits were carried out during the final months of the mission, taking the spacecraft deep enough to experience measurable drag from the atmosphere. Using its onboard accelerometers, the spacecraft measured the deceleration it experienced as it pushed through the planet's upper atmosphere – something known as aerobraking.
"
When Müller-Wodarg and colleagues gathered their observations Venus Express was orbiting at an altitude of between 130 and 140 kilometres near Venus' polar regions, in a portion of Venus' atmosphere that had never before been studied
Previously, our understanding of Venus' polar atmosphere was based on observations gathered by NASA's Pioneer Venus probe in the late 1970s. These were of other parts of Venus' atmosphere, near the equator, but extrapolated to the poles to form a complete atmospheric reference model.
These new measurements, taken as part of the Venus Express Atmospheric Drag Experiment (VExADE) from 24 June to 11 July 2014, have now directly tested this model – and reveal several surprises.
For one, the polar atmosphere is up to 70 degrees colder than expected, with an average temperature of -157°C (114 K). Recent temperature measurements by Venus Express' SPICAV instrument (SPectroscopy for the Investigation of the Characteristics of the Atmosphere of Venus) are in agreement with this finding.
The polar atmosphere is also not as dense as expected; at 130 and 140 km in altitude, it is 22% and 40% less dense than predicted, respectively. When extrapolated upward in the atmosphere, these differences are consistent with those measured previously by VExADE at 180 km, where densities were found to be lower by almost a factor of two.
"
Additionally, the polar region was found to be dominated by strong atmospheric waves, a phenomenon thought to be key in shaping planetary atmospheres – including our own.
"
Atmospheric gravity waves are similar to waves we see in the ocean, or when throwing stones in a pond, only they travel vertically rather than horizontally. They are essentially a ripple in the density of a planetary atmosphere – they travel from lower to higher altitudes and, as density decreases with altitude, become stronger as they rise. The second type, planetary waves, are associated with a planet's spin as it turns on its axis; these are larger-scale waves with periods of several days.
We experience both types on Earth. Atmospheric gravity waves interfere with weather and cause turbulence, while planetary waves can affect entire weather and pressure systems. Both are known to transfer energy and momentum from one region to another, and so are likely to be hugely influential in shaping the characteristics of a planetary atmosphere.
"
Venus Express found atmospheric waves at an altitude of 130-140 km that the team think originated from the upper cloud layer in Venus' atmosphere, which sits at and below altitudes of approximately 90 km, and a planetary wave that oscillated with a period of five days. "
This is not just a first for Venus Express; while the aerobraking technique has been used for Earth satellites, and was previously used on NASA-led missions to Mars and Venus, it had never before been used on any ESA planetary mission.
However, ESA's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, which launched earlier this year, will use a similar technique. "
"
Background information
The findings were published in a paper entitled "
Venus Express is Europe's first mission to Venus. It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on 9 November 2005 on a Soyuz-Fregat launcher, and was inserted into Venus orbit on 11 April 2006. The payload includes a combination of spectrometers, spectro-imagers, and imagers covering a wavelength range from ultraviolet to thermal infrared, a plasma analyser and a magnetometer. Between May and July 2014, an aerobraking campaign was performed with Venus Express – the first performed by an ESA spacecraft – resulting in unique observations of the planet's rarefied outer atmosphere and a change in the spacecraft's orbital period from 24 hours to 22 hours 20 minutes.
Science highlights from the Venus Express mission can be found here.
For further information, please contact


Exercise Scenarios
In order to have a successful exercise, objectives must be firmly established well before an exercise scenario is selected. These predetermined objectives drive the exercise, and the scenario should support those objectives. Only after specific elements and capabilities have been identified for the exercise can you begin to construct a scenario that will guide participants to fulfill these objectives.
Fifteen all-hazards National Planning Scenarios have been designated by the Federal interagency community. The scenarios serve as the foundation for the development of homeland security tasks, target capabilities, and standards and performance metrics against which capabilities and tasks will ultimately be measured. The scenario-derived capabilities and standards serve as a basis for assessing national preparedness; help guide Federal preparedness assistance to State, local, and tribal governments; and assist in development of national exercises and training programs.
National Planning Scenarios: 1. Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) 2. Aerosolized Anthrax 3. Pandemic Influenza 4. Plague 5. Blister Agent 6. Toxic Industrial Chemical 7. Nerve Agent 8. Chlorine Tank Explosion 9. Major Earthquake 10. Major Hurricane 11. Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) 12. Improvised Explosive Device (IED) 13. Food Contamination 14. Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) 15. Cyber Attack
These scenarios are an integral component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) capabilities-based approach to implementing the Presidential Policy Directive 8 on National Preparedness (which recently replaced the Homeland Security Presidential Directive [HSPD]-8).


Here’s a rare case of deglutition syncope.
MedPage Today reports a case study from The Lancet, where a woman kept fainting after swallowing, particularly after eating a sandwich or drinking carbonated beverages.
The diagnostic tests were non-revealing for about 10 years, until a cardiac event monitor was placed on the patient. Whenever she felt the symptoms, she would press a button and the device would record her heart rhythm.
It was found that she went into complete heart block during these instances. After a pacemaker was inserted, she now “could eat sandwiches with impunity.”


The European Commission has adopted an ambitious Road Safety Programme which aims to cut road deaths in Europe by half between 2011 and 2020, focusing on improving vehicle safety, the safety of infrastructure and road users' behaviour, http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety.
The European automotive industry has contributed significantly to the safer use of roads and safer vehicles through continuous improvements in active and passive safety measures. Further improvements require an integrated approach involving all relevant actors: policy makers, infrastructure designers and engineers, road users, vehicle manufacturers and insurance companies. At the core of our telematics services lie enhanced safety and security features, including critical services such as crash alert management, theft alert assistance, breakdown call and assistance.


Orienting attention to instants in time. Nobre AC.
My colleagues and I have investigated whether the temporal framework can be used to guide selective attention, and have applied non-invasive methodology to reveal the brain systems and mechanisms involved. Our findings show that we are able to orient attention selectively to different points in time, enhancing behavioral performance. These effects are mediated by a left-hemisphere dominant parietal-frontal system, which partially overlaps with the networks involved in spatial orienting. The neural system for temporal orienting also includes brain areas associated with motor preparation and anticipation, suggesting that sensorimotor areas with different specializations can contribute to attentional orienting depending on the stimulus attributes guiding selection. The optimization of behavior by temporal orienting involves enhancement of the latency and amplitude of event-related potentials that are associated with motor responses and decisions. The effects are distinct from those during visual spatial attention, indicating that behavioral advantages can be conferred by multiple types of neural mechanisms. Taken together, the findings illustrate the flexibility of attentional functions in the human brain.


Final Report Background and Need
Everyone makes important decisions in the daily accomplishment of their duties, but do we document, track, manage and share those decisions effectively?
The aggregate of individual decisions constitutes the current state of our organization, and charts the course for our future direction and progress. In a sense, our decisions represent individuals and the organizations they represent. The effective representation, management, evaluation, and sharing of these decisions determines the success of the enterprise. Especially in a distributed, self-organizing, networked environment where digital media are the main interaction between members, distribution and tracking of decisions is particularly important for understanding what others are doing. Our decisions serve as information-work products; both as inputs and outputs. We use others decisions as references and our decisions become references to the decision process of others.
The significant time and effort we spend converting our decisions into work products such as briefs, papers, proposals, and communication of our decisions in meetings, teleconferences, conversations, and emails, could be recaptured if we had a standard concise format for representing and sharing our decisions. Our tools could be instrumented to generate our decisions in a format that could be shared and also track the state of decisions within the decision-making process. Instrumentation could support the development of a metric of decision flow and help us understand and optimize our decision processes across our organization or enterprise. Visibility of the decisions in their formation and evolution would enable proactive management and assistance from others.
For these reasons, the members of the Decisions and Decision-Making Incubator are exploring and determining the requirements, use cases, and a potential standard format for representing our decisions efficiently and effectively in a collaborative networked environment for the purpose of information exchange for situational awareness. The Emergency Data Exchange Language Common Alerting Protocol (EDXL-CAP) family of standards is an example of the type and style of information exchange formats which are simple, useful, and understandable. What EDXL-CAP did for alerts, a common decision exchange protocol should do for decisions. However, to reach its full potential, the proposed decision format must be extended by the Semantic Web tools and standards to provide semantic interoperability and to provide a basis for reasoning that can ease development of advanced applications. Simplicity and understandability of decisions is particularly important in distributed, dynamic settings such as emergency management.
The work performed by this incubator activity is designed to help organizations improve integration of human decisions into computer systems, to digitally track and manage the decision-making process, to enable improved information-flow metrics, to maintain an archive of the decisions and the decision-making process, to enable semi-automation of certain decision-making processes, to improve information sharing, and ultimately, to support better, rapid, and agile decision making.
The potential standard format should provide concise, generic, structured assessments and decisions that allow "drill down," support pedigree and confidence, enable approvals and vetting, define options considered, including decision criteria with weighting, links to previous decisions and sub-decisions, and support flexible structuring of complex decisions.


Covidien Plc
(COV
) operates in the relatively stable healthcare products industry which offers investors both growth and defense. That's a great thing to have in today's market.
Estimates have been rising for the company after it reported better-than-expected sales and EPS for its fiscal third quarter, sending it to a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy).
Covidien also generates substantial free cash flow and has been returning it to shareholders through stock buybacks and dividend hikes. It currently yields 1.7%.
Valuation is attractive too with shares trading at just 11.9x 12-month forward earnings, a significant discount to the industry average and its historical median.
Company Description
Covidien is a global healthcare products company. It primarily operates in three divisions: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. Sales are divided as follows:
Medical Devices: 68%
Pharmaceuticals: 17%
Medical Supplies: 15%
The company derives approximately 45% of its sales from outside the United States.
Third Quarter Results
Covidien reported better-than-expected results for its fiscal third quarter on July 26. Earnings per share came in at $1.01, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6 cents. It was a stellar 19% increase over the same quarter in 2010.
Net sales rose 14% to $2.926 billion, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.862 billion. The Medical Devices segment was the main growth driver as sales in the division increased 22%, led by increased demand for Vascular and Energy products.
Gross profit as a percentage of sales expanded 150 basis points to 57.1% due to in part to a positive business mix. Meanwhile, adjusted operating income was up 14% as the gross margin benefits were offset by higher research and development expenses and costs related to recent acquisitions and product launches.
Outlook
Analysts revised their estimates higher for both 2011 and 2012 following strong Q3 results. This sent the stock to a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2011 is now $3.93, which represents 16% EPS growth over 2010. The 2012 consensus estimate is currently $4.30, corresponding with 9% EPS growth.
Analysts believe this EPS growth will come from a mixture of acquisitions, organic revenue growth, higher margins, and stock buybacks.
Returning Value to Shareholders
Covidien generates very strong free cash flows and has been using that cash to buy back shares and raise its dividend. In the last 12 months, for instance, the company has returned over $1 billion in cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.
Since it was spun off from Tyco in late 2007, Covidien has raised its dividend twice. It currently yields 1.7%.
With a payout ratio of just 21% and strong free cash flow, I'd expect another dividend hike soon.
Valuation
The valuation picture looks attractive for COV. Shares trade at just 11.9x 12-month forward earnings, a significant discount to the industry average of 16.3x, and a discount to its historical median of 13.2x.
Its price to sales ratio is in-line with the group at 2.2, despite significantly higher profit margins at Covidien.
The Bottom Line
With stable growth projections and shareholder-friendly management, Covidien looks compelling at less than 12x forward earnings.
Todd Bunton is the Growth & Income Stock Strategist for Zacks Investment Research.


One of the sessions at the Open Science: Friends of the Future un-conference focused on the future of fieldwork. Like every other session, it tied back to earlier conversations (particularly those regarding multi-discipline collaboration and handling extremely large data sets) which I’ll ignore to keep the topic tractable.
The Trouble with Fieldwork Problem 1: the 5 Ds of Difficulty
Sometimes heading into the field is constrained by…
Dirty– mud, rain, squished bugs, and other outdoor factors can destroy notes, damage equipment, and add to discomfort (which reduces human observer-focus). Dangerous– most of the dangerous science jobs involve fieldwork. From my own adventures, mapping a fresh landslide deposit involves risk related to secondary events, shifting debris, unstable footing, and bumping into bears. Dull– by the third day of staring at pretty rocks, I’m noticing a lot less detail. Bored, tired, or over-saturated observers miss details. Distant– field work can be distant. Canada is full of inaccessible landscapes, while the Moon & Mars represent the relatively accessible extraterrestrial terrain. Delicate– observers change their environments; some field locations are too culturally or physically fragile for extensive field work. Problem 2: Limited Expertise
Collaboration takes effort and adds mental and physical overhead to an already exhausting activity, limiting collection of possibly-extraneous data, yet once in the field an observer may see data relevant to multiple disciplines. A biologist in the field may see a landslide but not know the appropriate measurements to take; a geologist in the field wouldn’t necessarily recognize a rare bird. While in the field, practitioners collect data for their own discipline with only limited tangential data collection due to a lack of expertise on recognizing unusual and noteworthy events.
Problem 3: Retroactive Value
Sometimes due to overlooking details while uncomfortable, but more often to not realizing the importance of a feature until too late and out of the field analyzing data, valuable data may be overlooked and not fully collected or documented.
The Future of Fieldwork
Future improvements to the methods of fieldwork, and extending fieldwork to locations to currently inaccessible terrains, must meet the following criteria:
Weightless Collaboration– decrease the cost of collaboration. This may be through virtual collaboration formed on an ad-hoc basis via geospacial or descriptive tags. This currently happens to a limited extend among geoscientsits of different expertise on Twitter. Near Real-time Analysis– The DeepWorker research at Pavilion Lake, British Columbia managed extremely rapid data analysis while still in the field. Reduce the Ds– Solve, alter, or otherwise reduce the current barriers to fieldwork. Telerobotics currently sidestep some of the issues, but cannot fully replace a human presence for quality of observations. The Martian rovers & their team of scientists do an excellent job of a developing emotional engagement among the public, particularly through anthropomorphizing, their robots.


Following successful formation ofthe healed wound tissue, typically at around 21 days,the patient is returned to surgery where the siliconelayer is removed and a thin epidermal autograft 0.004-0.006inches (0.1016 - 0.1524 millimeters) is placed.
Staples or sutures are removed andthe silicone is peeled back carefully from the edgeswith forceps. A spatula or blunt instrument may be used(if necessary) to perform the separation. Difficultremoval may indicate incomplete tissue formation.
Assess the availability of donorsites. Estimate the size of the epidermal graft anddetermine if the expanded graft will cover theINTEGRA Bilayer Matrix Wound Dressing.If not, then staged or delayed epidermal grafting isnecessary.
Remove excess granulation tissueat seams of INTEGRA BilayerMatrix Wound Dressing at edges including anycontaminated or necrotic tissue or areas of incompletetake
Debride surface of the site by lightlyrubbing with a gauze pad if necessary. Control any bleeding.The tissue does not bleed easily, but may "blush"after debridement.
Prepare donor site by infusion withsaline to facilitate harvesting. Harvest a thin epidermalgraft 0.004-0.006 inches (0.1016 - 0.1524 millimeters).Grafts thinner than 0.004 inches may result in incomplete"take" as few live epidermal cells are transferred.Grafts thicker than 0.008 inches are more likely toleave a residual meshed appearance. The graft shouldbe attached as per normal surgical unit protocol, takingthe following into account: The graft is more fragilethan conventional split-thickness grafts. The thinnessof the graft makes orientation easy to confuse (curlunder indicates correct orientation). Carefully smoothout the graft. Saline can be used to float the graftinto position. Interstices should be larger than 2mm.Secure by stapling edges and center as appropriate.Dress and care for epidermal graft sites using the protocolstypically used for thick split-thickness skin grafts.
Similar to dressing INTEGRABilayer Matrix Wound Dressing sites, build dressingsin layers and immobilize joints in a flexed position.If the epidermal graft seems to "disappear",obtain cultures. In some cases, this is typically theresult of the graft being too thin or the presence ofinfection. If negative, continue to dress normally.Engraftment and confluence should occur within 21 days.If positive for infection, administer antibiotics andcontinue to monitor closely. If engraftment or confluencehas not occured within 21 days, then re-grafting maybe necessary.
In order to complete the certificationprocess, please complete the informationon the Certification Page.


The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security recently signed a proposed rule that would allow certain international entrepreneurs to temporarily enter the U.S. to start their businesses. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will use its existing discretionary statutory authority to grant parole (temporary permission) to entrepreneurs of startup entities whose stay in the U.S. would provide a significant public benefit through substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation. Eligible entrepreneurs will be paroled for up to two years to oversee their startup entity. However, they must be able to demonstrate:
Significant ownership in the startup (at least 15 percent) and have an active and central role in its operations; The startup was formed in the U.S. within the past three years; and The startup has substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation, as evidence by: Receiving significant investment of capital (at least $345,000) from qualified U.S. investors; Receiving significant awards or grants (at least $100,000) from certain government entities; or Partially satisfying one or both of the above criteria in addition to other reliable and compelling evidence of the startup entity’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.
The startup must be a U.S. business entity, which includes any corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity that is organized under U.S. laws. The entity cannot be an investment vehicle primarily engaged in the offer, purchase, sale or trading in securities, futures contracts, derivatives or similar instruments.
A qualifying investor is one who has a history of making similar or greater investments on a regular basis over the last five years and who can demonstrate that at least two of the entities receiving such investments have subsequently experienced significant growth in revenue or job creation. A qualified investor may be an individual U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or an organization organized under U.S. laws. If the investor is an organization, then the organization must be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
If the entrepreneur relies on government funding, then the entrepreneur must demonstrate that the government entity regularly provides such funding to U.S. businesses for economic development, innovation, research and development or job creation reasons. The USCIS will also consider grants and awards from local economic development corporations.
The USCIS will consider a subsequent request for re-parole (for up to three additional years) if the startup continues to provide a significant public benefit as evidenced by substantial increases in investment, revenue, or job creation. An investment is substantial if during the initial parole period the startup entity receives an additional $500,000 from a qualified investor. A startup will have substantial revenue generation, if it reaches at least $500,000 in annual revenue, with at least 20 percent average annual revenue growth during the initial parole period. The startup will demonstrate job creation if it establishes at least 10 full-time, qualified jobs for U.S. workers.
The proposed rule will take effect on the date indicated in the final rule when it is published in the Federal Register.


In
Coalition for Affordable Drugs VI, LLC. v. Celgene Corp., IPR2015-01092, -01096, -01102, and -01103, patent owner Celgene asked the PTAB to authorize a motion for sanctions against Coalition for Affordable Drugs VI (“Coalition”). Celgene asserts that Coalition filed the IPR petitions against Celgene’s patents “as part of [a] strategy to profit from affecting stock prices.” IPR2015-01092, Paper 11 at 1. Celgene contends this was an abuse of process. Id.
The PTAB, acting through an expanded panel, authorized Celgene’s motion and asked the parties to brief three issues: (1) the elements required to establish “abuse of process” or “improper use of the [IPR] proceeding” under 37 C.F.R. § 42.12(a)(6)-(7); (2) the applicable standard of proof; and (3) any evidence of Coalition’s intent to abuse the IPR process.
Regarding the elements required for abuse of process, Celgene argues that a party abuses IPR “when it uses it to achieve a goal for which the process was not designed,” a standard Celgene asserts other courts and agencies have adopted in other contexts.
Id. at 10. Regarding the standard of proof, Celgene urges the PTAB to adopt a “reasonable likelihood” standard. Id. at 10, n. 3.
Regarding evidence of intent to abuse the IPR process, Celgene relies largely on its characterizations of Coalition’s motive in filing its petitions. While Coalition states that its IPRs support generic drug entry and lower prices,
id. at 6, Celgene asserts that Coalition is a shell company formed to profit its founders, including patent-monetization specialist IPNav and investment firms controlled by hedge-fund manager J. Kyle Bass. Id. at 4-5.
Celgene contends that the following allegations establish intent to abuse IPR:
Coalition’s mission is allegedly to “fil[e] and publiciz[e] patent challenges against pharmaceutical companies while also betting against their shares,” with the alleged intent to “caus[e] changes in the stock prices of public companies and thereby harm[] the investing public.” at 5, 12. Celgene alleges that Coalition filed its petitions only after IPNav threatened to file similar IPRs unless Celgene paid it not to do so. at 1-2. Celgene asserts that this constitutes extortion under New Jersey law. Id.at 3 n.1. Coalition’s “admitted profit motive and lack of any competitive interest in the validity of the challenged patents.” at 12-15.
Given the expanded panel, the PTAB may address a framework for showing abuse of post-grant review proceedings.


Mental fitness
Mental Preparation is when a performer thinks about and visualises a successful performance, before they carry it out. For example, in a basketball free throw I visualized the timing of the action I would be using and imagined the flight of the ball and the ball going into the basket.
Concentration is the ability to stay focused on and be fully aware of, what is going on around you. For example, in performing a drop shot in badminton, I had to judge the flight of the shuttle, the positioning of my body and the movement of my opponent.
Confidence is having a positive frame of mind, in which you feel that you can perform successfully. For example in football, I was confident I could control the ball with one touch, dribble past defender and strike the ball at goal on target.
Motivation is the internal feelings and/or external encouragement by coach/spectators, which make you want to do well. For example, despite being very tired during a marathon, I wanted to succeed; I knew I had trained hard for the event, so I kept going.


FAT
Fat is essential for a balanced diet
- The term 'fat' covers both FATS and OILS.
- Fats and ois are essentially the same, but
fats tend to be solid at room temperature whereas oils are liquids.
- Fats and oils can
VISIBLE in some foods such as fat on meat or a layer of butter on bread.
- Some fats and are
INVISIBLE and can't be seen easily. In milk, egg yolk, mayonaise and gravy, the fat is an emulsion throught the food making it difficult to see. In good products, invisible fat is found in crisps, cakes and biscuits.


The transcription factor Bhlhb4 is required for rod bipolar cell maturation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15363390
Retinal bipolar cells are essential to the transmission of light information. Although bipolar cell dysfunction can result in blindness, little is known about the factors required for bipolar cell development and functional maturation. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Bhlhb4 was found to be expressed in rod bipolar cells (RB). Electroretinograms (ERGs) in the adult Bhlhb4 knockout (Bhlhb4(-/-)) showed that the loss of Bhlhb4 resulted in disrupted rod signaling and profound retinal dysfunction resembling human congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), characterized by the loss of the scotopic ERG b-wave. A depletion of inner nuclear layer (INL) cells in the adult Bhlhb4 knockout has been ascribed to the abolishment of the RB cell population during postnatal development. Other retinal cell populations including photoreceptors were unaltered. The timing of RB cell depletion in the Bhlhb4(-/-) mouse suggests that Bhlhb4 is essential for RB cell maturation.
Pubmed ID: 15363390 RIS Download
Mesh terms: Age Factors | Animals | Animals, Newborn | Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors | Blotting, Southern | Calbindin 2 | Calbindins | Calcium-Binding Proteins | Caspase 3 | Caspases | Cell Aging | Cell Count | Cells, Cultured | Electroretinography | Embryo, Mammalian | Evoked Potentials | Eye Proteins | Fluorescent Antibody Technique | GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go | Gene Expression | Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental | Homeodomain Proteins | In Situ Hybridization | Indenes | Membrane Glycoproteins | Membrane Transport Proteins | Mice | Mice, Knockout | Microscopy, Electron | Nerve Tissue Proteins | Neurons | Paired Box Transcription Factors | Photic Stimulation | Protein Kinase C | Protein Kinase C-alpha | RNA, Messenger | Repressor Proteins | Retina | Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells | Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction | S100 Calcium Binding Protein G | S100 Proteins | Stem Cells | Synapses | Transcription Factors | Vesicular Glutamate Transport Protein 1 | Vesicular Transport Proteins | beta-Galactosidase


This article addresses the question of new media studies' meta-theoretical premises. It is argued that the field's exceptional openness towards theory and method is a valuable asset, which needs to be cultivated by means of a more explicit meta-theoretical debate. Drawing on critical theory, three meta-theoretical criteria concerning power, reason and… (More)


Strong can describe anything with firmness or power. You could have a strong will and resist the distractions of the internet while writing a paper all day, or your paper could have a strong argument, convincing your reader of your wisdom.
Even if you spend hours every day lifting weights, if you don’t eat enough food and drink enough water, you won’t be strong enough to do anything with all that muscle power. If you ran a national bank, you would try to make your currency
stronger than that of other countries. Or you might be a woodworker who builds a chair strong enough to hold a three-hundred pound man.


The vaccine was injected into patients who had evidence of current or previous HPV infection or high-grade pap smear results and women with no evidence of current or previous infection.
GlaxoSmithKlilne said Cervarix was 98 percent effective against HPV types 16 or 18.
Cervarix has not been approved in the United States or Japan, but is available in the European Union and other countries.
If Cervarix is approved by the Food and Drug Administration it would compete with Merck's HPV vaccine Gardasil.


خواب و ریتم شبانه روزی گردش عوامل مکمل و خواص ایمنی را تنظیم C5a را تنظیم می کند
کد مقاله سال انتشار مقاله انگلیسی ترجمه فارسی تعداد کلمات 77093 2011 11 صفحه PDF سفارش دهید محاسبه نشده Publisher : Elsevier - Science Direct (الزویر - ساینس دایرکت) Journal : Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, Volume 25, Issue 7, October 2011, Pages 1416–1426 چکیده انگلیسی
The sleep-wake cycle is characterized by complex interactions among the central nervous, the endocrine and the immune systems. Continuous 24-h wakefulness prevents sleep-associated hormone regulation resulting in impaired pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Importantly, cytokines and hormones also modulate the complement system, which in turn regulates several adaptive immune responses. However, it is unknown whether sleep affects the activation and the immunoregulatory properties of the complement system. Here, we determined whether the 24-h sleep-wake cycle has an impact on: (i) the levels of circulating complement factors; and (ii) TLR4-mediated IL-12 production from human IFN-γ primed monocytes in the presence or absence of C5a receptor signaling. For this purpose, we analyzed the blood and blood-derived monocytes of 13 healthy donors during a regular sleep-wake cycle in comparison to 24 h of continuous wakefulness. We found decreased plasma levels of C3 and C4 during nighttime hours that were not affected by sleep. In contrast, sleep was associated with increased complement activation as reflected by elevated C3a plasma levels during nighttime sleep. Sleep deprivation prevented such activation. At the cellular level, C5a negatively regulated TLR4-mediated IL-12p40 and p70 production from human monocytes. Importantly, this regulatory effect of C5a on IL-12p70 production was effective only during daytime hours. Thus, similar to hormones, some complement factors and immunoregulatory properties of C5a are influenced by sleep and the circadian rhythm. Our findings that continuous wakefulness has a negative impact on complement activation may provide a rationale for the immunosupportive functions of sleep.


Summary
Immunostimulatory sequences (ISS) that contain CpG motifs have been demonstrated to exert antipathogen and antitumour immunity in animal models through several mechanisms, including the activation of natural killer (NK) cells to secrete interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and to exert lytic activity. Since NK cells lack the ISS receptor TLR9, the exact pathway by which NK cells are activated by ISS is unclear. We determined that ISS-induced IFN-γ from NK cells is primarily dependent upon IFN-α release from plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs), which directly activates the NK cell. However, further analysis indicated that other PDC-released soluble factor(s) may contribute to IFN-γ induction. Indeed, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was identified as a significant contributor to ISS-mediated activation of NK cells and was observed to act in an additive fashion with IFN-α in the induction of IFN-γ from NK cells and to up-regulate CD69 expression on NK cells. This activity of TNF-α, however, was dependent upon the presence of PDC-derived factors such as type I interferon. These results illustrate an important function for type I interferon in innate immunity, which is not only to activate effectors like NK cells directly, but also to prime them for enhanced activation by other factors such as TNF-α.


Belfast – A study, being conducted at the Queen’s University Belfast, has identified cholesterol busting statins as a key in reducing death rates in lung cancer patients. The study found that lung cancer patients, who had taken the statins for at least a year, are at a lower risk of dying from the disease.
Additionally, if the statins are taken for six months after the diagnostics, they will still have the risk reduced by 20%.
The study was aimed at analyzing if the current drugs were capable of treating a wide range of diseases. The researchers had hoped that the results would make treatments cheaper, with the side effects being well known and well studied.
The cholesterol busting statins experiment was carried out on nearly 14,000 subjects, who had recently been affected by the disease.
The research also included data from the patients’ prescription records and mortality data until 2012 in the UK. The research has been published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
The results concluded that patients, who had taken the statins after diagnosis, had a reduction of 11% in lung cancer related deaths.
However, the ones who used at least 12 prescriptions of statins experienced a reduction of 19%. The same level of reduction was observed in patients using lipophilic statins. Additionally, patients who had started on cholesterol statins a year before experienced a reduction of 12%.
The effects, however, remained largely the same in non-small cell lung cancer patients and small cell lung cancer patients.
Dr. Chris Cardwell, from the Center for Public Health, said: “Our study provides some evidence that lung cancer patients who used statins had a reduction in death from lung cancer. The magnitude of the association was relatively small and, as with all observational studies, there is the possibility of confounding users may have differed from simvastatin nonusers, in other ways that could have protected them from death from cancer, for which we could not correct.”
The study, however, has opened the door for further investigations into the matter. Future studies may also provide the groundwork for a randomized trial. The researchers have also planned to conduct a similar study in Northern Ireland.


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Porous hydroxyapatite has been prepared using a hydrothermal hot pressing method from calcium carbonate as a starting material. SEM result shows porous hydroxyapatite block is formed of three dimensionally inter-connected pores of 100-400µm in size, similar to human cancellous bone. At the ~ 70% porosity, the compressive strength was about 4MPa, which is similar to that of the commercially available porous hydroxyapatite derived from natural coral.