The Power of Culture in Diplomacy: The Case of U.S. Cultural Diplomacy in France and Germany

Cultural diplomacy represents a facet of diplomacy that has not been utilized completely in building better diplomatic relations and, although it could serve as a linking bridge toward better relations, it has been underestimated, if not neglected. Foreign positive perceptions of the United States declined considerably especially during the George W. Bush administration, as a result of various actions taken by the United States in the international arena that were unpopular. Anti-Americanism reached its peak in Europe because of the unilateral decision to proceed with the war in Iraq while the transatlantic rift between traditional partners such as the United States and the Franco-German axis seemed irreparable. Increasing America\u27s soft power by more effective cultural diplomacy has seemed to be the only way to remedy U.S. negative perceptions since national image and perceptions are better managed through culture. American culture is not only prominent but it also contributes to U.S. attractiveness. U.S. world attractiveness is undoubtedly facilitated by the rapid spread of the English language as the international common language. But how is the power influence exerted by the U.S. culture and the English language (Anglophony) formulated in France and Germany? Is U.S. cultural diplomacy effective? This article, while it sets out to explore U.S. cultural diplomacy in France and Germany, also reflects on important aspects and challenges that culture in diplomacy faces

Characterisation of the physical and functional interaction of DRhoGEF2 with DMec2 via its PDZ domain.

Morphogenesis is the process which will define the final form of an organism by a series of complex cellular events such as cell division, shape changes and migration, events that require the coordinated modification of the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is mainly regulated by the Rho family of small GTPases. The Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, DRhoGEF2, is an activator of Rho 1 and it is essential for morphogenetic cell shape changes. Signalling through DRhoGEF2 seems to be restricted to a specific area in the cell. One major question in the field is the mechanism by which the activity of RhoGEFs is spatially and temporally limited. The multidomain nature of DRhoGEF2 provides the framework for a tight regulation and the participation in a protein network. The activity of the distinct structural elements of DRhoGEF2 has not been completely elucidated. This thesis investigates the role of the PDZ domain for the function of DRhoGEF2. Preliminary results indicate that the PDZ domain acts as a positive regulator. In addition, an interaction has recently been discovered between the DRhoGEF2 PDZ domain and the novel protein DMec2. This thesis explores the functional significance of DMec2 and in particular its putative contribution to morphogenesis through its interaction with DRhoGEF2. Overexpression and elimination of DMec2 does not alter the actin nor microtubule cytoskeleton and ectopic expression does not produce any obvious phenotypes therefore its role remains obscure. Furthermore, DMec2 binds to the PDZ domain however there is no indication of a functional relevance of this interaction. This work suggests further study to explore the integration of signals by the PDZ domain of DRhoGEF2

A role for the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor in cell-cell communication in pancreatic islets of Langerhans

Background: The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is expressed in many tissues that are not associated with Ca2+ homeostasis, including the endocrine cells in pancreatic islets of Langerhans. We have demonstrated previously that pharmacological activation of the CaR stimulates insulin secretion from islet -cells and insulin-secreting MIN6 cells. Methods: In the present study we have investigated the effects of CaR activation on MIN6 cell proliferation and have used shRNA-mediated CaR knockdown to determine whether the CaR is involved in the regulation of insulin secretion via cell-cell communication. Results: CaR activation caused the phosphorylation and activation of the p42/44 MAPK signalling cascade, and this activation was prevented by the shRNA-induced down-regulation of CaR mRNA expression. CaR activation also resulted in increased proliferation of MIN6 cells, consistent with the known role of the p42/44 MAPK system in the regulation of -cell proliferation. Down-regulation of CaR expression had no detectable effects on glucose-induced insulin secretion from MIN6 cells maintained as monolayers, but blocked the increases in insulin secretion that were observed when the cells were configured as three-dimensional islet-like structures (pseudoislets), consistent with a role for the CaR in cell-cell communication in pseudoislets. Conclusion: It is well established that islet function is dependent on communication between islet cells and the results of this study suggest that the CaR is required for -cell to -cell interactions within islet-like structures

Power generation from geothermal resources : challenges and opportunities

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Technology and Policy Program; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2000.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-79).As we enter the 21st century, increasing concerns about global warming have stimulated an upsurge of interest in the use of non-fossil energy technologies for electricity production. As a result there is an opportunity for expansion of geothermal resource development. This thesis examines power generation technology for two distinct categories of geothermal resources: Hydrothermal and Hot Dry Rock (HDR). The thesis assesses growth opportunities for, and challenges to, the full deployment of geothermal power systems in the electricity market. It analyzes the key impediments that - have and will affect the attractiveness of geothermal technologies, describes policy measures that can be adopted to overcome these impediments, and draws conclusions and recommendations for R&D on geothermal systems.by Olga Kitsou.S.M

Applied nanotechnology in orthopaedic oncology

Nowadays, bone cancer is a major issue especially for young people. Common diagnosis and therapeutic methods are not entirely effective as they lack adequate precision and efficacy. Novel nanostructures have drawn widespread attention due to their broad applications in tumor diagnosis and therapy. In the present review, the impact of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment of bone cancer is discussed. A plethora of nanostructures and their applications in diagnosis, treatment as well as in theranostics for bone tumor diagnosis, treatment and regeneration of bone defects is described in order to provide an outlook for all nanoscientists. In addition, reference is made in toxicity of the nanostructures utilized in medical applications. The literature review revealed that nontechnology based methods for imaging and treatment of bone tumor could provide earlier diagnosis and more effective therapy compared with up-to now existing methods. However, the toxicity of nanostructures remains a longstanding challenge for the research community.Nowadays, bone cancer is a major issue especially for young people. Common diagnosis and therapeutic methods are not entirely effective as they lack adequate precision and efficacy. Novel nanostructures have drawn widespread attention due to their broad applications in tumor diagnosis and therapy. In the present review, the impact of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment of bone cancer is discussed. A plethora of nanostructures and their applications in diagnosis, treatment as well as in theranostics for bone tumor diagnosis, treatment and regeneration of bone defects is described in order to provide an outlook for all nanoscientists. In addition, reference is made in toxicity of the nanostructures utilized in medical applications. The literature review revealed that nontechnology based methods for imaging and treatment of bone tumor could provide earlier diagnosis and more effective therapy compared with up-to now existing methods. However, the toxicity of nanostructures remains a longstanding challenge for the research community

A weighted location differential tax method in environmental problems

Relying on Pigou's view, environmental taxes increase the costs of polluting activities reflecting in this way the true social cost imposed to society by the caused environmental damage by these activities. The total pollution cost (TPC) is defined by adding up the marginal abatement (MAC) and the marginal damage (MD) costs. That is the random variable TPC includes the social costs associated with pollution. We relate this with contaminated locations and propose a weighted location differentiated tax and a corresponding index that adjusts taxation to the damages caused. It is clear that the value of the expected total pollution (social) cost, E(TPC), would be of interest and therefore we proceed to the evaluation through the use of the γ-order Generalized Normal. The value of the variance, Var(TPC), is also evaluated and we provide a generalized form of the E(TPC) as far (i) the form of TPC and (ii) the probability density function

Prevalence and associated factors of anxiety and depression in students at a Greek university during COVID-19 lockdown

Background: Restrictions on movement and lockdown are measures taken in many nations, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. University students are additionally burdened by the transition to distance e-learning. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in university students and to identify associated risk factors.Design and Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 2,009 students in the University of Patras, Greece, during the national lockdown. Socio-demographic, academic data, and the forced disruption of daily life were assessed along with the Greek version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Results: Anxiety and depression prevalence was 35.8% and 51.2% respectively. Age, school of study, financial status, self-perceived health status, level of satisfaction with the state's and university's response and specific aspects in the daily routine were associated with both anxiety and depression scores. At higher odds of both depression and anxiety were students with low income, bad health status, annoyed at staying home and those who encountered difficulties with the online education system. Additional risk factors for depression were studies in humanities and social sciences, and low satisfaction with the university's response, while for anxiety were studies in agricultural sciences and absence of information about COVID-19.Conclusions: The proportion of Greek students showing depression and anxiety, during the restrictive measures, is alarming. Mental health in university students should be monitored. Mitigation strategies should focus on specific personal, academic and social variables that have been identified as protective factors

Σχέση μεταξύ φυσικής δραστηριότητας και δυσλειτουργίας λόγω κεφαλαλγίας σε ενήλικες άνδρες και γυναίκες

Η κεφαλαλγία είναι ένα από τα σοβαρότερα προβλήματα υγείας το οποίο επηρεάζει τόσο την καθημερινή ζωή όσο και τα εργασιακά καθήκοντα εκατομμυρίων ανθρώπων σε όλο τον κόσμο. Υπάρχουν διάφοροι τύποι κεφαλαλγίας με συνηθέστερη μορφή αυτή της ημικρανίας. Στη χώρα μας ένας στους δέκα πολίτες πάσχει από ημικρανία, μια από τις συνηθέστερες μορφές πρωτοπαθούς κεφαλαλγίας. Αρκετές μελέτες έχουν δείξει ότι η άσκηση μπορεί να επηρεάσει το επίπεδο δυσλειτουργίας που προκαλείται από επαναλαμβανόμενα επεισόδια ημικρανίας ή μη ημικρανιακής κεφαλαλγίας. Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης, η οποία διεξήχθη στο Εργαστήριο Αθλητικής Φυσικοθεραπείας του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών είναι να διερευνήσει τη σχέση του επιπέδου φυσικών δραστηριοτήτων ενηλίκων ανδρών και γυναικών, όπως αυτό διαμορφώνεται με βάση το είδος, την ένταση και την συχνότητα των εργασιακών δραστηριοτήτων καθώς και των δραστηριοτήτων της καθημερινότητας και του ελεύθερου χρόνου, με τον βαθμό δυσλειτουργίας λόγω κεφαλαλγίας, είτε αυτή είναι ιατρικώς διαγνωσμένη είτε όχι (κατά δήλωση του/της συμμετέχοντα/ουσας). Στην παρούσα μελέτη συμπεριλήφθηκαν ενήλικες άνδρες και γυναίκες (n=170) ηλικίας 18 έως 65 ετών με διαγνωσμένη ή όχι κεφαλαλγία τύπου ημικρανίας. Η αξιολόγηση της δυσλειτουργίας λόγω ημικρανίας, το επίπεδο φυσικών δραστηριότητων και το ιστορικό υγείας των συμμετεχόντων/ουσών πραγματοποιήθηκε με αντίστοιχα ερωτηματολόγια. Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας μελέτης έδειξαν ότι η φυσική δραστηριότητα δεν διαφοροποιείται μεταξύ ατόμων με και χωρίς κεφαλαλγία και τα άτομα με κεφαλαλγία δηλώνουν περισσότερο μέτρια έως σοβαρή ανικανότητα. Παράλληλα υπήρξαν παράπλευρα αποτελέσματα στη σχέση μεταξύ κεφαλαλγίας και καθημερινών συνηθειών όπως το κάπνισμα, η κατανάλωση αλκοόλ και η λήψη φαρμάκων.N

Antibodies Against EGF-Like Domains in \u3ci\u3eIxodes scapularis\u3c/i\u3e BM86 Orthologs Impact Tick Feeding and Survival of \u3ci\u3eBorrelia burgdorferi\u3c/i\u3e

Ixodes scapularis ticks transmit multiple pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, and encode many proteins harboring epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains. We show that I. scapularis produces multiple orthologs for Bm86, a widely studied tick gut protein considered as a target of an anti-tick vaccine, herein termed as Is86. We show that Is86 antigens feature at least three identifiable regions harboring EGF-like domains (termed as EGF-1, EGF-2, and EGF-3) and are differentially upregulated during B. burgdorferi infection. Although the RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Is86 genes did not show any influences on tick engorgement or B. burgdorferi sensu stricto persistence, the immunization of murine hosts with specific recombinant EGF antigens marginally reduced spirochete loads in the skin, in addition to affecting tick blood meal engorgement and molting. However, given the borderline impact of EGF immunization on tick engorgement and pathogen survival in the vector, it is unlikely that these antigens, at least in their current forms, could be developed as potential vaccines. Further investigations of the biological significance of Is86 (and other tick antigens) would enrich our knowledge of the intricate biology of ticks, including their interactions with resident pathogens, and contribute to the development of anti-tick measures to combat tick-borne illnesses