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Ablative materials are used as thermal protection systems (TPS) for reentry vehicles and solid rocket motor (SRM) nozzle applications. Phenolic and cyanate ester are the state-of-the-art (SOTA) resin systems used in many of the ablative composites today, including MX-2600 (silica/phenolic) from Cytec Solvay Group. While these ablatives have worked well, more demanding requirements drive the need for affordable lightweight advanced composites capable of handling high heat fluxes with minimal mass loss. These advanced ablative composites result in lighter reentry heat shields and solid rocket motors, increasing payload capabilities of spacecraft and rockets. Molding compound made of aerospace grade 99% SiO2 fabric and polysiloxane resin showed considerable improvement over MX-2600 in ablation properties in recent studies. In order to meet increased mechanical strength demands, NASA recently developed an ablative composite using a 3D quartz woven/cyanate ester composite material designed for the Orion spacecraft. While 3D woven composites provide excellent out-of-plane mechanical and ablation properties, they are very expensive, which limits their application. This research explores needle-punched silica fabric, sometimes referred to as 2.5D, which provides similar out-of-plane mechanical benefits to 3D woven composites in a more flexible VARTM manufacturing process at a much lower cost. The needle-punched silica fabric was infiltrated with polysiloxane resin and mechanical tests were performed. The needle-punched composites showed an increase of 181% in flexural strength, 27% in interlaminar shear strength, 2% in tensile strength, and 13% in compressive strength. In aerothermal ablation tests, the 2.5D out-performed the 2D laminate in char yield, mass loss, and recession rate; and in char yield and mass loss (%), the 2.5D out-performed the industry standard MX-2600 molding compound. The increased out-of-plane strength and char yield make it a promising and affordable ablative candidate for ablation performance with enhanced mechanical properties.

The author discusses the musical and cultural significance of “One Winged Angel” from Final Fantasy VII (1997). Using a variety of analytical techniques, including (but not limited to) neo-Riemannian and Schenkarian perspectives to explore the cultural influences and technological restrictions that impacted the piece. The author also explores how the piece fits into the wider narrative by examining other works from the game that feed into this overall track. The author aims to showcase a number of Uematsu’s musical influences and compositional methods through these various analytical techniques.

The introduction of new type of nanomaterials has provided challenges in a deeper level understanding of mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of fiber-reinforced composites. In this study, a comparison of low-velocity impact behavior of E-Glass epoxy composites modified with 10 wt% nanosilica and 2.5 wt% Nafen™ alumina nanofibers manufactured using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding is reported. Low-velocity impact tests at three impact energies of 29 J, 39 J, and 50 J are conducted and impact responses, such as impact strength, absorbed energy, and damage area are determined and compared for the two nanoparticles. The damage sustained by composite samples is evaluated by optical microscopy and infrared thermography. Nanosilica-incorporated composites showed rigid behavior, whereas alumina nanofiber-modified composites showed increased stiffness at increased energy of impact as observed from the initial stiffness and deflection of samples. The degree of damage in case of 10 wt% nanosilica-modified composites is reduced by 7.04%, 3.96%, and 7.92% for energy levels of 29 J, 39 J, and 50 J respectively when compared to nonmodified composites, whereas 2.5 wt% alumina nanofiber-modified composites showed 1.66%, −7.35%, and 26.39% for energy levels of 29 J, 39 J, and 50 J, respectively.

Atmospheric deposition is the principal source of mercury (Hg) to remote northern landscapes, but its fate depends on multiple factors and internal feedbacks. Here we document long-term trends and cycles of Hg in the air, precipitation, surface water, and fish of northern Wisconsin that span the past three decades, and we investigate relationships to atmospheric processes and other variables, especially the regional water cycle. Consistent with declining emission inventories, there was evidence of declining trends in these time series, but the time series for Hg in some lakes and most fish were dominated by a near-decadal oscillation that tracked the regional oscillation of water levels. Concentrations of important solutes (SO4, dissolved organic carbon) and the acid–base status of lake water also tracked water levels in ways that cannot be attributed to simple dilution or concentration. The explanatory mechanism is analogous to the “reservoir effect” wherein littoral sediments are periodically exposed and reflooded, altering the internal cycles of sulfur, carbon, and mercury. These climatically driven, near-decadal oscillations confound short or sparse time series and complicate relationships among Hg emissions, deposition, and bioaccumulation.

Advancements in the understanding and prevention of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) are urgently needed. Intensive longitudinal data collection methods-such as ecological momentary assessment-capture fine-grained, "real-world" information about SITBs as they occur and thus have the potential to narrow this gap. However, collecting real-time data on SITBs presents complex ethical and practical considerations, including about whether and how to monitor and respond to incoming information about SITBs from suicidal or self-injuring individuals during the study. We conducted a systematic review of protocols for monitoring and responding to incoming data in previous and ongoing intensive longitudinal studies of SITBs. Across the 61 included unique studies/samples, there was no clear most common approach to managing these ethical and safety considerations. For example, studies were fairly evenly split between either using automated notifications triggered by specific survey responses (e.g., indicating current suicide risk) or monitoring and intervening upon (generally with a phone-based risk assessment) incoming responses (36%), using both automated notifications and monitoring/intervening (35%), or neither using automated notifications nor monitoring/intervening (29%). Certain study characteristics appeared to influence the safety practices used. Future research that systematically evaluates optimal, feasible strategies for managing risk in real-time monitoring research on SITBs is needed.

Anthropogenic releases of mercury (Hg)1–3 are a human health issue4 because the potent toxicant methylmercury (MeHg), formed primarily by microbial methylation of inorganic Hg in aquatic ecosystems, bioaccumulates to high concentrations in fish consumed by humans5,6. Predicting the efficacy of Hg pollution controls on fish MeHg concentrations is complex because many factors influence the production and bioaccumulation of MeHg7–9. Here we conducted a 15-year whole-ecosystem, single-factor experiment to determine the magnitude and timing of reductions in fish MeHg concentrations following reductions in Hg additions to a boreal lake and its watershed. During the seven-year addition phase, we applied enriched Hg isotopes to increase local Hg wet deposition rates fivefold. The Hg isotopes became increasingly incorporated into the food web as MeHg, predominantly from additions to the lake because most of those in the watershed remained there. Thereafter, isotopic additions were stopped, resulting in an approximately 100% reduction in Hg loading to the lake. The concentration of labelled MeHg quickly decreased by up to 91% in lower trophic level organisms, initiating rapid decreases of 38–76% of MeHg concentration in large-bodied fish populations in eight years. Although Hg loading from watersheds may not decline in step with lowering deposition rates, this experiment clearly demonstrates that any reduction in Hg loadings to lakes, whether from direct deposition or runoff, will have immediate benefits to fish consumers., In a 15-year whole-ecosystem, single-factor experiment, stopping experimental mercury loading results in rapid decreases in methylmercury contamination of fish populations and almost complete recovery within the timeframe of the study.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic disease of the retina, leads to severe visual loss. AMD affects the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the visual cells (photoreceptors). RPE failure, the first step of this disease, is associated with oxidative stress. Since antioxidants can slow down AMD progression, the intake of foods and drinks rich in antioxidant compounds may reduce retinal damage. Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate, YM) extracts reduce oxidative damage of RPE cells in vitro as shown in previous study. Here, the effects of YM drinking on RPE and photoreceptor survival after oxidative damage with sodium iodate (NaIO3; SI) in a murine AMD model are described. Funduscopy and histology show that YM treatment prevents RPE and photoreceptor damage. YM also increases the expression of NRF2, the master antioxidant gene, and its effectors HO-1 and SOD2. In mice receiving YM and SI, the antioxidant response is larger than in mice receiving YM or SI alone. The YM drink also increases expression of RPE65, a gene that is involved in the functionality and survival of photoreceptors and RPE cells. The results suggest YM can play an important role in the prevention of retinal damage associated with oxidative stress, such as AMD.

IMT504 is a non-CPG, non-coding synthetic oligodeoxinucleotide (ODN) with immunomodulatory properties and a novel inhibitory role in pain transmission, exerting long-lasting analgesic effects upon multiple systemic administrations. However, its mechanisms of anti-nociceptive action are still poorly understood. In the present study in male adult rats undergoing complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced hindpaw inflammation, we focused in the analysis of the immunomodulatory role of IMT504 over the cellular infiltrate, the impact on the inflammatory milieu, and the correlation with its anti-allodynic role. By means of behavioral analysis, we determined that a single subcutaneous administration of 6 mg/kg of IMT504 is sufficient to exert a 6-week-long full reversal of mechanical and cold allodynia, compromising neither acute pain perception nor locomotor activity. Importantly, we found that the anti-nociceptive effects of systemic IMT504, plus quick reductions in hindpaw edema, were associated with a modulatory action upon cellular infiltrate of B-cells, macrophages and CD8+ T-cells populations. Accordingly, we observed a profound downregulation of several inflammatory leukocyte adhesion proteins, chemokines and cytokines, as well as of β-endorphin and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10. Altogether, we demonstrate that at least part of the anti-nociceptive actions of IMT504 relate to the modulation of the peripheral immune system at the site of injury, favoring a switch from pro- to anti-inflammatory conditions, and provide further support to its use against chronic inflammatory pain.

The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has increased in the last years. Although anti-VEGF agents have improved the prognosis of exudative AMD, dry AMD has still devastating effects on elderly people vision. Oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanisms involved in AMD pathogenesis and its progression. Molecular pathways involving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP4) and the nuclear erythroid related factor 2 (Nrf2) are behind oxidative stress in AMD due to their participation in antioxidant cellular pathways. As a consequence of the disbalance produced in the antioxidant mechanisms, there is an activation of innate and adaptative immune response with cell recruitment, changes in complement factors expression, and modification of cellular milieu. Different therapies are being studied to treat dry AMD based on the possible effects on antioxidant molecular pathways or their action on the immune response. There is a wide range of treatments presented in this review, from natural antioxidant compounds to cell and gene therapy, based on their mechanisms. Finally, we hypothesize that alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory molecule that can also modulate antioxidant cellular defenses, could be a good candidate for testing in AMD. This article is part of the special ssue on 'The Quest for Disease-Modifying Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders'.

Alumina nanofibers at 0.25wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.75wt%, and 1wt% concentration were used to modify unsaturated polyester resin. Additionally, vinyl silane treated alumina nanofibers were used at the same concentrations and were compared to pristine alumina nanofibers. The SEM images showed a variation in the surface morphology when alumina nanofibers and the BET measurement showed surface area increase from 111 m2/g to 122 m2/g when nanofibers were treated with silane agent. The dispersion of alumina nanofibers into the host unsaturated polyester resin was successfully achieved by three roll mill dispersion. The TEM images showed good dispersion of alumina nanofibers in polyester resin. Although pristine nanofibers showed greater agglomeration at 1wt% concentration, the effect of agglomeration was reduced in the 1wt% concentration. The weight loss measurements from TGA showed that the thermal stability of nanocomposites increased with addition of nanofibers and the lower onset degradation temperature can be tailored to improve by a maximum of 5.5% for silane treated nanofiber. Viscosity and contact angle which are key factors affecting the processability has seen to be positively altered by silane treatment. Additional tensile, flexural, and Izod impact properties were evaluated for the nine material systems and the properties were summarized.

Velcro fastening straps are commonly used to secure a scoliosis brace around the upper body and apply corrective forces to the spine. However, strap loosening and tension loss have been reported that reduce spinal correction and treatment efficacy. A novel fastening device, or controlled tension unit (CTU), was designed to overcome these limitations. A scoliosis analog model (SAM) was used to biomechanically compare the CTU fasteners and posterior Velcro straps on a conventional brace (CB) as well as on a modified brace (MB) that included a dynamic cantilever apical pad section. Brace configurations tested were (1) CB with posterior Velcro straps, (2) CB with posterior CTU fasteners, (3) MB with posterior Velcro straps, and (4) MB with posterior CTU fasteners. MB configurations were tested with 0 N, 35.6 N, and 71.2 N CTU fasteners applied across the apical pad flap. Three-dimensional forces and moments were measured at both ends of the SAM. The CTU fasteners provided the same corrective spinal loads as Velcro straps when tensioned to the same level on the CB configuration and can be used as an alternative fastening system. Dynamically loading the apical flap increased the distractive forces applied to the spine without affecting tension in the fastening straps.

Three different samples of soft magnetic material Proto-pasta, a composite of iron and polylactic acid (PLA), were printed in the presence of a magnetic field and then measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) to inspect the effects printing in a magnetic field has on the samples’ magnetic properties. Multiple hysteresis measurements were taken with respect to the field angle for each sample printed in various fields to observe the changes in hysteresis loss and susceptibility. The Fe/PLA composites printed using Magnetic Field Assisted Additive Manufacturing (MFAAM) displayed a susceptibility approximately twice as large as the composites printed in zero field. Through varying field angle VSM measurements, the inspected susceptibility also displayed anisotropy, having a magnitude 2.7 times larger when measured along the print field.

Polyamide 6 (PA 6) nanocomposites are viable engineered nanocomposite materials with potential application in electrostatic discharge dissipation applications. Creating an electrically conductive path to dissipate electrostatic charges in such materials can be a viable solution to electrostatic discharge (ESD) concerns. The addition of nanofillers can also enhance mechanical properties of the parent polyamide 6, a structural thermoplastic ideal for 3D printing via fused deposition modelling (FDM). While improving the ESD capability, it is imperative to sustain the structural integrity of the nanocomposites. Hence, this study evaluated the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of 3D printed PA6 nanocomposites for electrostatic discharge applications. 3 and 5 wt% of carbon nanofibers (CNF) was compounded with PA6 using co-rotating twin screw extruder to produce 1.75 mm diameter monofilaments for fused deposition modelling (FDM). The test samples were printed using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) 3D printer, Lulzbot TAZ 6 FDM printer. Mechanical, electrical, and thermal characterization was carried out according to their respective ASTM standard. The tensile and flexural properties were enhanced by 3 wt% addition of CNF, but no significant improvement was observed at 5 wt%. The CNF nanocomposites exhibited good thermal stability and crystallization phenomenon at both loading levels. The volume resistivity of the of the PA6 matrix was reduced to order of 1011 and 1012 by 3 wt% and 5 wt% CNF addition respectively, which seems promising for manufacturing static discharge products.

A study to determine the concentration of metals in a variety or rice and cereal foods from various locations was performed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). According to the results of the study, in our samples no concentrations of Ni, Pb, Sb, Se and V were found except for Red Gram, Green Gram and Black Gram for which Ni was 6.8 ppm, 8.0 ppm and 8.8 ppm, respectively, and for Black Gram, Cow Peas and Black Sesame Seeds for which V was 4.8 ppm, 8.8 ppm, and 3.4 ppm, respectively. Despite the large geographic differences, shape and color, the metal concentrations were somewhat similar. Sample concentration for Al were at 3.9 ppm to 207 ppm, except for Black Gram which was at 4400 pm, for Cu at1.7–13.6 pm, for Mg at 243–1526 ppm with outlier of 3230 ppm (Black Sesame Seeds), for Mn at 4.3–118 ppm, for Zn at 1.2–22.3 ppm and Fe at 8.9 to 99.5 with an outlier of 210 ppm for Flattened Rice.

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of nanosilica on glass-reinforced epoxy composites under static mechanical and tension–tension fatigue loading. The glass-reinforced epoxy composites were manufactured with three different concentrations of nanosilica (6, 7, and 8 wt%). Static mechanical tests include tensile, flexure and short-beam strength. 6 wt% nanosilica composites showed the greatest enhancement in tensile strength, percentage elongation, and inter-laminar shear strength compared to the other concentrations and the control. Extensive tension–tension fatigue tests (R-ratio of 0.1 and frequency 2 Hz) were conducted on the control and 6 wt% nanosilica composites. In load-controlled and constant amplitude tests, a percentage of the ultimate tensile strength was applied to the specimens. Stress applied was from 80% of UTS, and reduced in steps of 10% until specimens survived 1 million cycles. In high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue tests, 6 wt% nanosilica composites showed 10 and 3 times improvement in fatigue life, respectively, compared to the control composites. Stiffness degradation curves were explained with three stages of damage mechanisms. The final failure occurred due to fiber breakage in the third stage. Both the control and 6 wt% nanosilica composites survived 1 million cycles at a maximum stress of 46.6 MPa, but at the end of 1 million cycles, control composites lost 65% modulus compared to 45% modulus loss in the 6 wt% nanosilica composites.

The present study examines the concentration of selected metals in sediments around the downtown Houston, Texas area, as they were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. A total of 19 sites in the Houston, Texas area were probed and the results were compared with sediments samples collected from a pristine area in the nearby Lake Charles, Louisiana. The idea in the study was to look into the effects of densely populated areas, automobile traffic, and human influence via manufacturing plants and companies on sediments and soils, and the relative amounts of metals present in those soils. For example, the Fe concentrations of P, Q, and R, the three samples form the Lake Houston site were found to be 22,200, 21,900, and 14,300 parts per million (ppm) respectively. For some of the sampling sites multiple samples were taken, ensuring this way that the data were valid and precise.

The use of light weight composites against ballistic threat is very important for survivability and mobility in defensive architecture including but not limited to carriages for mass transit, safe rooms, armed forces and law enforcement centers. However, the existing structures need to compete with wide variety of threats and require wide ranging capabilities yet affordable. This study presents the silane functionalization of alumina nanofibers and its effect on the ballistic performance of the E-Glass polyester composites. The composite panels with E-Glass/Polyester are fabricated with functionalized and non-functionalized alumina nanofibers. Alumina nanofibers are dispersed into the polyester resin using three-roll mill technique. The EGlass woven fabrics are wetted with modified polyester by hand layup followed by compression molding press which cures the panels with heat and pressure. The samples were cut to desired size, shape and are impacted using a 9mm, full metal jacket projectile. The ballistic limit increased with addition of functionalized alumina nanofibers. However, functionalization and ballistic performance dependency cannot be completely established. The optimum loading level of alumina nanofibers was determined based on the toughness results and the effect of dispersion of alumina nanofibers in polyester examined through TEM imaging. The dispersion state of silane treated alumina nanofibers in polyester complimented the flexure toughness obtained for 0.25wt% and 0.5wt% loading rates

Ceramic materials are known for their capability of impact resistance which is the general case scenario in impact applications. The major limitation of high weight and brittleness of these materials inhibited further broad range development into integral composite systems as they interfere with the mobility range. Hence nanoceramic materials are developed and utilized in fiber reinforced composite systems to achieve the impact resistance composites. In this experimental research, the effects of low mass high velocity impact on ceramic nanoparticles modified polymer glass composites is reported. The low cost VARTM is used to manufacture 8 ply nanocomposite panels. One set consists of composite panels made with unique aluminum oxide nanofibers modified polymer reinforced with glass fibers and the other set contains composite panels made with silicon oxide nanoparticles modified polymer reinforced with glass fibers. The results of the nanocomposites which use impact height, velocity and energy as variables are compared and presented. The weight of the impactor and the type of impactor tip are not varied. The dispersion of the nanoparticles in the matrix is investigated through the SEM imaging. Concluding remarks on the impact tolerance of the nanocomposites is reported. Keywords: Nanoceramic particles, Advanced composites, Low Velocity Impact, VARTM, Polymer Matrix Composites

BACKGROUND: Use of biological or synthetic mesh might improve outcomes of immediate implant-based breast reconstruction-breast reconstruction with implants or expanders at the time of mastectomy-but there is a lack of high-quality evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of the technique. We aimed to establish the short-term safety of immediate implant-based breast reconstruction performed with and without mesh, to inform the feasibility of undertaking a future randomised clinical trial comparing different breast reconstruction techniques.METHODS: In this prospective, multicentre cohort study, we consecutively recruited women aged 16 years or older who had any type of immediate implant-based breast reconstruction for malignancy or risk reduction, with any technique, at 81 participating breast and plastic surgical units in the UK. Data about patient demographics and operative, oncological, and complication details were collected before and after surgery. Outcomes of interest were implant loss (defined as unplanned removal of the expander or implant), infection requiring treatment with antibiotics or surgery, unplanned return to theatre, and unplanned re-admission to hospital for complications of reconstructive surgery, up to 3 months after reconstruction and assessed by clinical review or patient self-report. Follow-up is complete. The study is registered with the ISRCTN Registry, number ISRCTN37664281.FINDINGS: Between Feb 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016, 2108 patients had 2655 mastectomies with immediate implant-based breast reconstruction at 81 units across the UK. 1650 (78%) patients had planned single-stage reconstructions (including 12 patients who had a different technique per breast). 1376 (65%) patients had reconstruction with biological (1133 [54%]) or synthetic (243 [12%]) mesh, 181 (9%) had non-mesh submuscular or subfascial implants, 440 (21%) had dermal sling implants, 42 (2%) had pre-pectoral implants, and 79 (4%) had other or a combination of implants. 3-month outcome data were available for 2081 (99%) patients. Of these patients, 182 (9%, 95% CI 8-10) experienced implant loss, 372 (18%, 16-20) required re-admission to hospital, and 370 (18%, 16-20) required return to theatre for complications within 3 months of their initial surgery. 522 (25%, 95% CI 23-27) patients required treatment for an infection. The rates of all of these complications are higher than those in the National Quality Standards (INTERPRETATION: Complications after immediate implant-based breast reconstruction are higher than recommended by national standards. A randomised clinical trial is needed to establish the optimal approach to immediate implant-based breast reconstruction.FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research, Association of Breast Surgery, and British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.

The magnetic hysteresis and viscosity of SrO(Fe2O3)6/PA-12 filaments with 5wt% and 26wt% was determined with a biaxial VSM. The hysteresis curves indicate that manufactured samples have a flow induced anisotropy with an easy plane perpendicular to the filament’s cylindrical axis. The Mx and My magnetic viscosity signals vary with field and field angle. The Mx magnetic viscosity is maximum in the easy plane and decreases to a factor of two along the macroscopic hard axis of the filament. The My magnetic viscosity is nearly zero along the hard axis and in the easy plane and is maximum for intermediate field angles.

Aged-related macular degeneration (AMD), a prevalent chronic disease leading to blindness, is associated with oxidative damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate, YM), widely consumed in South America, is an excellent source of antioxidants and could prevent RPE cell impairment. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of YM extracts or caffeic (CAF) and chlorogenic (CHL) acids, two major Ilex polyphenols on cell death or premature senescence in a cell line derived from human RPE (ARPE-19). Cultures were incubated with YM, CAF, CHL or appropriate controls and then exposed to H2O2. Protection was correlated with decreases of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA breaks, phosphorylation of the cAMP response element (CREB) and increases of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), BCL2, superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). These results support the protective role of YM and its polyphenols against oxidative stress induced RPE injury.

Death of retinal photoreceptors is the basis of prevalent blinding diseases. Since steroids might have a therapeutic role in retinal degenerations, we compared the protective effects of dexamethasone and progesterone on photoreceptor death induced by mifepristone and light exposure. Therefore, we studied the effective protection doses for each steroid in the two models. In addition, we analyzed changes in the levels of pro- and antiapoptotic molecules, glucocorticoid receptors α and β (GRα and GRβ), and rhodopsin under conditions of successful protection and photoreceptor survival. Mifepristone and light exposure selectively damaged photoreceptors. In light exposed retinas, photoreceptors mainly disappeared in the dorsotemporal region, while mifepristone produced a uniform damage. Dexamethasone and progesterone, at the same dose of 4 mg/kg/day for 2 days, preserved over 88% photoreceptor nuclei in both models. Assessment of cell death regulators showed that, in control retinas, both steroids activated BCL-XL, a prosurvival molecule, and decreased BID, a proapoptotic regulator. After steroid treatment of damaged retinas, BCL-XL, BCL2 and BAX showed characteristic patterns depending on the use of dexamethasone or progesterone on mifepristone or light exposed retinas. By contrast, BID decreased with any injury-steroid combination. Changes in GRα or GRβ levels did not correlate with survival but were consistent with a mechanism of ligand induced downregulation of receptor expression. GRβ might be upregulated by progesterone. Both dexamethasone and progesterone increased retinal rhodopsin stores, suggesting a link between photoreceptor protection and transduction pathways. Results show that dexamethasone and progesterone induced comparable but not identical protection responses in each model. Fil: Marquioni Ramella, Melisa Daniela. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; Argentina Fil: Cubilla, Marisa Angelica. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; Argentina Fil: Bermudez, Vicente. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; Argentina Fil: Tate, Pablo Sebastián. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; Argentina Fil: Marazita, Mariela Claudia. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; Argentina Fil: Suburo, Angela Maria. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional; Argentina

The past two decades have experienced and realized the wave of globalization as pervasive and impactful imperative in the world of academia, and not just in the corporate world. This realization is reflected in the 2011-13 Report by AACSB Task Force on Globalization of Management Education (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, June 2011-13). The AACSB report highlights broad globalization trends in management education that have drawn the attention of institutions, corporations and business schools alike, that are striving to prepare their key stakeholders (managers and students) to face today’s complex global challenges. Today’s increasingly integrated and complex global business environment has led many Executive MBA programs to address and incorporate global awareness, perspectives, and practices into curriculum instructions. This challenge led to many U. S.- and non-US based Executive MBA (EMBA) programs to follow the mandate proclaimed by AACSB: “…AACSB recognizes institutions that uphold its mission and core values, work to advance the interests of global management education, and participate in AACSB’s community of leading business schools. In this context, AACSB focuses on continuous quality improvement in management education through innovation, engagement, and impact” (http://www.aacsb.edu/). Specifically, many EMBA programs have infused a global tour as an important component of the curriculum, albeit some of these programs have made such global tours as an optional part, whereas many EMBA programs have made it a required component. Of the curriculum; about 65

All branches of the U.S. military are currently conducting nanotechnology research, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). The United States is currently the leader of the development of nanotechnology-based applications for military and national defense. Advancements in nanotechnology are intended to revolutionize modern warfare with the development of applications such as nano-sensors, artificial intelligence, nanomanufacturing, and nanorobotics. Capabilities of this technology include providing soldiers with stronger and lighter battle suits, using nano-enabled medicines for curing field wounds, and producing silver-packed foods with decreased spoiling rate (Tiwari, A., Military Nanotechnology, 2004). Although the improvements in nanotechnology hold great promise, this technology has the potential to pose some risks. This article addresses a few of the more recent, rapidly evolving, and cutting edge developments for defense purposes. To prevent irreversible damages, regulatory measures must be taken in the advancement of dangerous technological developments implementing nanotechnology. The article introduces recent efforts in awareness of the societal implications of military and national security nanotechnology as well as recommendations for national leaders.

Background The optimal timing of cholecystectomy for patients admitted with acute gallbladder pathology is unclear. Some studies have shown that emergency cholecystectomy during the index admission can reduce length of hospital stay with similar rates of conversion to open surgery, complications and mortality compared with a ‘delayed’ operation following discharge. Others have reported that cholecystectomy during the index acute admission results in higher morbidity, extended length of stay and increased costs. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of emergency versus delayed cholecystectomy for acute benign gallbladder disease. Methods Using data from a prospective population-based cohort study examining the outcomes of cholecystectomy in the UK and Ireland, a model-based cost–utility analysis was conducted from the perspective of the UK National Health Service, with a 1-year time horizon for costs and outcomes. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to investigate the impact of parameter uncertainty on the results obtained from the model. Results Emergency cholecystectomy was found to be less costly (£4570 versus £4720; €5484 versus €5664) and more effective (0·8868 versus 0·8662 QALYs) than delayed cholecystectomy. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the emergency strategy is more than 60 per cent likely to be cost-effective across willingness-to-pay values for the QALY from £0 to £100 000 (€0–120 000). Conclusion Emergency cholecystectomy is less costly and more effective than delayed cholecystectomy. This approach is likely to be beneficial to patients in terms of improved health outcomes and to the healthcare provider owing to the reduced costs.