131 research outputs found
You Need Violence and Sincerity: Godard and the Manufacturing of a Revolutionary Cinema
Godardâs cinema of the mid-to-late-sixties offers a compelling body of work in which we can witness the director making a more conscious effort to renounce the tendencies of what Peter Wollen terms âorthodox cinema,â through a more disruptive and textual approach, which, of course, mirrored his increasingly radical politics. This attempt to marry politics and art raises the question of what a genuinely revolutionary cinema would look like, or if it is even possible at all. This thesis will attempt to tackle just such a question, discussing three of Godardâs films from the period to examine this evolving radical tendency: Bande Ă part, Masculin fĂ©minin, and La Chinoise. Such a notion of revolutionary cinema as separate from the bourgeois norm will be complicated by thinkers such as Derrida, Adorno and Horkheimer, and Debord, who, within the context of this argument, are far from suggesting that such a break or negation is impossible, but that the pieces for such a split may be present already. An idea that will be explored through Godardâs use in the films of pre-existing cultural/political material. It is Godardâs implementation of the aesthetic tools at his disposal which proves so critical, a fact which may ultimately serve to confirm the intent. The emphasis, therefore, will be on âmanufacturingâ as much as it will be on ârevolutionary cinema.
Evolutionary maintenance of filovirus-like genes in bat genomes
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Little is known of the biological significance and evolutionary maintenance of integrated non-retroviral RNA virus genes in eukaryotic host genomes. Here, we isolated novel filovirus-like genes from bat genomes and tested for evolutionary maintenance. We also estimated the age of filovirus VP35-like gene integrations and tested the phylogenetic hypotheses that there is a eutherian mammal clade and a marsupial/ebolavirus/Marburgvirus dichotomy for filoviruses.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We detected homologous copies of VP35-like and NP-like gene integrations in both Old World and New World species of <it>Myotis </it>(bats). We also detected previously unknown VP35-like genes in rodents that are positionally homologous. Comprehensive phylogenetic estimates for filovirus NP-like and VP35-like loci support two main clades with a marsupial and a rodent grouping within the ebolavirus/Lloviu virus/Marburgvirus clade. The concordance of VP35-like, NP-like and mitochondrial gene trees with the expected species tree supports the notion that the copies we examined are orthologs that predate the global spread and radiation of the genus <it>Myotis</it>. Parametric simulations were consistent with selective maintenance for the open reading frame (ORF) of VP35-like genes in <it>Myotis</it>. The ORF of the filovirus-like VP35 gene has been maintained in bat genomes for an estimated 13. 4 MY. ORFs were disrupted for the NP-like genes in <it>Myotis</it>. Likelihood ratio tests revealed that a model that accommodates positive selection is a significantly better fit to the data than a model that does not allow for positive selection for VP35-like sequences. Moreover, site-by-site analysis of selection using two methods indicated at least 25 sites in the VP35-like alignment are under positive selection in <it>Myotis</it>.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results indicate that filovirus-like elements have significance beyond genomic imprints of prior infection. That is, there appears to be, or have been, functionally maintained copies of such genes in mammals. "Living fossils" of filoviruses appear to be selectively maintained in a diverse mammalian genus (<it>Myotis</it>).</p
Virus-host co-evolution under a modified nuclear genetic code
Among eukaryotes with modified nuclear genetic codes, viruses are unknown. However, here we provide evidence of an RNA virus that infects a fungal host (Scheffersomyces segobiensis) with a derived nuclear genetic code where CUG codes for serine. The genomic architecture and phylogeny are consistent with infection by a double-stranded RNA virus of the genus Totivirus. We provide evidence of past or present infection with totiviruses in five species of yeasts with modified genetic codes. All but one of the CUG codons in the viral genome have been eliminated, suggesting that avoidance of the modified codon was important to viral adaptation. Our mass spectroscopy analysis indicates that a congener of the host species has co-opted and expresses a capsid gene from totiviruses as a cellular protein. Viral avoidance of the hostâs modified codon and host co-option of a protein from totiviruses suggest that RNA viruses co-evolved with yeasts that underwent a major evolutionary transition from the standard genetic code
Cooperative Interactions between TLR4 and TLR9 Regulate Interleukin 23 and 17 Production in a Murine Model of Gram Negative Bacterial Pneumonia
Toll like receptors play an important role in lung host defense against bacterial pathogens. In this study, we investigated independent and cooperative functions of TLR4 and TLR9 in microbial clearance and systemic dissemination during Gram-negative bacterial pneumonia. To access these responses, wildtype Balb/c mice, mice with defective TLR4 signaling (TLR4lps-d), mice deficient in TLR9 (TLR9â/â) and TLR4/9 double mutant mice (TLR4lps-d/TLR9â/â) were challenged with K. pneumoniae, then time-dependent lung bacterial clearance and systemic dissemination determined. We found impaired lung bacterial clearance in TLR4 and TLR9 single mutant mice, whereas the greatest impairment in clearance was observed in TLR4lps-d/TLR9â/â double mutant mice. Early lung expression of TNF-α, IL-12, and chemokines was TLR4 dependent, while IFN-Îł production and the later expression of TNF-α and IL-12 was dependent on TLR9. Classical activation of lung macrophages and maximal induction of IL-23 and IL-17 required both TLR4 and TLR9. Finally, the i.t. instillation of IL-17 partially restored anti-bacterial immunity in TLR4lps-d/TLR9â/â double mutant mice. In conclusion, our studies indicate that TLR4 and TLR9 have both non-redundant and cooperative roles in lung innate responses during Gram-negative bacterial pneumonia and are both critical for IL-17 driven antibacterial host response
2022 taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales
In March 2022, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by two new families (bunyaviral Discoviridae and Tulasviridae), 41 new genera, and 98 new species. Three hundred forty-nine species were renamed and/or moved. The accidentally misspelled names of seven species were corrected. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.Instituto de PatologĂa VegetalFil: Kuhn, Jens H. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. National Institutes of Health. Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick; Estados UnidosFil: Adkins, Scott. US Horticultural Research Laboratory. United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service; Estados UnidosFil: Alkhovsky, Sergey V. Ministry of Health of Russian Federation. National Center on Epidemiology and Microbiology .D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology of N.F. Gamaleya; RusiaFil: AvĆĄiÄ-Ćœupanc, Tatjana. University of Ljubljana. Faculty of Medicine. Institute of Microbiology and Immunology; EsloveniaFil: AyllĂłn, MarĂa A. Universidad PolitĂ©cnica de Madrid. Instituto Nacional de InvestigaciĂłn y TecnologĂa Agraria y Alimentaria.Centro de BiotecnologĂa y GenĂłmica de Plantas; EspañaFil: AyllĂłn, MarĂa A. Universidad PolitĂ©cnica de Madrid. Escuela TĂ©cnica Superior de IngenierĂa AgronĂłmica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas. Departamento de BiotecnologĂa-BiologĂa Vegetal; EspañaFil: Bahl, Justin. University of Georgia. Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases. Insitute of Bioinformatics. Department of Infectious Diseases. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Estados UnidosFil: Balkema-Buschmann, Anne. Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut. Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases; AlemaniaFil: Ballinger, Matthew J. Mississippi State University. Department of Biological Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Bandte, Martina. Humboldt-UniversitĂ€t zu Berlin. Faculty of Life Sciences. Division Phytomedicine; AlemaniaFil: Beer, Martin. Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut. Institute of Diagnostic Virology; AlemaniaFil: Bejerman, Nicolas Esteban. Instituto Nacional de TecnologĂa Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de PatologĂa Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Bejerman, Nicolas Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientĂficas y TĂ©cnicas. Unidad de FitopatologĂa y ModelizaciĂłn AgrĂcola (UFyMA); ArgentinaFil: Lodden Ăkland, Arnfnn. Pharmaq Analytiq; Norueg
Novel Cephalosporins Selectively Active on Nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis
We report two series of novel cephalosporins that are bactericidal to Mycobacterium tuberculosis alone of the pathogens tested, which only kill M. tuberculosis when its replication is halted by conditions resembling those believed to pertain in the host, and whose bactericidal activity is not dependent upon or enhanced by clavulanate, a ÎČ-lactamase inhibitor. The two classes of cephalosporins bear an ester or alternatively an oxadiazole isostere at C-2 of the cephalosporin ring system, a position that is almost exclusively a carboxylic acid in clinically used agents in the class. Representatives of the series kill M. tuberculosis within macrophages without toxicity to the macrophages or other mammalian cells
The WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey: measuring the cosmic expansion history using the Alcock-Paczynski test and distant supernovae
Astronomical observations suggest that today's Universe is dominated by a
dark energy of unknown physical origin. One of the most notable consequences in
many models is that dark energy should cause the expansion of the Universe to
accelerate: but the expansion rate as a function of time has proven very
difficult to measure directly. We present a new determination of the cosmic
expansion history by combining distant supernovae observations with a
geometrical analysis of large-scale galaxy clustering within the WiggleZ Dark
Energy Survey, using the Alcock-Paczynski test to measure the distortion of
standard spheres. Our result constitutes a robust and non-parametric
measurement of the Hubble expansion rate as a function of time, which we
measure with 10-15% precision in four bins within the redshift range 0.1 < z <
0.9. We demonstrate that the cosmic expansion is accelerating, in a manner
independent of the parameterization of the cosmological model (although
assuming cosmic homogeneity in our data analysis). Furthermore, we find that
this expansion history is consistent with a cosmological-constant dark energy.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication by MNRA
Genetically inferred birthweight, height, and puberty timing and risk of osteosarcoma
INTRODUCTION: Several studies have linked increased risk of osteosarcoma with tall stature, high birthweight, and early puberty, although evidence is inconsistent. We used genetic risk scores (GRS) based on established genetic loci for these traits and evaluated associations between genetically inferred birthweight, height, and puberty timing with osteosarcoma. METHODS: Using genotype data from two genome-wide association studies, totaling 1039 cases and 2923 controls of European ancestry, association analyses were conducted using logistic regression for each study and meta-analyzed to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted by case diagnosis age, metastasis status, tumor location, tumor histology, and presence of a known pathogenic variant in a cancer susceptibility gene. RESULTS: Genetically inferred higher birthweight was associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma (OR =1.59, 95% CI 1.07-2.38, PÂ =Â 0.02). This association was strongest in cases without metastatic disease (OR =2.46, 95% CI 1.44-4.19, PÂ =Â 9.5Â Ă10-04). Although there was no overall association between osteosarcoma and genetically inferred taller stature (OR=1.06, 95% CI 0.96-1.17, PÂ =Â 0.28), the GRS for taller stature was associated with an increased risk of osteosarcoma in 154 cases with a known pathogenic cancer susceptibility gene variant (OR=1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.63, PÂ =Â 0.03). There were no significant associations between the GRS for puberty timing and osteosarcoma. CONCLUSION: A genetic propensity to higher birthweight was associated with increased osteosarcoma risk, suggesting that shared genetic factors or biological pathways that affect birthweight may contribute to osteosarcoma pathogenesis
The WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey: Joint measurements of the expansion and growth history at z < 1
We perform a joint determination of the distance-redshift relation and cosmic
expansion rate at redshifts z = 0.44, 0.6 and 0.73 by combining measurements of
the baryon acoustic peak and Alcock-Paczynski distortion from galaxy clustering
in the WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey, using a large ensemble of mock catalogues to
calculate the covariance between the measurements. We find that D_A(z) = (1205
+/- 114, 1380 +/- 95, 1534 +/- 107) Mpc and H(z) = (82.6 +/- 7.8, 87.9 +/- 6.1,
97.3 +/- 7.0) km/s/Mpc at these three redshifts. Further combining our results
with other baryon acoustic oscillation and distant supernovae datasets, we use
a Monte Carlo Markov Chain technique to determine the evolution of the Hubble
parameter H(z) as a stepwise function in 9 redshift bins of width dz = 0.1,
also marginalizing over the spatial curvature. Our measurements of H(z), which
have precision better than 7% in most redshift bins, are consistent with the
expansion history predicted by a cosmological-constant dark-energy model, in
which the expansion rate accelerates at redshift z < 0.7.Comment: 11 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA
The 6dF Galaxy Survey: z \approx 0 measurement of the growth rate and sigma_8
We present a detailed analysis of redshift-space distortions in the two-point
correlation function of the 6dF Galaxy Survey (6dFGS). The K-band selected
sub-sample which we employ in this study contains 81971 galaxies distributed
over 17000deg^2 with an effective redshift z = 0.067. By modelling the 2D
galaxy correlation function, xi(r_p,pi), we measure the parameter combination
f(z)sigma_8(z) = 0.423 +/- 0.055. Alternatively, by assuming standard gravity
we can break the degeneracy between sigma_8 and the galaxy bias parameter, b.
Combining our data with the Hubble constant prior from Riess et al (2011), we
measure sigma_8 = 0.76 +/- 0.11 and Omega_m = 0.250 +/- 0.022, consistent with
constraints from other galaxy surveys and the Cosmic Microwave Background data
from WMAP7. Combining our measurement of fsigma_8 with WMAP7 allows us to test
the relationship between matter and gravity on cosmic scales by constraining
the growth index of density fluctuations, gamma. Using only 6dFGS and WMAP7
data we find gamma = 0.547 +/- 0.088, consistent with the prediction of General
Relativity. We note that because of the low effective redshift of 6dFGS our
measurement of the growth rate is independent of the fiducial cosmological
model (Alcock-Paczynski effect). We also show that our conclusions are not
sensitive to the model adopted for non-linear redshift-space distortions. Using
a Fisher matrix analysis we report predictions for constraints on fsigma_8 for
the WALLABY survey and the proposed TAIPAN survey. The WALLABY survey will be
able to measure fsigma_8 with a precision of 4-10%, depending on the modelling
of non-linear structure formation. This is comparable to the predicted
precision for the best redshift bins of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic
Survey (BOSS), demonstrating that low-redshift surveys have a significant role
to play in future tests of dark energy and modified gravity.Comment: 17 pages, 13 figures, 1 tabl
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