Hydrodynamics of polar liquid crystals

Starting from a microscopic definition of an alignment vector proportional to the polarization, we discuss the hydrodynamics of polar liquid crystals with local $C_{\infty v}$-symmetry. The free energy for polar liquid crystals differs from that of nematic liquid crystals ($D_{\infty h}$) in that it contains terms violating the ${\bf{n}}\to -{\bf{n}}$ symmetry. First we show that these $\mathcal{Z}_2$-odd terms induce a general splay instability of a uniform polarized state in a range of parameters. Next we use the general Poisson-bracket formalism to derive the hydrodynamic equations of the system in the polarized state. The structure of the linear hydrodynamic modes confirms the existence of the splay instability.Comment: 9 pages, corrected typos, added references, revised content, to appear in PR

Experimental Designs for Binary Data in Switching Measurements on Superconducting Josephson Junctions

We study the optimal design of switching measurements of small Josephson junction circuits which operate in the macroscopic quantum tunnelling regime. Starting from the D-optimality criterion we derive the optimal design for the estimation of the unknown parameters of the underlying Gumbel type distribution. As a practical method for the measurements, we propose a sequential design that combines heuristic search for initial estimates and maximum likelihood estimation. The presented design has immediate applications in the area of superconducting electronics implying faster data acquisition. The presented experimental results confirm the usefulness of the method. KEY WORDS: optimal design, D-optimality, logistic regression, complementary log-log link, quantum physics, escape measurement

Zyflamend, a polyherbal mixture, down regulates class I and class II histone deacetylases and increases p21 levels in castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells

Background Zyflamend, a mixture containing extracts of ten herbs, has shown promise in a variety of preclinical cancer models, including prostate cancer. The current experiments were designed to investigate the effects of Zyflamend on the expression of class I and II histone deacetylases, a family of enzymes known to be over expressed in a variety of cancers. Methods CWR22Rv1 cells, a castrate-resistant prostate cancer cell line, were treated with Zyflamend and the expression of class I and II histone deacetylases, along with their downstream target the tumor suppressor gene p21, was investigated. Involvement of p21 was confirmed with siRNA knockdown and over expression experiments. Results Zyflamend down-regulated the expression of all class I and II histone deacetylases where Chinese goldthread and baikal skullcap (two of its components) appear to be primarily responsible for these results. In addition, Zyflamend up regulated the histone acetyl transferase complex CBP/p300, potentially contributing to the increase in histone 3 acetylation. Expression of the tumor suppressor gene p21, a known downstream target of histone deacetylases and CBP/p300, was increased by Zyflamend treatment and the effect on p21 was, in part, mediated through Erk1/2. Knockdown of p21 with siRNA technology attenuated Zyflamend-induced growth inhibition. Over expression of p21 inhibited cell growth and concomitant treatment with Zyflamend enhanced this effect. Conclusions Our results suggest that the extracts of this polyherbal combination increase histone 3 acetylation, inhibit the expression of class I and class II histone deacetylases, increase the activation of CBP/p300 and inhibit cell proliferation, in part, by up regulating p21 expression

Математические модели стационарных химико-технологических процессов со случайным временем протекания процесса в аппарате

In the article a number of chemical and physical processes with random stay time of of particles in the device are considered. On the basis of initial density of distribution of the value of the defining parameter in the particles entering in the device and of density of distribution of time of stay of particles in the device with the use of the kinetic equation of the process proceeding in the device densities of distribution of the defining parameter at the device outlet were obtained. For a cascade of devices density of distribution of probabilities of times of stay of particles in the device and the defining parameter were obtained.В статье рассматривается ряд химических и физических процессов со случайным временем пребывания частиц в аппарате. На основе исходной плотности распределения величины определяющего параметра в частицах, поступающих в аппарат, плотности распределения времени пребывания частиц в аппарате и уравнения кинетики протекающего в аппарате процесса получены плотности распределения определяющего параметра на выходе из аппарата. Для каскада аппаратов получены плотности распределения вероятностей времен пребывания частиц в аппарате и определяющего параметра

Economic performance or electoral necessity? Evaluating the system of voluntary income to political parties

Whilst the public funding of political parties is the norm in western democracies, its comprehensive introduction has been resisted in Britain. Political and electoral arrangements in Britain require parties to function and campaign on a regular basis, whilst their income follows cycles largely related to general elections. This article shows that the best predictor of party income is the necessity of a well-funded general election campaign rather than party performance. As a result, income can only be controlled by parties to a limited degree, which jeopardises their ability to determine their own financial position and fulfil their functions as political parties

Photoinitiated azo-hydrazo tautomerizm of 1- p

A novel photochromic compound with NH-N intramolecular H-bond (1-p-toluenesulphonylazo- 2,4,6,8-tetrakis(tert-butyl)phenoxazine) and the corresponding model structures (1-oxo-2,4,6,8-tetrakis(tertbutyl) phenoxazine, 2,4,5,7-tetrakis (tert-butyl )-1-( veratroylazo ) phenoxazine, 2,4,5,7-tetrakis ( tert-butyl )-Nacetyl- 1-(p-toluenesulphonylazo)phenoxazine) have been synthesized and their spectral and photochemical properties are studied. The photochromic transformations observed are found to be conditioned by ESIPT (as a primary step) followed by E-Z isomerisation about N–N-bond

Union renewal in historical perspective

This article revisits contemporary union renewal/revival debates through comparison with the late 1930s resurgence of trade unionism in the UK’s engineering industry. It is argued that the 1930s union renewal arose from more favourable contextual conditions than those currently obtaining. It was led by political activists, with better-articulated organisation and greater resonance in the working class than their contemporary counterparts, and who were assisted by state policy and pro-worker forces. Conclusions are drawn in relation to current debates

‘The longest suicide vote in history’: the Labour Party leadership election of 2015

The Labour leadership contest of 2015 resulted in the election of the veteran Left-wing backbencher, Jeremy Corbyn, who clearly defeated the early favourite, Andy Burnham. Yet Corbyn enjoyed very little support among Labour MPs, and his victory plunged the PLP into turmoil, particularly as he was widely viewed as incapable of leading the Party to victory in the 2020 general election. Given that, much of the established academic literature on Party leadership contests emphasises the ability to foster unity, and thereby render a party electable, as two of the key criteria for electing a new leader, coupled with overall competence, important questions are raised about how and why the Labour Party chose someone to lead them who clearly does not meet these criteria. We will argue that whilst these are the natural priorities of MPs when electing a new leader, in Corbyn’s case, much of the extra-parliamentary Labour Party was more concerned about ideological conviction and purity of principles, regardless of how far these diverged from public opinion. This was especially true of those who signed-up to the Labour Party following the 2015 general election defeat. Indeed, many of these only did so after Corbyn had become a candidate. This clearly suggests a serious tension between maximising intra-party democracy and ensuring the electability of the parliamentary party itself

Acylated 2-(N-arylaminomethylene)benzo[b]thiophene-3(2H)-Ones: Molecular Switches with Varying Migrants and Substituents

Synthesis and properties of photochromic acylated 2-(N-arylaminomethylene)benzo[b]thiophene-3(2H)-ones are described. Their structure largely depends on the nature of acyl migrant and in a less degree on N-aryl substituent

Different expressions of the same mode: a recent dialogue between archaeological and contemporary drawing practices

In this article we explore what we perceive as pertinent features of shared experience at the excavations of an Iron Age Hillfort at Bodfari, North Wales, referencing artist, archaeologist and examples of seminal art works and archaeological records resulting through inter-disciplinary collaboration. We explore ways along which archaeological and artistic practices of improvisation become entangled and productive through their different modes of mark-making. We contend that marks and memories of artist and archaeologist alike emerge interactively, through the mutually constituting effects of the object of study, the tools of exploration, and the practitioners themselves, when they are enmeshed in the cross-modally bound activities. These include, but are not limited to, remote sensing, surveying, mattocking, trowelling, drawing, photographing, videoing and sound recording. These marks represent the co-signatories: the gesture of the often anonymous practitioners, the voice of the deposits, as well as the imprint of the tools, and their interplay creates a multi-threaded narrative documenting their modes of intra-action, in short our practices. They occupy the conceptual space of paradata, and in the process of saturating the interstices of digital cognitive prosthetics they lend probity to their translations in both art form and archive