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978834
|
Capitalising public narratives in the organising of grassroots roma women
|
In contrast to what social imaginary portrays, Roma women are not passive in regard to the racial and gender-based discrimination they face across Europe. They participate in various forms of political and social activism through Roma women-led civic associations, slightly achieving more representation in higher structures of power. Despite on-going mobilisations, the Roma women’s movement has faced obstacles that prevented it from being better organised. Scant scientific literature has yet analysed how existing networks of solidarity, support, or respectful listening between Roma women and other non-Roma allies, can be turned into a better-organised movement and contribute to a better strategic process as a way to enforce Roma and Roma women’s fundamental rights. Conceived as a qualitative research, Narratives4Change project will study what has been theorised as “Public Narratives”, an effective leadership practice for community organising that is used worldwide. The project’s main goal will be to examine Public Narrative as a promising theoretical and practical model of the leadership practice and organising, inquiring on how when applied by civic associations it contributes to activate members’ agency and their strategic capacity to achieve social and political impact. Special attention will be granted to those civic associations working in the field of education, health and gender equality, mainly with at-risk social groups. Drawing on this analysis, Narratives4Change will contribute novel knowledge about the conditions that need to exist in order for the Public Narrative model be capitalised by Roma women associations in Spain, informing how to advance in better organising the Roma women movement in Europe. Its theoretical contributions are of major relevance for Europe in current times. It will unveil actions and strategies for the social inclusion of Roma and the empowerment of Roma women, thus suggesting ways of making EU funds more effective and impactful.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2306-12.2012
|
Key Electrophysiological Molecular And Metabolic Signatures Of Sleep And Wakefulness Revealed In Primary Cortical Cultures
|
Although sleep is defined as a behavioral state, at the cortical level sleep has local and use-dependent features suggesting that it is a property of neuronal assemblies requiring sleep in function of the activation experienced during prior wakefulness. Here we show that mature cortical cultured neurons display a default state characterized by synchronized burst-pause firing activity reminiscent of sleep. This default sleep-like state can be changed to transient tonic firing reminiscent of wakefulness when cultures are stimulated with a mixture of waking neurotransmitters and spontaneously returns to sleep-like state. In addition to electrophysiological similarities, the transcriptome of stimulated cultures strikingly resembles the cortical transcriptome of sleep-deprived mice, and plastic changes as reflected by AMPA receptors phosphorylation are also similar. We used our in vitro model and sleep-deprived animals to map the metabolic pathways activated by waking. Only a few metabolic pathways were identified, including glycolysis, aminoacid, and lipids. Unexpectedly large increases in lysolipids were found both in vivo after sleep deprivation and in vitro after stimulation, strongly suggesting that sleep might play a major role in reestablishing the neuronal membrane homeostasis. With our in vitro model, the cellular and molecular consequences of sleep and wakefulness can now be investigated in a dish.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
interreg_4026
|
Integrated analysis of transnational and national territories
|
The first ESPON projects have presented their final reports presenting new insights on territorial development in Europe and the territorial effects of sector policies. Territorial disparities are often the reflection of strong inequalities in the endowment of these territories in terms of competitiveness factors and structural intervention. Sector policies and instruments can have a significant impact on these elements and act as a factor of re-equilibrium among territories.
The diversity of territorial opportunities and development potentials plays an equally important role in providing for a harmonious and balanced European territory. Different territorial contexts entail their specific weaknesses and opportunities, which need to be analysed in a systematic way using the ESPON "three scale approach" focusing at European scale (macro scale), a diversity of transnational spatial contexts (meso scale) and each national territory (micro scale).
This project provides an integrated and structured analysis of the results of the ongoing and finalised ESPON project results, "zooming" in on different territorial contexts and scales, in order to identify existing spatial patterns and territorial specificities and complementarities.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
10.1007/978-3-030-21548-4_11
|
Adding Distributed Decryption And Key Generation To A Ring Lwe Based Cca Encryption Scheme
|
We show how to build distributed key generation and distributed decryption procedures for the \(\textsf {LIMA} \) Ring-LWE based post-quantum cryptosystem. Our protocols implement the CCA variants of distributed decryption and are actively secure (with abort) in the case of three parties and honest majority. Our protocols make use of a combination of problem specific MPC protocols, generic garbled circuit based MPC and generic Linear Secret Sharing based MPC. We also, as a by-product, report on the first run-times for the execution of the SHA-3 function in an MPC system.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1016/j.intell.2013.11.002
|
Genetic influence on family socioeconomic status and children's intelligence
|
Environmental measures used widely in the behavioral sciences show nearly as much genetic influence as behavioral measures, a critical finding for interpreting associations between environmental factors and children's development. This research depends on the twin method that compares monozygotic and dizygotic twins, but key aspects of children's environment such as socioeconomic status (SES) cannot be investigated in twin studies because they are the same for children growing up together in a family. Here, using a new technique applied to DNA from 3000 unrelated children, we show significant genetic influence on family SES, and on its association with children's IQ at ages 7 and 12. In addition to demonstrating the ability to investigate genetic influence on between-family environmental measures, our results emphasize the need to consider genetics in research and policy on family SES and its association with children's IQ.
|
[
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
] |
W1987678949
|
The new quasi-geoid model IRQG09 for Iran
|
Iran is a mountainous country with large lateral density variations of its crust. Constant density value is commonly used to determine the geoid models as well as topographic corrections. The effect of lateral density variation in the geoid can reach up to 14 cm in Iran which is not negligible in a precise geoid modelling. Also, the current height datum of Iran is based on the orthometric system but the effect of gravity variation was not applied in height parameter. Furthermore, the height systems of most neighbouring countries are defined as normal height. Connection of networks can be useful for the unification of height datum, geodynamics researches and optimal adjustment of levelling network. The new quasi-geoid model based on a recent EGM2008 global geo-potential model was created to solve the mentioned problem. The main purpose of the present study is to discuss the results of a research project in which a gravimetric quasi-geoid model for Iran was computed based on the least-squares modification of Stokes' formula. The evaluation is made using 475 GPS/levelling height anomalies covering the major parts of the country except the mountainous areas to the North and West. After a 7-parameter fit, the most promising attempt achieved a RMS value of 19 cm for the residuals based on the GPS/levelling data. ► Lateral density variation in the geoid can be reach up to decimeter level in Iran. ► Unification of height systems by normal height is useful for optimal adjustment of heights in Iran. ► Using of normal heights system is useful for tectonic deformation analysis. ► The least-squares modification of Stokes' formula gives the optimum results in quasi-geoid modelling in Iran.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Mathematics"
] |
174405
|
Creations - developing an engaging science classroom
|
The CREATIONS coordination action aims to demonstrate innovative approaches and activities that involve teachers and students in Scientific Research through creative ways that are based on Art and focus on the development of effective links and synergies between schools and research infrastructures in order to spark young people’s interest in science and in following scientific careers. It aims to support policy development by a) demonstrating effective community building between researchers, teachers and students and empowering the latter to use, share and exploit in an innovative the collective power of unique scientific resources (research facilities, scientific instruments, advanced ICT tools, simulation and visualisation applications and scientific databases) in meaningful educational activities that build on the strengths of formal (educational field trips, virtual visits, school based masterclasses) and informal (games and student generated apps, webfests and hangouts, related artworks like science theatre or student generated exhibits, debates in the framework of junior science cafes) learning, that promote creative inquiry-based learning and appreciation of how science works, b) demonstrating effective integration of science education with infrastructures through monitored-for-impact innovative activities, which will provide feedback for the take-up of such interventions at large scale in Europe and c) documenting the whole process through the development of a roadmap that will include guidelines for the design and implementation of innovative educational and outreach activities that could act as a reference to be adapted for stakeholders in both scientific research outreach and science education policy.
|
[
"Studies of Cultures and Arts",
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1109/EMBC.2015.7318376
|
A Classification Method For Eye Movements Direction During Rem Sleep Trained On Wake Electro Oculographic Recordings
|
Rapid eye movements (REMs) are a peculiar and intriguing aspect of REM sleep, even if their physiological function still remains unclear. During this work, a new automatic tool was developed, aimed at a complete description of REMs activity during the night, both in terms of their timing of occurrence that in term of their directional properties. A classification stage of each singular movement detected during the night according to its main direction, was in fact added to our procedure of REMs detection and ocular artifact removal. A supervised classifier was constructed, using as training and validation set EOG data recorded during voluntary saccades of five healthy volunteers. Different classification methods were tested and compared. The further information about REMs directional characteristic provided by the procedure would represent a valuable tool for a deeper investigation into REMs physiological origin and functional meaning.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
W2109883045
|
Plan comparison of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (RapidArc) and conventional intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in anal canal cancer
|
Abstract Background To compare volumetric-modulated arc therapy (RapidArc) plans with conventional intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans in anal canal cancers. Methods Ten patients with anal canal carcinoma previously treated with IMRT in our institution were selected for this study. For each patient, three plans were generated with the planning CT scan: one using a fixed beam IMRT, and two plans using the RapidArc technique: a single (RA1) and a double (RA2) modulated arc therapy. The treatment plan was designed to deliver in one process with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) a dose of 59.4 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV2) based on the gross disease in a 1.8 Gy-daily fraction, 5 days a week. At the same time, the subclinical disease (PTV1) was planned to receive 49.5 Gy in a 1.5 Gy-daily fraction. Plans were normalized to 99% of the PTV2 that received 95% of the prescribed dose. Planning objectives were 95% of the PTV1 will receive 95% of the prescribed dose and no more than 2% of the PTV will receive more than 107%. Dose-volume histograms (DVH) for the target volume and the organs at risk (bowel tract, bladder, iliac crests, femoral heads, genitalia/perineum, and healthy tissue) were compared for these different techniques. Monitor units (MU) and delivery treatment time were also reported. Results All plans achieved fulfilled objectives. Both IMRT and RA2 resulted in superior coverage of PTV than RA1 that was slightly inferior for conformity and homogeneity (p < 0.05). Conformity index (CI 95% ) for the PTV2 was 1.15 ± 0.15 (RA2), 1.28 ± 0.22 (IMRT), and 1.79 ± 0.5 (RA1). Homogeneity (D 5% - D 95% ) for PTV2 was 3.21 ± 1.16 Gy (RA2), 2.98 ± 0.7 Gy (IMRT), and 4.3 ± 1.3 Gy (RA1). RapidArc showed to be superior to IMRT in terms of organ at risk sparing. For bowel tract, the mean dose was reduced of 4 Gy by RA2 compared to IMRT. Similar trends were observed for bladder, femoral heads, and genitalia. The DVH of iliac crests and healthy tissue resulted in comparable sparing for the low doses (V10 and V20). Compared to IMRT, mean MUs for each fraction was significantly reduced with RapidArc (p = 0.0002) and the treatment time was reduced by a 6-fold extent. Conclusion For patients suffering from anal canal cancer, RapidArc with 2 arcs was able to deliver equivalent treatment plan to IMRT in terms of PTV coverage. It provided a better organ at risk sparing and significant reductions of MU and treatment time per fraction.
|
[
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
W2091022561
|
Anomalously interacting new extra vector bosons and their first LHC constraints
|
In this review phenomenological consequences of the Standard Model extension by means of new spin-1 chiral fields with the internal quantum numbers of the electroweak Higgs doublets are summarized. The prospects for resonance production and detection of the chiral vector $Z^*$ and $W^{*\pm}$ bosons at the LHC energies are considered. The $Z^*$ boson can be observed as a Breit-Wigner resonance peak in the invariant dilepton mass distributions in the same way as the well-known extra gauge $Z'$ bosons. However, the $Z^*$ bosons have unique signatures in transverse momentum, angular and pseudorapidity distributions of the final leptons, which allow one to distinguish them from other heavy neutral resonances. In 2010, with 40 pb$^{-1}$ of the LHC proton-proton data at the energy 7 TeV, the ATLAS detector was used to search for narrow resonances in the invariant mass spectrum of $e^+e^-$ and $\mu^+\mu^-$ final states and high-mass charged states decaying to a charged lepton and a neutrino. No statistically significant excess above the Standard Model expectation was observed. The exclusion mass limits of 1.15 TeV$/c^2$ and 1.35 TeV$/c^2$ were obtained for the chiral neutral $Z^*$ and charged $W^*$ bosons, respectively. These are the first direct limits on the $W^*$ and $Z^*$ boson production. For almost all currently considered exotic models the relevant signal is expected in the central dijet rapidity region. On the contrary, the chiral bosons do not contribute to this region but produce an excess of dijet events far away from it. For these bosons the appropriate kinematic restrictions lead to a dip in the centrality ratio distribution over the dijet invariant mass instead of a bump expected in the most exotic models.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
Q2910769
|
Capacity increase, productive specialisation and functionalisation of technical textiles, via injection of new assets into sustainable lamination and coating processes.
|
The project promotes the integration of advanced processing systems with the creative industries, using a multi-material and multifunctional approach to the development of technical textiles, injected with specific functionalities that combine with the aesthetic value of production.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1039/C6MD00375C
|
Chemical Epigenetics To Assess The Role Of Hdac1 3 Inhibition In Macrophage Pro Inflammatory Gene Expression
|
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been used as pharmacological targets for the treatment of various diseases. Some non-selective HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have been clinically-used as therapeutic agents for treatment of hematological cancers but their cytotoxic side effects are an important downside. The discovery of more selective inhibitors has certified the involvement of individual HDACs in pathological processes but the elucidation of the role of specific family members in inflammatory responses still remains a challenge. Here, we report the development of closely related, structural analogues of the clinically-used HDACi Entinostat via a chemical epigenetic approach. Three compounds were designed and synthesized in which the cap moiety of Entinostat was replaced by an azobenzene group that is either para, meta or ortho substituted. The compounds were then evaluated for selectivity towards HDACs 1–3 and their effect on pro-inflammatory gene expression in macrophages. One analogue, compound 4, lacked selectivity and demonstrated inhibition of NF-κB reporter gene activity and pro-inflammatory gene expression in RAW264. 7 macrophages, thus indicating that there is a delicate balance between the selectivity of HDACi over specific family members and their pro- or anti-inflammatory effects.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
W2108200667
|
Comparison of results of recent seismic profiles with tectonic models of the North China craton
|
The geometry and timing of amalgamation of the North China craton (NCC) have been controversial, with three main models with significantly different interpretations of regional structure, geochronology, and geological relationships. The model of Zhao G C et al. suggests that the eastern and western blocks of the NCC formed separately in the Archean, and an active margin was developed on the eastern block between 2.5 and 1.85 Ga, when the two blocks collided above an east dipping subduction zone. The model of Kusky et al. presumes that the eastern block rifted from an unknown larger continent at circa 2.7 Ga, and experienced a collision with an arc (perhaps attached to the western block) above a west-dipping subduction zone at 2.5 Ga, and the 1.85 Ga metamorphism is related to a collision along the northern margin of the craton when the NCC joined the Columbia supercontinent. The model of Faure et al. suggests two collisions in the central orogenic belt, at 2.1 and 1.88 Ga. Recent seismic results support both the models of Kusky et al. and Faure et al., showing that subduction beneath the central orogenic belt (COB) was west-directed, and that there is a second, west-dipping paleosubduction zone located to the east of the COB dipping beneath the western block (Ordos craton). The boundaries identified through geophysics do not correlate with the boundaries of the Trans-North China orogen suggested in the Zhao et al. model, and the subduction polarity is opposite that predicted by that model. The seismic profiles are consistent with an Archean collision above a west-dipping subduction zone beneath the COB predicted by the models of Kusky et al., and the second west-dipping subduction zone is consistent with the two events suggested in the Faure et al. model.
|
[
"Earth System Science"
] |
3729339
|
Holistic quantum mechanics based platform to accelerate drug discovery
|
Drug discovery & development projects are long processes that take approximately 15 years from the moment a molecular
target is discovered to its market launch. During the past two decades, the costs of new drug development has increased
from €1 billion in 2000 to €2.58 billion in 2015.
The increase is due in part to the difficulty to find New Molecular Entities (NME) subject to be patented. Computer-aided
drug design (CADD) tools are used to perform virtual screening, design and the optimization of candidate molecules, but
they focus in single aspects of the molecule (e.g. activity or toxicity) giving a narrow view at each development stage of the
early drug discovery process, translating into expensive design cycles. The chemical space is very large and simple
therapeutic areas have already been explored, therefore, the quality of the data obtained with CADD solutions is low. Only
4% of NMEs will successfully make it from the initial discovery phase to launch.
To solve this problem, Pharamacelera has developed PharmScreen2, a unique and propiesoftware for drug discovery using novel
molecular descriptors that enables accurate predictions of molecular properties of candidate molecules, which thereby
increases the success rate of leads identification by 3x and will reduce the overall costs of drug design & development
processes by 25%. PharmScreen2 is the only software that integrates the capability of performing advanced simulations of
all the properties that are key in later drug discovery stages, such as activity, absorption, distribution, metabolism, toxicity
(ADME-Tox) giving a holistic view. PharmScreen2 can analyse behaviors of new candidate molecules, predict the
compounds’ performance in later stages and identify undesired effects early.
The main objective of this project is to finalise the development of PharmScreen2, PoC with industrial partners and prepare the
new PharmScreen2 from market. Pharmacelera estimates a total market size of 5.3 billion by 2023.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
W2943917895
|
Robustness analysis of organic technology adoption: evidence from Northern Vietnamese tea production
|
Increasing consumer awareness on sustainable and healthy food choices has given rise to a growing demand for organic tea in past decades. Most of this demand is met by imports from developing countries. This article examines the main factors affecting the choice of farm households to adopt organic tea production in Northern Vietnam. We apply a logit model to survey data from 241 Vietnamese tea farming households. We assess the robustness of the results by addressing three important statistical issues: (i) regressor endogeneity, (ii) unobserved heterogeneity at farm level and (iii) missing values. The main results are chiefly robust and largely in line with the theory. We find that farm households with higher revenues, located in rich natural and physical environments, are significantly more inclined to adopt organic tea production. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that farm households who are consulted by extension agents and belong to a tea association increase the odds for the adoption of organic tea cultivation.
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1177/0885328218810084
|
Improved Connective Integration Of A Degradable 3D Nano Apatite Agarose Scaffold Subcutaneously Implanted In A Rat Model
|
In this work, we evaluate the tissue response and tolerance to a designed 3D porous scaffold composed of nanocrystalline carbonate-hydroxyapatite and agarose as a preliminary step in bone repair and regeneration. These scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted into rats, which were sacrificed at different times. CD4+, CD8+ and ED1+ cells were evaluated as measurements of inflammatory reaction and tolerance. We observed some inflammatory response early after subcutaneous implantation. The 3D interconnected porosity increased scaffold integration via the formation of granulation tissue and the generation of a fibrous capsule around the scaffold. The capsule is initially formed by collagen which progressively invades the scaffold, creating a network that supports the settlement of connective tissue and generating a compact structure. The timing of the appearance of CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations is in agreement with the resolved inflammatory response. The appearance of macrophage activity evidences a slow and gradual degradation activity. Degradation started with the agarose component of the scaffold, but the nano-apatite was kept intact for up to 30 days. Therefore, this apatite/agarose scaffold showed a high capacity for integration by a connective network that stabilizes the scaffold and results in slow nano-apatite degradation. The fundamental properties of the scaffold would provide mechanical support and facilitate bone mobilization, which is of great importance in the masticatory system or large bones.
|
[
"Materials Engineering",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
Q4260717
|
SUPPORT TO SMES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR CARRYING OUT ACTIVITIES OF TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOURISM AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY
|
SUPPORT TO SMES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR CARRYING OUT ACTIVITIES OF TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOURISM AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.05.007
|
Parental separation in childhood and adult inflammation: The importance of material and psychosocial pathways
|
Background: Childhood adversities are known to be associated with poorer health outcomes. A potential mechanism may be through changes in inflammatory processes. One such childhood adversity is separation of parents, however relatively little is known about the association between parental separation and inflammation in adulthood. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate whether parental separation is associated with inflammation in mid-life, (2) focus upon the mechanisms that may be involved in translating childhood adversities, such as parental separation, into poorer health outcomes in adulthood. Methods: We examine the association of parental separation in childhood, defined as the breakdown of the parent's partnership, and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in middle age. The role played by material (through material disadvantage and educational attainment), psychosocial (through parent-child relationship quality and psychological distress) and adiposity (through BMI) mechanisms is investigated using path analysis in a multiply-imputed dataset from a British birth cohort with concurrent measurements made throughout the life course (n= 7462). Results: Participants that report parental separation have higher CRP levels at age 44 than those who grew up with both parents (β= 0. 16, 95% CI: 0. 06, 0. 27). This association is largely explained by BMI, material and psychosocial factors. Material disadvantage after separation and educational attainment seem to be particularly important in this association. Conclusions: Parental separation increases CRP in adulthood via chains of disadvantage across the life course. This study points towards potential points for intervention and highlights a need to support separating families in order to minimise the long-term impact on adult health.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
] |
10.1145/2463372.2463568
|
Can Quantitative And Population Genetics Help Us Understand Evolutionary Computation
|
Even though both population and quantitative genetics, and evolutionary computation, deal with the same questions, they have developed largely independently of each other. I review key results from each field, emphasising those that apply independently of the (usually unknown) relation between genotype and phenotype. The infinitesimal model provides a simple framework for predicting the response of complex traits to selection, which in biology has proved remarkably successful. This allows one to choose the schedule of population sizes and selection intensities that will maximise the response to selection, given that the total number of individuals realised, C = ∑tNt, is constrained. This argument shows that for an additive trait (i. e. , determined by the sum of effects of the genes), the optimum population size and the maximum possible response (i. e. , the total change in trait mean) are both proportional to √C.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
W2358786396
|
RCDI and Measurement of Low-carbon Economy
|
The thesis begins with the analysis to situation of dynamic development of RCDI.The analysis shows that there is no obvious change on the situation of regional sector of development level,but the increase speed of every region has no such situation.And many under-developed regions have higher development speed.But their focus of development are not same,the direction of development have no obvious persistence.Then the thesis analyzes how to measure the development level of low-carbon econo-my with RCDI.Based on the characteristic of energy consumption structure in China,the thesis analyzes the relationship between RCDI and the amount of the SO2 discharge per ten thousand yuan GDP.The analysis shows that the RCDI can be used as a kind of effective index to measure the situation of the low-carbon economy,and the development speed of low-carbon economy can also be analyzed through the increase speed of RCDI.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Earth System Science"
] |
W2564455392
|
Strong piezoelectricity and multiferroicity in BiFeO3–BaTiO3–NdCoO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with high Curie temperature for current sensing application
|
Lead-free piezoelectric and multiferroic ceramics of BiFeO3–BaTiO3–NdCoO3 were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method and the structural, piezoelectric, multiferroic and magnetoelectric properties of the materials were investigated. All the ceramics can be well sintered at a low sintering temperature of 980 °C for 2 h. The introduction of NdCoO3 into BiFeO3–BaTiO3 induces a dramatic enhancement in the piezoelectricity, multiferroicity and magnetoelectric effect of the materials. After the addition of 1.0–3.0 mol% NdCoO3, the ceramics possess a morphotropic phase boundary of rhombohedral and orthorhombic phases and exhibit high Curie temperature (~486–605 °C), strong piezoelectricity, good ferroelectricity and excellent temperature stability of piezoelectricity. The greatly enhanced magnetism with M
r = 0.4229 emu/g and M
s = 2.7186 emu/g is obtained in the ceramic with 8.0 mol% NdCoO3, almost six times larger than that of an undoped ceramic. The ceramic with 2.0 mol% NdCoO3 shows a strong magnetoelectric effect (α
33 = 750 mV cm−1 Oe−1). The practical application potential of the present materials has also been preliminarily demonstrated by mimicking current monitoring. Our results suggest that the present ceramics may have potential applications in advanced lead-free piezoelectric and/or multiferroic devices.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
10.1039/C2MB25075F
|
A Compendium Of Inborn Errors Of Metabolism Mapped Onto The Human Metabolic Network
|
Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are hereditary metabolic defects, which are encountered in almost all major metabolic pathways occurring in man. Many IEMs are screened for in neonates through metabolomic analysis of dried blood spot samples. To enable the mapping of these metabolomic data onto the published human metabolic reconstruction, we added missing reactions and pathways involved in acylcarnitine (AC) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) metabolism. Using literary data, we reconstructed an AC/FAO module consisting of 352 reactions and 139 metabolites. When this module was combined with the human metabolic reconstruction, the synthesis of 39 acylcarnitines and 22 amino acids, which are routinely measured, was captured and 235 distinct IEMs could be mapped. We collected phenotypic and clinical features for each IEM enabling comprehensive classification. We found that carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism were most affected by the IEMs, while the brain was the most commonly affected organ. Furthermore, we analyzed the IEMs in the context of metabolic network topology to gain insight into common features between metabolically connected IEMs. While many known examples were identified, we discovered some surprising IEM pairs that shared reactions as well as clinical features but not necessarily causal genes. Moreover, we could also re-confirm that acetyl-CoA acts as a central metabolite. This network based analysis leads to further insight of hot spots in human metabolism with respect to IEMs. The presented comprehensive knowledge base of IEMs will provide a valuable tool in studying metabolic changes involved in inherited metabolic diseases.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1038/srep26448
|
Dopamine Receptor Antagonists Enhance Proliferation and Neurogenesis of Midbrain Lmx1a-expressing Progenitors
|
Degeneration of dopamine neurons in the midbrain causes symptoms of the movement disorder, Parkinson disease. Dopamine neurons are generated from proliferating progenitor cells localized in the embryonic ventral midbrain. However, it remains unclear for how long cells with dopamine progenitor character are retained and if there is any potential for reactivation of such cells after cessation of normal dopamine neurogenesis. We show here that cells expressing Lmx1a and other progenitor markers remain in the midbrain aqueductal zone beyond the major dopamine neurogenic period. These cells express dopamine receptors, are located in regions heavily innervated by midbrain dopamine fibres and their proliferation can be stimulated by antagonizing dopamine receptors, ultimately leading to increased neurogenesis in vivo. Furthermore, treatment with dopamine receptor antagonists enhances neurogenesis in vitro, both from embryonic midbrain progenitors as well as from embryonic stem cells. Altogether our results indicate a potential for reactivation of resident midbrain cells with dopamine progenitor potential beyond the normal period of dopamine neurogenesis.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
] |
10.1109/ICC.2012.6363950
|
Millimeter Waves Channel Measurements And Path Loss Models
|
This paper describes a measurement campaign performed in a modern building at the University of L'Aquila, Italy. Measurements are taken for two large bands around 60 GHz, i. e. 54–59 and 61–66 GHz. The channel probe is an ultrawideband (UWB) PN-sequence signal having a bandwidth of 1. 2 GHz, which is up-converted to the 60 GHz band and finely tuned in order to span the whole mentioned bands. Measurements were done at several different locations, in line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight scenarios and using different combinations of transmitting and receiving antennas: either omnidirectional or directional antennas with a beam width of 30 or 9 degrees, respectively. Accurate processing of recorded signals and subsequent regression fits allow us to derive path loss models that include both distance and frequency dependence of the power decay. The path loss is modeled as the product of a distance dependent term and a frequency dependent term, both modeled through power laws. Our analysis shows that the parameters of the path loss models for 60 GHz channels in modern buildings assume values comparable to UWB channels.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
W1983321283
|
Graphene oxide functionalization with aminocoumarin nanosheet fluorescent dye: Preparation, electrochemistry, spectroscopy and imaging in the living cells
|
Abstract A new nanosheet fluorescent chemosensor (GO–NH–COUR) based on graphite oxide (GO) covalently functionalized with a 4-methyl-7-aminocoumarin (NH2-COUR) has been prepared. The GO were prepared by a modified Hummers method. The products were characterized by TEM, XRD, and FT-IR. The photophysical properties of GO, NH2–COUR and GO–NH–COUR in aqueous and ethanol solution have been investigated by UV/vis spectrophotometry, steady-state and time-resolved fluorometry. They reflect a large effect of the NH2–COUR substituent on the fluorescence characteristics of GO. In aqueous solution, GO–NH–COUR probes undergo protonation–deprotonation in the acid to basic pH range, producing intensity increases with acid to near-neutral pH range. The advantages of the newly prepared nanoparticles are that they offer good dispersion in aqueous solution and optical properties. Confocal microscopy experiments showed that GO–NH–COUR can be transfected into the living cells and applied for fluorescence imaging.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
interreg_1826
|
Developing the INTERNISA network of synergies to increase the number of digitally skilled women employed in the ENI CBC MED territories via matching demand and supply in the labour market
|
The territories involved in the ENI CBC Med Programme suffer from high unemployment rate and low participation of women in the labour market. At the same time, job growth is hindered by the low penetration of digital innovation in Mediterranean territories which hampers the capacity of small enterprises to find access to know-how or venture capital for innovation. With the aim of providing training in digital skills to women and know-how about digitalization approaches to businesspeople, INTERNISA will combine training in the digital sector with professional development in the agri-food, textile, tourism and financial sectors. To reach its objective, the project will develop online and offline services addressed to women and employers providing training curricula and personal consulting. Project activities will culminate with interventions related to match-making of labour demand and supply through an online platform and job fairs to foster contacts among job seekers and employers.
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1039/C1JM12607E
|
Copper I Complexes For Sustainable Light Emitting Electrochemical Cells
|
Four prototype heteroleptic copper(I) complexes [Cu(bpy)(pop)][PF6] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, pop = bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)ether), [Cu(phen)(pop)][PF6] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), [Cu(bpy)(pdpb)][PF6] (pdpb = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene) and [Cu(phen)(pdpb)][PF6] are presented. The synthesis, X-ray structures, solution and solid-state photophysical studies, and the performance in light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) of these complexes are described. Their photophysical properties are interpreted with the help of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The photophysical studies in solution and in the solid-state indicate that these copper(I) complexes show good luminescent properties which allow them to be used as active materials in electroluminescent devices such as LECs. Additionally, these materials are very attractive since we can take advantage of their low-cost, due to the copper abundance, and their limited environmental damaging effects for producing cheap large-area panels based on the LEC technology for lighting applications. LEC devices were fabricated using the four prototype copper(I) complexes together with an ionic liquid (IL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoridophosphate, at a molar ratio of 1 : 1. They yield devices that are comparable to those obtained for most LEC devices based on ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) complexes. Hence, this work shows that promising electroluminescent devices can be prepared using cheap and environmentally friendly copper(I) complexes.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
220024
|
The neutron electric dipole moment: pushing the precision to understand the matter-antimatter asymmetry
|
The existence of a permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of the neutron, or any subatomic particle, would have far reaching implications connecting particle physics with cosmology. Time reversal invariance and CP symmetry would be violated. A new fundamental interaction producing the EDM, that is, deforming the charge distribution inside the neutron, could also have generated the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the early Universe. After 60 years of evolution, techniques to measure the neutron EDM are now so evolved that experiments are sensitive to microphysics associated with an energy scale beyond that accessible at the LHC. This situation offers a high likelihood of discovery for the next generation of experiments. In the same time, any improvement in precision is technically challenging. The control of the magnetic field must surpass that of the state of the art of atomic magnetometers. The n2EDM project aims at improving the precision by an order of magnitude or more. Systematic effects need to be controlled at an unprecedented level. In particular, the use of a mercury co-magnetometer based on the precession of 199Hg spins induces a set of subtle false effects due to the relativistic motional field.
I propose to initiate a comprehensive program to master these systematic effects beyond the current research program. In particular, the proposed project includes a precise determination of the 199Hg magnetic moment with a precision of 0.1 ppm. To this end, I will attempt a novel approach: combining mercury and 4He magnetometry in the same cell. As a by-product, this will also produce an improved determination of the neutron magnetic moment, a quantity of interest for metrology. The cross-check I propose will prove that all disturbances on the neutron or mercury spins are mastered at the sub-ppm level, a decisive step in the quest for the neutron EDM.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
10.2105/AJPH.2014.302344
|
The Contribution Of National Disparities To International Differences In Mortality Between The United States And 7 European Countries
|
Objectives. This study examined to what extent the higher mortality in the United States compared to many European countries is explained by larger social disparities within the United States. We estimated the expected US mortality if educational disparities in the United States were similar to those in 7 European countries. Methods. Poisson models were used to quantify the association between education and mortality for men and women aged 30 to 74 years in the United States, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland for the period 1989 to 2003. US data came from the National Health Interview Survey linked to the National Death Index and the European data came from censuses linked to national mortality registries. Results. If people in the United States had the same distribution of education as their European counterparts, the US mortality disadvantage would be larger. However, if educational disparities in mortality within the United States equaled those within Europe, mortality differences between the United States and Europe would be reduced by 20% to 100%. Conclusions. Larger educational disparities in mortality in the United States than in Europe partly explain why US adults have higher mortality than their European counterparts. Policies to reduce mortality among the lower educated will be necessary to bridge the mortality gap between the United States and European countries.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space"
] |
W2085473023
|
Individual and peer factors associated with ketamine use among adolescents in Taiwan
|
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the individual (demographic characteristics, substance-using behaviors, emotional status, and negative outcome expectancy) and peer factors associated with ketamine use in Taiwanese adolescents. A total of 9,860 adolescents completed the self-report questionnaires without omission. Demographic characteristics, substance-using behaviors, emotional status, negative outcome expectancy, and peer factors were compared between the ketamine users and non-users using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Chi-square test, and then significant factors were further selected for stepwise logistic regression analysis to examine the associated factors of ketamine use. Sixty-nine (0.7 %) participants reported having used ketamine in the past year. The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that ketamine users were more likely to use marijuana, smoke cigarettes, have peers using illicit drugs, and have a lower level of negative outcome expectancy regarding using ketamine than ketamine non-users. The associated factors found in this study should be taken into consideration when developing prevention and intervention programs for ketamine use in adolescents.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
W2985496574
|
Heading to Distributed Electrocatalytic Conversion of Small Abundant Molecules into Fuels, Chemicals, and Fertilizers
|
The centralized production of fuels, chemicals, and fertilizers by thermocatalytic processes sustained by fossil resources is a pillar of modern societies. Electrocatalytic transformations of the abundant small molecules, water, carbon dioxide, dinitrogen, and methane, are emerging routes. Their coupling with renewable sources such as sun power may give rise to a distributed model based on small-scale reactors, so-called artificial leaves. Realizing this vision calls for improved catalytic performance, efforts on reactor and process engineering, and supportive regulatory frameworks. This work puts emphasis in analyzing the core challenge of catalytic performance by defining a common set of figures of merit. This analysis is nuanced by peculiarities inherent to the proposed scheme. This perspective thus aspires to (1) provide a bird’s-eye view of the gap separating them from practical values, (2) identify sources of inefficiency, and (3) establish a qualitative comparison among their feasibility, resulting in H2O ≫ CO2 ≥ N2 > CH4.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1109/JSTQE.2015.2416152
|
Energy Dependent Photoemission Time Delays Of Noble Gas Atoms Using Coincidence Attosecond Streaking
|
We present photoemission time-delay measurements between electrons originating from the valence shells of neon and argon obtained by attosecond streaking. After giving a brief review of the different techniques, we focus on more detailed analysis using the attosecond streaking technique. We show that the temporal structure of the ionizing single attosecond pulse may significantly affect the obtained time delays, and we propose a procedure how to take this contribution properly into account. Our analysis reveals a delay of a few tens of attoseconds in a photon energy range between 28 and 40 eV in the emission of electrons ionized from argon with respect to those liberated from neon.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1137/15M1007343
|
A Bridging Mechanism In The Homogenization Of Brittle Composites With Soft Inclusions
|
We provide a homogenization result for the energy-functional associated with a purely brittle composite whose microstructure is characterized by soft periodic inclusions embedded in a stiffer matrix. We show that the two constituents as above can be suitably arranged on a microscopic scale $\varepsilon$ to obtain, in the limit as $\varepsilon$ tends to zero, a homogeneous macroscopic energy-functional explicitly depending on the opening of the crack.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Mathematics"
] |
W4226166672
|
A Safe Pseudotyped Lentivirus-Based Assay to Titer SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies
|
Measuring the neutralizing potential of SARS-CoV-2 antigens-exposed sera informs on effective humoral immunity. This is relevant to 1-monitor levels of protection within an asymptomatic population, 2-evaluate the efficacy of existing and novel vaccines against emerging variants, 3-test prospective therapeutic monoclonal neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and, overall, to contribute to understand SARS-CoV-2 immunity. However, the goldstandard method to titer NAbs is a functional assay of virus-mediated infection, which requires biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facilities. As these facilities are insufficient in Latin American countries, including Mexico, scant information has been obtained about NAb in these countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. An alternative solution to acquire NAb information locally is to use non-replicative viral particles that display the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein on their surface, and deliver a reporter gene into target cells upon transduction. Here we present the development of a NAb-measuring assay based on Nanolucmediated luminescence measurements from SARS-CoV-2 S-pseudotyped lentiviral particleinfected cells. The successive steps of development are presented, including lentiviral particles production, target cell selection, and TCID50 determination. We applied the optimized assay in a BSL-2 facility to measure NAbs in 15 pre-pandemic, 18 COVID-19 convalescent and 32 BNT162b2 vaccinated serum samples, which evidenced the assay with 100% sensitivity, 86.6% specificity and 96% accuracy. The assay highlighted heterogeneity in neutralization curves which are relevant in discussing neutralization potency dynamics. This is the first report of a safe functional assay to measure SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico and a cornerstone methodology necessary to measure NAb in the context of limited resources settings.Funding Information:We acknowledge the financial support received by CONACYT (scholarships 1007842 and 657487), Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Tecnológico de Monterrey and StrainBiotech S.A de C.V, that made this work possible.Conflict of Interests: None to declare. Ethical Approval: Protocols for the use of human samples for this work were approved by the IRB of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) with reference number R-2020-785-068 prior to starting this work.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering"
] |
10.1007/s40656-018-0231-0
|
‘Extreme’ organisms and the problem of generalization: interpreting the Krogh principle
|
Many biologists appeal to the so-called Krogh principle when justifying their choice of experimental organisms. The principle states that “for a large number of problems there will be some animal of choice, or a few such animals, on which it can be most conveniently studied”. Despite its popularity, the principle is often critiqued for implying unwarranted generalizations from optimal models. We argue that the Krogh principle should be interpreted in relation to the historical and scientific contexts in which it has been developed and used. We interpret the Krogh Principle as a heuristic, i. e. , as a recommendation to approach biological problems through organisms where a specific trait or physiological mechanism is expected to be most distinctively displayed or most experimentally accessible. We designate these organisms “Krogh organisms”. We clarify the differences between uses of model organisms and non-standard Krogh organisms. Among these is the use of Krogh organisms as “negative models” in biomedical research, where organisms are chosen for their dissimilarity to human physiology. Importantly, the representational scope of Krogh organisms and the generalizability of their characteristics are not fixed or assumed but explored through experimental studies. Research on Krogh organisms is steeped in the comparative method characteristic of zoology and comparative physiology, in which studies of biological variation produce insights into general physiological constraints. Accordingly, we conclude that the Krogh principle exemplifies the advantages of studying biological variation as a strategy to produce generalizable insights.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1080/00927872.2018.1530253
|
Convolution Products And R Matrices For Type B Quiver Hecke Algebras
|
In this paper, we define and study convolution products for modules over certain families of VV algebras. We go on to study morphisms between these products which yield solutions to the Yang–Baxter. . .
|
[
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1039/c7fd00022g
|
Interfacial photochemistry of biogenic surfactants: a major source of abiotic volatile organic compounds
|
Films of biogenic compounds exposed to the atmosphere are ubiquitously found on the surfaces of cloud droplets, aerosol particles, buildings, plants, soils and the ocean. These air/water interfaces host countless amphiphilic compounds concentrated there with respect to in bulk water, leading to a unique chemical environment. Here, photochemical processes at the air/water interface of biofilm-containing solutions were studied, demonstrating abiotic VOC production from authentic biogenic surfactants under ambient conditions. Using a combination of online-APCI-HRMS and PTR-ToF-MS, unsaturated and functionalized VOCs were identified and quantified, giving emission fluxes comparable to previous field and laboratory observations. Interestingly, VOC fluxes increased with the decay of microbial cells in the samples, indicating that cell lysis due to cell death was the main source for surfactants and VOC production. In particular, irradiation of samples containing solely biofilm cells without matrix components exhibited the strongest VOC production upon irradiation. In agreement with previous studies, LC-MS measurements of the liquid phase suggested the presence of fatty acids and known photosensitizers, possibly inducing the observed VOC productionviaperoxy radical chemistry. Up to now, such VOC emissions were directly accounted to high biological activity in surface waters. However, the results obtained suggest that abiotic photochemistry can lead to similar emissions into the atmosphere, especially in less biologically-active regions. Furthermore, chamber experiments suggest that oxidation (O3/OH radicals) of the photochemically-produced VOCs leads to aerosol formation and growth, possibly affecting atmospheric chemistry and climate-related processes, such as cloud formation or the Earth’s radiation budget.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1186/s12859-015-0518-z
|
Identification of binding sites and favorable ligand binding moieties by virtual screening and self-organizing map analysis
|
Background: Identifying druggable cavities on a protein surface is a crucial step in structure based drug design. The cavities have to present suitable size and shape, as well as appropriate chemical complementarity with ligands. Results: We present a novel cavity prediction method that analyzes results of virtual screening of specific ligands or fragment libraries by means of Self-Organizing Maps. We demonstrate the method with two thoroughly studied proteins where it successfully identified their active sites (AS) and relevant secondary binding sites (BS). Moreover, known active ligands mapped the AS better than inactive ones. Interestingly, docking a naive fragment library brought even more insight. We then systematically applied the method to the 102 targets from the DUD-E database, where it showed a 90% identification rate of the AS among the first three consensual clusters of the SOM, and in 82% of the cases as the first one. Further analysis by chemical decomposition of the fragments improved BS prediction. Chemical substructures that are representative of the active ligands preferentially mapped in the AS. Conclusion: The new approach provides valuable information both on relevant BSs and on chemical features promoting bioactivity.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1088/1742-5468/2016/02/023209
|
Nonperturbative Fluctuations And Metastability In A Simple Model From Observables To Microscopic Theory And Back
|
Slow dynamics in glassy systems is often interpreted as due to thermally activated events between "metastable" states. This emphasizes the role of nonperturbative fluctuations, which is especially dramatic when these fluctuations destroy a putative phase transition predicted at the mean-field level. To gain insight into such hard problems, we consider the implementation of a generic back-and-forth process, between microscopic theory and observable behavior via effective theories, in a toy model that is simple enough to allow for a thorough investigation: the one-dimensional $\varphi^4$ theory at low temperature. We consider two ways of restricting the extent of the fluctuations, which both lead to a nonconvex effective potential (or free energy) : either through a finite-size system or by means of a running infrared cutoff within the nonperturbative Renormalization Group formalism. We discuss the physical insight one can get and the ways to treat strongly nonperturbative fluctuations in this context.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Mathematics",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
10.3390/su11133641
|
Community Self-Organizing and the Urban Food Commons in Berlin and New York
|
Food sharing and food commons have both been raised as possible solutions to unsustainable and unjust urban food systems. This paper draws upon ethnographic research conducted in Berlin and New York to examine self-organizing in community food initiatives that are to varying degrees creating urban food commons by opening up urban space and its fruits to community use, sharing, and governance. In New York, the organization 596 Acres has developed an interactive map of vacant land to help community members self-organize to gain access to, steward, and protect the “lots in their life” for urban growing. In Berlin, the organization foodsharing. de has developed an interactive web platform to decentralize and democratize the logistics of food rescue and redistribution through peer-to-peer gifting and community fridges. The paper examines the possibilities and limitations of socio-technical innovations as “tools for commoning,” for self-organizing imagination, access, care, and governance in urban food commons. The paper contributes to debates on the role of socio-technical innovation in urban food sharing and practices of self-organizing in urban food commons.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1111/dgd.12587
|
Revision of the Capsaspora genome using read mating information adjusts the view on premetazoan genome
|
The genome sequences of unicellular holozoans, the closest relatives to animals, are shedding light on the evolution of animal multicellularity, shaping the genetic contents of the putative premetazoans. However, the assembly quality of the genomes remains poor compared to the major model organisms such as human and fly. Improving the assembly is critical for precise comparative genomics studies and further molecular biological studies requiring accurate sequence information such as enhancer analysis and genome editing. In this report, we present a new strategy to improve the assembly by fully exploiting the information of Illumina mate-pair reads. By visualizing the distance and orientation of the mapped read pairs, we could highlight the regions where possible assembly errors exist in the genome sequence of Capsaspora, a lineage of unicellular holozoans. Manual modification of these errors repaired 590 assembly problems in total and reassembled 84 supercontigs into 55. Our telomere prediction analysis using the read pairs containing the pan-eukaryotic telomere-like sequence identified at least 13 chromosomes. The resulting new assembly posed us a re-annotation of 112 genes, including 15 putative receptor protein tyrosine kinases. Our strategy thus provides a useful approach for improving assemblies of draft genomes, and the new Capsaspora genome offers us an opportunity to adjust the view on the genome of the unicellular animal ancestor.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1016/j.molmed.2017.02.003
|
TLRs Go Linear – On the Ubiquitin Edge
|
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial in protecting the host from pathogens. However, their exact role in disease remains incompletely understood. TLR signaling is tightly controlled because too little or too much TLR activation can result in immunodeficiency or autoinflammation, respectively. There is increasing evidence that linear ubiquitination, mediated by the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC), plays a pivotal role in the regulation of TLR signaling. Recent advances have identified an intricate interaction between LUBAC and TLRs, with immunological consequences for infection and the development of autoinflammation in the host. We propose that defective linear ubiquitination contributes to TLR-mediated disease pathogenesis and that perturbed TLR signaling contributes to the phenotype observed in inherited LUBAC deficiency in humans and mice.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1163/ej.9789004203556.i-1010.47
|
The Greek Bible in the medieval synagogue
|
Recent manuscript discoveries, mainly from the Cairo Genizah, have shown unambiguously that Greek-speaking Jews in the Middle Ages made use of Greek translations of the biblical books both for purposes of study and in the synagogal liturgy. Couched in a mixture of medieval colloquial and ancient literary Greek, these translations were not a creation of the Middle Ages, but were part of a living tradition going back to the ancient Greek versions, with significant but not exclusive influence from the version of Aquila.
|
[
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Texts and Concepts"
] |
W1997781791
|
Abstract 2680: Characterization of cultured circulating melanoma cells for individualized therapy
|
Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL
In the presented study circulating melanoma cells (CMSs) have been isolated from a B16 mouse melanoma model and from melanoma patients. Culture of CMCs has enabled us to perform drug sensitivity testing on them. The main hypothesis was to compare drug sensitivity of primary tumor cells grown in culture with the sensitivity of CMCs grown in vitro after capture. B16 murine melanoma was implanted i.p. in mice. Fourteen days after peritoneal injection, mice were sacrificed and blood obtained by cardiac puncture for CMCs-capture. The CMCs were captured either by immunomagnetic separation (Adnagen, AdnaTest Melanoma Select™, Germany) and/or blood added to culture flask containing growing medium. Sensitivity to cisplatin (CDDP) was tested with the MTT-assay at different concentrations. Primary melanoma and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) were also cultured and tested. The DTCs were isolated from peritoneal washing (ascites like cells), lymph nodes and peritoneal fat tissue. CMCs and DTCs were found less sensitive to CDDP than primary melanoma cells. The ability to capture and culture CTCs enabled these studies which can be used for individualized therapy design.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2680. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2680
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1145/3386569.3392412
|
Homogenized Yarn Level Cloth
|
We present a method for animating yarn-level cloth effects using a thin-shell solver. We accomplish this through numerical homogenization: we first use a large number of yarn-level simulations to build a model of the potential energy density of the cloth, and then use this energy density function to compute forces in a thin shell simulator. We model several yarn-based materials, including both woven and knitted fabrics. Our model faithfully reproduces expected effects like the stiffness of woven fabrics, and the highly deformable nature and anisotropy of knitted fabrics. Our approach does not require any real-world experiments nor measurements; because the method is based entirely on simulations, it can generate entirely new material models quickly, without the need for testing apparatuses or human intervention. We provide data-driven models of several woven and knitted fabrics, which can be used for efficient simulation with an off-the-shelf cloth solver.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
101001282
|
Making Terrestrial Planets
|
Understanding the formation and early evolution of terrestrial planets is one of the most important goals in sciences. The objectives of this proposal, METAL (Making tErresTriA pLanets), are to study the accretion and differentiation processes that have shaped the present composition of the Earth, Moon, Mars and differentiated asteroids including understanding the origin, and timing of delivery of their volatile and siderophile elements. To reach this goal we have identified the best-suited isotopic tools, which are sensitive to the different physico-chemical processes acting at different stages of planetary formation. This work will involve: 1) Development and use of new cutting-edge stable isotope systems for moderately volatile elements (e.g. In, Sb, Sn) in terrestrial, lunar and meteoritic materials, in order to constrain the origin of solar system’s volatile element depletion. 2) Quantifying experimentally the isotopic effects during metal/silicate partitioning and evaporation in all conditions relevant to planetary accretion and differentiation. 3) Building a physical model of volatile loss. 4) Studying the timing, proportions, fate and nature of the material that accreted to Earth and Mars after core formation (i.e. the late-veneer) by using a new method based on the stable isotopes of a highly siderophile element, Pt. This high-risk high-rewards approach seeks to link innovative novel isotopic systems, experiments under extreme conditions, and dynamical modelling, to solve long-standing major scientific questions related to the formation and evolution of the terrestrial planets.
|
[
"Universe Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1038/s41559-018-0691-3
|
Clade-specific diversification dynamics of marine diatoms since the Jurassic
|
Diatoms are one of the most abundant and diverse groups of phytoplankton and play a major role in marine ecosystems and the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. Here we combine DNA metabarcoding data from the Tara Oceans expedition with palaeoenvironmental data and phylogenetic models of diversification to analyse the diversity dynamics of marine diatoms. We reveal a primary effect of variation in carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO 2 ) on early diatom diversification, followed by a major burst of diversification in the late Eocene epoch, after which diversification is chiefly affected by sea level, an influx of silica availability and competition with other planktonic groups. Our results demonstrate a remarkable heterogeneity of diversification dynamics across diatoms and suggest that a changing climate will favour some clades at the expense of others.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1109/EPE.2015.7311675
|
Power Decoupling With Autonomous Reference Generation For Single Phase Differential Inverters
|
The second-harmonic power ripple in single-phase inverter may introduce the issue of low reliability and low power density. In order to replace the bulky dc-link capacitor, an alternative approach is to use active power decoupling so that the ripple power can be diverted into other energy storages. However, the performance of existing active power decoupling methods depends heavily on certain control references, which unfortunately are parameter dependent. In this paper an autonomous reference generation technique is proposed for single phase differential inverter without relying on the system parameters. A unified average switching model is firstly derived for Buck, Buck-Boost and Boost differential inverter, which is apparently have nonlinear characteristics. Then, dual-loop cascading control and a feedback linearization method is employed to design the inner- and outer loop controllers, which are used for realizing an improved power decoupling control, capacitor voltage and inductor current regulation. By substituting the corresponding parameter into unified model, the proposed control loop can be applied to different inverter types (Buck, Buck-Boost and Boost). Finally, detailed laboratory prototype experimental results have been done to verify the effectiveness of this power decoupling method.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
10.1016/j.isci.2018.10.020
|
Perovskite Photovoltaic Modules: Life Cycle Assessment of Pre-industrial Production Process
|
Photovoltaic devices based on perovskite materials have a great potential to become an exceptional source of energy while preserving the environment. However, to enter the global market, they require further development to achieve the necessary performance requirements. The environmental performance of a pre-industrial process of production of a large-area carbon stack perovskite module is analyzed in this work through life cycle assessment (LCA). From the pre-industrial process an ideal process is simulated to establish a benchmark for pre-industrial and laboratory-scale processes. Perovskite is shown to be the most harmful layer of the carbon stack module because of the energy consumed in the preparation and annealing of the precursor solution, and not because of its Pb content. This work stresses the necessity of decreasing energy consumption during module preparation as the most effective way to reduce environmental impacts of perovskite solar cells. Materials Science; Energy Materials; Materials Design
|
[
"Materials Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
10.1038/s41467-020-20506-4
|
The Arabidopsis NOT4A E3 ligase promotes PGR3 expression and regulates chloroplast translation
|
Chloroplast function requires the coordinated action of nuclear- and chloroplast-derived proteins, including several hundred nuclear-encoded pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins that regulate plastid mRNA metabolism. Despite their large number and importance, regulatory mechanisms controlling PPR expression are poorly understood. Here we show that the Arabidopsis NOT4A ubiquitin-ligase positively regulates the expression of PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION 3 (PGR3), a PPR protein required for translating several thylakoid-localised photosynthetic components and ribosome subunits within chloroplasts. Loss of NOT4A function leads to a strong depletion of cytochrome b6f and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) complexes, as well as plastid 30 S ribosomes, which reduces mRNA translation and photosynthetic capacity, causing pale-yellow and slow-growth phenotypes. Quantitative transcriptome and proteome analysis of the not4a mutant reveal it lacks PGR3 expression, and that its molecular defects resemble those of a pgr3 mutant. Furthermore, we show that normal plastid function is restored to not4a through transgenic PGR3 expression. Our work identifies NOT4A as crucial for ensuring robust photosynthetic function during development and stress-response, through promoting PGR3 production and chloroplast translation.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1186/s12864-018-4590-4
|
Paramutation-like features of multiple natural epialleles in tomato
|
Background: Freakish and rare or the tip of the iceberg? Both phrases have been used to refer to paramutation, an epigenetic drive that contravenes Mendel's first law of segregation. Although its underlying mechanisms are beginning to unravel, its understanding relies only on a few examples that may involve transgenes or artificially generated epialleles. Results: By using DNA methylation of introgression lines as an indication of past paramutation, we reveal that the paramutation-like properties of the H06 locus in hybrids of Solanum lycopersicum and a range of tomato relatives and cultivars depend on the timing of sRNA production and conform to an RNA-directed mechanism. In addition, by scanning the methylomes of tomato introgression lines for shared regions of differential methylation that are absent in the S. lycopersicum parent, we identify thousands of candidate regions for paramutation-like behaviour. The methylation patterns for a subset of these regions segregate with non Mendelian ratios, consistent with secondary paramutation-like interactions to variable extents depending on the locus. Conclusion: Together these results demonstrate that paramutation-like epigenetic interactions are common for natural epialleles in tomato, but vary in timing and penetrance.
|
[
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1038/nature09484
|
Volatile accretion history of the Earth
|
Arising from F. Albar de 461, 1227-1233 (2009)It has long been thought that the Earth had a protracted and complex history of volatile accretion and loss. Albar de paints a different picture, proposing that the Earth first formed as a dry planet which, like the Moon, was devoid of volatile constituents. He suggests that the Earth's complement of volatile elements was only established later, by the addition of a small veneer of volatile-rich material at g1/4100 Myr (here and elsewhere, ages are relative to the origin of the Solar System). Here we argue that the Earth's mass balance of moderately volatile elements is inconsistent with Albarède's hypothesis but is well explained by the standard model of accretion from partially volatile-depleted material, accompanied by core formation.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
10.1155/2017/9253475
|
Shot Noise Limited Time Encoded Tico Raman Spectroscopy
|
Raman scattering, an inelastic scattering mechanism, provides information about molecular excitation energies and can be used to identify chemical compounds. Albeit being a powerful analysis tool, especially for label-free biomedical imaging with molecular contrast, it suffers from inherently low signal levels. This practical limitation can be overcome by non-linear enhancement techniques like stimulated Raman scattering (SRS). In SRS, an additional light source stimulates the Raman scattering process. This can lead to orders of magnitude increase in signal levels and hence faster acquisition in biomedical imaging. However, achieving a broad spectral coverage in SRS is technically challenging and the signal is no longer background-free, as either stimulated Raman gain (SRG) or loss (SRL) is measured, turning a sensitivity limit into a dynamic range limit. Thus, the signal has to be isolated from the laser background light, requiring elaborate methods for minimizing detection noise. Here we analyze the detection sensitivity of a shot-noise limited broadband stimulated time-encoded Raman (TICO-Raman) system in detail. In time-encoded Raman, a wavelength-swept Fourier Domain Mode Locked (FDML) laser covers a broad range of Raman transition energies while allowing a dual-balanced detection for lowering the detection noise to the fundamental shot-noise limit.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
216268
|
Hypertrans: transport of hyperpolarized substrates for metabolic mr imaging
|
Dynamic metabolic imaging with hyperpolarized substrates is a new and unique non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging tool. It opens the window to metabolic aberrations at the heart of many diseases, and the ability to image these changes provides the opportunity to fundamentally improve clinical diagnosis and treatment follow-up. Our long-term ambition is to make hyperpolarized substrates for metabolic imaging with MRI available for every clinical institution. The short-term goal to be reached first, is to make the technique of dynamic metabolic imaging available to the wide scientific community. We will implement a concept in which we can polarize substrates at one central location and store these hyperpolarized substrates for transport and use in other academic institutions. This solution overcomes the current need for an on-site dynamic nuclear polarizer when performing preclinical metabolic imaging with MRI, allows an efficient use of resources, and enables scientific institutions to easily adopt this powerful emerging imaging tool.
Once our proposed concept is proven, and in line with the existing infrastructure and legal license of our institution to manufacture, provide and transport radionuclide tracers to other hospitals, we propose to set up a spin-off company to manufacture, provide and transport hyperpolarized substrates to pre-clinical research institutions. We have currently contacted 11 pre-clinical research sites within transportation distance of our site, of whom 6 have already expressed serious interest in the possibilities of on-demand hyperpolarized substrates. When, in the long run, pre-clinical research has identified and validated the use of dynamic metabolic imaging for use in patients (e.g. in monitoring treatment response in oncology), this company can take the next step to provide hyperpolarized substrates to clinical institutions and general hospitals.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.4054/DemRes.2019.40.38
|
Variations in migration motives over distance
|
BACKGROUND It is often assumed that long-distance migration is dominated by employment or educationally led motives and that local-scale mobility is linked to family and housing adjustments. Unfortunately, few empirical studies examining the relationship between motives and distance exist. OBJECTIVE Recognising that the relationships between migration motives and distances are likely to be context-specific, we explore and compare the relationship in three advanced economies: the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden. METHODS We use three sources of nationally representative microdata: the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) (2009-2018); the Australian Household, Income and Labour Dynamics (HILDA) survey (2001-2016); and a Swedish survey of motives undertaken in spring 2007. LOESS smooth curves are presented for each of six distance-motive trends (Area, Education, Employment, Family, Housing, and Other) in the three countries. RESULTS The patterns offer some support to the common assumptions. In all three countries, housing is the most commonly cited motive to move locally. Employment is an important motive for longer-distance migration. Yet, interestingly, and consistent across the three national contexts, family-related considerations are shown to be key in motivating both shorter- and longer-distance moves. CONTRIBUTION Our analysis demonstrates how people move for different reasons, across different distances, in different national contexts. While typically associated with local-scale relocations, family-related motives are rarely mentioned in literature focused on longerdistance migration. The role of family in long-distance migration would thus appear to warrant far more attention than it currently receives.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
] |
10.1145/2842616
|
Sensible Energy Accounting With Abstract Metering For Multicore Systems
|
Chip multicore processors (CMPs) are the preferred processing platform across different domains such as data centers, real-time systems, and mobile devices. In all those domains, energy is arguably the most expensive resource in a computing system. Accurately quantifying energy usage in a multicore environment presents a challenge as well as an opportunity for optimization. Standard metering approaches are not capable of delivering consistent results with shared resources, since the same task with the same inputs may have different energy consumption based on the mix of co-running tasks. However, it is reasonable for data-center operators to charge on the basis of estimated energy usage rather than time since energy is more correlated with their actual cost. This article introduces the concept of Sensible Energy Accounting (SEA). For a task running in a multicore system, SEA accurately estimates the energy the task would have consumed running in isolation with a given fraction of the CMP shared resources. We explain the potential benefits of SEA in different domains and describe two hardware techniques to implement it for a shared last-level cache and on-core resources in SMT processors. Moreover, with SEA, an energy-aware scheduler can find a highly efficient on-chip resource assignment, reducing by up to 39p the total processor energy for a 4-core system.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
US 0235899 W
|
EIT-6, A POLYPEPTIDE ENCODED BY AN ESTROGEN REGULATED GENE
|
The invention features isolated DNA molecules encoding EIT-6, vectors containing the DNA, cells containing the vectors, and the isolated EIT-6 molecules. Also featured by the invention are methods of inhibiting the activity and expression of EIT-6.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.3390/ijms18122751
|
A Topology-Centric View on Mitotic Chromosome Architecture
|
Mitotic chromosomes are long-known structures, but their internal organization and the exact process by which they are assembled are still a great mystery in biology. Topoisomerase II is crucial for various aspects of mitotic chromosome organization. The unique ability of this enzyme to untangle topologically intertwined DNA molecules (catenations) is of utmost importance for the resolution of sister chromatid intertwines. Although still controversial, topoisomerase II has also been proposed to directly contribute to chromosome compaction, possibly by promoting chromosome self-entanglements. These two functions raise a strong directionality issue towards topoisomerase II reactions that are able to disentangle sister DNA molecules (in trans) while compacting the same DNA molecule (in cis). Here, we review the current knowledge on topoisomerase II role specifically during mitosis, and the mechanisms that directly or indirectly regulate its activity to ensure faithful chromosome segregation. In particular, we discuss how the activity or directionality of this enzyme could be regulated by the SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) complexes, predominantly cohesin and condensin, throughout mitosis.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
W1526629447
|
Efficacy of relaxin on functional recovery of post stroke patients.
|
Relaxin is a peptide hormone that exerts specific effects on cardiovascular system and human brain, leading to the hypothesis that this hormone may play a protective role against CVD and integration and modulation of behavioral activation. We aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of Relaxin on functional recovery of post-stroke patients.Patients admitted within a Rehabilitation Unit suffering from stroke have been evaluated. Patients have been randomized to RLX (40 mcg/d) plus rehabilitation vs a control group that underwent only rehabilitation. A preliminary analysis of 36 patients at 20 and 40 days was made using the mRS for global function, the Functional Independent Measure (FIM) for daily activity and Trail Making Test (TMT) for cognitive function.Eighteen patients (age 72 (64-79), M 56%) randomized to RLX plus rehabilitation were compared to 18 patients (age 68 (64-78), M 50%) that underwent only rehabilitation. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of risk factors, stroke syndromes and etiology. At admission the two groups showed the same characteristics in terms of functional aspects (mRS, FIM; p ns) and cognitive function (TMT; p ns). After 20 days (T1) the treatment group (RLX+rehabilitation) showed no differences between the two groups (FIM 78 vs 69; p ns), while after 40 days (T2) patients treated with RLX+R showed an excellent recovery (FIM 96 vs 75; p0.001). In terms of cognitive function patients RLX+R revealed a better performance at T1 (TMT 3.5 vs 2; p 0.002) and still better at T2 (TMT 4 vs 2; p 0.001). These results have been confirmed in terms of global function both at T1 (mRS 2.5 vs 3; p0.001) and T2 (mRS 2 vs 3; p < 0.001).Relaxin showed in this analysis a positive effects on stroke patient's recovery, thus offering the broad therapeutic potential role of RLX as new drug in post-stroke patients.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
EP 2012002634 W
|
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCING A MESH-TYPE SUPPORT
|
Method for continuously producing a mesh-type support (1) by welding a lower member arrangement, which comprises at least one lower member (2), in particular two lower members (2), and an upper member (3), which is arranged at a specific height (H) in relation to the lower member arrangement, and has at least one diagonal member (4) running back and forth between the at least one lower member (2) and the upper member (3), in particular in a zigzagging form, wherein the welding of the at least one lower member (2) and the upper member (3) to the at least one diagonal member (4) is performed by means of a lower-member welding device (5) and an upper-member welding device (6), wherein the height (H) of the upper member (3) in relation to the lower member arrangement is changed during the continuous production of the mesh-type support (1). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
CA 2110742 A
|
SURFACE BLASTING SYSTEM
|
Apparatus is provided for activating a plurality of groups of electrical loads, such as electrical detonators used in blasting, after respective time delays. The apparatus comprises a master control unit which generates master control signals to initiate timing out of delay devices associated with each load. The apparatus further includes several auxiliary control units which are connectable to the master control unit. Each auxiliary control unit is adapted to control a respective group of remote electrical delay devices with associated electrical loads. Each auxiliary control unit includes local control means for generating local control signals from the master control signals which are synchronised with the local control signals of other auxiliary control units, for initiating operation of the delay devices, so that a large blast can be carried out in a perfectly synchronised manner. The master control unit may transmit master programming signals to the auxiliary control units, which each program the electrical delay devices of their respective group. Synchronisation of the local control signals can be achieved in a number of different ways. A method of activating a plurality of groups of electrical loads is also described.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
10.1186/s12936-015-0924-8
|
The kdr-bearing haplotype and susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum in Anopheles gambiae: Genetic correlation and functional testing
|
Background: Members of the Anopheles gambiae species complex are primary vectors of human malaria in Africa. It is known that a large haplotype shared between An. gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii by introgression carries point mutations of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene para, including the L1014F kdr mutation associated with insensitivity to pyrethroid insecticides. Carriage of L1014F kdr is also correlated with higher susceptibility to infection with Plasmodium falciparum. However, the genetic mechanism and causative gene(s) underlying the parasite susceptibility phenotype are not known. Methods: Mosquitoes from the wild Burkina Faso population were challenged by feeding on natural P. falciparum gametocytes. Oocyst infection phenotypes were determined and were tested for association with SNP genotypes. Candidate genes in the detected locus were prioritized and RNAi-mediated gene silencing was used to functionally test for gene effects on P. falciparum susceptibility. Results: A genetic locus, Pfin6, was identified that influences infection levels of P. falciparum in mosquitoes. The locus segregates as a ~3 Mb haplotype carrying 65 predicted genes including the para gene. The haplotype carrying the kdr allele of para is linked to increased parasite infection prevalence, but many single nucleotide polymorphisms on the haplotype are also equally linked to the infection phenotype. Candidate genes in the haplotype were prioritized and functionally tested. Silencing of para did not influence P. falciparum infection, while silencing of a predicted immune gene, serine protease ClipC9, allowed development of significantly increased parasite numbers. Conclusions: Genetic variation influencing Plasmodium infection in wild Anopheles is linked to a natural ~3 megabase haplotype on chromosome 2L that carries the kdr allele of the para gene. Evidence suggests that para gene function does not directly influence parasite susceptibility, and the association of kdr with infection may be due to tight linkage of kdr with other gene(s) on the haplotype. Further work will be required to determine if ClipC9 influences the outcome of P. falciparum infection in nature, as well as to confirm the absence of a direct influence by para.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1007/jhep10(2019)267
|
Constraints on the quartic Higgs self-coupling from double-Higgs production at future hadron colliders
|
Abstract
We study the indirect constraints on the quartic Higgs self-coupling that arise from double-Higgs production at future hadron colliders. To this purpose, we calculate the two-loop contributions to the gg → hh amplitudes that involve a modified h
4 vertex. Based on our results, we estimate the reach of a pp collider operating at 27 TeV and 100 TeV centre-of-mass energy in constraining the cubic and quartic Higgs self-couplings by measurements of double-Higgs and triple-Higgs production in gluon-fusion.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
10.1038/ncomms14319
|
Unraveling the processes shaping mammalian gut microbiomes over evolutionary time
|
Whether mammal-microbiome interactions are persistent and specific over evolutionary time is controversial. Here we show that host phylogeny and major dietary shifts have affected the distribution of different gut bacterial lineages and did so on vastly different bacterial phylogenetic resolutions. Diet mostly influences the acquisition of ancient and large microbial lineages. Conversely, correlation with host phylogeny is mostly seen among more recently diverged bacterial lineages, consistent with processes operating at similar timescales to host evolution. Considering microbiomes at appropriate phylogenetic scales allows us to model their evolution along the mammalian tree and to infer ancient diets from the predicted microbiomes of mammalian ancestors. Phylogenetic analyses support co-speciation as having a significant role in the evolution of mammalian gut microbiome compositions. Highly co-speciating bacterial genera are also associated with immune diseases in humans, laying a path for future studies that probe these co-speciating bacteria for signs of co-evolution.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
] |
10.3354/meps11041
|
Rhizosphere O<inf>2</inf> dynamics in young Zostera marina and Ruppia maritima
|
Zostera marina and Ruppia maritima often share the same habitat, but R. maritima appears more resistant to environmental stress. We investigated the impact of light intensity and water column O2 concentrations on radial oxygen loss (ROL), in young specimens of Z. marina and R. maritima. Planar optode imaging revealed that ROL of Z. marina was localized to the root tip, while R. maritima showed ROL along extensive root sections. The total root biomass of the 2 species was similar, but, while R. maritima had only 1 root, of which 33% of its length showed ROL, Z. marina had 2 to 5 individual roots, where only 2 to 3 exhibited O2 leakage, but then only at root tips. ROL resulted in an oxic volume of 4. 26 ± 0. 51 mm3 plant-1 for Z. marina and 5. 39 ± 0. 47 mm3 plant-1 for R. maritima (n = 3). ROL per plant at light saturation was 2. 32 ± 0. 30 and 2. 89 ± 0. 38 nmol h-1 for Z. marina and R. maritima, respectively. These values declined by 71 and 60% in darkness. However, both species were able to maintain ROL as long as ambient O2 levels remained >50% air saturation. The calculated ROL integrated over a 24 h cycle was 48. 8 ± 10. 6 nmol O2 plant-1 d-1 (n = 3) for R. maritima and 30% less for Z. marina. The ability of R. maritima to maintain higher ROL than Z. marina could be an important feature defining its potential for colonizing and maintaining growth in eutrophic sediments.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
] |
NL 0300003 W
|
SOLID-STATE POST-CONDENSATION PROCESS FOR INCREASING THE MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF A POLYAMIDE
|
The invention relates to a process for increasing the molecular weight of a polyamide via solid-state post-condensation by exposing the polyamide in the solid-state at elevated temperature to an inert gas atmosphere, that comprises a step a wherein the gas atmosphere to which the polyamide is exposed has a dew temperature Tdew-1, followed by a step b wherein the gas atmosphere to which the polyamide is exposed has a dew temperature Tdew-2, whereby Tdew-1 is higher than Tdew-2. The effect is that a high molecular weight polyamide can be obtained in a shorter production time.
|
[
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
W2077897304
|
Preparation and Characterization of Metronidazole-Surface Imprinted Microspheres MIP-PSSS/CPVA for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery System
|
In this paper, the use of molecular surface imprinted polymers (MIPs) in designing colon-specific drug delivery systems was investigated. MIPs were prepared on crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol microspheres (CPVA) with sodium 4-styrene sulfonate (SSS) as functional monomer, Metronidazole (MTZ) as template and N,N’-Methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent by utilizing cerium salt-hydroxyl group redox initiation system, obtaining MTZ molecular surface imprinted microspheres MIP-PSSS/CPVA. The MIP-PSSS/CPVA microspheres were further characterized by scanning electron microscope and batch binding method. Because there is strong electrostatic interactions between MTZ and monomer SSS, the MTZ molecular surface imprinting is quite successful, and the imprinted microspheres MIP-PSSS/CPVA possess high recognition selectivity and excellent combining affinity. The experimental results show that at pH 1, the MIP-PSSS/CPVA microspheres exhibit very strong binding ability for MTZ, and the binding capacity reache...
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
220307
|
A general strategy for the iterative assembly of complex 1,3-polyol motifs
|
An attractive approach to preparing molecules with common repeat units is iterative synthesis, an approach that is extensively used by Nature in the synthesis of large biomolecules. Nature also uses this tactic for small-molecule synthesis even though common repeat units are not always immediately apparent, the archetypical example being polyketide synthesis. In contrast, iterative strategies in chemical synthesis are often much less efficient requiring several functional-group interconversions and purifications between chain-extension steps. We recently reported an “Assembly Line Synthesis” method for the iterative, reagent-controlled homologation (chain extension) of a boronic ester. This process enabled the conversion of a simple boronic ester into a molecule bearing 10 contiguous methyl substituents in an effectively “one-pot” process. Whilst these methyl-rich carbon chains are rare in natural products, hydroxyl-rich carbon chains (1,3-polyols) are ubiquitous and often show pronounced and useful biological activity. It would therefore be very useful if this or a related strategy could be applied to the fully stereocontrolled synthesis of 1,3-polyols. Herein, we outline a general strategy for the synthesis of 1,3-polyols that hinges on the merging of two well-established methodologies: lithiation–borylation and catalytic diboration. We expect to achieve complete control over both relative and absolute stereochemistry in the iterative synthesis of 1,3-polyboronic esters, enabling stereochemistry to be essentially dialled-in. Subsequent oxidation of the boron esters reveals the desired 1,3-related polyol. The strategy will be applied to the total synthesis of one of the most complex polyols known, bahamaolide A, a macrocyclic polyol–polyene natural product with potent antifungal properties. This strategy promises to be the most efficient synthetic route to these highly biologically active and hugely important class of compounds.
|
[
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1016/j.exphem.2015.05.003
|
Probing hematopoietic stem cell function using serial transplantation: Seeding characteristics and the impact of stem cell purification
|
Appropriate regulation of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers and function is a requisite for life-long blood cell replenishment. Knowledge of factors that regulate HSC activity is derived largely from murine model systems, with serial transplantation often considered a "gold standard" to assess longevity and self-renewal of HSCs. In the literature, we noted inconsistencies in how serial transplantations are conducted and decided to assess a set of parameters at play in such experiments. We found that HSCs distribute and expand unevenly among individual bones following transplantation, suggesting that isolation of a limited number of bone marrow cells for serial transplantation and/or analysis can influence experimental outcomes. Comparing donor cell output from transplanted unfractionated bone marrow cells, as opposed to fluorescence-activated cell-sorted HSCs, revealed distinct differences in the output of mature blood cells. Specifically, we found that long-lived progenitor and/or mature co-transplanted cells can severely affect the interpretation of ongoing HSC activity in secondary hosts. The implications of these data for the design and execution of serial transplantation experiments are discussed.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
] |
10.1016/j.cub.2016.04.072
|
Unique Cellular Organization in the Oldest Root Meristem
|
Roots and shoots of plant bodies develop from meristems—cell populations that self-renew and produce cells that undergo differentiation—located at the apices of axes [1]. The oldest preserved root apices in which cellular anatomy can be imaged are found in nodules of permineralized fossil soils called coal balls [2], which formed in the Carboniferous coal swamp forests over 300 million years ago [3–9]. However, no fossil root apices described to date were actively growing at the time of preservation [3–10]. Because the cellular organization of meristems changes when root growth stops, it has been impossible to compare cellular dynamics as stem cells transition to differentiated cells in extinct and extant taxa [11]. We predicted that meristems of actively growing roots would be preserved in coal balls. Here we report the discovery of the first fossilized remains of an actively growing root meristem from permineralized Carboniferous soil with detail of the stem cells and differentiating cells preserved. The cellular organization of the meristem is unique. The position of the Körper-Kappe boundary, discrete root cap, and presence of many anticlinal cell divisions within a broad promeristem distinguish it from all other known root meristems. This discovery is important because it demonstrates that the same general cellular dynamics are conserved between the oldest extinct and extant root meristems. However, its unique cellular organization demonstrates that extant root meristem organization and development represents only a subset of the diversity that has existed since roots first evolved.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1038/mi.2017.44
|
HIV-2 infection is associated with preserved GALT homeostasis and epithelial integrity despite ongoing mucosal viral replication
|
The mechanisms that enable preservation of gut mucosal integrity during persistent viral replication and inherent inflammation remain unclear. Here, we investigated, for the first time, gut homeostasis in HIV-2 infection, a naturally occurring form of attenuated HIV disease. We found viral replication in both sigmoid and ileum of asymptomatic HIV-2+ patients (range: 240-851 circulating CD4+T-cells per μl) despite their undetectable viremia, accompanied by interferon-β 3-producing CD8 T-cell expansion, irrespective of antiretroviral treatment. Nevertheless, there was no CD4 T-cell depletion, and Foxp3+ and IL-17- or IL-22-producing CD4 T-cell numbers were unaffected. Moreover, IL-22-producing innate lymphoid cells and IL-22-induced antimicrobial peptides and mucins were maintained. In agreement, the epithelium histology was preserved, including tight junction protein zonula occludens (ZO-1) levels. Furthermore, in vitro infection of colon epithelia with primary isolates revealed no HIV-2 impact on ZO-1 expression. Notably, sigmoid transcriptional levels of CCL20 and CCL28 were significantly increased, in direct correlation with GM-CSF, indicating a local response able to enhance CD4 T-cell recruitment. In conclusion, maintenance of mucosal integrity in HIV-2 infection was associated with T-cell recruitment responses, potentially counteracting CD4 T-cell depletion due to HIV-2 replication. These data have unique implications for the design of therapies targeting gut homeostasis in HIV-1 infection and other chronic inflammatory settings.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
W3007324027
|
Renewable Energy Based Smart Irrigation System
|
Abstract Agriculture is the primary occupation in India and is called India’s backbone. But of late, a lot of problems are being faced in agriculture by the farmers. One of the major problems being water scarcity. As per surveys, almost 20 percent of the agricultural land is wasted due to water scarcity and becomes a barren land. Thus, this research gives an idea of smart irrigation system. This irrigation system uses three sensors namely temperature sensor, humidity sensor and soil moisture sensor, and fuzzy logic is used to operate the solenoid valve. The data from the sensors is then sent to the cloud by using adafruit.io and the farmer can view the moisture level, humidity level and temperature recorded by these sensors. All the operations are governed by an Arduino and the power supply for the Arduino is given by a solar panel which uses LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) and makes it into an automatic tracking system. The crops are grown in two tubs and comparison of growth of plant with automated irrigation and normal irrigation is carried out.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Earth System Science",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1137/18M1187477
|
On The Asymptotic Normality Of Adaptive Multilevel Splitting
|
Adaptive multilevel splitting (AMS) is a generic Monte Carlo method for Markov processes that simulates rare events and estimates associated probabilities. Despite its practical efficiency, there a. . .
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
W2739872597
|
Total attenuation cross sections of several elements at 360 and 511 KeV
|
Total attenuation cross sections of several elements have been measured for 360 and 511 KeV photons by using formula σtot= μ/ρ (A/N) x 1024, the values are compared with the values calculated from the data of Hubbell for the individual elements.The radioactive sources used in the experiments were Ba133 and Na22. Total attenuation cross sections for several elements have been measured for gamma rays from 360 and 511 keV photons using the well type scintillation spectrometer. Measurements have been made to determine total photon cross sections very accurately by using a narrow collimated beam method which effectively excluded correction due to small angle and multiple scattering of photons. The values of Total attenuation cross sections are found to be in good agreement with the theory.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
W2471628535
|
Light sterile neutrino and dark matter in left-right symmetric models without a Higgs bidoublet
|
We present a class of left-right symmetric models where Dirac as well as Majorana mass terms of neutrinos can arise at one-loop level in a scotogenic fashion: with dark matter particles going inside the loop. We show the possibility of naturally light right handed neutrinos that can have interesting implications at neutrinoless double beta decay experiments as well as cosmology. Apart from a stable dark matter candidate stabilised by a remnant $Z_2$ symmetry, one can also have a long lived keV sterile neutrino dark matter in these models. This class of models can have very different collider signatures compared to the conventional left-right models.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.106601
|
Anomalous hall effect in field-effect structures of (Ga,Mn)as
|
The anomalous Hall effect in metal-insulator-semiconductor structures having thin (Ga,Mn)As layers as a channel has been studied in a wide range of Mn and hole densities changed by the gate electric field. Strong and unanticipated temperature dependence, including a change of sign, of the anomalous Hall conductance σxy has been found in samples with the highest Curie temperatures. For more disordered channels, the scaling relation between σxy and σxx, similar to the one observed previously for thicker samples, is recovered.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.3141/2625-03
|
Lane-Changing Feedback Control for Efficient Lane Assignment at Motorway Bottlenecks
|
A feedback control strategy is proposed for lane assignment at bottleneck locations. The strategy assumes that some vehicles equipped with vehicle automation and communication systems are capable of receiving and executing specific lane-changing orders or recommendations. From a previously proposed optimal control strategy based on a simplified multilane motorway traffic flow model and formulated as a linear quadratic regulator, a feedback control problem was designed. The aim was to maximize the throughput at bottleneck locations while distributing the total density at the bottleneck area over the lanes according to a given policy by optimal lane assignment of the vehicles upstream of the bottleneck. The feedback control decisions were based on real-time measurements of the traffic state and inflow. The proposed strategy was tested on a nonlinear first-order macroscopic multilane traffic flow model, which also accounted for the capacity drop phenomenon.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
884040
|
Disruptive capturing and revalorisation system of ammonia for biogas plants enhancing circular economy
|
94% of ammonia (NH3) emissions in Europe stem from agriculture. Thus, EU has created a Directive, forcing exploitations to assume important costs for properly manage the
excretions generated as a daily basis. The market opportunity for Biogas Plants, to apply local innovative business models with a low-cost affordable solution, to biogas digestate,
reducing environmental risks transforming it into Ammonia Sulphate (NH4)2SO4. This is an expensive product nowadays, that could be monetized through fertilizers manufacturers, thus generating a second business opportunity while boosting a circular economy.
AMBIENCE consists of a low-cost close-loop physical system based on a novel and highly efficient technology of permeable membranes that capture the ammonia in between 70% - 80%, from the emissions (liquid and gas) generated by animal waste and pig farms, and biogas plants’ digestants.
AMBIENCE delivers a processed ammonia (NH3) turned into Ammonia Sulphate (NH4)2SO4, prepared to be easily treated by fertilizers manufacturers reducing farmers’ operational costs by means of both savings and new incomes achieved (+60%) by applying this innovative revalorisation business model. If all the farming and stock sectors would apply AMBIENCE solution more than 65% of ammonia worldwide emissions would be avoided.
Phase 1 objectives is to accelerate the market adoption and international penetration of AMBIENCE focus on preparing ourselves for the commercialization of at the international level (including route-tomarket, marketing strategy, growth strategy, etc.) by evolving the product from TRL6 to TRL9 stage
As a result of this project, AMBIENCE will grow considerably, generating 35 new qualified jobs by five years after the project ending and generating incomes of 46.8 M€ and a EBITDA of 21 M€ approx by 2024.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1051/0004-6361/201220978
|
Detection Of A Large Sample Of Γ Doradus Stars From Kepler Space Photometry And High Resolution Ground Based Spectroscopy
|
Context. The launches of the MOST, CoRoT, and Kepler missions opened up a new era in asteroseismology, the study of stellar interiors via interpretation of pulsation patterns observed at the surfaces of large groups of stars. These space missions deliver a huge amount of high-quality photometric data suitable to study numerous pulsating stars. Aims. Our ultimate goal is a detection and analysis of an extended sample of γ Dor-type pulsating stars with the aim to search for observational evidence of non-uniform period spacings and rotational splittings of gravity modes in main-sequence stars typically twice as massive as the Sun. This kind of diagnostic can be used to deduce the internal rotation law and to estimate the amount of rotational mixing in the near core regions. Methods. We applied an automated supervised photometric classification method to select a sample of 69 Gamma Doradus (γ Dor) candidate stars. We used an advanced method to extract the Kepler light curves from the pixel data information using custom masks. For 36 of the stars, we obtained high-resolution spectroscopy with the HERMES spectrograph installed at the Mercator telescope. The spectroscopic data are analysed to determine the fundamental parameters like Teff , log g, v sin i, and [M/H]. Results. We find that all stars for which spectroscopic estimates of Teff and log g are available fall into the region of the HR diagram, where the γ Dor and δ Sct instability strips overlap. The stars cluster in a 700 K window in effective temperature; log g measurements suggest luminosity class IV-V, i. e. sub-giant or main-sequence stars. From the Kepler photometry, we identify 45 γ Dor-type pulsators, 14 γ Dor/δ Sct hybrids, and 10 stars, which are classified as “possibly γ Dor/δ Sct hybrid pulsators”. We find a clear correlation between the spectroscopically derived v sin i and the frequencies of independent pulsation modes. Conclusions. We have shown that our photometric classification based on the light curve morphology and colour information is very robust. The results of spectroscopic classification perfectly agree with the photometric classification. We show that the detected correlation between v sin i and frequencies has nothing to do with rotational modulation of the stars but is related to their stellar pulsations. Our sample and frequency determinations offer a good starting point for seismic modelling of slow to moderately rotating γ Dor stars.
|
[
"Universe Sciences",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
268836
|
THE ENDOCYTIC AND CYTOSKELETAL MATRIX IN THE PLASTICITY OF TUMOR CELL INVASION AND MIGRATION
|
Tumor cells can adopt different modes of cell motility. The ability to switch between diverse modes of migration enables tumors to adapt to micro-environmental conditions and to metastasize. The critical pathways and cellular processes underlying the plasticity of tumor cell motility have only begun to be identified.
Endocytosis, originally thought of as a device to internalize nutrients and membrane-bound molecules, is emerging as a connectivity infrastructure (which we call ""the Endocytic Matrix"") of different cellular networks necessary for the execution of various cellular programs. A primary role of the Endocytic Matrix is the delivery of space- and time-resolved signals to the cell, and it is thus essential for the execution of polarized functions during cell migration. The molecular mechanisms it uses are, however, ill defined and likely to involve, in addition to extranuclear pathways, also transcriptional programs. In this respect, we have acquired evidence that components of the Endocytic Matrix require de novo gene expression to promote the transition in the mode of tumor cell motility.
We propose to identify critical components of the Endocytic Matrix that by controlling the cellular location of actin remodellers promote the plasticity of tumor cell migration. We will also test whether, in addition to the immediate epigenetic/signalling-based control of migration, the Endocytic Matrix regulates transcriptional programs required for the acquisition or maintenance of diverse modes of motility. Finally, in view of the key role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer, we will use miRNA profiling, together with endocytic cell migration and invasion assays in human cancer cells to test whether miRNAs mediate the relationship between endocytosis and motility programs.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
10.1038/s41467-018-07368-7
|
Disease-associated genotypes of the commensal skin bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis
|
Some of the most common infectious diseases are caused by bacteria that naturally colonise humans asymptomatically. Combating these opportunistic pathogens requires an understanding of the traits that differentiate infecting strains from harmless relatives. Staphylococcus epidermidis is carried asymptomatically on the skin and mucous membranes of virtually all humans but is a major cause of nosocomial infection associated with invasive procedures. Here we address the underlying evolutionary mechanisms of opportunistic pathogenicity by combining pangenome-wide association studies and laboratory microbiology to compare S. epidermidis from bloodstream and wound infections and asymptomatic carriage. We identify 61 genes containing infection-associated genetic elements (k-mers) that correlate with in vitro variation in known pathogenicity traits (biofilm formation, cell toxicity, interleukin-8 production, methicillin resistance). Horizontal gene transfer spreads these elements, allowing divergent clones to cause infection. Finally, Random Forest model prediction of disease status (carriage vs. infection) identifies pathogenicity elements in 415 S. epidermidis isolates with 80% accuracy, demonstrating the potential for identifying risk genotypes pre-operatively.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1007/s10680-019-09540-1
|
Naturalisation and Immigrant Earnings: Why and to Whom Citizenship Matters
|
Abstract
The notion that naturalisation matters for the economic integration of immigrants is well established in the literature, but why and to whom that is, remains surprisingly ambiguous. The citizenship premium is traditionally assumed to result from increased labour market access and positive signalling towards employers, but these mechanisms fail to explain increased earnings derived from paid employment, which has been the predominant focus in most studies. We argue that naturalisation needs to be understood in the context of the life course, as immigrants anticipate rewards and opportunities of citizenship acquisition by investing in their human capital development. Insofar as naturalisation subsequently leads to higher earnings, we expect that the citizenship premium mostly reflects better employment opportunities rather than access to better paying jobs. To test these assumptions, we use high-quality register data from Statistics Netherlands, covering the period 1999–2011. These data contain almost all registered foreign-born individuals in The Netherlands (N = 74,531) and allow us to track immigrant cohorts over time. Results show that naturalisation confers a one-time boost in earnings after naturalisation, but particularly for migrants from economically less developed countries and unemployed migrants. Furthermore, earnings develop faster leading up to naturalisation than afterwards, consistent with the notion of anticipation. The relevance of citizenship for employed immigrants in part results from an increase in working hours, but is not explained by variation in labour market sectors. We conclude that citizenship matters in terms of earnings from labour, but that its impact is not universal and manifests predominantly leading up to naturalisation.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
10.1007/978-1-4939-9240-9_7
|
Chromium 10 Single Cell 3 Mrna Sequencing Of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes
|
Chromium 10× 3' V2 protocol is a 3' end counting single-cell mRNA sequencing protocol that allows to process and sequence RNA from thousands of cells in parallel. Chromium10× by 10× Genomics is an emulsion-based device that enables to compartmentalize single cells along with sets of uniquely barcoded primers and reverse transcription reagents into nanoscale droplets that are used as reaction chambers to generate barcoded full-length cDNA from single cells. After RT reaction single-stranded barcoded cDNAs are pooled together and processed to generate sequencing libraries compatible with the standard Illumina platforms. Here we show in detail the main steps of the protocol applied to the analysis of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs). The main steps are cell preparation, cDNA synthesis, library construction, and sequencing. This protocol refers specifically to the CG00052_SingleCell3_ReagentKitv2UserGuide_RevD downloadable from 10× Genomics website ( https://www. 10xgenomics. com ) and does not substitute it. Always refer to this guide, paying attention to updates and revisions.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1039/d0sc01097a
|
Impact of substituents on molecular properties and catalytic activities of trinuclear Ru macrocycles in water oxidation
|
Conformational changes induced by ligand substituents in macrocyclic Ru complexes strongly affect their chemical and photocatalytic efficiencies in water oxidation.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
10.1177/1049732316680203
|
Online Peer To Peer Communities In The Daily Lives Of People With Chronic Illness A Qualitative Systematic Review
|
This qualitative systematic review investigated how individuals with chronic illness experience online peer-to-peer support and how their experiences influence daily life with illness. Selected studies were appraised by quality criteria focused upon research questions and study design, participant selection, methods of data collection, and methods of analysis. Four themes were identified: (a) illness-associated identity work, (b) social support and connectivity, (c) experiential knowledge sharing, and (d) collective voice and mobilization. Findings indicate that online peer-to-peer communities provide a supportive space for daily self-care related to chronic illness. Online communities provided a valued space to strengthen social ties and exchange knowledge that supported offline ties and patient-doctor relationships. Individuals used online communities to exchange experiential knowledge about everyday life with illness. This type of knowledge was perceived as extending far beyond medical care. Online communities were also used to mobilize and raise collective awareness about illness-specific concerns.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.1016/B978-0-12-375067-9.00153-4
|
Cartel Versus Fringe Models
|
This article reviews the literature on the cartel-versus-fringe model. Although it has a wide range of potential applications, the cartel-versus-fringe model is particularly used to describe the oil market, where there is a coherent cartel (OPEC) and a large number of small suppliers. The latter can be considered as price takers. Several types of equilibrium concepts are discussed and their outcomes are fully characterized for the case of linear demand and constant marginal extraction costs.
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
10.1073/pnas.1820362116
|
Education rather than age structure brings demographic dividend
|
The relationship between population changes and economic growth has been debated since Malthus. Initially focusing on population growth, the notion of demographic dividend has shifted the attention to changes in age structures with an assumed window of opportunity that opens when falling birth rates lead to a relatively higher proportion of the working-age population. This has become the dominant paradigm in the field of population and development, and an advocacy tool for highlighting the benefits of family planning and fertility decline. While this view acknowledges that the dividend can only be realized if associated with investments in human capital, its causal trigger is still seen in exogenous fertility decline. In contrast, unified growth theory has established human capital as a trigger of both demographic transition and economic growth. We assess the relative importance of changing age structure and increasing human capital for economic growth for a panel of 165 countries during the time period of 1980–2015. The results show a clear dominance of improving education over age structure and give evidence that the demographic dividend is driven by human capital. Declining youth dependency ratios even show negative impacts on income growth when combined with low education. Based on a multidimensional understanding of demography that considers education in addition to age, and with a view to the additional effects of education on health and general resilience, we conclude that the true demographic dividend is a human capital dividend. Global population policies should thus focus on strengthening the human resource base for sustainable development.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
interreg_1568
|
STRENGTHENING CROSS-BORDER GOVERNANCE THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MODELS
|
The GovernaTIVA project will involve a highly interconnected geographical area in terms of history, culture and economy: the Varese area and the Canton Ticino. The current context highlights some critical aspects: limited mutual knowledge between public and private actors on both sides of the border, the predominance of small and fragmented local administrations, a lack of full assimilation of governance competences by political decision makers and public personnel. The project aims to increase the capacity of inter-institutional and territorial governance of the Municipalities as an indispensable condition for fostering cooperation actions and benefit the economic and social development of local communities.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
10.1089/ten.tea.2015.0044
|
Borax-Loaded PLLA for Promotion of Myogenic Differentiation
|
Boron is an essential metalloid, which plays a key role in plant and animal metabolisms. It has been reported that boron is involved in bone mineralization, has some uses in synthetic chemistry, and its potential has been only recently exploited in medicinal chemistry. However, in the area of tissue engineering, the use of boron is limited to works involving certain bioactive glasses. In this study, we engineer poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) substrates with sustained release of boron. Then, we analyze for the first time the uniqueness effects of boron in cell differentiation using murine C2C12 myoblasts and discuss a potential mechanism of action in cooperation with Ca2+. Our results demonstrate that borax-loaded materials strongly enhance myotube formation at initial steps of myogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Ca2+ plays an essential role in combination with borax as chelating or blocking Ca2+ entry into the cell leads to a detrimental effect on myoblast differentiation observed on borax-loaded materials. This research identifies borax-loaded materials to trigger differentiation mechanisms and it establishes a new tool to engineer microenvironments with applications in regenerative medicine for muscular diseases.
|
[
"Materials Engineering",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
ES 16815660 T
|
Estructura de carrocería trasera de vehículo y procedimiento para su fabricación
|
Una estructura de carrocería trasera de vehículo (2) que comprende un riel trasero (10, 12) que se extiende en una dirección longitudinal y una viga de parachoques trasera (21), que se extiende transversalmente a la dirección longitudinal, teniendo el riel trasero (10,12) un extremo trasero (10a) y un extremo delantero (10b), separados a lo largo de la dirección longitudinal, estando conectado el extremo trasero (10a) a la viga de parachoques trasera (21) y extendiéndose el riel trasero (10, 12) hacia la parte delantera del vehículo desde su extremo trasero (10a), caracterizada porque el riel trasero (10, 12) comprende al menos una porción delantera (37), una porción intermedia (39) y una porción trasera (41), estando destinada la porción delantera (37) a extenderse junto a un depósito de combustible del vehículo, siendo la resistencia a la deformación plástica de la porción delantera (37) mayor que la resistencia a la deformación plástica de la porción intermedia (39), que es en sí misma mayor que la resistencia a la deformación plástica de la porción trasera (41), y porque la estructura de carrocería trasera de vehículo (2) comprende además una estructura de guía (51) destinada a guiar la deformación del riel trasero (10,12) para impedir una deformación del mismo en una dirección perpendicular a la dirección longitudinal.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
771586
|
MultiphasIc NanoreaCtors for HEterogeneous CataLysis via SmArt ENGinEering of TaiLored DispersiOns
|
Gas-liquid-solid (G/L/S) multiphasic reactors are extensively used in the chemical industry for catalytic processes. However, conventional reactors, such as packed beds and slurry reactors, typically suffer from resilient mass/heat transfer limitations due to their low specific interface areas, long mixing times, and a reduced accessibility of the gas reactants to the catalyst surface. To overcome these limitations, continuous flow microreactors and catalytic membrane reactors have been considered for increasing the G/L interface area, but these systems require complex equipment and still do not guarantee an efficient L/S contact at the catalyst surface. For a major improvement on current systems in terms of cost efficiency and energy savings, G/L/S reactors operating at the nanoscale are required.
The aim of this ERC project is to design robust particle-stabilized G/L dispersions (i.e. micro/nano-bubbles and liquid marbles) as highly efficient G/L/S nanoreactors for conducting catalytic reactions at mild conditions.
We will (i) prepare NPs with defined sizes, shapes, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), including catalytic functions; (ii) generate particle-stabilized bubbles and liquid marbles affording highly active and selective reactions at the G/L/S interface with NP recycling after each catalytic cycle using external stimuli; examine the interplay between the NP assembly at the G/L interface and the catalytic properties along the reaction by combining well-designed experiments with simulations; and (iv) reengineer G/L/S multiphasic reactors using our particle-stabilized nanoreactors to achieve a high catalytic performance at milder operation conditions compared to conventional reactors while keeping a high degree of stability and flexibility at reduced layouts.
Through innovation on both amphiphilic catalysts and process intensification, MICHELANGELO will deliver a radical step change towards a higher efficiency and competitiveness in the process industry.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
interreg_2356
|
Promoting citizens’ active involvement in the development of Sustainable Travel Plans in Med Cities with Seasonal Demand
|
MED cities although facing the common challenge of developing a sustainable mobility background, they also present particularities depending on the territorial context and the type of tourists they attract. For these reasons, a sound transnational approach, is the key to guarantee MOTIVATE’s success. Unlike the traditional data collection methods, where citizens or visitors are “passive” data sources, the innovative approach of MOTIVATE lies in their active involvement in transport data collection/management, problems identification and proposed measures evaluation. MOTIVATE promotes a new model of SUMP development. The new model is based on the exploitation of social media and crowd-sourcing apps. The common model of implementing and applying these techniques that will be created and updated after the pilot testing cases, as well as, the transferring protocol that will be created and will include, processes, techniques and tools to ensure the efficient and consistent way of transferring the projects' results to other cities, will support the SUMP development and enhancement in all the Med area. MOTIVATE intends to help decision makers to gain a strong understanding of the main mobility problems that residents and tourists face and the most accepted and sustainable interventions, using cost effective ways of data collection and analysis and this will make the development, update and monitoring of SUMP much more targeted and efficient.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
644622
|
Advanced nonlinear wave analysis for complex experimental data
|
The proposed research program entitled NWACOMPLEX aims at pioneering studies of nonlinear wave processes in optics and hydrodynamics implementing by young talented theoretical researcher Dr. A Gelash in exceptional collaboration with top-level experimental teams of the EU Host Université de Bourgogne and partners organizations. The transfer of the Fellow knowledge to experimental teams will make his theoretical and numerical developments widely used in practice. The project will strongly enhance the expertise and professionalism of the Dr. Gelash by high-quality trainings, new contacts and collaborations leading to a cascading effect on his career development. The Fellow being experienced inverse scattering transform technique, physics of nonlinear coherent structures and various computational methods proposes novel theoretical approaches and numerical tools for advanced analysis of modern experiments on generation, detection and nonlinear propagation of light in optical systems and waves on the surface of water. The innovative idea of the project is to reveal the nature of complex nonlinear phenomena using inverse scattering transform theory employing the most recent numerical advancements. The project will benefit the nonlinear science by fundamental studies of novel mechanisms of coherent structures interactions, statistic of nonlinear waves, dense soliton and breather gases. The Fellow will present theoretical predictions on nonlinear wave dynamics and statistic which will be verified by experimental groups of the host and partner organizations. The developed numerical tools will allow to generate various nonlinear light and water surface waves patterns for experiments on their propagation, as well as provide the opportunity to reliably analyse complex experimental data revealing coherent structures and their parameters.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1017/s1351324918000074
|
Assessing multilingual multimodal image description: Studies of native speaker preferences and translator choices
|
AbstractTwo studies on multilingual multimodal image description provide empirical evidence towards two questions at the core of the task: (i) whether target language speakers prefer descriptions generated directly in their native language, as compared to descriptions translated from a different language; (ii) whether images improve human translation of descriptions. These results provide guidance for future work in multimodal natural language processing by first showing that on the whole, translations are not distinguished from native language descriptions, and second delineating and quantifying the information gained from the image during the human translation task.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.1007/s11229-014-0484-4
|
Representation-hunger reconsidered
|
According to a standard representationalist view cognitive capacities depend on internal content-carrying states. Recent alternatives to this view have been met with the reaction that they have, at best, limited scope, because a large range of cognitive phenomena—those involving absent and abstract features—require representational explanations. Here we challenge the idea that the consideration of cognition regarding the absent and the abstract can move the debate about representationalism along. Whether or not cognition involving the absent and the abstract requires the positing of representations depends upon whether more basic forms of cognition require the positing of representations.
|
[
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity",
"Texts and Concepts"
] |
W2008076934
|
Degradation kinetics and molecular structure development of hydroxyethyl cellulose under the solid state mechanochemical treatment
|
The mechanochemical degradation behavior of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) during vibratory ball milling and its induced morphological and structure development of HEC were studied through intrinsic viscosity measurement and scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size analysis, wide-angle X-ray diffractometry (WAXD) and thermal gravimetry analysis (TG). A degradation kinetic model was proposed to evaluate the effects of ball-milling time on degradation rate of HEC with different initial molecular weights. The fragmentation mechanism is proposed based on the results of FTIR and 13C NMR measurements. The experimental results indicated that the molecular weight decreased sharply with the increase of ball-milling time, charge ratio of steel ball/HEC and the rotational speed. Meanwhile, the fibriform morphology of original HEC was damaged observably and the crystallinity of HEC decreased sharply during the milling, which induced the decrease of the thermal stability.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
W3109216767
|
Analiza i planiranje naprednog energetskog sustava otoka Šolte
|
By adopting the “European Green Deal”, the European Union has decided to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. In order to reach this goal, it is necessary to implement new measures of increasing energy efficiency as well as integrate production form variable renewable energy sources.
Due to their isolation and, from an energetic standpoint, favourable geographical position, islands make an ideal testing grounds for testing the integration of new technologies into energy systems. The benefit to the islands themselves is twofold – they receive clean, cheap and secure energy, but also a socio-economic development is achieved. The potential of the islands has also been recognized by the EU with the establishment of “The Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat”, which helps islands with their energy transition.
Within the framework of this paper an example of the island of Solta is analysed. Foremost, based on the data provided by the energy supplier, an analysis of the current energy consumption on the island was conducted. The current state of the transport sector was also analysed. Using meteorological data, an assessment of the production from RES is given.
Afterwards, using the computer tool EnergyPLAN, a simulation of the energy transition with the final year of 2035. was conducted. Four scenarios were created: implementation of smart lightning, electrification of road traffic, switching of maritime traffic to LNG propulsion, integration of electricity production from PV modules and a final, common scenario.
The simulated scenarios were compared according to the most important parameters: CO₂ emissions, cost of the energy system, CEEP, required import of electricity and the share of RES in the primary energy consumption.
The comparison concluded that the best results are given by the integration of the energy production from the PV modules and electrification of road traffic, so these measures are proposed as the pillars of the future energy transition of the island of Solta.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Earth System Science"
] |
W2001173190
|
Averaging of kernel functions
|
In kernel-based machines, the integration of a number of different kernels to build more flexible learning methods is a promising avenue for research. In multiple kernel learning, a compound kernel is build by learning a kernel that is a positively weighted arithmetic mean of several sources. We show in this paper that the only feasible average for kernel learning is precisely the arithmetic average. We investigate general families of averaging processes and how they relate to the development of kernels. Specifically, a number of multivariate and univariate kernels are developed based on the notion of generalized means. These results can be used in more general kernel optimization procedures.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1063/1.4899062
|
A Simple Electron Time Of Flight Spectrometer For Ultrafast Vacuum Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy Of Liquid Solutions
|
We present a simple electron time of flight spectrometer for time resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of liquid samples using a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) source produced by high-harmonic generation. The field free spectrometer coupled with the time-preserving monochromator for the VUV at the Artemis facility of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory achieves an energy resolution of 0. 65 eV at 40 eV with a sub 100 fs temporal resolution. A key feature of the design is a differentially pumped drift tube allowing a microliquid jet to be aligned and started at ambient atmosphere while preserving a pressure of 10−1 mbar at the micro channel plate detector. The pumping requirements for photoelectron (PE) spectroscopy in vacuum are presented, while the instrument performance is demonstrated with PE spectra of salt solutions in water. The capability of the instrument for time resolved measurements is demonstrated by observing the ultrafast (50 fs) vibrational excitation of water leading to temporary proton transfer.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
] |
10.1016/j.cub.2020.03.032
|
MpFEW RHIZOIDS1 miRNA-Mediated Lateral Inhibition Controls Rhizoid Cell Patterning in Marchantia polymorpha
|
Lateral inhibition patterns differentiated cell types among equivalent cells during development in bacteria, metazoans, and plants. Tip-growing rhizoid cells develop among flat epidermal cells in the epidermis of the early-diverging land plant Marchantia polymorpha. We show that the majority of rhizoid cells develop individually, but some develop in linear, one-dimensional groups (chains) of between 2 and 7 rhizoid cells in wild-type plants. The distribution of rhizoid cells can be accounted for within a simple cellular automata model of lateral inhibition. The model predicted that in the absence of lateral inhibition, two-dimensional rhizoid cell groups (clusters) form. These can be larger than those formed with lateral inhibition. M. polymorpha rhizoid differentiation is positively regulated by the ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE SIX-LIKE1 (MpRSL1) basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, which is directly repressed by the FEW RHIZOIDS1 (MpFRH1) microRNA (miRNA). To test if MpFRH1 miRNA acts during lateral inhibition, we generated loss-of-function (lof) mutants without the MpFRH1 miRNA. Two-dimensional clusters of rhizoids develop in Mpfrh1lof mutants as predicted by the model for plants that lack lateral inhibition. Furthermore, two-dimensional clusters of up to 9 rhizoid cells developed in the Mpfrh1lof mutants compared to a maximum number of 7 observed in wild-type groups. The higher steady-state levels of MpRSL1 mRNA in Mpfrh1lof mutants indicate that MpFRH1-mediated lateral inhibition involves the repression of MpRSL1 activity. Together, the modeling and genetic data indicate that MpFRH1 miRNA mediates lateral inhibition by repressing MpRSL1 during pattern formation in the M. polymorpha epidermis.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
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