The using of orthogonal basis for the steganographic coding of information in multimedia

This article discusses methods for steganographic encoding additional information using three different orthogonal bases. The bases are represented by the functions, which occupies a different bandwidth in the spectrum. There are comparison of the approach to the definition of DCT- coefficients with the approaches used in the methods of the spread spectrum and subband projections. The approaches of the coefficients of the implementation to ensure secrecy by adaptive determination of their value are considere

Measuring the thermodynamic cost of timekeeping

All clocks, in some form or another, use the evolution of nature toward higher entropy states to quantify the passage of time. Because of the statistical nature of the second law and corresponding entropy flows, fluctuations fundamentally limit the performance of any clock. This suggests a deep relation between the increase in entropy and the quality of clock ticks. Indeed, minimal models for autonomous clocks in the quantum realm revealed that a linear relation can be derived, where for a limited regime every bit of entropy linearly increases the accuracy of quantum clocks. But can such a linear relation persist as we move toward a more classical system? We answer this in the affirmative by presenting the first experimental investigation of this thermodynamic relation in a nanoscale clock. We stochastically drive a nanometer-thick membrane and read out its displacement with a radio-frequency cavity, allowing us to identify the ticks of a clock. We show theoretically that the maximum possible accuracy for this classical clock is proportional to the entropy created per tick, similar to the known limit for a weakly coupled quantum clock but with a different proportionality constant. We measure both the accuracy and the entropy. Once nonthermal noise is accounted for, we find that there is a linear relation between accuracy and entropy and that the clock operates within an order of magnitude of the theoretical bound

Применение инновационной методики математического моделирования при разработке нормативов обеспечения врачами амбулаторного звена в России

The work presents data on the relationship between the regional incidence of gastrointestinal tract diseases and the number of medical personnel in various regions of the Russian Federation. Indicators for all federal districts for 2013-2017 have been studied. Mathematical models describing this relationship have been proposed. It has been shown that regional morbidity correlates with the number of medical personnel, as well as with attendance at treatment and prevention institutions. The average number of gastroenterologists from 1.3 to 1.5 per 100,000 inhabitants of the region is optimal for the timely detection of gastroenterology diseases. The data obtained can be used in management decisions to optimize the burden on the healthcare system in each region. The introduction of the standards into clinical practice under the established procedure will help to improve the quality of specialized care for patients with gastroenterological problems.В работе представлены данные о связи между региональной заболеваемостью населения болезнями ЖКТ и количеством медицинского персонала в субъектах Российской Федерации. Изучены показатели впервые выявленной заболеваемости по всем федеральным округам за 2013-2017 гг. Предложены математические модели, описывающие такую взаимосвязь. Показано, что региональная заболеваемость коррелирует с количеством медицинского персонала, а также с посещаемостью лечебно-профилактических учреждений. Для своевременного выявления заболеваний ЖКТ среднее число врачей-гастроэнтерологов от 1,3 до 1,5 на 100 тыс. жителей региона является оптимальным. Полученные данные можно использовать при принятии управленческих решений по оптимизации нагрузки на систему здравоохранения в каждом конкретном регионе. Внедрение разработанных штатных нормативов в клиническую практику в установленном порядке будет способствовать повышению качества оказания специализированной помощи пациентам гастроэнтерологического профиля

Статистические показатели работы врачей-гастроэнтерологов в РФ в 2013–2017 гг.

In recent decades, increasing importance in modern diagnostic algorithms is given to techniques that use optical systems, including those with the ability to examine organs in various spectral ranges and in fluorescence modes. The rapid development of modern technologies and their implementation in the field of healthcare requires constant improvement of the organization of medical care to the population. Endoscopic services in Russia began to emerge in the 70s of the 20th century. In the early stages, it was represented by independent diagnostic rooms based on large medical clinics and research centers. Over the past decades, endoscopic methods of diagnosis and treatment have moved far forward. For the successful use of endoscopic technologies in clinical practice, qualified medical personnel are needed, including oncologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists proficient in endoscopic techniques. The human potential of endoscopy was initially formed by part-timers, most often from surgeons and therapists. In this regard, it is necessary to analyze the activities of specialist doctors who provide medical care in outpatient conditions. The aim of the study was to analyze the activities of gastroenterologists providing outpatient medical care at the federal level and in the pilot regions of the Russian Federation. The multidirectionality of trends regarding the level of burden on gastroenterologists in the subjects of the Russian Federation is established. In all federal districts, a decrease in the number of visits per gastroenterologist and a decrease in the part-time coefficient was observed.В последние десятилетия все большее значение в современных диагностических алгоритмах отводится методикам, использующим оптические системы, в том числе с возможностью осмотра органов в различных спектральных диапазонах и во флуоресцентных режимах. Стремительное развитие современных технологий и их внедрение в практическое здравоохранение требуют постоянного совершенствования организации медицинской помощи населению. Эндоскопическая служба в России начала зарождаться в 70-е годы XX столетия. На первых этапах становления служба была представлена разрозненными диагностическими кабинетами на базе крупных медицинских клиник и научно-исследовательских центров. За последние десятилетия эндоскопические методы диагностики и лечения шагнули далеко вперед. Для успешного использования эндоскопических технологий в клинической практике необходимы квалифицированные медицинские кадры, в том числе врачи-онкологи, гастроэнтерологи, другие специалисты, владеющие эндоскопическими методиками. Кадровый потенциал эндоскопии изначально формировался из числа совместителей, чаще из врачей-хирургов и терапевтов. В этой связи необходим анализ деятельности врачей–специалистов, оказывающих медицинскую помощь в амбулаторных условиях. Целью исследования явился анализ деятельности врачей-гастроэнтерологов, оказывающих медицинскую помощь амбулаторно, на федеральном уровне и в пилотных регионах Российской Федерации. Установлена разнонаправленность тенденций относительно уровня нагрузки на гастроэнтерологов в субъектах страны, вошедших в исследование. Во всех федеральных округах отмечено уменьшение числа посещений по заболеванию на 1 врачебную должность и снижение коэффициента совместительства

Direct In Vivo Evidence for Tumor Propagation by Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells

High-grade gliomas (World Health Organization grade III anaplastic astrocytoma and grade IV glioblastoma multiforme), the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors, display a cellular hierarchy with self-renewing, tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) at the apex. While the CSC hypothesis has been an attractive model to describe many aspects of tumor behavior, it remains controversial due to unresolved issues including the use of ex vivo analyses with differential growth conditions. A CSC population has been confirmed in malignant gliomas by preferential tumor formation from cells directly isolated from patient biopsy specimens. However, direct comparison of multiple tumor cell populations with analysis of the resulting phenotypes of each population within a representative tumor environment has not been clearly described. To directly test the relative tumorigenic potential of CSCs and non-stem tumor cells in the same microenvironment, we interrogated matched tumor populations purified from a primary human tumor transplanted into a xenograft mouse model and monitored competitive in vivo tumor growth studies using serial in vivo intravital microscopy. While CSCs were a small minority of the initial transplanted cancer cell population, the CSCs, not the non-stem tumor cells, drove tumor formation and yielded tumors displaying a cellular hierarchy. In the resulting tumors, a fraction of the initial transplanted CSCs maintained expression of stem cell and proliferation markers, which were significantly higher compared to the non-stem tumor cell population and demonstrated that CSCs generated cellular heterogeneity within the tumor. These head-to-head comparisons between matched CSCs and non-stem tumor cells provide the first functional evidence using live imaging that in the same microenvironment, CSCs more than non-stem tumor cells are responsible for tumor propagation, confirming the functional definition of a CSC

Method for the Synthesis of a Composition Based on Aluminum Oxide and a Solid Solution of Cerium and Zirconium Oxides

FIELD: metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to methods for producing composite powder materials by hydrometallurgical method, namely, to compositions based on stabilized aluminum oxide and a solid solution of cerium and zirconium oxides, which can be used as carriers of the catalytically active phase in an automotive catalytic unit. A method for synthesizing a composition based on aluminum oxide and a solid solution of cerium and zirconium oxides includes the preparation of an aqueous suspension of cerium, zirconium and possibly yttrium or lanthanum hydroxides with a pH of 7 to 10 with the addition of ammonia at room temperature, the preparation of an aqueous suspension of aluminum hydroxides and possibly zirconium or lanthanum at room temperature. Next, the resulting suspensions are mixed at room temperature to produce a total suspension. The precipitate is separated from the mother liquor and isopropyl alcohol is injected. The mixture is dried and burnt. Before separating the precipitate from the mother liquor, the total suspension is ground so that the D90 value is less than 9.5 mcm, or subjected to hydrothermal treatment at a temperature above 110°C with the duration of 0 hours or more. EFFECT: increase in the thermal stability of the surface of the particles of the composite powder material is provided. 8 cl, 1 dwg, 6 ex.Изобретение относится к способам получения композиционных порошковых материалов гидрометаллургическим способом, а именно к композициям на основе стабилизированного оксида алюминия и твердого раствора оксидов церия и циркония, которые могут быть применены как носители каталитически активной фазы в автомобильном каталитическом блоке. Способ синтеза композиции на основе оксида алюминия и твердого раствора оксидов церия и циркония включает приготовление водной суспензии гидроксидов церия, циркония и, возможно, иттрия или лантана с рН от 7 до 10 добавлением аммиака при комнатной температуре, приготовление водной суспензии гидроксидов алюминия и, возможно, циркония или лантана при комнатной температуре. Далее смешивают полученные суспензии при комнатной температуре с получением общей суспензии. Отделяют осадок от маточного раствора и вводят изопропиловый спирт. Сушат и обжигают. Причем до отделения осадка от маточного раствора общую суспензию подвергают помолу так, чтобы значение D90 составляло менее 9,5 мкм, или подвергают гидротермальной обработке при температуре выше 110°С длительностью от 0 часов и более. Обеспечивается повышение термической стабильности поверхности частиц композиционного порошкового материала. 2 н. и 6 з.п. ф-лы, 1 ил., 6 пр

Deregulated expression of TANK in glioblastomas triggers pro-tumorigenic ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways

Signal transmission by the noncanonical IkappaB kinases (IKKs), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IKKɛ, requires interaction with adapter proteins such as TRAF associated NF-κB activator (TANK). Although increased expression or dysregulation of both kinases has been described for a variety of human cancers, this study shows that deregulated expression of the TANK protein is frequently occurring in glioblastomas (GBMs). The functional relevance of TANK was analyzed in a panel of GBM-derived cell lines and revealed that knockdown of TANK arrests cells in the S-phase and prohibits tumor cell migration. Deregulated TANK expression affects several signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation and the inflammatory response. Interference with stoichiometrically assembled signaling complexes by overexpression or silencing of TANK prevented constitutive interferon-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation. Knockdown of TANK frequently prevents constitutive activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). TANK-mediated ERK1/2 activation is independent from the canonical MAP kinase or ERK kinase (MEK) 1/2-mediated pathway and utilizes an alternative pathway that uses a TBK1/IKKɛ/Akt signaling axis, thus identifying a novel pathway suitable to block constitutive ERK1/2 activity.Peer reviewe

Enhancement of COPD biological networks using a web-based collaboration interface

The construction and application of biological network models is an approach that offers a holistic way to understand biological processes involved in disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory disease of the airways for which therapeutic options currently are limited after diagnosis, even in its earliest stage. COPD network models are important tools to better understand the biological components and processes underlying initial disease development. With the increasing amounts of literature that are now available, crowdsourcing approaches offer new forms of collaboration for researchers to review biological findings, which can be applied to the construction and verification of complex biological networks. We report the construction of 50 biological network models relevant to lung biology and early COPD using an integrative systems biology and collaborative crowd-verification approach. By combining traditional literature curation with a data-driven approach that predicts molecular activities from transcriptomics data, we constructed an initial COPD network model set based on a previously published non-diseased lung-relevant model set. The crowd was given the opportunity to enhance and refine the networks on a website ( https://bionet.sbvimprover.com/) and to add mechanistic detail, as well as critically review existing evidence and evidence added by other users, so as to enhance the accuracy of the biological representation of the processes captured in the networks. Finally, scientists and experts in the field discussed and refined the networks during an in-person jamboree meeting. Here, we describe examples of the changes made to three of these networks: Neutrophil Signaling, Macrophage Signaling, and Th1-Th2 Signaling. We describe an innovative approach to biological network construction that combines literature and data mining and a crowdsourcing approach to generate a comprehensive set of COPD-relevant models that can be used to help understand the mechanisms related to lung pathobiology. Registered users of the website can freely browse and download the networks

Quantum majorization and a complete set of entropic conditions for quantum thermodynamics

What does it mean for one quantum process to be more disordered than another? Interestingly, this apparently abstract question arises naturally in a wide range of areas such as information theory, thermodynamics, quantum reference frames, and the resource theory of asymmetry. Here we use a quantum-mechanical generalization of majorization to develop a framework for answering this question, in terms of single-shot entropies, or equivalently, in terms of semi-definite programs. We also investigate some of the applications of this framework, and remarkably find that, in the context of quantum thermodynamics it provides the first complete set of necessary and sufficient conditions for arbitrary quantum state transformations under thermodynamic processes, which rigorously accounts for quantum-mechanical properties, such as coherence. Our framework of generalized thermal processes extends thermal operations, and is based on natural physical principles, namely, energy conservation, the existence of equilibrium states, and the requirement that quantum coherence be accounted for thermodynamically

Metals futures market: A comparative analysis of investment and arbitrage strategies

The article deals with the application of optimal portfolio theory and pair trading theory on the metals futures market. Advantages of the futures market over the spot market include relatively small initial price, low transaction costs, and high volatility. The main aim of the study is to explore the potential of both strategies for effective trading. The following financial instruments were chosen as the inputs of the models: futures on industrial metals (aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, lead, tin), futures on precious metals (gold and silver). When building the optimal portfolio, it was decided to include Dow Jones Index futures and S&P Index futures among metals. This is because these instruments are extremely volatile and may play the role of a hedge in the portfolio. A drawdown indicator was used to assess the effectiveness of each strategy. The results show that both strategies can be applied on the real-life market. The final choice will depend on the level of risk taking by investors and the desired value of retur