Films based on chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes for skin drug delivery: Development and characterization

Novel chitosan based polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) were developed and optimized in order to obtain films possessing the optimal functional properties (flexibility, resistance, water vapour transmission rate and bioadhesion) to be applied on skin. The development was based on the combination of chitosan and two polyacrylic acid (PAA) polymers with different crosslinkers and crosslinking densities. The interaction between the polymers was maximized controlling the pH, and by forming the films at a pH value close to the pKa of the respective components as identified by potentiometric and turbidimetric titrations. The action of glycerol, PEG200, Hydrovance and trehalose upon the functional properties of the films was also evaluated. Glycerol was found to improve the film properties in terms of flexibility, resistance and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) with a maximum effect at 30%. The application of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) significantly improved bioadhesion with a negligible influence in the resistance and flexibility of the films.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TGK-4S8CR51-5/1/cdb82032d8e533445099d1ce53f2922

Myth and Reality of Flat Tax Reform: Micro Estimates of Tax Evasion Response and Welfare Effects in Russia

We examine the effects of Russia's 2001 flat rate income tax reform on consumption, income, and tax evasion. We use the gap between household expenditures and reported earnings as a proxy for tax evasion with data from a household panel for 1998-2004. We associate large and significant changes in tax evasion following the flat tax reform with changes in voluntary compliance. We develop a consumption-based framework to assess the deadweight loss from income tax in the presence of tax evasion and show that the efficiency gains from the reform are at least 30 percent smaller than the gains implied by conventional approaches. (c) 2009 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved..

Jak1 Integrates Cytokine Sensing to Regulate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function and Stress Hematopoiesis

JAK1 is a critical effector of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling and plays important roles in immune function, while abnormal JAK1 activity has been linked to immunological and neoplastic diseases. Specific functions of JAK1 in the context of hematopoiesis, and specifically within hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), have not clearly been delineated. Here, we show that conditional Jak1 loss in HSCs reduces their self-renewal and markedly alters lymphoid/myeloid differentiation in vivo. Jak1-deficient HSCs exhibit decreased competitiveness in vivo and are unable to rescue hematopoiesis in the setting of myelosuppression. They exhibit increased quiescence, an inability to enter the cell cycle in response to hematopoietic stress, and a marked reduction in cytokine sensing, including in response to type I interferons and IL-3. Moreover, Jak1 loss is not fully rescued by expression of a constitutively active Jak2 allele. Together, these data highlight an essential role for Jak1 in HSC homeostasis and stress responses

Jak1 Integrates Cytokine Sensing to Regulate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function and Stress Hematopoiesis

JAK1 is a critical effector of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling and plays important roles in immune function, while abnormal JAK1 activity has been linked to immunological and neoplastic diseases. Specific functions of JAK1 in the context of hematopoiesis, and specifically within hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), have not clearly been delineated. Here, we show that conditional Jak1 loss in HSCs reduces their self-renewal and markedly alters lymphoid/myeloid differentiation in vivo. Jak1-deficient HSCs exhibit decreased competitiveness in vivo and are unable to rescue hematopoiesis in the setting of myelosuppression. They exhibit increased quiescence, an inability to enter the cell cycle in response to hematopoietic stress, and a marked reduction in cytokine sensing, including in response to type I interferons and IL-3. Moreover, Jak1 loss is not fully rescued by expression of a constitutively active Jak2 allele. Together, these data highlight an essential role for Jak1 in HSC homeostasis and stress responses

Creative ART Interchange Barcelona-Chicago. Projecte d’intercanvi artístic entre escoles de Barcelona i Chicago

La idea de fer aquest projecte va començar l'any 2009/10 quan el Govern de Catalunya va donar una beca a Glòria Martí Rubí per fer una recerca d'educació artística a la ciutat de Chicago (IL), Grand Rapits (MI) i Barcelona(CAT). Durant la recerca hi van haver molts contactes amb artistes, artterapeutes i professors d'art com Rene Arceo que junt amb Glòria Martí són els coordinadors d’aquest nou projecte. L’objectiu és posar en contacte a professors/es i alumnes de l'àrea artística d’ Escoles i Instituts de Chicago i de Barcelona -sense descartar ampliar-ho a tot Catalunya- per intercanviar idees, treballs i experiències. L'art permet conèixer i aprofundir en les realitats culturals de cada país. El tema general a treballar per totes les escoles és “La Meva Ciutat”