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The chemical modification of ribosomal RNA and proteins is critical for ribosome assembly, for protein synthesis and may drive ribosome specialisation in development and disease. However, the inability to accurately visualise these modifications has limited mechanistic understanding of the role of these modifications in ribosome function. Here we report the 2.15 Å resolution cryo-EM reconstruction of the human 40S ribosomal subunit. We directly visualise post-transcriptional modifications within the 18S rRNA and four post-translational modifications of ribosomal proteins. Additionally, we interpret the solvation shells in the core regions of the 40S ribosomal subunit and reveal how potassium and magnesium ions establish both universally conserved and eukaryote-specific coordination to promote the stabilisation and folding of key ribosomal elements. This work provides unprecedented structural details for the human 40S ribosomal subunit that will serve as an important reference for unravelling the functional role of ribosomal RNA modifications.

The ability of ribosomes to translate the genetic code into protein requires a finely tuned ion and solvent ecosystem. However, the lack of high-resolution structures has precluded accurate positioning of all the functional elements of the ribosome and limited our understanding of the specific role of ribosomal RNA chemical modifications in modulating ribosome function in health and disease. Here, using a new sample preparation methodology based on functionalised pristine graphene-coated grids, we solve the cryo-EM structure of the human large ribosomal subunit to a resolution of 1.67 Å. The accurate assignment of water molecules, magnesium and potassium ions in our model highlights the fundamental biological role of ribosomal RNA methylation in harnessing unconventional carbon-oxygen hydrogen bonds to establish chemical interactions with the environment and fine-tune the functional interplay with tRNA. In addition, the structures of three translational inhibitors bound to the human large ribosomal subunit at better than 2 Å resolution provide mechanistic insights into how three key druggable pockets of the ribosome are targeted and illustrate the potential of this methodology to accelerate high-throughput structure-based design of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Animal models suggest physical activity (PA) has intergenerational effects on brain health and neurocognition. This scoping review compiles the human literature in this area, identifies knowledge gaps, and makes recommendations for future research.We systematically searched for experimental or observational studies conducted in humans, published in English, and reporting parental PA exposure (preconception or prenatal) and subsequent offspring brain and neurocognition. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to predetermined inclusion criteria.Fourteen articles were included (four experimental and 10 observational). All studies reported maternal characteristics, whereas only one (7%) study reported paternal characteristics (but not paternal PA). Prenatal maternal PA exposure was examined in 10 (71%) studies, while preconception and prenatal PA exposure was examined in four (29%) studies. Maternal PA exposure was positively related to offspring brain and neurocognitive development in most studies.Little is known about the intergenerational effects of parental PA on offspring brain and neurocognition in humans, particularly paternal preconception PA. More experimental studies with longer offspring follow-up and more objective and/or mechanistic assessments are required.HIGHLIGHTSAnimal models suggest physical activity has intergenerational neurobiological effectsAll observational human studies report a positive relationship between maternal physical activity and offspring brain and neurocognitionMost experimental human studies report no effects of maternal physical activity on offspring brain and neurocognition

Summary • Seed dormancy and dormancy cycling are poorly understood at the molecular level, but are central to plant community development. This study focuses on the embryonic axes of deeply dormant seeds of Prunus avium (wild cherry). • Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), differential display and quantitative PCR were used to recover and monitor expression of cDNAs. • cDNAs similar to two dormancy-imposing genes were isolated; a serine/threonine protein-phosphatase 2C homologous to ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 1 and 2 (Pa-PP2C1), and the transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (Pa-ABI3). Two germination-associated cDNAs were recovered; aconitase (Pa-ACO1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit 8 (Pa-eIF3 SUBUNIT 8). Cold-treatment reduced expression of Pa-PP2C1 and Pa-ABI3, consistent with roles in establishing primary dormancy; neither was induced by imposition of secondary dormancy. Expression of these genes was distinct from expression of Pa-ACO1 and Pa-eIF3-SUBUNIT 8. • Results were consistent with a role for ABI1/ABI2 and ABI3 homologues in primary dormancy of P. avium embryonic axes, but not secondary dormancy as control of germination appeared overridden by the tissues surrounding the embryo.

Objectives Age, sedentary activity, central adiposity, and inflammation have all been independently associated with bone mineral density (BMD). We assessed how the effects of sedentary activity and central adiposity on BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck change across early to late adulthood and whether these relationships are mediated by inflammation. Methods We analyzed data from 7135 women and men 20 years of age and older from NHANES 2007 to 2010. Anthropometrics, sedentary activity (min/day), serum CRP (mg/dl), and BMD (gm/cm2 measured by DXA scans) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Data were compared by age and sex groups and through causal mediation analysis. Results The effect of waist circumference on BMD was significantly mediated by serum CRP at both skeletal sites in men and at the femoral neck in women. Sedentary activity did not have a direct relationship to BMD but was mediated by waist circumference in men. Least square means differed significantly by sex and age groups with a general age-related decline in BMD at both skeletal sites. Conclusions We found that central adiposity, independent of overall body size and composition as measured through BMI, has an inverse relationship with BMD that is mediated by serum CRP. In addition, the negative impact of increased sedentism acted through changes in central adiposity (waist circumference) but only in men. Although low bone density and osteoporosis are often considered degenerative diseases that primarily impact postmenopausal women, our findings show that sedentary activity and central adiposity impact bone density beginning in early adulthood in both women and men.

Objectives In this article, we test theoretical pathways leading to and resulting from periodontal disease to better understand how periodontal disease, which is measurable in both past and present populations, integrates biocultural context and affects whole-body physiology. Methods We use data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 and logistic and linear regressions to test pathways linking psychosocial stress to periodontal disease, and periodontal disease to serum vitamin C levels. We then use causal mediation analysis to test the role of mediating variables in these pathways (n = 1853 individuals). Results Food insecurity was positively associated with periodontal disease and negatively associated with serum counts of C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophils. Neither CRP nor neutrophils significantly mediated the relationship between food insecurity and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease was negatively associated with serum vitamin C levels and positively associated with neutrophil counts. Neutrophils may mediate the relationship between periodontal disease and vitamin C. Conclusions We identify two main findings: (a) periodontal disease contributes to and may result from immune dysregulation, particularly of neutrophils, and (b) an immune response to chronic infection such as periodontal disease is metabolically expensive for the body to maintain and likely depletes serum micronutrient levels. Both micronutrient status and serum neutrophil counts affect multiple skeletal and physiological phenotypes and thus position periodontal disease in whole-body context.

Declining firm entry and the aging incumbent firms have meaningful implications for sluggish U.S. aggregate productivity growth. We provide a framework to characterize the contributions to industry productivity growth across the firm age distribution then apply it to firm-level Census data. Several findings emerge: the relationship between firm age and productivity growth is downward sloping and convex; the magnitudes are substantial but fade quickly; selection and reallocation predominantly drive higher productivity growth of young firms. Our results suggest a cumulative drag on aggregate productivity of 3.1% since 1980 and are expanded upon with an IV strategy and standard model of firm dynamics.

Thyroid surgery has the potential for significant life-changing postoperative complications. Since 1995, the NHS Litigation Authority has handled litigation claims in England. This article reviews all thyroid surgery litigation claims between 1995 and 2012 and looks at potential strategies to minimize future claims.

The challenge of diversification in the medical workforce cannot be ignored. Society and societal norms have also progressed at pace and terms and attitudes that were acceptable are now outdated. Trainers must be professionalised to ensure that training of trainees remains an exemplar role. It is accepted that boys and girls learn differently but have the same potential. Equity of opportunity ensures that the modern society retains and values all genders. By exploring whether these differences continue into the post-graduate education system, the medical profession can accommodate and mitigate to ensure equity. This chapter will explore the need for professional trainers, the educational needs of the modern-day medical trainee, and the challenges that need to be accommodated to ensure that the medical workforce retains a passion long into their careers.

The U.S. economy has been going through a striking structural transformation--the secular reallocation of employment across sectors--over the past several decades. We propose a decomposition framework to assess the contributions of various margins of firm dynamics to this shift. Using firm-level data, we find that at least 50 percent of the adjustment has been taking place along the entry margin, due to sectors receiving different shares of startup employment than their employment shares. The rest is mostly due to life cycle differences across sectors. Declining overall entry has a small but growing effect of dampening structural transformation.

Object Wall shear stress (WSS) plays a role in regulating endothelial function and has been suspected in cerebral aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial relationship between localized thinning of the aneurysm dome and estimated hemodynamic factors, hypothesizing that a low WSS would correlate with aneurysm wall degeneration. Methods Steady-state computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed on 16 aneurysms in 14 patients based on rotational angiographic volumes to derive maps of WSS, its spatial gradient (WSSG), and pressure. Local dome thickness was estimated categorically based on tissue translucency from high-resolution intraoperative microscopy findings. Each computational model was oriented to match the corresponding intraoperative view and numerically sampled in thin and normal adjacent dome regions, with controls at the neck and parent vessel. The pressure differential was computed as the difference between aneurysm dome points and the mean neck pressure. Pulsatile time-dependent confirmatory analysis was carried out in 7 patients. Results Matched-pair analysis revealed significantly lower levels of WSS (0.381 Pa vs 0.816 Pa; p < 0.0001) in thin-walled dome areas than in adjacent baseline thickness regions. Similarly, log WSSG and log WSS × WSSG were both lower in thin regions (both p < 0.0001); multivariate logistic regression analysis identified lower WSS and higher pressure differential as independent correlates of lower wall thickness with an area under the curve of 0.80. This relationship was observed in both steady-state and time-dependent pulsatile analyses. Conclusions Thin-walled regions of unruptured cerebral aneurysms colocalize with low WSS, suggesting a cellular mechanotransduction link between areas of flow stasis and aneurysm wall thinning.

Soft X-ray cryo-microscopy/tomography with its extraordinary capability to map vitreous cells with high absorption contrast in their full three-dimensional extent, and at a resolution exceeding super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, is a valuable tool for integrative structural cell biology. Focusing on cell biological applications, its ongoing methodological development gained momentum by combining it with fluorescence cryo-microscopy, thus correlating highly resolved structural and specific information in situ. In this chapter, we provide a basic description of the techniques, as well as an overview of equipment and methods available to carry out correlative soft X-ray cryo-tomography experiments on frozen-hydrated cells grown on a planar support. Our aim here is to suggest ways that biologically representative data can be recorded to the highest possible resolution, while also keeping in mind the limitations of the technique during data acquisition and analysis. We have written from our perspective as electron cryo-microscopists/structural cell biologists who have experience using correlative fluorescence/cryoXM/T at synchrotron beamlines presently available for external users in Europe (HZB TXM at U41-FSGM, BESSY II, Berlin/Germany; Carl Zeiss TXMs at MISTRAL, ALBA, Barcelona/Spain, and B24, DLS, Oxfordshire, UK).

Geobacillus pallidus RAPc8 (NRRL: B-59396) is a moderately thermophilic gram-positive bacterium, originally isolated from Australian lake sediment. The G. pallidus RAPc8 gene encoding an inducible nitrilase was located and cloned using degenerate primers coding for well-conserved nitrilase sequences, coupled with inverse PCR. The nitrilase open reading frame was cloned into an expression plasmid and the expressed recombinant enzyme purified and characterized. The protein had a monomer molecular weight of 35,790 Da, and the purified functional enzyme had an apparent molecular weight of approximately 600 kDa by size exclusion chromatography. Similar to several plant nitrilases and some bacterial nitrilases, the recombinant G. pallidus RAPc8 enzyme produced both acid and amide products from nitrile substrates. The ratios of acid to amide produced from the substrates we tested are significantly different to those reported for other enzymes, and this has implications for our understanding of the mechanism of the nitrilases which may assist with rational design of these enzymes. Electron microscopy and image classification showed complexes having crescent-like, "c-shaped", circular and "figure-8" shapes. Protein models suggested that the various complexes were composed of 6, 8, 10 and 20 subunits, respectively.

Mathematical models that predict emergence of weed seedbanks could be useful tools for determining the most suitable time for weed seedling control and, consequently, should result in a higher efficacy of applied control methods. To achieve this goal in dormant weed species, functional relationships should be established between environmental factors regulating dormancy and dormancy changes of seed populations. In the present work, we used a simple model and an optimisation procedure to quantify the effect of temperature on Polygonum aviculare seed dormancy release and induction, based on germination data. Dormancy release rate was inversely related to temperature, showing a decreasing logistic trend that results in no dormancy release for seeds exposed to 20 and 25 degrees C. In contrast, dormancy induction rates in absolute values were positively associated with temperature, showing a logistic trend in which dormancy induction was almost zero at low temperatures and maximal at 25 degrees C. Derived model parameters were used to simulate dormancy changes of P. aviculare seeds stored under controlled and field conditions. These results suggest that similar model structures could be used to quantify temperature effects on seed dormancy status of other weed species and to develop predictive models of weed emergence.

The U.S. economy has been going through a striking structural transformation — the secular reallocation of employment across sectors — over the past several decades. We propose a decomposition framework to assess the contributions of various margins of firm dynamics to this shift. Using firm-level data, we find that at least 50 percent of the adjustment has been taking place along the entry margin, owing to sectors receiving shares of start-up employment that differ from their overall employment shares. The rest is mostly the result of life cycle differences across sectors. Declining overall entry has a small but growing effect of dampening structural transformation.

Summary Long-term follow-up studies on the effects of glucosamine preparations are still awaited. At present, only short-term results are available. They are known to relieve pain and decrease the rate of joint space narrowing clinically in osteoarthritis of knee, whilst the side effects are less when compared to the anti-inflammatory drugs and even placebos. It is probably safe – but there is no good evidence that it works. It would be ideal to have a medication that is a normal constituent of the human cartilage, which modifies the natural history of the disease. It is possible that long-term clinical studies with glucosamine may result in modifications to the indications for joint surgery or the time patients can live with osteoarthritis before developing substantial disability.

We present multi-instrument observations of ultra low frequency (ULF) wave activity from the dawn flank magnetosphere during the period 12:00–13:30 UT on the 16 December 2003. Optical, magnetic and riometer measurements from the Churchill line meridian in the Canadian sector are presented which demonstrate the presence of multiple discrete auroral arc structures accompanied by periodic magnetic and riometer absorption perturbations in the Pc5 (150–600 s) ULF band. Clear polewards propagation is demonstrated in all the instrument data sets, the magnetic signals showing most clearly the amplitude and phase characteristics consistent with discrete frequency field line resonances (FLRs) on closed field lines. Two discrete frequency field line resonant signals are apparent, at 1.8 and 3.0 mHz which resonate at approximately the same latitude. We explain this via the calculation of the Alfven continuum, and show that both frequencies may be resonant in the same latitudinal region within instrumental resolution. The meridian scanning photometer (MSP) observations from polewards of the magnetometer determined resonant latitudes show evidence of low intensity (∼200 R) poleward moving discrete arcs related to the ULF waves. Interestingly the MSP observations demonstrate poleward phase propagation with variable rates across the field of view; faster apparent polewards phase propagation being seen at higher latitudes. We demonstrate that the complicated “braided” phase of the arcs can be explained via the precipitation resulting from the superposition of two discrete FLRs. Furthermore, we characterise the ≳25 keV energetic electron precipitation in the region of the FLRs and the arc structures via periodic D-region absorption. In this way, we link the magnetic and both soft and energetic particle precipitation signatures of FLRs together for the first time. Our results demonstrate that riometer absorption can be used to characterise FLRs, however, this is only generally possible at lower L-shells where energetic electrons in the ring current overlap with the FLR fields in the equatorial plane.

In September 2004, the Loxahatchee River Estuary was affected by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, which resulted in a monthly rainfall record of 610 mm and abnormally high freshwater discharges to the system. The occurrence, density, and biomass ofSyringodium filiforme in the Loxahatchee River Estuary declined significantly following the September 2004 storms based on 15 mo of pre-hurricane monitoring and 12 mo of post-hurricane monitoring. Throughout posthurricane monitoring,S. filiforme showed no sign of recovery, thoughHalophila johnsonii increased considerably during the post-hurricane period. Freshwater discharges resulting from the September 2004 hurricanes lowered minimum daily salinity values to near zero and increased standard deviation of daily salinity values to 11‰. Extremely low minimum daily salinity values and high daily salinity fluctuations likely resulted in the observed decline ofS. filiforme. We advise the use of minimum daily salinity values when assessing seagrass habitat suitability or when modeling the effects of alternative water management scenarios.

5-HT2C agonists have shown efficacy in limiting food consumption and thus may serve as an important drug class in combating obesity. We describe the design and synthesis of a novel tricyclic single-nitrogen scaffold that was used to produce 5-HT2C agonists. SAR was developed around this chemotype and compounds were identified that were potent (Ki

The 5-HT2C receptor has been implicated in the regulation of appetite. As such, small molecule agonists to this receptor may serve as novel therapies to combat obesity. We describe here the identification, synthesis, and SAR of a 5-HT2C agonist from a unique pyrimidine-diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane series. This compound displayed good potency at the 5-HT2C receptor, modest selectivity relative to other 5-HT2 receptors, and was efficacious in an acute feeding study in rats.

The outer radiation belt injection, transport, acceleration and loss satellite (ORBITALS) is a small satellite mission proposed as a Canadian contribution to the satellite infrastructure for the International Living With a Star (ILWS) program. The ORBITALS will monitor the energetic electron and ion populations in the inner magnetosphere across a wide range of energies (keV to tens of MeV) as well as the dynamic electric and magnetic fields, waves and cold plasma environment which govern the injection, transport, acceleration and loss of these energetic and space weather critical particle populations. ORBITALS will be launched around 2010–2012 into a low-inclination GTO-like orbit which maximizes the long-lasting apogee-pass conjunctions with both the ground-based instruments of the Canadian Geospace Monitoring (CGSM) array as well as with the GOES East and West and geosynchronous communications satellites in the North American sector. Specifically, the ORBITALS will make the measurements necessary to gain fundamental new understanding of the relative importance of different physical acceleration and loss processes which are hypothesised to shape the energetic particle populations in the inner magnetosphere. The ORBITALS will also provide the raw radiation measurements at MEO altitudes necessary for the development of the next-generation of radiation belt specification models, and on-board experiments will also monitor the dose, single-event upset, and deep-dielectric charging responses of electronic components on-orbit. In this paper we outline the scientific objectives of the ORBITALS mission, discuss how the ORBITALS will lead to solutions to outstanding questions in inner magnetospheric science, and examine how the ORBITALS will complement other proposed inner magnetosphere missions in the ILWS era.

Social anxiety disorder, whose onset peaks in adolescence, is associated with significant impairment. Despite the availability of effective treatments, few affected youth receive services. Transporting interventions into schools may circumvent barriers to treatment. The efficacy of a school-based intervention for social anxiety disorder was examined in a randomized wait-list control trial of 35 adolescents (26 females). Independent evaluators, blind to treatment condition, evaluated participants at preintervention, postintervention, and 9 months later. Adolescents in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater reductions than controls in social anxiety and avoidance, as well as significantly improved overall functioning. In addition, 67% of treated subjects, compared to 6% of wait-list participants, no longer met criteria for social phobia following treatment. Findings support the possible efficacy of school-based intervention for facilitating access to treatment for socially anxious adolescents.

The contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to the antinatriuresis and antidiuresis caused by low-level electrical stimulation of the renal sympathetic nerves (RNS) was investigated in rats anaesthetized with chloralose-urethane. Groups of rats, n= 6, were given i.v. infusions of vehicle, l-NAME (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), 1400W (20 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), or S-methyl-thiocitrulline (SMTC) (20 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) to inhibit NO synthesis non-selectively or selectively to block the inducible or neuronal NOS isoforms (iNOS and nNOS, respectively). Following baseline measurements of blood pressure (BP), renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine flow (UV) and sodium excretion (U(Na)V), RNS was performed at 15 V, 2 ms duration with a frequency between 0.5 and 1.0 Hz. RNS did not cause measurable changes in BP, RBF or GFR in any of the groups. In untreated rats, RNS decreased UV and U(Na)V by 40-50% (both P < 0.01), but these excretory responses were prevented in l-NAME-treated rats. In the presence of 1400W i.v., RNS caused reversible reductions in both UV and U(Na)V of 40-50% (both P < 0.01), while in SMTC-treated rats, RNS caused an inconsistent fall in UV, but a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in U(Na)V of 21%. These data demonstrated that the renal nerve-mediated antinatriuresis and antidiuresis was dependent on the presence of NO, generated in part by nNOS. The findings suggest that NO importantly modulates the neural control of fluid reabsorption; the control may be facilitatory at a presynaptic level but inhibitory on tubular reabsorptive processes.

The composition of microbial communities on and within seeds may effect their storage and field performance, whether they are indigenous or applied as biocontrol agents. In this study, we have explored the usefulness of profiling small subunit ribosomal (SSR) gene fragments for studying the microflora associated with seeds. DNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the amplicons separated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Primers targeting eukaryotic SSRs were used to investigate fungal communities, and primers targeting bacterial SSRs were employed to study the eubacterial microflora. As a case study, we attempted to profile the fungi and bacteria associated with seeds of Beta vulgaris (sugar beet) to permit an insight into the varying field performance of several well-characterised commercial seed lots. Serious interference with the microbial signals was observed from the plant's own nuclear 18S rRNA genes and chloroplast 16S rRNA genes using standard PCR conditions and DNA extracted from whole seeds as template. Hot-start and touchdown PCR made no appreciable improvement to these signals. Seed imbibition and dissection into operculum and fruit wall and true seed prior to DNA extraction improved signal recovery in the fruit fraction. With primer modification, bacteria and fungi were detected in an excess of plant DNA of 100:1 and 10:1, respectively. With this method, microbial communities on seeds could be profiled, however, it is likely that targeted depletion of plant rDNA targets will be a necessary extra step before this approach can be used to screen seeds routinely.

A cDNA clone encoding a presumed full-length glycine-rich ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding protein was isolated from a lambda-ZAP Express cDNA library generated from primarily nondormant Prunus avium (wild cherry) embryonic axes. The cDNA, designated Pa-RRM-GRP1 (Prunus avium RNA recognition motif glycine-rich protein 1), contains a single N-terminal RNA recognition motif (RRM) and single C-terminal glycine-rich domain. The glycine-rich domain is unusually long at 91 amino acids, 58 of which are glycines. The 534-base pair (bp) open reading frame (ORF) of this clone encodes a 178-amino-acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular weight of 17.33 kDa and pI of 7.84. Comparative sequence alignment of Pa-RRM-GRP1 reveals extensive homology to known and presumed glycine-rich RNA binding proteins from angiosperms and gymnosperms. Genomic Southern blot analysis suggests that this gene exists as a single copy in P. avium. Expression of this gene in P. avium embryonic axes during low-temperature dormancy-breaking treatments was studied and found to be induced by cold (3 degrees C) using real-time PCR of total cDNA supported by Northern blot analysis of total RNA. Expression dropped during prolonged storage at 3 degrees C and was reduced to control levels by interruption of cold treatment by warming to 20 degrees C.

The fungal pathogen Sclerotinia pseudotuberosa is a major cause of deterioration during storage of Quercus robur seeds (acorns) and along with other, mainly saprotrophic fungi, contributes to the decline of viability and vigour in the acorn population. Hot-water thermotherapy (HWT; 41 °C for 2.5 h) killed the fungal pathogen S. pseudotuberosa and prolonged the storage life of acorns. The addition of the systemic fungicide benomyl to the HWT and/or the broad-spectrum fungicide thiram as a seed dressing further enhanced the storage life of acorns. Three fungal antagonists, Coniothyrium minitans, Trichoderma sp. (KW3) and Trichoderma virens (G20), were also applied as a film-coating to acorns using a polyvinylacetate sticker achieving ca. 107–108 viable conidia per acorn. The biological treatments provided protection against infection and the spread of infection of S. pseudotuberosa and other fungi on the acorns during storage over several months. All treated and stored acorns grew normally following sowing in seedbeds. The Trichoderma species were more effective than C. minitans, with T. virens being the most effective. T. virens reduced pathogen spread from acorns infected with S. pseudotuberosa to `clean' acorns when T. virens coated infected and 'clean' acorns were mixed together. However, T. virens was less effective than HWT at preventing the proliferation of this pathogen within individual acorns that were infected before coating. A combination of HWT and subsequent coating with T. virens provided a more effective control against both S. pseudotuberosa and saprotrophic fungi than when either treatment was applied alone.

Geomagnetic field–line resonances may be identified via the use of cross–phase analysis of data from two closely spaced meridional ground–based magnetometer stations. It has been demonstrated that preprocessing of the data using a wavelet–based filter, chosen with regard to the variance of coefficients of the wavelet components, can be used to remove both low–frequency trend and large amplitude, localized structures, thus facilitating the selection of the eigenfrequency. We demonstrate that the dependence of the variance of coefficients on the wavelet level during a geomagnetic storm event is characteristically different from that obtained from data on a day associated with quiet geomagnetic activity. This suggests that the spectral nature of magnetic disturbances excited in the magnetosphere is dependent upon the level of geomagnetic activity.

Objectives Through pathological and stable isotope analyses, this study probes the stressors, disease ecology, and diets of enslaved individuals from an antebellum plantation cemetery. The study aims to highlight how interindividual isotopic differences reveal that marginalization is not uniformly experienced or embodied. Methods The cemetery population consists of 16 individuals; dental and skeletal pathological indicators were collected for all individuals, and light stable isotope ratios (δ15N, δ13C) were generated from the collagen and hydroxyapatite of nine individuals. Results The analyzed individuals have high frequencies of enamel defects—similar to contemporaneous enslaved cemetery individuals—and particularly high frequencies of carious lesions. Skeletal analysis shows evidence of chronic conditions among several individuals, two of whom likely have tuberculosis. Although the sample size is small, stable isotope values display interesting trends: there is interindividual heterogeneity in δ13C values, and most subadults from the cemetery have lower δ15N and higher δ13C values than the sampled adults. These relationships can be tested with larger datasets and have the potential to reveal important information about slave foodways and the broader experience of enslavement. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that racial discrimination, enslavement, and age do not fully account for the heterogeneity in degree of embodied stressors. There are likely other factors at play, intersecting with the aforementioned, that influenced the lived experience of slavery and the degree of marginalization.

Soft X-ray cryo-microscopy/tomography with its extraordinary capability to map vitreous cells with high absorption contrast in their full three-dimensional extent, and at a resolution exceeding super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, is a valuable tool for integrative structural cell biology. Focusing on cell biological applications, its ongoing methodological development gained momentum by combining it with fluorescence cryo-microscopy, thus correlating highly resolved structural and specific information in situ. In this chapter, we provide a basic description of the techniques, as well as an overview of equipment and methods available to carry out correlative soft X-ray cryo-tomography experiments on frozen-hydrated cells grown on a planar support. Our aim here is to suggest ways that biologically representative data can be recorded to the highest possible resolution, while also keeping in mind the limitations of the technique during data acquisition and analysis. We have written from our perspective as electron cryo-microscopists/structural cell biologists who have experience using correlative fluorescence/cryoXM/T at synchrotron beamlines presently available for external users in Europe (HZB TXM at U41-FSGM, BESSY II, Berlin/Germany; Carl Zeiss TXMs at MISTRAL, ALBA, Barcelona/Spain, and B24, DLS, Oxfordshire, UK).

Suppose that Ω = {1, 2,…, ab } for some non-negative integers a and b . Denote by P ( a , b ) the set of unordered partitions of Ω into a parts of cardinality b . In this paper we study the decomposition of the permutation module C P ( a , b ) where C is the field of complex numbers. In particular, we show that C P (3, b ) is isomorphic to a submodule of C P ( b , 3) for b ≥ 3. This settles the next unproven case of a conjecture of Foulkes.

Epidermoid cysts are rare lesions accounting for 1% of intracranial tumors with approximately 50% located within the cerebello-pontine angle (CPA). Resection is complicated by their close anatomical relation to critical neurovascular structures and their tendency to be densely adherent making complete removal a significant neurosurgical challenge. We present a 35-year-old woman with left sided tongue numbness and lower lip paresthesias with a CPA epidermoid. An endoscopic assisted retrosigmoid approach was utilized for resection. A 30-degree endoscope was used to assist in removal of unseen tumor in Meckel's cave, medial to the lower cranial nerves, and along the ventral pons.The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/bv0lMPbX7BY.

It is difficult to estimate how much distributed generation (DG) capacity will be connected to distribution systems in the coming years, however, it is certain that increasing penetration levels require robust tools that help assess the capabilities and requirements of the networks in order to produce the best planning and control strategies. The work of this Task Force is focused on the numerous strategies and methods that have been developed in recent years to address DG integration and planning. This paper contains a critical review of the work in this field. Although there have been numerous publications in this area, widespread implementation of the methods has not taken place. The barriers to implementation of the advanced techniques are outlined, highlighting why network operators have been slow to pick up on the research to date. Furthermore, key challenges ahead which remain to be tackled are also described, many of which have come into clear focus with the current drive towards smarter distribution networks.

This paper discusses the use of particle image velocimetry for measuring in-cylinder flows in multi-valve IC engines. The techniques and their limitations are discussed with special reference to the study of large-scale flow structures in a four valve optical IC engine exhibiting significant barrel swirl. Examples of velocity vector maps derived by digital autocorrelation are presented for a range of crank angles through the induction and compression strokes from both horizontal and vertical measurement planes. The evident strengths and limitations of the current technique for in-cylinder applications are discussed with respect to spatial resolution, velocity gradients and dynamic range. Recent developments for overcoming the limitations are also reviewed.