cap CBD News: Covering some 22 per cent of the world's land surface, mountains are home to spectacular landscapes, a wide variety of ecosystems, and a great diversity of species. By www.cbd.int Published On :: Fri, 09 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD News: Statement by Mr. David Cooper, CBD Deputy Executive Secretary/Officer-in-Charge, at the Opening of the Sustainable Ocean Initiative Capacity-Building Workshop for the Wider Caribbean and Central America, San José, Costa Rica, 20-24 Februar By www.cbd.int Published On :: Mon, 20 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD News: The focus of work this week "towards an enhanced regional cooperation to restore Mediterranean landscapes: improving ecosystem resilience for the benefit of people and the environment.", directly supports the Strategic Plan for Biodive By www.cbd.int Published On :: Fri, 24 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD News: On behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Dr. Cristiana Pa?ca Palmer, I would like to welcome you to the "Capacity building workshop for Caribbean Small Island Developing States towards achieving Aichi By www.cbd.int Published On :: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD News: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Development Law Organization renewed their collaboration for a joint capacity building program to support the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Gene By www.cbd.int Published On :: Wed, 15 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD News: Migratory birds are a critical link in the global web of life, that not only capture our imagination but connect different ecosystems and species. By www.cbd.int Published On :: Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD Notification SCBD/IMS/JMF/NS/ET/CP/88538 (2019-109): Date extension: Thematic Consultation on Transparent Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and Review Mechanism, 20-22 February 2020 - Kunming, China and Thematic Consultation on Capacity Building a By www.cbd.int Published On :: Wed, 04 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD Notification SCBD/CPU/DC/KG/PD/PS/88522 (2019-110): Review of post-2020 Implementation Plan and Capacity-building Action Plan (Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety) By www.cbd.int Published On :: Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CBD Notification SCBD/SSSF/AS/CR/TM/88642 (2020-013): Regional Capacity-Building Workshop on Biodiversity and Health for the SEARO region By www.cbd.int Published On :: Fri, 24 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap CapitalRise reassesses its mission amidst Brexit and regulation change By www.techworld.com Published On :: Mon, 23 Mar 2020 08:50:00 GMT The proptech startup wanted to democratise investment in prime real estate projects through crowdfunding, but government regulations have limited its reach to high net worth individuals Full Article
cap Who are the UK's best venture capital firms? By www.techworld.com Published On :: Fri, 17 Jan 2020 14:00:00 GMT Full Article
cap "The AMS and Science Policy," a Capital Currents blog post by Karen Saxe By www.ams.orghttps Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:00:00 EST Full Article
cap Capacity Theory with Local Rationality: The Strong Fekete-Szego Theorem on Curves By www.ams.org Published On :: Robert Rumely, University of Georgia - AMS, 2013, 437 pp., Hardcover, ISBN-13: 978-1-4704-0980-7, List: US$119, All AMS Members: US$95.20, SURV/193 This book is devoted to the proof of a deep theorem in arithmetic geometry, the Fekete-Szegö theorem with local rationality conditions. The... Full Article
cap An enzyme-based protocol for cell-free synthesis of nature-identical capsular oligosaccharides from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 [Enzymology] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is the etiological agent of acute porcine pneumonia and responsible for severe economic losses worldwide. The capsule polymer of App serotype 1 (App1) consists of [4)-GlcNAc-β(1,6)-Gal-α-1-(PO4-] repeating units that are O-acetylated at O-6 of the GlcNAc. It is a major virulence factor and was used in previous studies in the successful generation of an experimental glycoconjugate vaccine. However, the application of glycoconjugate vaccines in the animal health sector is limited, presumably because of the high costs associated with harvesting the polymer from pathogen culture. Consequently, here we exploited the capsule polymerase Cps1B of App1 as an in vitro synthesis tool and an alternative for capsule polymer provision. Cps1B consists of two catalytic domains, as well as a domain rich in tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs). We compared the elongation mechanism of Cps1B with that of a ΔTPR truncation (Cps1B-ΔTPR). Interestingly, the product profiles displayed by Cps1B suggested processive elongation of the nascent polymer, whereas Cps1B-ΔTPR appeared to work in a more distributive manner. The dispersity of the synthesized products could be reduced by generating single-action transferases and immobilizing them on individual columns, separating the two catalytic activities. Furthermore, we identified the O-acetyltransferase Cps1D of App1 and used it to modify the polymers produced by Cps1B. Two-dimensional NMR analyses of the products revealed O-acetylation levels identical to those of polymer harvested from App1 culture supernatants. In conclusion, we have established a protocol for the pathogen-free in vitro synthesis of tailored, nature-identical App1 capsule polymers. Full Article
cap Deletion of fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) in the mouse liver changes the metabolic landscape by increasing the expression of PPAR{alpha}-regulated genes [Lipids] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 Fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) is highly expressed in the liver, small intestine, and kidney, where it functions in both the transport of exogenous long-chain fatty acids and the activation of very-long-chain fatty acids. Here, using a murine model, we investigated the phenotypic impacts of deleting FATP2, followed by a transcriptomic analysis using unbiased RNA-Seq to identify concomitant changes in the liver transcriptome. WT and FATP2-null (Fatp2−/−) mice (5 weeks) were maintained on a standard chow diet for 6 weeks. The Fatp2−/− mice had reduced weight gain, lowered serum triglyceride, and increased serum cholesterol levels and attenuated dietary fatty acid absorption. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver revealed 258 differentially expressed genes in male Fatp2−/− mice and a total of 91 in female Fatp2−/− mice. These genes mapped to the following gene ontology categories: fatty acid degradation, peroxisome biogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and retinol and arachidonic acid metabolism. Targeted RT-quantitative PCR verified the altered expression of selected genes. Of note, most of the genes with increased expression were known to be regulated by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα), suggesting that FATP2 activity is linked to a PPARα-specific proximal ligand. Targeted metabolomic experiments in the Fatp2−/− liver revealed increases of total C16:0, C16:1, and C18:1 fatty acids; increases in lipoxin A4 and prostaglandin J2; and a decrease in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. We conclude that the expression of FATP2 in the liver broadly affects the metabolic landscape through PPARα, indicating that FATP2 provides an important role in liver lipid metabolism through its transport or activation activities. Full Article
cap Shrinking snowcaps fuel harmful algal blooms in Arabian Sea By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 EDT (Earth Institute at Columbia University) A uniquely resilient organism all but unheard of in the Arabian Sea 20 years ago has been proliferating and spreading at an alarming pace. New research describes how the continued loss of snow over the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau region is fueling the expansion of this destructive algal bloom. Full Article
cap Researchers present a microbial strain capable of massive succinic acid production By www.eurekalert.org Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 EDT (The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)) A research team led by Distinguished Professor Sang-Yup Lee reported the production of a microbial strain capable of the massive production of succinic acid with the highest production efficiency to date. This strategy of integrating systems metabolic engineering with enzyme engineering will be useful for the production of industrially competitive bio-based chemicals. Full Article
cap People just wah hear sumpn different - Govana finds captive audience as ‘Convo Pt 2’ hits a million views By jamaica-star.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 05:01:23 -0500 Back in January when dancehall artiste Govana released the track HAMANTS Convo, the storyline captivated listeners across the globe. For weeks, the song, which highlights infidelity in relationships, trended at number one on the local YouTube... Full Article
cap Deletion of fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) in the mouse liver changes the metabolic landscape by increasing the expression of PPAR{alpha}-regulated genes [Lipids] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 Fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) is highly expressed in the liver, small intestine, and kidney, where it functions in both the transport of exogenous long-chain fatty acids and the activation of very-long-chain fatty acids. Here, using a murine model, we investigated the phenotypic impacts of deleting FATP2, followed by a transcriptomic analysis using unbiased RNA-Seq to identify concomitant changes in the liver transcriptome. WT and FATP2-null (Fatp2−/−) mice (5 weeks) were maintained on a standard chow diet for 6 weeks. The Fatp2−/− mice had reduced weight gain, lowered serum triglyceride, and increased serum cholesterol levels and attenuated dietary fatty acid absorption. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver revealed 258 differentially expressed genes in male Fatp2−/− mice and a total of 91 in female Fatp2−/− mice. These genes mapped to the following gene ontology categories: fatty acid degradation, peroxisome biogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and retinol and arachidonic acid metabolism. Targeted RT-quantitative PCR verified the altered expression of selected genes. Of note, most of the genes with increased expression were known to be regulated by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα), suggesting that FATP2 activity is linked to a PPARα-specific proximal ligand. Targeted metabolomic experiments in the Fatp2−/− liver revealed increases of total C16:0, C16:1, and C18:1 fatty acids; increases in lipoxin A4 and prostaglandin J2; and a decrease in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. We conclude that the expression of FATP2 in the liver broadly affects the metabolic landscape through PPARα, indicating that FATP2 provides an important role in liver lipid metabolism through its transport or activation activities. Full Article
cap Characterization of Prenylated C-terminal Peptides Using a Thiopropyl-based Capture Technique and LC-MS/MS By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-13 James A. WilkinsApr 13, 2020; 0:RA120.001944v1-mcp.RA120.001944Research Full Article
cap Quantitative proteomics of human heart samples collected in vivo reveal the remodeled protein landscape of dilated left atrium without atrial fibrillation By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-14 Nora LinscheidApr 14, 2020; 0:RA119.001878v1-mcp.RA119.001878Research Full Article
cap Quantitative Profiling of the Human Substantia Nigra Proteome from Laser-capture Microdissected FFPE Tissue By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01 Eva GriesserMay 1, 2020; 19:839-851Research Full Article
cap Soundscapes of war: the audio-visual performance of war by Shi'a militias in Iraq and Syria By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 09:16:54 +0000 7 May 2020 , Volume 96, Number 3 Helle Malmvig Read online This article sets out to bring sound and music to the field of visual studies in International Relations. It argues that IR largely has approached the visual field as if it was without sound; neglecting how audial landscapes frame and direct our interpretation of moving imagery. Sound and music contribute to making imagery intelligible to us, we ‘hear the pictures’ often without noticing. The audial can for instance articulate a visual absence, or blast visual signs, bring out certain emotional stages or subjects’ inner life. Audial frames steer us in distinct directions, they can mute the cries of the wounded in war, or amplify the sounds of joy of soldiers shooting in the air. To bring the audial and the visual analytically and empirically together, the article therefore proposes four key analytical themes: 1) the audial–visual frame, 2) point of view/point of audition, 3) modes of audio-visual synchronization and 4) aesthetics moods. These are applied to a study of ‘war music videos’ in Iraq and Syria made and circulated by Shi'a militias currently fighting there. Such war music videos, it is suggested, are not just artefacts of popular culture, but have become integral parts of how warfare is practiced today, and one that is shared by soldiers in the US and Europe. War music videos are performing war, just as they shape how war is known by spectators and participants alike. Full Article
cap Understanding South Africa's Political Landscape By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:55:01 +0000 Members Event 14 November 2019 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Carien du Plessis, Journalist; Co-Author, Understanding South AfricaJames Hamill, Associate Fellow, International Institute for Strategic Studies; Author, Africa's Lost Leader: South Africa's Continental Role Since ApartheidMartin Plaut, Senior Researcher, Institute of Commonwealth Studies; Co-Author, Understanding South AfricaChair: Pumela Salela, UK Country Head, Brand South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa led the African National Congress (ANC) to electoral victory in South Africa in May 2019. His promise of rooting out corruption and generating job-creating growth resonated with an electorate scarred by corruption scandals and structural economic and racial inequality.However, divisions within the ruling party have meant that the delivery of these promises has been slow. Complex and often divisive racial dynamics continue to dominate political discourse especially around land reform and economic transformation.The country’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), faces its own political crisis following the resignation of former leader Mmusi Maimane, bringing into question the role of opposition parties in the young democracy. At this event, South African journalists, Martin Plaut and Carien du Plessis, discuss their new book, Understanding South Africa, providing insights into the current and historical trends that define the political fault lines of modern South Africa. Is Ramaphosa shying away from the difficult political decisions necessary to encourage meaningful change in South Africa’s political environment? And how should the international community understand the trends and dynamics that dominate South African politics? Members Events Team Email Full Article
cap Deletion of fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) in the mouse liver changes the metabolic landscape by increasing the expression of PPAR{alpha}-regulated genes [Lipids] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 Fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) is highly expressed in the liver, small intestine, and kidney, where it functions in both the transport of exogenous long-chain fatty acids and the activation of very-long-chain fatty acids. Here, using a murine model, we investigated the phenotypic impacts of deleting FATP2, followed by a transcriptomic analysis using unbiased RNA-Seq to identify concomitant changes in the liver transcriptome. WT and FATP2-null (Fatp2−/−) mice (5 weeks) were maintained on a standard chow diet for 6 weeks. The Fatp2−/− mice had reduced weight gain, lowered serum triglyceride, and increased serum cholesterol levels and attenuated dietary fatty acid absorption. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver revealed 258 differentially expressed genes in male Fatp2−/− mice and a total of 91 in female Fatp2−/− mice. These genes mapped to the following gene ontology categories: fatty acid degradation, peroxisome biogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and retinol and arachidonic acid metabolism. Targeted RT-quantitative PCR verified the altered expression of selected genes. Of note, most of the genes with increased expression were known to be regulated by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα), suggesting that FATP2 activity is linked to a PPARα-specific proximal ligand. Targeted metabolomic experiments in the Fatp2−/− liver revealed increases of total C16:0, C16:1, and C18:1 fatty acids; increases in lipoxin A4 and prostaglandin J2; and a decrease in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. We conclude that the expression of FATP2 in the liver broadly affects the metabolic landscape through PPARα, indicating that FATP2 provides an important role in liver lipid metabolism through its transport or activation activities. Full Article
cap Quantitative Profiling of the Human Substantia Nigra Proteome from Laser-capture Microdissected FFPE Tissue [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) allows the visualization and isolation of morphologically distinct subpopulations of cells from heterogeneous tissue specimens. In combination with formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue it provides a powerful tool for retrospective and clinically relevant studies of tissue proteins in a healthy and diseased context. We first optimized the protocol for efficient LCM analysis of FFPE tissue specimens. The use of SDS containing extraction buffer in combination with the single-pot solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) digest method gave the best results regarding protein yield and protein/peptide identifications. Microdissected FFPE human substantia nigra tissue samples (~3,000 cells) were then analyzed, using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and LC-MS/MS, resulting in the quantification of >5,600 protein groups. Nigral proteins were classified and analyzed by abundance, showing an enrichment of extracellular exosome and neuron-specific gene ontology (GO) terms among the higher abundance proteins. Comparison of microdissected samples with intact tissue sections, using a label-free shotgun approach, revealed an enrichment of neuronal cell type markers, such as tyrosine hydroxylase and alpha-synuclein, as well as proteins annotated with neuron-specific GO terms. Overall, this study provides a detailed protocol for laser-capture proteomics using FFPE tissue and demonstrates the efficiency of LCM analysis of distinct cell subpopulations for proteomic analysis using low sample amounts. Full Article
cap Australian public service's 'gap in capability' to deal with digital revolution By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:19:02 GMT State of the Service report outlines the major hurdle to digital reform. Full Article
cap GPIHBP1, a partner protein for lipoprotein lipase, is expressed only in capillary endothelial cells By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01 Xia MengMay 1, 2020; 61:591-591Images in Lipid Research Full Article
cap Characterization of Prenylated C-terminal Peptides Using a Thiopropyl-based Capture Technique and LC-MS/MS [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-13T10:35:29-07:00 Post-translational modifications play a critical and diverse role in regulating cellular activities. Despite their fundamentally important role in cellular function, there has been no report to date of an effective generalized approach to the targeting, extraction and characterization of the critical c-terminal regions of natively prenylated proteins. Various chemical modification and metabolic labelling strategies in cell culture have been reported. However, their applicability is limited to cell culture systems and does not allow for analysis of tissue samples. The chemical characteristics (hydrophobicity, low abundance, highly basic charge) of many of the c-terminal regions of prenylated proteins have impaired the use of standard proteomic workflows. In this context, we sought a direct approach to the problem in order to examine these proteins in tissue without the use of labelling. Here we demonstrate that prenylated proteins can be captured on chromatographic resins functionalized with mixed disulfide functions. Protease treatment of resin-bound proteins using chymotryptic digestion revealed peptides from many known prenylated proteins. Exposure of the protease-treated resin to reducing agents and hydro organic mixtures released c-terminal peptides with intact prenyl groups along with other enzymatic modifications expected in this protein family. Database and search parameters were selected to allow for c-terminal modifications unique to these molecules such as CAAX box processing and c-terminal methylation. In summary, we present a direct approach to enrich and obtain information at a molecular level of detail about prenylation of proteins from tissue and cell extracts using high performance LCMS without the need for metabolic labeling and derivatization. Full Article
cap Quantitative proteomics of human heart samples collected in vivo reveal the remodeled protein landscape of dilated left atrium without atrial fibrillation [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-14T13:35:16-07:00 Genetic and genomic research has greatly advanced our understanding of heart disease. Yet, comprehensive, in-depth, quantitative maps of protein expression in hearts of living humans are still lacking. Using samples obtained during valve replacement surgery in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), we set out to define inter-chamber differences, the intersect of proteomic data with genetic or genomic datasets, and the impact of left atrial dilation on the proteome of patients with no history of atrial fibrillation (AF). We collected biopsies from right atria (RA), left atria (LA) and left ventricle (LV) of seven male patients with mitral valve regurgitation with dilated LA but no history of AF. Biopsy samples were analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS), where peptides were pre-fractionated by reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography prior to MS measurement on a Q-Exactive-HF Orbitrap instrument. We identified 7,314 proteins based on 130,728 peptides. Results were confirmed in an independent set of biopsies collected from three additional individuals. Comparative analysis against data from post-mortem samples showed enhanced quantitative power and confidence level in samples collected from living hearts. Our analysis, combined with data from genome wide association studies suggested candidate gene associations to MVP, identified higher abundance in ventricle for proteins associated with cardiomyopathies and revealed the dilated LA proteome, demonstrating differential representation of molecules previously associated with AF, in non-AF hearts. This is the largest dataset of cardiac protein expression from human samples collected in vivo. It provides a comprehensive resource that allows insight into molecular fingerprints of MVP and facilitates novel inferences between genomic data and disease mechanisms. We propose that over-representation of proteins in ventricle is consequent not to redundancy but to functional need, and conclude that changes in abundance of proteins known to associate with AF are not sufficient for arrhythmogenesis. Full Article
cap Soundscapes of war: the audio-visual performance of war by Shi'a militias in Iraq and Syria By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 09:16:54 +0000 7 May 2020 , Volume 96, Number 3 Helle Malmvig Read online This article sets out to bring sound and music to the field of visual studies in International Relations. It argues that IR largely has approached the visual field as if it was without sound; neglecting how audial landscapes frame and direct our interpretation of moving imagery. Sound and music contribute to making imagery intelligible to us, we ‘hear the pictures’ often without noticing. The audial can for instance articulate a visual absence, or blast visual signs, bring out certain emotional stages or subjects’ inner life. Audial frames steer us in distinct directions, they can mute the cries of the wounded in war, or amplify the sounds of joy of soldiers shooting in the air. To bring the audial and the visual analytically and empirically together, the article therefore proposes four key analytical themes: 1) the audial–visual frame, 2) point of view/point of audition, 3) modes of audio-visual synchronization and 4) aesthetics moods. These are applied to a study of ‘war music videos’ in Iraq and Syria made and circulated by Shi'a militias currently fighting there. Such war music videos, it is suggested, are not just artefacts of popular culture, but have become integral parts of how warfare is practiced today, and one that is shared by soldiers in the US and Europe. War music videos are performing war, just as they shape how war is known by spectators and participants alike. Full Article
cap Russia’s Human and Social Capital By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:50:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 5 March 2020 - 9:30am to 1:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Agendapdf | 85.57 KB Event participants Christopher Davis, Professorial Fellow, Institute of Population Ageing, University of OxfordSamuel Greene, Director, King's Russia Institute; Reader of Russian Politics, King’s College LondonNikolai Petrov, Senior Research Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham HouseNatalia Zubarevich, Director, Regional Programme, Independent Institute for Social Policy Russia’s published development agenda to 2024 focused on gaining advantage from its human capital. In reality however, issues surrounding Russia’s population remain a major challenge, considering its demographic trends, an undoubted brain drain and societal divisions.This expert roundtable will explore the current state of – and interconnections between – human and social capital in Russia. The speakers will also address Russia’s regional disparities, migration effects and political elite dynamics and their relationship to the population at large. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Russia and Eurasia Programme, Russia's Domestic Politics Anna Morgan Administrator, Ukraine Forum +44 (0)20 7389 3274 Email Full Article
cap GPIHBP1, a partner protein for lipoprotein lipase, is expressed only in capillary endothelial cells [Images In Lipid Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:27-07:00 Full Article
cap Motifs of Three HLA-DQ Amino Acid Residues ({alpha}44, {beta}57, {beta}135) Capture Full Association with the Risk of Type 1 Diabetes in DQ2 and DQ8 Children By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-24T20:01:59-07:00 HLA-DQA1 and -DQB1 are strongly associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and DQ8.1 and DQ2.5 are major risk haplotypes. Next generation targeted sequencing of HLA-DQA1 and -DQB1 in Swedish newly diagnosed 1-18 year-old patients (n=962) and controls (n=636) was used to construct abbreviated DQ haplotypes, converted into amino acid (AA) residues, and assessed for their associations with T1D. A hierarchically-organized haplotype (HOH) association analysis, allowed 45 unique DQ haplotypes to be categorized into seven clusters. The DQ8/9 cluster included two DQ8.1 risk and the DQ9 resistant haplotypes, and the DQ2 cluster, included the DQ2.5 risk and DQ2.2 resistant haplotypes. Within each cluster, HOH found residues α44Q (OR 3.29, p=2.38*10-85 ) and β57A (OR 3.44, p=3.80*10-84) to be associated with T1D in the DQ8/9 cluster representing all ten residues (α22, α23, α44, α49, α51, α53, α54, α73, α184, β57) due to complete linkage-disequilibrium (LD) of α44 with eight such residues. Within the DQ2 cluster and due to LD, HOH analysis found α44C and β135D to share the risk for T1D (OR 2.10, p=1.96*10-20). The motif "QAD" of α44, β57, and β135 captured the T1D risk association of DQ8.1 (OR 3.44, p=3.80*10-84), the corresponding motif "CAD" captured the risk association of DQ2.5 (OR 2.10, p=1.96*10-20). Two risk associations were related to GADA and IA-2A, but in opposite directions. "CAD" was positively associated with GADA (OR 1.56; p=6.35*10-8) but negatively with IA-2A (OR 0.59, p= 6.55*10-11). "QAD" was negatively associated with GADA (OR 0.88; p= 3.70*10-3) but positively with IA-2A (OR 1.64; p= 2.40*10-14), despite a single difference at α44. The residues are found in and around anchor pockets 1 and 9, as potential TCR contacts, in the areas for CD4 binding and putative homodimer formation. The identification of three HLA-DQ AA (α44, β57, β135) conferring T1D risk should sharpen functional and translational studies. Full Article
cap Covid-19: Lack of capacity led to halting of community testing in March, admits deputy chief medical officer By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 - 12:25 Full Article
cap Russia’s Human and Social Capital By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:50:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 5 March 2020 - 9:30am to 1:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Agendapdf | 85.57 KB Event participants Christopher Davis, Professorial Fellow, Institute of Population Ageing, University of OxfordSamuel Greene, Director, King's Russia Institute; Reader of Russian Politics, King’s College LondonNikolai Petrov, Senior Research Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham HouseNatalia Zubarevich, Director, Regional Programme, Independent Institute for Social Policy Russia’s published development agenda to 2024 focused on gaining advantage from its human capital. In reality however, issues surrounding Russia’s population remain a major challenge, considering its demographic trends, an undoubted brain drain and societal divisions.This expert roundtable will explore the current state of – and interconnections between – human and social capital in Russia. The speakers will also address Russia’s regional disparities, migration effects and political elite dynamics and their relationship to the population at large. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Russia and Eurasia Programme, Russia's Domestic Politics Anna Morgan Administrator, Ukraine Forum +44 (0)20 7389 3274 Email Full Article
cap Carbon Capture and Storage: Panacea or Procrastination? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 20 May 2011 13:35:25 +0000 Research Event 14 September 2009 - 12:00am to 11:00pm Chatham House, London Event participants Dr Jon Gibbins, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College LondonJim Footner, Senior Climate Change Campaigner, Greenpeace Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has risen up the political agenda both nationally and internationally as a part of the effort to reduce CO2 emissions in power generation yet the applications, potential and impacts of this technology remain contested.Is CCS - employed to produce low-carbon electricity and hydrogen - the panacea we urgently need to limit cumulative CO2 emissions to a level at which we stand a chance of avoiding dangerous climate change (and possibly also a renaissance in global nuclear fission)? Or does it shift the emphasis away from switching to more a sustainable renewable energy infrastructure that could avoid the use of fossil fuels and nuclear altogether?In this meeting two leading voices in the debate give their opinions, separating the known from the unknown and kick starting an informed discussion about the pros, cons and politics of CCS.Please note that attendance is by invitation only and there is a maximum of 25 places. This meeting is part of the Chatham House Fossil Fuels Expert Roundtable. Event attributes All-day event Full Article
cap Mark Ricketts | A nation with a capacity for caring, but much more is needed By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:25:29 -0500 The global pandemic is real, with almost 8,000 deaths worldwide and nearly 200,000 persons having contracted the virus in 155 affected countries. What is particularly comforting for this country, amid pain and the not knowing, is the bedside and... Full Article
cap Insulin-Deficient Diabetic Condition Upregulates the Insulin-Secreting Capacity of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Endocrine Progenitor Cells After Implantation in Mice By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:28-07:00 The host environment is a crucial factor for considering the transplant of stem cell–derived immature pancreatic cells in patients with type 1 diabetes. Here, we investigated the effect of insulin (INS)-deficient diabetes on the fate of immature pancreatic endocrine cell grafts and the underlying mechanisms. Human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells (EPCs), which contained a high proportion of chromogranin A+ NK6 homeobox 1+ cells and very few INS+ cells, were used. When the EPCs were implanted under the kidney capsule in immunodeficient mice, INS-deficient diabetes accelerated increase in plasma human C-peptide, a marker of graft-derived INS secretion. The acceleration was suppressed by INS infusion but not affected by partial attenuation of hyperglycemia by dapagliflozin, an INS-independent glucose-lowering agent. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that the grafts from diabetic mice contained more endocrine cells including proliferative INS-producing cells compared with that from nondiabetic mice, despite no difference in whole graft mass between the two groups. These data suggest that INS-deficient diabetes upregulates the INS-secreting capacity of EPC grafts by increasing the number of endocrine cells including INS-producing cells without changing the graft mass. These findings provide useful insights into postoperative diabetic care for cell therapy using stem cell–derived pancreatic cells. Full Article
cap Capital punishment, my sixth great grandfather, and me By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Apr 2019 16:49:48 +0000 On the 7th of June, 1753, Dr Archibald Cameron was executed at Tyburn. "The body, after hanging twenty minutes, was cut down: it was not quartered; but the heart was taken out and burnt. " 250 years later, his sixth great grandson, Robert Syned found himself deeply involved in the process of execution, as an expert witness in a case about the use... Full Article
cap The Economics of Natural Capital By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 13 Apr 2015 09:15:02 +0000 Members Event 24 June 2015 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm Chatham House, London Transcriptpdf | 120.49 KB Transcript: Q&Apdf | 135.64 KB Event participants Professor Dieter Helm CBE, Professor of Energy Policy, University of OxfordChair: David Shukman, Science Editor, BBC News As the global population and economy continues to grow, the international community faces the challenge of accommodating significant growth over the coming decades without a major loss of biodiversity and natural capital, the world’s stock of natural resources. Presenting an economic analysis of these natural assets, Dieter Helm will argue that natural capital and environmental concerns should be placed at the core of economic policy. He will set out a framework for sustainable growth, outlining key measures that could help to preserve the environment while also enabling economic growth. Members Events Team Email Full Article
cap Fibrotic Encapsulation Is the Dominant Source of Continuous Glucose Monitor Delays By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2019-09-20T12:00:23-07:00 Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) readings are delayed relative to blood glucose, and this delay is usually attributed to the latency of interstitial glucose levels. However, CGM-independent data suggest rapid equilibration of interstitial glucose. This study sought to determine the loci of CGM delays. Electrical current was measured directly from CGM electrodes to define sensor kinetics in the absence of smoothing algorithms. CGMs were implanted in mice, and sensor versus blood glucose responses were measured after an intravenous glucose challenge. Dispersion of a fluorescent glucose analog (2-NBDG) into the CGM microenvironment was observed in vivo using intravital microscopy. Tissue deposited on the sensor and nonimplanted subcutaneous adipose tissue was then collected for histological analysis. The time to half-maximum CGM response in vitro was 35 ± 2 s. In vivo, CGMs took 24 ± 7 min to reach maximum current versus 2 ± 1 min to maximum blood glucose (P = 0.0017). 2-NBDG took 21 ± 7 min to reach maximum fluorescence at the sensor versus 6 ± 6 min in adipose tissue (P = 0.0011). Collagen content was closely correlated with 2-NBDG latency (R = 0.96, P = 0.0004). Diffusion of glucose into the tissue deposited on a CGM is substantially delayed relative to interstitial fluid. A CGM that resists fibrous encapsulation would better approximate real-time deviations in blood glucose. Full Article
cap Net Zero and Beyond: What Role for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 06 Jan 2020 13:55:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 23 January 2020 - 8:30am to 10:00am Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Richard King, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Department, Chatham HouseChair: Duncan Brack, Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Department, Chatham House In the context of the feasibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero, policymakers are beginning to pay more attention to options for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A wide range of potential carbon dioxide removal (CDR) options are currently being discussed and modelled though the most prominent among them are bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and afforestation and reforestation.There are many reasons to question the reliance on BECCS assumed in the models including the carbon balances achievable, its substantial needs for land, water and other inputs and technically and economically viable carbon capture and storage technologies.This meeting will examine the potentials and challenges of BECCS in the context of other CDR and emissions abatement options. It will discuss the requisite policy and regulatory frameworks to minimize sustainability and socio-political risks of CDR approaches while also avoiding overshooting climate goals.Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Sustainable Transitions Series Chloé Prendleloup Email Full Article
cap Net Zero and Beyond: What Role for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:51:45 +0000 29 January 2020 Policymakers are in danger of sleepwalking into ineffective carbon dioxide removal solutions in the quest to tackle climate change. This paper warns against overreliance on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Read online Download PDF Duncan Brack Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme @DuncanBrack Google Scholar Richard King Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme LinkedIn Reaching Net Zero: Does BECCS Work? Policymakers can be influenced by ineffective carbon dioxide removal solutions in the quest to tackle climate change. This animation explores the risks of using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). SummaryCurrent climate efforts are not progressing quickly enough to prevent the world from overshooting the global emissions targets set in the Paris Agreement; accordingly, attention is turning increasingly to options for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – ‘carbon dioxide removal’ (CDR). Alongside afforestation and reforestation, the main option under discussion is bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS): processes through which the carbon emissions from burning biomass for energy are captured before release into the atmosphere and stored in underground reservoirs.This pre-eminent status is not, however, based on a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility and impacts of BECCS. In reality, BECCS has many drawbacks.Models generally assume that biomass for energy is inherently carbon-neutral (and thus that BECCS, by capturing and storing the emissions from combustion, is carbon-negative), but in reality this is not a valid assumption.On top of this, the deployment of BECCS at the scales assumed in most models would consume land on a scale comparable to half that currently taken up by global cropland, entailing massive land-use change, potentially endangering food security and biodiversity. There is also significant doubt about the likely energy output of BECCS solutions.BECCS may still have some role to play in strategies for CDR, depending mainly on the feedstock used; but it should be evaluated on the same basis as other CDR options, such as nature-based solutions or direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS). Analysis should take full account of carbon balances over time, the requirements of each CDR option in terms of demand for land, water and other inputs, and the consequences of that demand.There is an urgent need for policymakers to engage with these debates. The danger at the moment is that policymakers are ‘sleepwalking towards BECCS’ simply because most models incorporate it – or, almost as bad, it may be that they are simply ignoring the need for any meaningful action on CDR as a whole. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Bioenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) Full Article
cap Covid-19: Lack of capacity led to halting of community testing in March, admits deputy chief medical officer By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 - 12:25 Full Article
cap The Changing Landscape of Interior Immigration Enforcement Under Trump By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 08 May 2018 16:09:32 -0400 Discussion at this event focused on findings from MPI's report examining the interior immigration enforcement system in the United States, including ICE data on deportations and arrests, and the responses of state and local governments, civil society, and consulates. Full Article
cap The Changing Landscape of Interior Immigration Enforcement Under Trump By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 24 Apr 2018 12:40:38 -0400 Marking the release of an MPI study, this discussion examines the operation of today’s interior enforcement system and how state and local governments, civil society, and consulates are responding. Full Article
cap Reaching a “Fair Deal” on Talent: Emigration, Circulation, and Human Capital in Countries of Origin By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:39:57 -0500 While skilled migration brings widely acknowledged economic benefits for destination countries and migrants, its impact on countries of origin has been the subject of more debate. Despite a growing consensus that origin countries can benefit from emigration and the circulation of skills, enabling this potential to be fully exploited remains a challenge. This report examines initiatives that develop skills and human capital. Full Article
cap Watch: Escaped bull goes wandering on Massachusetts highway By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 10:47:28 -0400 A young bull went wandering on a Massachusetts highway after escaping from a trailer and was captured without causing any incidents, police said. Full Article
cap Escaped emu found playing in sprinkler one day later By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 13:12:30 -0400 A Michigan family said their 6-foot-tall emu was found playing in another resident's sprinkler about a mile from home one day after escaping. Full Article