ani The Ricci pinching functional on solvmanifolds II By www.ams.org Published On :: Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:59 EDT Jorge Lauret and Cynthia E. Will Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 2601-2607. Abstract, references and article information Full Article
ani SEO tips for startups: How to grow organic traffic By www.techworld.com Published On :: Wed, 16 Oct 2019 10:11:00 GMT How to optimise your website, increase conversions and monetise your online offering Full Article
ani Non-Periodontal Oral Manifestations of Diabetes: A Framework for Medical Care Providers By spectrum.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2011-11-01 Beatrice K. GandaraNov 1, 2011; 24:199-205From Research to Practice Full Article
ani Classical Mechanics with Calculus of Variations and Optimal Control: An Intuitive Introduction By www.ams.org Published On :: Mark Levi, Pennsylvania State University - AMS, 2014, 299 pp., Softcover, ISBN-13: 978-0-8218-9138-4, List: US$42, All AMS Members: US$33.60, STML/69 It is hard to imagine a more original and insightful approach to classical mechanics. Most physicists would regard this as a well-worn and settled... Full Article
ani Introduction to 3-Manifolds By www.ams.org Published On :: Jennifer Schultens, University of California, Davis - AMS, 2014, approx. 293 pp., Hardcover, ISBN-13: 978-1-4704-1020-9, List: US$75, All AMS Members: US$60, GSM/151 This book grew out of a graduate course on 3-manifolds and is intended for a mathematically experienced audience that is new to low-dimensional... Full Article
ani Math Students + Habitat for Humanity build homes By www.ams.org Published On :: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 00:00:00 EST Students in a math class at Columbine High School in Colorado used geometry to work with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need. See the video segment at "Students Build Houses For Families In Need...In Math Class," by Shaun Boyd, CBS4 Denver TV, December 23, 2019. Full Article
ani Cell-specific expression of the transcriptional regulator RHAMM provides a timing mechanism that controls appropriate wound re-epithelialization [Glycobiology and Extracellular Matrices] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-04-17T00:06:05-07:00 Prevention of aberrant cutaneous wound repair and appropriate regeneration of an intact and functional integument require the coordinated timing of fibroblast and keratinocyte migration. Here, we identified a mechanism whereby opposing cell-specific motogenic functions of a multifunctional intracellular and extracellular protein, the receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM), coordinates fibroblast and keratinocyte migration speed and ensures appropriate timing of excisional wound closure. We found that, unlike in WT mice, in Rhamm-null mice, keratinocyte migration initiates prematurely in the excisional wounds, resulting in wounds that have re-surfaced before the formation of normal granulation tissue, leading to a defective epidermal architecture. We also noted aberrant keratinocyte and fibroblast migration in the Rhamm-null mice, indicating that RHAMM suppresses keratinocyte motility but increases fibroblast motility. This cell context–dependent effect resulted from cell-specific regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and expression of a RHAMM target gene encoding matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9). In fibroblasts, RHAMM promoted ERK1/2 activation and MMP-9 expression, whereas in keratinocytes, RHAMM suppressed these activities. In keratinocytes, loss of RHAMM function or expression promoted epidermal growth factor receptor–regulated MMP-9 expression via ERK1/2, which resulted in cleavage of the ectodomain of the RHAMM partner protein CD44 and thereby increased keratinocyte motility. These results identify RHAMM as a key factor that integrates the timing of wound repair by controlling cell migration. Full Article
ani Dopamine transporter trafficking and Rit2 GTPase: Mechanism of action and in vivo impact [Neurobiology] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-04-17T00:06:05-07:00 Following its evoked release, dopamine (DA) signaling is rapidly terminated by presynaptic reuptake, mediated by the cocaine-sensitive DA transporter (DAT). DAT surface availability is dynamically regulated by endocytic trafficking, and direct protein kinase C (PKC) activation acutely diminishes DAT surface expression by accelerating DAT internalization. Previous cell line studies demonstrated that PKC-stimulated DAT endocytosis requires both Ack1 inactivation, which releases a DAT-specific endocytic brake, and the neuronal GTPase, Rit2, which binds DAT. However, it is unknown whether Rit2 is required for PKC-stimulated DAT endocytosis in DAergic terminals or whether there are region- and/or sex-dependent differences in PKC-stimulated DAT trafficking. Moreover, the mechanisms by which Rit2 controls PKC-stimulated DAT endocytosis are unknown. Here, we directly examined these important questions. Ex vivo studies revealed that PKC activation acutely decreased DAT surface expression selectively in ventral, but not dorsal, striatum. AAV-mediated, conditional Rit2 knockdown in DAergic neurons impacted baseline DAT surface:intracellular distribution in DAergic terminals from female ventral, but not dorsal, striatum. Further, Rit2 was required for PKC-stimulated DAT internalization in both male and female ventral striatum. FRET and surface pulldown studies in cell lines revealed that PKC activation drives DAT-Rit2 surface dissociation and that the DAT N terminus is required for both PKC-mediated DAT-Rit2 dissociation and DAT internalization. Finally, we found that Rit2 and Ack1 independently converge on DAT to facilitate PKC-stimulated DAT endocytosis. Together, our data provide greater insight into mechanisms that mediate PKC-regulated DAT internalization and reveal unexpected region-specific differences in PKC-stimulated DAT trafficking in bona fide DAergic terminals. Full Article
ani ABC transporters control ATP release through cholesterol-dependent volume-regulated anion channel activity [Signal Transduction] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-04-17T00:06:05-07:00 Purinergic signaling by extracellular ATP regulates a variety of cellular events and is implicated in both normal physiology and pathophysiology. Several molecules have been associated with the release of ATP and other small molecules, but their precise contributions have been difficult to assess because of their complexity and heterogeneity. Here, we report on the results of a gain-of-function screen for modulators of hypotonicity-induced ATP release using HEK-293 cells and murine cerebellar granule neurons, along with bioluminescence, calcium FLIPR, and short hairpin RNA–based gene-silencing assays. This screen utilized the most extensive genome-wide ORF collection to date, covering 90% of human, nonredundant, protein-encoding genes. We identified two ABCG1 (ABC subfamily G member 1) variants, which regulate cellular cholesterol, as modulators of hypotonicity-induced ATP release. We found that cholesterol levels control volume-regulated anion channel–dependent ATP release. These findings reveal novel mechanisms for the regulation of ATP release and volume-regulated anion channel activity and provide critical links among cellular status, cholesterol, and purinergic signaling. Full Article
ani X-ray structures of catalytic intermediates of cytochrome c oxidase provide insights into its O2 activation and unidirectional proton-pump mechanisms [Molecular Biophysics] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) reduces O2 to water, coupled with a proton-pumping process. The structure of the O2-reduction site of CcO contains two reducing equivalents, Fea32+ and CuB1+, and suggests that a peroxide-bound state (Fea33+–O−–O−–CuB2+) rather than an O2-bound state (Fea32+–O2) is the initial catalytic intermediate. Unexpectedly, however, resonance Raman spectroscopy results have shown that the initial intermediate is Fea32+–O2, whereas Fea33+–O−–O−–CuB2+ is undetectable. Based on X-ray structures of static noncatalytic CcO forms and mutation analyses for bovine CcO, a proton-pumping mechanism has been proposed. It involves a proton-conducting pathway (the H-pathway) comprising a tandem hydrogen-bond network and a water channel located between the N- and P-side surfaces. However, a system for unidirectional proton-transport has not been experimentally identified. Here, an essentially identical X-ray structure for the two catalytic intermediates (P and F) of bovine CcO was determined at 1.8 Å resolution. A 1.70 Å Fe–O distance of the ferryl center could best be described as Fea34+ = O2−, not as Fea34+–OH−. The distance suggests an ∼800-cm−1 Raman stretching band. We found an interstitial water molecule that could trigger a rapid proton-coupled electron transfer from tyrosine-OH to the slowly forming Fea33+–O−–O−–CuB2+ state, preventing its detection, consistent with the unexpected Raman results. The H-pathway structures of both intermediates indicated that during proton-pumping from the hydrogen-bond network to the P-side, a transmembrane helix closes the water channel connecting the N-side with the hydrogen-bond network, facilitating unidirectional proton-pumping during the P-to-F transition. Full Article
ani Mechanistic insights explain the transforming potential of the T507K substitution in the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 [Signal Transduction] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 The protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is an allosteric enzyme critical for cellular events downstream of growth factor receptors. Mutations in the SHP2 gene have been linked to many different types of human diseases, including developmental disorders, leukemia, and solid tumors. Unlike most SHP2-activating mutations, the T507K substitution in SHP2 is unique in that it exhibits oncogenic Ras-like transforming activity. However, the biochemical basis of how the SHP2/T507K variant elicits transformation remains unclear. By combining kinetic and biophysical methods, X-ray crystallography, and molecular modeling, as well as using cell biology approaches, here we uncovered that the T507K substitution alters both SHP2 substrate specificity and its allosteric regulatory mechanism. We found that although SHP2/T507K exists in the closed, autoinhibited conformation similar to the WT enzyme, the interactions between its N-SH2 and protein-tyrosine phosphatase domains are weakened such that SHP2/T507K possesses a higher affinity for the scaffolding protein Grb2-associated binding protein 1 (Gab1). We also discovered that the T507K substitution alters the structure of the SHP2 active site, resulting in a change in SHP2 substrate preference for Sprouty1, a known negative regulator of Ras signaling and a potential tumor suppressor. Our results suggest that SHP2/T507K's shift in substrate specificity coupled with its preferential association of SHP2/T507K with Gab1 enable the mutant SHP2 to more efficiently dephosphorylate Sprouty1 at pTyr-53. This dephosphorylation hyperactivates Ras signaling, which is likely responsible for SHP2/T507K's Ras-like transforming activity. Full Article
ani Prominins control ciliary length throughout the animal kingdom: New lessons from human prominin-1 and zebrafish prominin-3 [Cell Biology] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 Prominins (proms) are transmembrane glycoproteins conserved throughout the animal kingdom. They are associated with plasma membrane protrusions, such as primary cilia, as well as extracellular vesicles derived thereof. Primary cilia host numerous signaling pathways affected in diseases known as ciliopathies. Human PROM1 (CD133) is detected in both somatic and cancer stem cells and is also expressed in terminally differentiated epithelial and photoreceptor cells. Genetic mutations in the PROM1 gene result in retinal degeneration by impairing the proper formation of the outer segment of photoreceptors, a modified cilium. Here, we investigated the impact of proms on two distinct examples of ciliogenesis. First, we demonstrate that the overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant variant of human PROM1 (i.e. mutation Y819F/Y828F) significantly decreases ciliary length in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. These results contrast strongly to the previously observed enhancing effect of WT PROM1 on ciliary length. Mechanistically, the mutation impeded the interaction of PROM1 with ADP-ribosylation factor–like protein 13B, a key regulator of ciliary length. Second, we observed that in vivo knockdown of prom3 in zebrafish alters the number and length of monocilia in the Kupffer's vesicle, resulting in molecular and anatomical defects in the left-right asymmetry. These distinct loss-of-function approaches in two biological systems reveal that prom proteins are critical for the integrity and function of cilia. Our data provide new insights into ciliogenesis and might be of particular interest for investigations of the etiologies of ciliopathies. Full Article
ani Affinity maturation, humanization, and co-crystallization of a rabbit anti-human ROR2 monoclonal antibody for therapeutic applications [Immunology] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 Antibodies are widely used as cancer therapeutics, but their current use is limited by the low number of antigens restricted to cancer cells. A receptor tyrosine kinase, receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2), is normally expressed only during embryogenesis and is tightly down-regulated in postnatal healthy tissues. However, it is up-regulated in a diverse set of hematologic and solid malignancies, thus ROR2 represents a candidate antigen for antibody-based cancer therapy. Here we describe the affinity maturation and humanization of a rabbit mAb that binds human and mouse ROR2 but not human ROR1 or other human cell-surface antigens. Co-crystallization of the parental rabbit mAb in complex with the human ROR2 kringle domain (hROR2-Kr) guided affinity maturation by heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 3 (HCDR3)-focused mutagenesis and selection. The affinity-matured rabbit mAb was then humanized by complementarity-determining region (CDR) grafting and framework fine tuning and again co-crystallized with hROR2-Kr. We show that the affinity-matured and humanized mAb retains strong affinity and specificity to ROR2 and, following conversion to a T cell–engaging bispecific antibody, has potent cytotoxicity toward ROR2-expressing cells. We anticipate that this humanized affinity-matured mAb will find application for antibody-based cancer therapy of ROR2-expressing neoplasms. Full Article
ani Microorganisms in parched regions extract needed water from colonized rocks By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 EDT (University of California - Irvine) Cyanobacteria living in rocks in Chile's Atacama Desert extract water from the minerals they colonize and, in doing so, change the phase of the material from gypsum to anhydrite. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine and Johns Hopkins University gained verification of this process through experiments, and the work points to possible strategies for humans to stay hydrated in harsh environments. Full Article
ani Archaeologists verify Florida's Mound Key as location of elusive Spanish fort By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EDT (Florida Museum of Natural History) Florida and Georgia archaeologists have discovered the location of Fort San Antón de Carlos, home of one of the first Jesuit missions in North America. The Spanish fort was built in 1566 in the capital of the Calusa, the most powerful Native American tribe in the region, on present-day Mound Key in the center of Estero Bay on Florida's Gulf Coast. Full Article
ani Disappearance of animal species takes mental, cultural and material toll on humans By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EDT (American Friends of Tel Aviv University) The research reveals that hunter-gatherer societies expressed a deep emotional and psychological connection with the animal species they hunted, especially after their disappearance. The study will help anthropologists and others understand the profound environmental changes taking place in our own lifetimes. Full Article
ani The story of three African slaves during Spanish colonialism, as told by their bones By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EDT (Cell Press) In a study appearing April 30 in the journal Current Biology, scientists tell the story of three 16th century African slaves identified from a mass burial site in Mexico City. Using a combination of genetic, osteological, and isotope analyses, the scientists determined from where in Africa they were likely captured, the physical hardships they experienced as slaves, and what novel pathogens they may have carried with them across the Atlantic. Full Article
ani Infectious disease modeling study casts doubt on impact of Justinianic plague By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 00:00:00 EDT (University of Maryland) Many historians have claimed the Justinianic Plague (c. 541-750 CE) killed half of the population of Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire. New historical research and mathematical modeling challenge the death rate and severity of this first plague pandemic, named for Emperor Justinian I. Full Article
ani A review on phytochemistry, pharmacological action, ethanobotanical uses and nutritional potential By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 EDT (Bentham Science Publishers) This comprehensive review presented by researchers from K.S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, Tiruchengode, Tamil-Nadu, India, gives readers a brief overview of phytoconstituents, nutritional values and medicinal properties of the plant. Full Article
ani Geriatrics experts award high honor to visionary organization: West Health By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 EDT (American Geriatrics Society) For only the second time in its near 80-year history, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) will award one of its highest honors typically reserved for individuals to West Health, a family of nonprofit organizations dedicated to lowering healthcare costs to enable older adults to successfully age in place. Full Article
ani Daniiboo releases ‘Drop It N Pop It’ By jamaica-star.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 05:01:14 -0500 Known for her creative dance moves and twerking style, dancer-turned-artiste Daniiboo dropped a new twerking song, titled ' Drop It N Pop It', in an attempt to put a smile on her fans' faces in a time of unprecedented uncertainty. The song is... Full Article
ani Quick Earthquake Messages M6.7 [7.0S, 130.0E] in Tanimbar Islands Region, Indonesia (21:54 HKT 06/05/2020) By openstreetmap.org Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 22:01:16 +0800 Earthquake: 2020-05-06 21:54HKT M6.7 [7.0S, 130.0E] in Tanimbar Islands Region, Indonesia http://openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-7&mlon=130. Full Article
ani 'Our Shared Humanity': The Legacy of Kofi Annan By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:50:01 +0000 Research Event 3 June 2019 - 10:00am to 4 June 2019 - 5:30pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Agenda - Our Shared Humanitypdf | 165.77 KB Event participants This event is now full and registration has closed.Participants includeZeinab Badawi, Presenter, BBC Global Questions and HardTalkLakhdar Brahimi, The Elders; Chair, Panel on United Nations Peace Operations (2000)Alan Doss, President, Kofi Annan Foundation Raila Odinga, High Representative for Infrastructure Development, African Union; Prime Minister of Kenya (2008-13)Patrick Gaspard, President, Open Society FoundationsMichèle Griffin, Senior Policy Advisor to the UN Secretary-GeneralIan Martin, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in East Timor (1999), Nepal (2007-09) and Libya (2011-12)Strive Masiyiwa, Chair of the Board, AGRA; CEO, Econet WirelessAmina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United NationsKumi Naidoo, Secretary-General, Amnesty InternationalDanny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive, OxfamMark Suzman, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Global Policy and Advocacy, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation In a decade as UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan championed a vision of global governance anchored in shared responsibility and the rights and dignity of the individual.Confronted with multiple global crises that raised questions about the UN’s purpose, Annan pressed for human rights and development to be at the centre of international efforts and sought to broaden participation in shaping and delivering solutions to global challenges.As the UN’s 75th anniversary approaches, this conference will explore Annan’s legacy for the future of global governance.Questions include the appropriate response to high-profile and ongoing failures to prevent human rights atrocities and protect victims of conflict, the impact of technology on democracy, lessons from the Millennium Development Goals for the Sustainable Development Goals and ways to meaningfully involve civil society, businesses and individuals in addressing global challenges.The conference will bring together key figures involved in Annan’s initiatives with actors currently engaged in conflict prevention, humanitarian action, human rights and development to identify lessons and generate forward-looking recommendations.This conference is being held as part of a series, including a public event hosted by UNA-UK at Central Hall in Westminster, exploring Kofi Annan's legacy.This initiative is generously supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Open Society Foundations and enjoys the cooperation of the Kofi Annan Foundation. Department/project International Law Programme, Global Governance and the Rule of Law, Rights, Accountability and Justice Chanu Peiris Programme Manager, International Law +44 (0)20 7314 3686 Email Full Article
ani ‘Our Shared Humanity’ – The Legacy of Kofi Annan By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 10:12:11 +0000 23 October 2019 The ‘Our Shared Humanity’ conference explored Kofi Annan’s legacy for the future of global governance in the run-up to the UN’s 75th anniversary. This paper summarizes key points raised during the conference, and presents the substantive recommendations that emerged from the discussion. Read online Download PDF 2019-10-23-OurSharedHumanity.jpg Kofi Annan meets with high-school students in Kabul, Afghanistan, in January 2002. Photo: Getty Images. About the ConferenceIn the run-up to the UN’s 75th anniversary and almost a year after his death, Chatham House and the United Nations Association – UK (UNA-UK) held a two-day conference to explore Kofi Annan’s legacy in the context of the current period of global uncertainty.The ‘Our Shared Humanity’ conference brought together a global and diverse group of individualsworking on peace and security, human rights and development issues to:Reflect critically on Annan’s record, and capture lessons learned from his tenure as UN secretary-general, and his later work as a mediator and elder statesperson; andGenerate recommendations for current policymakers and influencers. This paper summarizes key points raised during each session of the conference, and presents the substantive recommendations that emerged from the discussion.In order to bring the conference themes to a wider audience, UNA-UK held a public event on the eve of the first day of the conference at Central Hall Westminster – where the UN had held its first ever meetings in 1946 – with speakers including Nane Annan, Sherrie Westin (president of global impact and philanthropy, Sesame Workshop), Amina Mohammed (current UN deputy secretary-general) and Mary Robinson (chair of The Elders and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights). Department/project International Law Programme, Global Governance and the Rule of Law, Rights, Accountability and Justice Full Article
ani Investigating Violations of International Humanitarian Law By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2019 13:25:01 +0000 Research Event 21 January 2020 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Andrew Cayley, Director, Service Prosecuting Authority, UK Ministry of DefenceLarry Lewis, Vice President and Director, Center for Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence, CNAJelena Pejic, Senior Legal Adviser, International Committee of the Red CrossChair: Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Distinguished Fellow, International Law Programme, Chatham House Countries should have adequate systems in place for investigating violations of international humanitarian law, for launching criminal prosecutions for war crimes and for inquiring into responsibility for unlawful actions of national armed forces. There also needs to be proper counting and recording of the civilian casualties of military operations. This event, which will be introduced by the director of the UK Service Prosecuting Authority, Andrew Cayley, will discuss the new report by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law, Guidelines on Investigating Violations of International Humanitarian Law: Law, Policy and Good Practice, as well as the problems and challenges associated with recording civilian casualties of armed conflict. This meeting is the third in a series of three commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions supported by the British Red Cross. It will be followed by a drinks reception. Department/project International Law Programme, The Limits on War and Preserving the Peace Jacqueline Rowe Programme Assistant, International Law Programme 020 7389 3287 Email Full Article
ani Phenotypic Adaption of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Hacking Siderophores Produced by Other Microorganisms By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-01 Quentin PerraudApr 1, 2020; 19:589-607Research Full Article
ani Flow-induced reorganization of laminin-integrin networks within the endothelial basement membrane uncovered by proteomics By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-24 Eelke P. BéguinApr 24, 2020; 0:RA120.001964v1-mcp.RA120.001964Research Full Article
ani COVID-19 and the Iranian Shadows of War By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:24:47 +0000 8 April 2020 Dr Sanam Vakil Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme @SanamVakil Coronavirus has plunged Iran into the country’s biggest crisis since its war with Iraq. More than 30 years later, the lingering effects of the war are shaping Iran’s reaction to the pandemic. 2020-04-08-Iran-COVID-Tehran Spraying disinfectant at Tajrish bazaar in Tehran, Iran, during the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many global leaders have invoked war analogies – from the Pearl Harbor attack to the collective spirit on display during the Second World War – to highlight past lessons learned or rally their populations.For Iran’s leadership, more recent war analogies hold resonance and help explain the ideological and political conundrum limiting an effective COVID-19 response. While the Islamic Republic has weathered a multitude of challenges, COVID-19 is putting unprecedented strain on Iran’s already fragile, heavily-sanctioned economy and further exposing domestic political fissures amid ongoing international tensions.Iran has been identified as the regional epicentre of the pandemic with a steadily rising number of deaths, including several of the country’s political and military elite. Yet the Iranian government has not evoked the collective memory of the war as an opportunity for national resistance and mobilization.Sluggish and poorly managedThis is unsurprising, because thus far the Iranian government’s response to COVID-19 has been sluggish and poorly managed. After an initial slow response, Iran then attempted to downplay the impact of the virus, covering up the number of cases and deaths and blaming the United States, before implementing a poorly coordinated action plan marred by government infighting.For the Iranian leadership, the Iran-Iraq war has been the single most influential and defining period – it has impacted its political ideology, domestic and security policies and international relations. More than half a million Iranians died, and a paranoid worldview and sense of isolation was cemented among many elite leaders such as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.The war created a valiant culture of leadership from Qassem Soleimani to presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hashemi Rafsanjani and, over time, has resulted in the development of Iran’s asymmetrical defense capabilities.The war enabled a dark purge of political opponents and the gradual birth of Iran’s reformist faction, all while the ethos of sacrifice and martyrdom was linked to the collective notions of resistance.These would be carried forward in other resistance campaigns both regional and economic. Most defining was Ayatollah Khomeini’s infamous 1988 decision to ‘drink the poisoned chalice’ and end the long war. Three decades later, Iran continues to contend with those outcomes.To acknowledge that the COVID-19 crisis could have equally profound consequences would add further pressure to the Islamic Republic at a time of incomparable vulnerability. Even before this crisis, the Iranian government linked sanctions to economic warfare, making future negotiations conditional on sanctions relief.Iranian hardliners used the opportunity to promote Iran’s subsistence-based resistance economy designed to insulate Iran’s economy from external shocks such as sanctions. While both groups recognize the economic urgency, their contending strategies help explain the muddled government response and the ongoing ideological competition between the political elites.Rouhani has argued that a full lockdown of the Iranian economy is impossible because it is already under significant strain from sanctions - the Iranian economy experienced a 9.5% contraction in 2019 and is expected to worsen in the coming year.That said, through Iran’s New Year holidays the government did take action to slow the spread of the virus, discouraging travel and shutting schools, pilgrimage sites and cancelling Friday prayers. Finally, on 4 April, after receiving permission from Khamenei to do so, Rouhani withdrew $1 billion from Iran’s National Development Fund and is distributing the money through loans and credits to 23 million households.Aid from a number of Iran’s parastatal agencies was also announced. Conversely, in his annual New Year’s speech the supreme leader securitized the crisis by laying blame on the United States for spreading the virus as a form of biological terrorism. Iran’s army chief of staff Major General Bagheri was tasked with building hospitals and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps given authority to clear the streets.The recent expulsion of Médecins Sans Frontières from Iran highlights the mix of paranoia and resistance culture still on display. US sanctions on Iran have significantly weakened Iran’s economy and limited Tehran’s ability to purchase much needed medical supplies and equipment. Unable to access its foreign reserves due to sanctions, the Rouhani government has applied for a $5 billion loan from the IMF.European countries alongside a number of US members of congress have appealed to the Trump administration to ease sanctions on humanitarian grounds. While Washington continues to pursue its steadfast approach, referring to Iran’s campaign as a ‘sanctions relief scam’, Germany, France, and the UK have offered $5 million in aid and launched INSTEX – a trading mechanism designed to circumvent sanctions to allow non-sanctioned humanitarian trade.The impact of coronavirus on Iranian society remains to be seen. But the impact of sanctions has placed heavy economic and psychological burden on the people. Feeling abandoned by the Iranian state and the United States could produce a mix of contradictory nationalistic and independent impulses.The social contract – already fragile amid protests and government repression – reveals declining trust. Without national mobilization and calls for unity reminiscent of the war period, Iranians have stepped in, highlighting the continued resilience of civil society. Support for the medical establishment has been celebrated throughout the country and on social media. Charities, the private sector - through one initiative known as Campaign Nafas (Breathe) - and diaspora groups have initiated fundraising drives and assistance measures.Iran’s relations with the international community, and specifically the United States, remain an unresolved consequence of the war. The 2015 Iranian nuclear agreement was the closest Tehran and Washington came to resolving decades of tensions, containment and sanctions.COVID-19 has further heightened the trajectory of tensions between Tehran and Washington suggesting that any new deal, while necessary, is not on the cards. Tit-for-tat military exchanges have been on the rise in Iraq and Yemen while American and Iranian leaders issue threats and warnings of potential escalation.Abdullah Nasseri, an advisor to Iran’s reformists, recently stated that in order to manage the coronavirus crisis, the Iranian government needed to make a decision akin to the 1988 United Nations resolution 598 that ended war hostilities. Ayatollah Khomeini famously commented on that ceasefire, stating: ‘Happy are those who have departed through martyrdom. Unhappy am I that I still survive.… Taking this decision is more deadly than drinking from a poisoned chalice. I submitted myself to Allah's will and took this drink for His satisfaction’. While a similar compromise today might appear deadly to the political establishment, it is clear that a paradigm shift away from the shadows of Iran’s last war is urgently needed to manage the challenges stemming from COVID-19. Full Article
ani Differential expression of glucose transporters and hexokinases in prostate cancer with a neuroendocrine gene signature: a mechanistic perspective for FDG imaging of PSMA-suppressed tumors By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2019-12-05T10:37:41-08:00 Purpose: Although the incidence of de novo neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is rare, recent data suggests that low expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is associated with a spectrum of neuroendocrine (NE) hallmarks and androgen receptor (AR)-suppression in prostate cancer (PC). Previous clinical reports indicate that PCs with a phenotype similar to NE tumors can be more amenable to imaging by 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) rather than PSMA-targeting radioligands. In this study, we evaluated the association between NE gene signature and FDG uptake-associated genes including glucose transporters (GLUTs) and hexokinases, with the goal of providing a genomic signature to explain the reported FDG-avidity of PSMA-suppressed tumors. Methods: Data mining approaches, cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were used to study the levels of 14 members of the SLC2A family (encoding GLUT proteins), 4 members of the hexokinase family (genes: HK1 to 3 and GCK) and PSMA (FOLH1 gene) following AR-inhibition and in correlation with NE hallmarks. Also, we characterize a NE-like PC (NELPC) subset among a cohort of primary and metastatic PC samples with no NE histopathology. We measured glucose uptake in a NE-induced in vitro model and a zebrafish model by non-radioactive imaging of glucose uptake using fluorescent glucose bioprobe, GB2-Cy3. Results: This work demonstrates that a NE gene signature associates with differential expression of genes encoding GLUT and hexokinase proteins. In NELPC, elevated expression of GCK (encoding glucokinase protein) and decreased expression of SLC2A12 correlated with earlier biochemical recurrence. In tumors treated with AR-inhibitors, high expression of GCK and low expression of SLC2A12 correlated with NE histopathology and PSMA gene suppression. GLUT12-suppression and amplification of glucokinase was observed in NE-induced PC cell lines and PDX models. A higher glucose uptake was confirmed in low-PSMA tumors using a GB2-Cy3 probe in a zebrafish model. Conclusion: NE gene signature in NEPC and NELPC associates with a distinct transcriptional profile of GLUTs and HKs. PSMA-suppression correlates with GLUT12-suppression and glucokinase-amplification. Alteration of FDG uptake-associated genes correlated positively with higher glucose uptake in AR and PSMA-suppressed tumors. Zebrafish xenograft tumor models are an accurate and efficient pre-clinical method for monitoring non-radioactive glucose uptake. Full Article
ani 3D-Printable Platform for High-Throughput Small-Animal Imaging By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-13T14:09:24-07:00 Full Article
ani The Relevance of Intergovernmental Organizations to African States: The International Organization of La Francophonie By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:05:01 +0000 Research Event 6 November 2019 - 10:00am to 11:15am Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)Chair: Bob Dewar CMG, Associate Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House African states are well represented in intergovernmental organizations linked by official language and colonial history such as the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP) and the Commonwealth. These organizations aim to provide support in addressing matters of mutual interest – in addition to responding to significant policy challenges such as improving sustainable growth prospects and opportunities to young populations – and citizens are increasingly vocal on key issues such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This event series examines the importance of these intergovernmental organizations in working with their members to responsibly and sustainably respond to policy challenges in Africa.At this event, Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary general of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), will discuss the organisation’s relevance to African states and the future of the organization on the continent.THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL AND REGISTRATION HAS NOW CLOSED. Department/project Africa Programme, Foreign Relations and Africa’s Agency in the International System Sahar Eljack Programme Administrator, Africa Programme + 44 (0) 20 7314 3660 Email Full Article
ani Innovative Funding for Humanitarian Impact in Africa By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 24 Jan 2020 11:00:02 +0000 Research Event 3 February 2020 - 5:00pm to 6:15pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Helen Alderson, Head of Regional Delegation to UK and Ireland, International Committee of the Red CrossPaul van Zyl, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, The ConduitMaya Marissa Malek, Chief Executive Officer, Amanie Advisors Global OfficeChair: Maram Ahmed, Senior Teaching Fellow, SOAS, University of London The cost of humanitarian assistance is forecast to rise to $50 billion per year by 2030 as a result of long-running, complex conflicts as well as natural disasters. Requirements are particularly acute in fragile contexts in sub-Saharan Africa that have lacked the fiscal and technical capacity for crisis prevention and response. As a result, traditional humanitarian actors are increasingly collaborating with the private sector and utilizing tools such as impact bonds, faith-based finance and other innovative financial products and services to mobilize greater funding to address humanitarian needs.At this event, a panel of speakers will assess the challenges for sustainable financing in the humanitarian sector and prospects for multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovative funding tools to fill the widening deficit in assistance needs.THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL AND REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED. Department/project Africa Programme, African Peace and Security Sahar Eljack Programme Administrator, Africa Programme + 44 (0) 20 7314 3660 Email Full Article
ani The Central African Republic: Security, Development and Responding to the Humanitarian Situation By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 24 Jan 2020 11:00:02 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 3 February 2020 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Denise Brown, United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African RepublicChair: Ben Shepherd, Consulting Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House With two-thirds of the country’s population estimated to be in need of humanitarian aid and one-quarter either internally displaced or living as refugees in neighbouring countries, the Central African Republic (CAR) continues to face serious and complex humanitarian challenges. The country’s forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for December 2020 risk inflaming CAR’s volatile security situation particularly with the return of former leader, François Bozizé, ousted by the Séléka rebel coalition leader, Michel Djotodia, who has also returned from exile.At this event, Denise Brown will discuss CAR’s current security, humanitarian and development situations and the role of actors such as the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). She will also discuss prospects for much-needed governance reform and reconciliation.Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Africa Programme, Elections and political systems, Central and East Africa Hanna Desta Programme Assistant, Africa Programme Email Full Article
ani Molecular Basis of the Mechanisms Controlling MASTL [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-02-01T00:05:30-08:00 The human MASTL (Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like) gene encodes an essential protein in the cell cycle. MASTL is a key factor preventing early dephosphorylation of M-phase targets of Cdk1/CycB. Little is known about the mechanism of MASTL activation and regulation. MASTL contains a non-conserved insertion of 550 residues within its activation loop, splitting the kinase domain, and making it unique. Here, we show that this non-conserved middle region (NCMR) of the protein is crucial for target specificity and activity. We performed a phosphoproteomic assay with different MASTL constructs identifying key phosphorylation sites for its activation and determining whether they arise from autophosphorylation or exogenous kinases, thus generating an activation model. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange data complements this analysis revealing that the C-lobe in full-length MASTL forms a stable structure, whereas the N-lobe is dynamic and the NCMR and C-tail contain few localized regions with higher-order structure. Our results indicate that truncated versions of MASTL conserving a cryptic C-Lobe in the NCMR, display catalytic activity and different targets, thus establishing a possible link with truncated mutations observed in cancer-related databases. Full Article
ani Phenotypic Adaption of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Hacking Siderophores Produced by Other Microorganisms [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-01T00:05:32-07:00 Bacteria secrete siderophores to access iron, a key nutrient poorly bioavailable and the source of strong competition between microorganisms in most biotopes. Many bacteria also use siderophores produced by other microorganisms (exosiderophores) in a piracy strategy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, produces two siderophores, pyoverdine and pyochelin, and is also able to use a panel of exosiderophores. We first investigated expression of the various iron-uptake pathways of P. aeruginosa in three different growth media using proteomic and RT-qPCR approaches and observed three different phenotypic patterns, indicating complex phenotypic plasticity in the expression of the various iron-uptake pathways. We then investigated the phenotypic plasticity of iron-uptake pathway expression in the presence of various exosiderophores (present individually or as a mixture) under planktonic growth conditions, as well as in an epithelial cell infection assay. In all growth conditions tested, catechol-type exosiderophores were clearly more efficient in inducing the expression of their corresponding transporters than the others, showing that bacteria opt for the use of catechol siderophores to access iron when they are present in the environment. In parallel, expression of the proteins of the pyochelin pathway was significantly repressed under most conditions tested, as well as that of proteins of the pyoverdine pathway, but to a lesser extent. There was no effect on the expression of the heme and ferrous uptake pathways. Overall, these data provide precise insights on how P. aeruginosa adjusts the expression of its various iron-uptake pathways (phenotypic plasticity and switching) to match varying levels of iron and competition. Full Article
ani From making scarves to building a $165 million tech start-up: Canva's Melanie Perkins By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Tue, 06 Oct 2015 10:42:33 GMT To say it has been a wild ride for Canva founder and CEO Melanie Perkins would be an understatement. Full Article
ani Australian companies targeted by identity thieves for tax frauds By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Tue, 10 Nov 2015 02:08:52 GMT Australian companies are having their identities hijacked by international criminals who use them to try to defraud the Australian Taxation Office. Full Article
ani Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announces 175 new tech jobs for Melbourne By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Mon, 09 Nov 2015 01:57:04 GMT State government commits to five-year funding round as software company launches community centre and new jobs. Full Article
ani Why Hollywood animation powerhouses are resisting the cloud By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Thu, 03 Mar 2016 20:14:05 GMT Despite new performance bottlenecks, the digital animation and visual effects industry is very reluctant to move their productions to the cloud, according to Sydney's Animal Logic. Full Article
ani UK General Election 2019: What the Political Party Manifestos Imply for Future UK Trade By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 25 Nov 2019 15:50:01 +0000 Research Event 4 December 2019 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Michael Gasiorek, Professor of Economics, University of Sussex; Director, Interanalysis; Fellow, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of SussexJulia Magntorn Garrett, Research Officer, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of SussexProf Jim Rollo, Deputy Director, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of Sussex; Associate Fellow, Global Economy and Finance Department, Chatham HouseNicolo Tamberi, Research Officer in the Economics of Brexit, University of SussexL. Alan Winters, Professor of Economics, Director, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of Sussex The upcoming UK general election is arguably a 'Brexit election', and as such, whoever wins the election will have little time to get their strategy for Brexit up and running to meet the new Brexit deadline of 31 January 2020. But what are the political parties’ policies for the UK's future trade? This event will present and discuss what the five main parties’ manifestos imply for future UK trade. Each manifesto will be presented and analysed by a fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) and will be followed by a Q&A session. Department/project Global Economy and Finance Programme, UK Trade Policy Observatory Michela Gariboldi Research Assistant, Global Economy and Finance Programme 02073143692 Email Full Article
ani Circulating oxidized LDL increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction is accompanied by heavily modified HDL. By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-14 Naoko SawadaApr 14, 2020; 0:jlr.RA119000312v1-jlr.RA119000312Research Articles Full Article
ani The grease trap: uncovering the mechanism of the hydrophobic lid in Cutibacterium acnes lipase By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01 Hyo Jung KimMay 1, 2020; 61:722-733Research Articles Full Article
ani Episode 14 - The Internet of Cleaning Products in the Sky (IoCPitS): games, nVidia, EE vs Three By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 13 May 2016 14:39:31 GMT In this week's fiery episode host Matt Egan talks war and gaming with Macworld UK's David Price, the greatest graphics ever with Christopher Minasians of PC Advisor and Macworld UK (14:21), and the best networks in the UK with fellow PCA and MWUK stalwart Henry Burrell (25:23). Expect songs and laughter, and tech ever after. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
ani Episode 21 - The Internet of Cleanin' Windows (IoCW) Windows 10 anniversary, NOW TV and holidays By play.acast.com Published On :: Mon, 04 Jul 2016 10:05:49 GMT This week host Matt Egan is joined by first time podder and editor of PC Advisor Jim Martin to chat Microsoft Windows 10 anniversary updates and the impact on Microsoft Surface devices. Producer Chris then comes on to chat about Sky's two big NOW TV announcements, and the future of television and broadband (16:00). Finally, UKTW podcast regular David Price chats about the impact technology is having on our holidays (26:30). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
ani Episode 76 - The Internet of Deals (IoD) Black Friday, Mac root bug, Pixel Buds and Animal Crossing By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:49:36 GMT It's a bumper pod! David Price leads Ashleigh Macro and Henry Burrell down the topical rabbit hole to discuss why Black Friday largely sucks, but is an interesting venture for publishers as well as consumers. Who else bought a Switch?We then tackle the Mac root issue that hit headlines worldwide before tearing the Pixel Buds a new one. And we all downloaded Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp to see what the fuss is about. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
ani Episode 97 - The Internet of Big Companies (IoBC) Apple results, Amazon worker rights and Google Cloud Next By play.acast.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Aug 2018 14:59:41 GMT This week our host Scott Carey is joined by Macworld UK editor Karen Khan to chat about Apple's latest blockbuster results.Then group production editor Tamlin Magee jumps in to discuss Amazon's working practices following the collective action around Prime Day.Finally, Scott chats through his experience at the Google Cloud Next conference in San Francisco last week to see how it is trying to compete with the big boys at Amazon and Microsoft. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
ani WITHDRAWN: Structural and mechanistic studies of hydroperoxide conversions catalyzed by a CYP74 clan epoxy alcohol synthase from amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae) [Research Articles] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2014-03-04T09:59:12-08:00 This manuscript has been withdrawn by the Author. Full Article
ani Circulating oxidized LDL increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction is accompanied by heavily modified HDL. [Research Articles] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-14T05:33:23-07:00 Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is a known risk factor for atherogenesis. This study aimed to reveal structural features of oxLDL present in human circulation related to atherosclerosis. When LDL was fractionated on an anion-exchange column, in vivo-oxLDL, detected by the anti-oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPC) monoclonal antibody, was recovered in flow-through and electronegative LDL (LDL(-)) fractions. The amount of the electronegative in vivo-oxLDL, namely oxLDL in LDL(-) fraction, present in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was three-fold higher than that observed in healthy subjects. Surprisingly, LDL(-) fraction contained apoA1 in addition to apoB, and HDL-sized particles were observed with transmission electron microscopy. In LDL(-) fractions, acrolein adducts were identified at all lysine residues in apoA1, with only a small number of acrolein-modified residues were identified in apoB. The amount of oxPC adducts of apoB was higher in LDL(-) than in L1 fraction as determined using western blotting. The electronegative in vivo-oxLDL was immunologically purified from the LDL(-) fraction with an anti-oxPC monoclonal antibody. Majority of PC species was not oxidized, whereas oxPC and lysoPC did not accumulate. Here, we propose that there are two types of in vivo-oxLDL in human circulating plasma and the electronegative in vivo-oxLDL accompanies oxidized HDL. Full Article
ani COVID-19 and the Iranian Shadows of War By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:24:47 +0000 8 April 2020 Dr Sanam Vakil Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme @SanamVakil Coronavirus has plunged Iran into the country’s biggest crisis since its war with Iraq. More than 30 years later, the lingering effects of the war are shaping Iran’s reaction to the pandemic. 2020-04-08-Iran-COVID-Tehran Spraying disinfectant at Tajrish bazaar in Tehran, Iran, during the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many global leaders have invoked war analogies – from the Pearl Harbor attack to the collective spirit on display during the Second World War – to highlight past lessons learned or rally their populations.For Iran’s leadership, more recent war analogies hold resonance and help explain the ideological and political conundrum limiting an effective COVID-19 response. While the Islamic Republic has weathered a multitude of challenges, COVID-19 is putting unprecedented strain on Iran’s already fragile, heavily-sanctioned economy and further exposing domestic political fissures amid ongoing international tensions.Iran has been identified as the regional epicentre of the pandemic with a steadily rising number of deaths, including several of the country’s political and military elite. Yet the Iranian government has not evoked the collective memory of the war as an opportunity for national resistance and mobilization.Sluggish and poorly managedThis is unsurprising, because thus far the Iranian government’s response to COVID-19 has been sluggish and poorly managed. After an initial slow response, Iran then attempted to downplay the impact of the virus, covering up the number of cases and deaths and blaming the United States, before implementing a poorly coordinated action plan marred by government infighting.For the Iranian leadership, the Iran-Iraq war has been the single most influential and defining period – it has impacted its political ideology, domestic and security policies and international relations. More than half a million Iranians died, and a paranoid worldview and sense of isolation was cemented among many elite leaders such as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.The war created a valiant culture of leadership from Qassem Soleimani to presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hashemi Rafsanjani and, over time, has resulted in the development of Iran’s asymmetrical defense capabilities.The war enabled a dark purge of political opponents and the gradual birth of Iran’s reformist faction, all while the ethos of sacrifice and martyrdom was linked to the collective notions of resistance.These would be carried forward in other resistance campaigns both regional and economic. Most defining was Ayatollah Khomeini’s infamous 1988 decision to ‘drink the poisoned chalice’ and end the long war. Three decades later, Iran continues to contend with those outcomes.To acknowledge that the COVID-19 crisis could have equally profound consequences would add further pressure to the Islamic Republic at a time of incomparable vulnerability. Even before this crisis, the Iranian government linked sanctions to economic warfare, making future negotiations conditional on sanctions relief.Iranian hardliners used the opportunity to promote Iran’s subsistence-based resistance economy designed to insulate Iran’s economy from external shocks such as sanctions. While both groups recognize the economic urgency, their contending strategies help explain the muddled government response and the ongoing ideological competition between the political elites.Rouhani has argued that a full lockdown of the Iranian economy is impossible because it is already under significant strain from sanctions - the Iranian economy experienced a 9.5% contraction in 2019 and is expected to worsen in the coming year.That said, through Iran’s New Year holidays the government did take action to slow the spread of the virus, discouraging travel and shutting schools, pilgrimage sites and cancelling Friday prayers. Finally, on 4 April, after receiving permission from Khamenei to do so, Rouhani withdrew $1 billion from Iran’s National Development Fund and is distributing the money through loans and credits to 23 million households.Aid from a number of Iran’s parastatal agencies was also announced. Conversely, in his annual New Year’s speech the supreme leader securitized the crisis by laying blame on the United States for spreading the virus as a form of biological terrorism. Iran’s army chief of staff Major General Bagheri was tasked with building hospitals and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps given authority to clear the streets.The recent expulsion of Médecins Sans Frontières from Iran highlights the mix of paranoia and resistance culture still on display. US sanctions on Iran have significantly weakened Iran’s economy and limited Tehran’s ability to purchase much needed medical supplies and equipment. Unable to access its foreign reserves due to sanctions, the Rouhani government has applied for a $5 billion loan from the IMF.European countries alongside a number of US members of congress have appealed to the Trump administration to ease sanctions on humanitarian grounds. While Washington continues to pursue its steadfast approach, referring to Iran’s campaign as a ‘sanctions relief scam’, Germany, France, and the UK have offered $5 million in aid and launched INSTEX – a trading mechanism designed to circumvent sanctions to allow non-sanctioned humanitarian trade.The impact of coronavirus on Iranian society remains to be seen. But the impact of sanctions has placed heavy economic and psychological burden on the people. Feeling abandoned by the Iranian state and the United States could produce a mix of contradictory nationalistic and independent impulses.The social contract – already fragile amid protests and government repression – reveals declining trust. Without national mobilization and calls for unity reminiscent of the war period, Iranians have stepped in, highlighting the continued resilience of civil society. Support for the medical establishment has been celebrated throughout the country and on social media. Charities, the private sector - through one initiative known as Campaign Nafas (Breathe) - and diaspora groups have initiated fundraising drives and assistance measures.Iran’s relations with the international community, and specifically the United States, remain an unresolved consequence of the war. The 2015 Iranian nuclear agreement was the closest Tehran and Washington came to resolving decades of tensions, containment and sanctions.COVID-19 has further heightened the trajectory of tensions between Tehran and Washington suggesting that any new deal, while necessary, is not on the cards. Tit-for-tat military exchanges have been on the rise in Iraq and Yemen while American and Iranian leaders issue threats and warnings of potential escalation.Abdullah Nasseri, an advisor to Iran’s reformists, recently stated that in order to manage the coronavirus crisis, the Iranian government needed to make a decision akin to the 1988 United Nations resolution 598 that ended war hostilities. Ayatollah Khomeini famously commented on that ceasefire, stating: ‘Happy are those who have departed through martyrdom. Unhappy am I that I still survive.… Taking this decision is more deadly than drinking from a poisoned chalice. I submitted myself to Allah's will and took this drink for His satisfaction’. While a similar compromise today might appear deadly to the political establishment, it is clear that a paradigm shift away from the shadows of Iran’s last war is urgently needed to manage the challenges stemming from COVID-19. Full Article
ani Flow-induced reorganization of laminin-integrin networks within the endothelial basement membrane uncovered by proteomics [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-24T09:36:17-07:00 The vessel wall is continuously exposed to hemodynamic forces generated by blood flow. Endothelial mechanosensors perceive and translate mechanical signals via cellular signaling pathways into biological processes that control endothelial development, phenotype and function. To assess the hemodynamic effects on the endothelium on a system-wide level, we applied a quantitative mass spectrometry approach combined with cell surface chemical footprinting. SILAC-labeled endothelial cells were subjected to flow-induced shear stress for 0, 24 or 48 hours, followed by chemical labeling of surface proteins using a non-membrane permeable biotin label, and analysis of the whole proteome and the cell surface proteome by LC-MS/MS analysis. These studies revealed that of the >5000 quantified proteins 104 were altered, which were highly enriched for extracellular matrix proteins and proteins involved in cell-matrix adhesion. Cell surface proteomics indicated that LAMA4 was proteolytically processed upon flow-exposure, which corresponded to the decreased LAMA4 mass observed on immunoblot. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies highlighted that the endothelial basement membrane was drastically remodeled upon flow exposure. We observed a network-like pattern of LAMA4 and LAMA5, which corresponded to the localization of laminin-adhesion molecules ITGA6 and ITGB4. Furthermore, the adaptation to flow-exposure did not affect the inflammatory response to tumor necrosis factor α, indicating that inflammation and flow trigger fundamentally distinct endothelial signaling pathways with limited reciprocity and synergy. Taken together, this study uncovers the blood flow-induced remodeling of the basement membrane and stresses the importance of the subendothelial basement membrane in vascular homeostasis. Full Article