Counterbalancing, Spatial Dependence, and Peer Group Effects

Previous studies identified several domestic factors that may influence a country?s level of structural coup-proofing, i.e., counterbalancing strategies that shall prevent internal groups from seizing power via a coup d?�tat. We suggest that a country?s level of counterbalancing is also affected by such policies in what we term countries? ?peer groups.? When deciding the appropriate level of counterbalancing, rulers may be affected by external information flows from a ?peer group? with similar structural coup-risk characteristics (institutions) or a similar coup-risk experience (coup history). Using maximum likelihood spatial lag models and data in 1976?2005, we find that leaders learn from and emulate counterbalancing in other states, but rather only through an ?experiential peer group.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is often incurable so new therapeutic approaches are needed. Tyrosine kinases inhibitors (such as imanitib, sunitinib or sorafenib) are under evaluation for the treatment of ATC. Other vascular disrupting agents, such as combretastatin A4 phosphate, and antiangiogenic agents, such as aplidin, PTK787/ZK222584 and human VEGF monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, cetuximab), have been evaluated. Small-molecule adenosine triphosphate competitive inhibitors directed intracellularly at EGFRs tyrosine kinase, such as erlotinib or gefitinib, are also studied. Furthermore, new molecules have been shown to be active against ATC, such as CLM94 and CLM3. However, more research is needed to finally identify therapies able to control and to cure this disease

Set-up and Calibration by Experimental Data of a Numerical Model for the Estimation of Solar Factor and Ug-value of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems☆

Abstract The acronym BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) refers to the installation of photovoltaic systems which, in addition to convert solar energy into electrical energy, have a high level of architectonical integration with the built environment, becoming a real architectural cladding to be installed over the buildings in place of traditional envelope systems. Many typologies of BIPV have been developed, however their thermal characteristics such as g and Ug-value are not well evaluated and require more detailed analyses considering that they could replace large extension of traditional building envelope. A first approach to address this problem is proposed in this work. A mathematical model based on a finite differences scheme for the estimation of the thermal parameters g and Ug-value has been developed and tuned using experimental value measured on sample BIPV with a Hot Plate and a Solar Calorimeter. The results of the model show that the introduction of solar cells in a laminated glass or in a double glass leads to a reduction of energy parameters modifying winter and summer energy balance of the building system

Ultrastructural changes of collagen and elastin in human gingiva during orthodontic tooth movement

After 15 days of mesializing or distalizing orthodontic treatment, 10 permanent premolars of young patients were extracted with the interdental gingiva. The connective tissues of the compressed or stretched interdental papillae were compared to that of untreated samples by light and transmission electron microscope.Large collagen fibres bundles represented by fibrils with a banding pattern of 64 nm and a mean diameter of 75 nm were observed in compressed interdental gingiva. Several elastic fibres with a mean diameter of 950 nm were also present. In some central areas of compressed gingiva collagen fibrils longitudinally split into widely spaced microfibrils were often observed in proximity to the elastic fibres.In stretched and untreated interdental papillae the collagen fibrils presented a mean diameter of 66 nm and 57 nm respectively. In both groups, few elastic fibres ranging in diameter 600 nm were seen. The increased size of the gingival collagen fibrils undergoing pressure and tension is indicative of remodelling of the fibrous collagen system.The fair increase in number and size of elastic fibres in compressed gingiva suggests that the elastic fibre system takes over the place whenever a collapse of the collagenous framework occurs.Après 15 jours de traitement orthodontique par mésialisation ou distalisation, 10 prémolaires permanentes ont été extraites chez de jeunes patients, ainsi que la gencive interdentaire adjacente. Le tissu conjonctif des papilles interdentaires comprimées ou étirées a été comparé avec celui d’échantillons de dents n’ayant pas subi de traitement. L’observation a été faite en microscopie classique et en microscopie électronique à transmission. Dans la gencive interdentaire comprimée, on observe de longs faisceaux de fibres de collagène faits de fibrilles qui présentent une périodicité de 64 nm et un diamètre inférieur à 75 nm. Ont été observées également de fibres élastiques d’une diamètre inférieur à 950 nm. Dans certaines zones centrales de gencive comprimée, on peut voir, à proximité dess fibres élastiques, des fibrilles de collagène réparties longitudinalement en microfibrilles très espacées.Dans la gencive interdentaire étirée et dans celle non soumise au traitement orthodontique, les fibrilles de collagène présentent un diamètre de 66 nm et 57 nm respectivement. Dans ces deux groupes, on note un très petit nombre de fibres élastiques de 600 nm de diamètre. L’augmentation du nombre et de la taille des fibres élastiques dans la gencive comprimée indique que le système de fibres élastiques remplace la trame collagène qui a subi un collapsus

Improved perturbation theory in the vortex liquids state of type II superconductors

We develop an optimized perturbation theory for the Ginzburg - Landau description of thermal fluctuations effects in the vortex liquids. Unlike the high temperature expansion which is asymptotic, the optimized expansion is convergent. Radius of convergence on the lowest Landau level is $a_{T}=-3$ in 2D and $a_{T}=-5$ in 3D. It allows a systematic calculation of magnetization and specific heat contributions due to thermal fluctuations of vortices in strongly type II superconductors to a very high precision. The results are in good agreement with existing Monte Carlo simulations and experiments. Limitations of various nonperturbative and phenomenological approaches are noted. In particular we show that there is no exact intersection point of the magnetization curves both in 2D and 3D.Comment: 24 pages, 9 figure

Precision calculation of magnetization and specific heat of vortex liquids and solids in type II superconductors

A new systematic calculation of magnetization and specific heat contributions of vortex liquids and solids (not very close to the melting line) is presented. We develop an optimized perturbation theory for the Ginzburg - Landau description of thermal fluctuations effects in the vortex liquids. The expansion is convergent in contrast to the conventional high temperature expansion which is asymptotic. In the solid phase we calculate first two orders which are already quite accurate. The results are in good agreement with existing Monte Carlo simulations and experiments. Limitations of various nonperturbative and phenomenological approaches are noted. In particular we show that there is no exact intersection point of the magnetization curves both in 2D and 3D.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

development of adaptive immune effector therapies in solid tumors

Abstract State-of-the-art treatment strategies have drastically ameliorated the outcome of patients affected by cancer. However, resistant and recurrent solid tumors are generally nonresponsive to conventional therapies. A central factor in the sequence of events that lead to cancer is an alteration in antitumor immune surveillance, which results in failure to recognize and eliminate the transformed tumor cell. A greater understanding of the dysregulation and evasion of the immune system in the evolution and progression of cancer provides the basis for improved therapies. Targeted strategies, such as T-cell therapy, not only generally spare normal tissues, but also use alternative antineoplastic mechanisms that synergize with other therapeutics. Despite encouraging success in hematologic malignancies, adaptive cellular therapies for solid tumors face unique challenges because of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the hurdle of T-cell trafficking within scarcely accessible tumor sites. This review provides a brief overview of current cellular therapeutic strategies for solid tumors, research carried out to increase efficacy and safety, and results from ongoing clinical trials

Factors associated with hospital service satisfaction in a sample of Arab subjects with schizophrenia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Assessment of patients' satisfaction with health care services could help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the system and provide guidance for further development. The study's objectives were to: (i) assess the pattern of satisfaction with hospital care for a sample of people with schizophrenia in Kuwait, using the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale (VSSS-EU); ii) compare the pattern of satisfaction with those of similar studies; and iii) assess the association of VSSS seven domains with a number of variables representing met and unmet needs for care, family caregiver burden, severity of psychopathology, level of psychosocial functioning, socio-demographic characteristics, psychological well-being and objective quality of life.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Consecutive outpatients in stable condition and their family caregivers were interviewed with the VSSS-EU and measures of needs for care, caregiver burden, quality of life and psychopathology.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were 130 patients (66.1%m, mean age 36.8). While over two-thirds expressed satisfaction with the domains of "overall satisfaction", "professionals' skills", "access", "efficacy", and "relatives' involvement", only about one-third were satisfied with the domains of "information" and "types of intervention". The later two domains were the areas in which European patients had better satisfaction than our patients, while our patients expressed better satisfaction than the Europeans in the domain of "relatives' involvement". In multiple regression analyses, self-esteem, positive and negative affect were the most important correlates of the domains of service satisfaction, while clinical severity, caregiver burden and health unmet needs for care played relatively minor roles.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The noted differences and similarities with the international data, as well as the predictive power of self-esteem and affective state, support the impression that patients' attitudes towards psychiatric care involve a complex relationship between clinical, personal and socio-cultural characteristics; and that many of the factors that impact on satisfaction with service relate to individual psychological characteristics. The weaknesses in the system, highlighted by the pattern of responses of the participants, indicate possible gaps in the provision of comprehensive psychiatric care in the country and obviate the need for public mental health education and development of services to enhance the quality of care.</p