Response to Corner Brook Pulp & Paper Tire Derived Fuel (TDF) Co-Firing Trial Project Proponent: Corner Brook Pulp & Paper Ltd. (Reg. 1539)

While acknowledging potential economic benefits for Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP) in using tire-derived fuel (TDF), we remain unconvinced of the net public and environmental health benefits of its use and are concerned with the methodology of the proposed test. We hope that this overview of our concerns can help the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) make an informed decision regarding the testing of TDF at CBPP. Guiding our submission is the precautionary principle, which has been adopted by all relevant parties, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and CBPP. As such and in light of the issues below, it is our position that additional research is required before moving to a test trial. This can be achieved either by conducting a full Environmental Impact Statement, including component studies and additional public hearings, or by rejecting the undertaking outright

Muscle Mitochondrial Function at Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The effect of menstrual cycle (MC) phase on muscle recovery from damage has been studied using markers of strength and soreness, but remains inconclusive. Mitochondrial function is essential for muscle recovery, and has been found to be influenced by estradiol (E2). Understanding the relationship between MC phase and mitochondria can provide further insight into women’s muscle health. The PURPOSE of this study was to determine how MC phase affects markers of muscle damage and recovery, with emphasis on mitochondrial function, following electrically-stimulated muscle contractions. METHODS: 22 premenopausal females were recruited and split into two groups, early follicular (EF) and late follicular (LF). After menstrual cycle tracking and phase confirmation, subjects performed a baseline maximum voluntary knee extension contraction (MVC) and provided a muscle biopsy one week prior to test day. On test day, subjects underwent 200 electrically stimulated eccentric muscle contractions (ES). Subjects reported for follow-up strength tests on days 2, 4, and 7 post damage, and gave a final biopsy on day 7. RESULTS: MVC decreased an average of 14 ± 6% immediately following ES and recovered to 6 ± 7% below baseline by day 4, with no differences between groups for percent decrease in MVC (p=.67). Average peak soreness was 4.0 ± 1.9, with no differences between groups (p=.91). Average change in max coupled mitochondrial respiration was -14.3 ± 15.5 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the EF group and 1.3 ± 22.3 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the LF group (p=.03). Average change in fatty acid supported respiration was -3.6 ± 7.4 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the EF group and 7.5 ± 10.5 pmolO2ᐧs-1ᐧmg-1 for the LF group (p=.046). However, these results are complicated by baseline differences in respiration, with max coupled respiration being significantly higher (p=.02) in the mid-luteal phase (EF group baseline) than the early-follicular phase (LF group baseline). CONCLUSIONS: Results show novel findings that baseline mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial response to damage differ between MC phases. This finding supports previous research relating mitochondrial function and E2 levels, and suggests further research on mitochondrial function throughout the menstrual cycle

The F Plasmid Conjutome: The Repertoire of E coli Proteins Translocated Through an F-Encoded Type IV Secretion System

Bacterial conjugation systems pose a major threat to human health through their widespread dissemination of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying cargoes of antibiotic resistance genes. Using the Cre Recombinase Assay for Translocation (CRAfT), we recently reported that the IncFV pED208 conjugation system also translocates at least 16 plasmid-encoded proteins to recipient bacteria. Here, we deployed a high-throughput CRAfT screen to identify the repertoire of chromosomally encoded protein substrates of the pED208 system. We identified 32 substrates encoded by the Escherichia coli W3110 genome with functions associated with (i) DNA/nucleotide metabolism, (ii) stress tolerance/physiology, (iii) transcriptional regulation, or (iv) toxin inhibition. The respective gene deletions did not impact pED208 transfer proficiencies, nor did Group 1 (DNA/nucleotide metabolism) mutations detectably alter the SOS response elicited in new transconjugants upon acquisition of pED208. However, MC4100(pED208) donor cells intrinsically exhibit significantly higher SOS activation than plasmid-free MC4100 cells, and this plasmid carriage-induced stress response is further elevated in donor cells deleted of several Group 1 genes. Among 10 characterized substrates, we gained evidence of C-terminal or internal translocation signals that could function independently or synergistically for optimal protein transfer. Remarkably, nearly all tested proteins were also translocated through the IncN pKM101 and IncP RP4 conjugation systems. This repertoire of E. coli protein substrates, here termed the F plasmid conjutome, is thus characterized by functions of potential benefit to new transconjugants, diverse TSs, and the capacity for promiscuous transfer through heterologous conjugation systems. Importance: Conjugation systems comprise a major subfamily of the type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) and are the progenitors of a second large T4SS subfamily dedicated to translocation of protein effectors. This study examined the capacity of conjugation machines to function as protein translocators. Using a high-throughput reporter screen, we determined that 32 chromosomally encoded proteins are delivered through an F plasmid conjugation system. The translocated proteins potentially enhance the establishment of the co-transferred F plasmid or mitigate mating-induced stresses. Translocation signals located C-terminally or internally conferred substrate recognition by the F system and, remarkably, many substrates also were translocated through heterologous conjugation systems. Our findings highlight the plasticity of conjugation systems in their capacities to co-translocate DNA and many protein substrates

Caverns: Kentucky Middle School Poetry (Volume 1, 2018)

The editors of CAVERNS: Kentucky Middle School Poetry, volume 1, 2018, are extremely grateful to the talented students, dedicated teachers, and proud parents who made this first volume possible. Poems were solicited from classroom teachers during National Poetry Month, April 2017. The poems were selected for publication after extensive editorial board review, using a rubric adapted from Christine Lewy (2001). Only poems with signed parental/guardian permission letters were published. Students or parents decided whether to publish the poet’s full name or first name and last initial only. The poems were divided roughly into sections by topic: start-and-stop poems, homage, haiku, reflections, and ruminations. Future editions may have different sections. Support for the 2018 edition of CAVERNS: Kentucky Middle School Poetry was provided by the Kentucky Reading Association (KRA) and the Western Kentucky Reading Council of KRA

A Genome-Wide Knockout Screen in Human Macrophages Identified Host Factors Modulating Salmonella Infection.

A genome-scale CRISPR knockout library screen of THP-1 human macrophages was performed to identify loss-of-function mutations conferring resistance to Salmonella uptake. The screen identified 183 candidate genes, from which 14 representative genes involved in actin dynamics (ACTR3, ARPC4, CAPZB, TOR3A, CYFIP2, CTTN, and NHLRC2), glycosaminoglycan metabolism (B3GNT1), receptor signaling (PDGFB and CD27), lipid raft formation (CLTCL1), calcium transport (ATP2A2 and ITPR3), and cholesterol metabolism (HMGCR) were analyzed further. For some of these pathways, known chemical inhibitors could replicate the Salmonella resistance phenotype, indicating their potential as targets for host-directed therapy. The screen indicated a role for the relatively uncharacterized gene NHLRC2 in both Salmonella invasion and macrophage differentiation. Upon differentiation, NHLRC2 mutant macrophages were hyperinflammatory and did not exhibit characteristics typical of macrophages, including atypical morphology and inability to interact and phagocytose bacteria/particles. Immunoprecipitation confirmed an interaction of NHLRC2 with FRYL, EIF2AK2, and KLHL13.IMPORTANCESalmonella exploits macrophages to gain access to the lymphatic system and bloodstream to lead to local and potentially systemic infections. With an increasing number of antibiotic-resistant isolates identified in humans, Salmonella infections have become major threats to public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify alternative approaches to anti-infective therapy, including host-directed therapies. In this study, we used a simple genome-wide screen to identify 183 candidate host factors in macrophages that can confer resistance to Salmonella infection. These factors may be potential therapeutic targets against Salmonella infections

Twenty questions about design behavior for sustainability, report of the International Expert Panel on behavioral science for design

How behavioral scientists, engineers, and architects can work together to advance how we all understand and practice design—in order to enhance sustainability in the built environment, and beyond.https://www.nature.com/documents/design_behavior_for_sustainability.pdfPublished versio

The Effect of Real-World Personal Familiarity on the Speed of Face Information Processing

Background. Previous studies have explored the effects of familiarity on various kinds of visual face judgments, yet the role of familiarity in face processing is not fully understood. Across different face judgments and stimulus sets, the data is equivocal as to whether or not familiarity impacts recognition processes. Methodology/Principal Findings. Here, we examine the effect of real-world personal familiarity in three simple delayed-match-to-sample tasks in which subjects were required to match faces on the basis of orientation (upright v. inverted), gender and identity. We find that subjects had a significant speed advantage with familiar faces in all three tasks, with large effects for the gender and identity matching tasks. Conclusion/Significance. Our data indicates that real-world experience with a face exerts a powerful influence on face processing in tasks where identity information is irrelevant, even in tasks that could in principle be solved via low-level cues. These results underscore the importance of experience in shaping visual recognition processes

Preparing for Life: Plasma Proteome Changes and Immune System Development During the First Week of Human Life.

Neonates have heightened susceptibility to infections. The biological mechanisms are incompletely understood but thought to be related to age-specific adaptations in immunity due to resource constraints during immune system development and growth. We present here an extended analysis of our proteomics study of peripheral blood-plasma from a study of healthy full-term newborns delivered vaginally, collected at the day of birth and on day of life (DOL) 1, 3, or 7, to cover the first week of life. The plasma proteome was characterized by LC-MS using our established 96-well plate format plasma proteomics platform. We found increasing acute phase proteins and a reduction of respective inhibitors on DOL1. Focusing on the complement system, we found increased plasma concentrations of all major components of the classical complement pathway and the membrane attack complex (MAC) from birth onward, except C7 which seems to have near adult levels at birth. In contrast, components of the lectin and alternative complement pathways mainly decreased. A comparison to whole blood messenger RNA (mRNA) levels enabled characterization of mRNA and protein levels in parallel, and for 23 of the 30 monitored complement proteins, the whole blood transcript information by itself was not reflective of the plasma protein levels or dynamics during the first week of life. Analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) mRNA and protein levels revealed that IgM levels and synthesis increased, while the plasma concentrations of maternally transferred IgG1-4 decreased in accordance with their in vivo half-lives. The neonatal plasma ratio of IgG1 to IgG2-4 was increased compared to adult values, demonstrating a highly efficient IgG1 transplacental transfer process. Partial compensation for maternal IgG degradation was achieved by endogenous synthesis of the IgG1 subtype which increased with DOL. The findings were validated in a geographically distinct cohort, demonstrating a consistent developmental trajectory of the newborn's immune system over the first week of human life across continents. Our findings indicate that the classical complement pathway is central for newborn immunity and our approach to characterize the plasma proteome in parallel with the transcriptome will provide crucial insight in immune ontogeny and inform new approaches to prevent and treat diseases

Large isotropic negative thermal expansion above a structural quantum phase transition

Perovskite structured materials contain myriad tunable ordered phases of electronic and magnetic origin with proven technological importance and strong promise for a variety of energy solutions. An always-contributing influence beneath these cooperative and competing interactions is the lattice, whose physics may be obscured in complex perovskites by the many coupled degrees of freedom, which makes these systems interesting. Here, we report signatures of an approach to a quantum phase transition very near the ground state of the nonmagnetic, ionic insulating, simple cubic perovskite material ScF3, and show that its physical properties are strongly effected as much as 100 K above the putative transition. Spatial and temporal correlations in the high-symmetry cubic phase determined using energy- and momentum-resolved inelastic x-ray scattering as well as x-ray diffraction reveal that soft mode, central peak, and thermal expansion phenomena are all strongly influenced by the transition.National Science Foundation Award No. DMR-1506825US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Contract No. DE- AC02-06CH11357Yale Prize Postdoctoral FellowshipNSF Grant No. DMR-0115852Universidad de Costa Rica. Vicerrectoría de Investigación Projecto No. 816-B5-220UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales (CICIMA