219 research outputs found
Large igneous provinces (LIPs) and metallogeny; putting LIP-related mineral deposits into a LIP framework context
Adsorption and binding dynamics of graphene-supported phospholipid membranes using the QCM-D technique
We report on the adsorption dynamics of phospholipid membranes on
graphene-coated substrates using the quartz crystal microbalance with
dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) technique. We compare the lipid vescle
interaction and membranne formation on gold and silicon dioxide QCM crystal
surfaces with their graphene oxide (GO) and reduced (r)GO coated counterparts,
and report on the different lipid structures obtained. We establish graphene
derivative coatings as support surfaces with tuneable hydrophobicity for the
formation of controllable lipid structures. One structure of interest formed
are lipid monolayer membrannes which were formed on rGO, which are otherwise
challenging to produce. We also demonstrate and monitor biotin-avidin binding
on such a membranne, which will then serve as a platform for a wide range of
biosensing applications. The QCM-D technique could be extended to both
fundamental studies and applications of other covalent and non-covalent
interactions in 2-dimensional materials
Large Igneous Provinces and their mafic-ultramafic intrusions
Here we provide an overview of the range of settings for mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions as part of the plumbing system of Large Igneous Provinces, and address the metallogenic implications
Structural basis for complement factor H-linked age-related macular degeneration
This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.Nearly 50 million people worldwide suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes severe loss of central vision. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the gene for the complement regulator factor H (FH), which causes a Tyr-to-His substitution at position 402, is linked to approximately 50% of attributable risks for AMD. We present the crystal structure of the region of FH containing the polymorphic amino acid His402 in complex with an analogue of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that localize the complement regulator on the cell surface. The structure demonstrates direct coordination of ligand by the disease-associated polymorphic residue, providing a molecular explanation of the genetic observation. This glycan-binding site occupies the center of an extended interaction groove on the regulator's surface, implying multivalent binding of sulfated GAGs. This finding is confirmed by structure-based site-directed mutagenesis, nuclear magnetic resonance-monitored binding experiments performed for both H402 and Y402 variants with this and another model GAG, and analysis of an extended GAG-FH complex.B. Prosser is funded by the Wellcome Trust Structural Biology Training Program
(075415/Z/04/Z). S. Johnson and P. Roversi were funded by grants to S.M. Lea from
the Medical Research Council (MRC) of the United Kingdom (grants G0400389 and
G0400775). D. Uhrin and P.N. Barlow were funded by the Wellcome Trust (078780/
Z/05/Z). S.J. Clark was funded by an MRC Doctoral Training Account (G78/7925),
and R.B. Sim and A.J. Day were funded by MRC core funding to the MRC
Immunochemistry Unit
Immunogenicity of vaccination against influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B in patients with multiple myeloma
Vaccination against influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended for elderly and immunocompromised individuals. However, there is little information concerning the efficacy of vaccination in specific groups of patients. In this study, 52 patients underwent vaccination against influenza, S. pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) as they attended hospital outpatient clinics. Serum was analysed prior to vaccination and 4–6 weeks afterwards. Antibody titres against S. pneumoniae and Hib were compared with reference values corresponding to the geometric mean titres of a healthy UK population. For influenza vaccination, haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titres were measured against three inactivated strains; a titre of ≥ 1/40 was considered protective. No patient had protective titres to all three antigens prior to vaccination and 41 patients (85%) had titres < 1/40 to all 3 strains. Post vaccination only 9/48 patients (19%) achieved protective antibody titres. Resistance to S. pneumoniae and response to Pneumovax II was also poor: prevaccination, 45 patients (93%) had suboptimal antibody titres and in 26/43 patients (61%) titres remained low post vaccination. Resistance to Hib and response to vaccination was comparable with the healthy adult UK population. These results question the practice of routine influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in myeloma patients. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaig
Large Igneous Provinces and Their Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusions
Here we provide an overview of the range of settings for mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions as part of the plumbing system of Large Igneous Provinces, and address the metallogenic implications
Reviewing the material and metal security of low-carbon energy transitions
The global transition to a low-carbon economy will involve changes in material markets and supply chains on a hitherto unknown scale and scope. With these changes come numerous challenges and opportunities related to supply chain security and sustainability. To help support decision-making as well as future research, this study employs a problem-oriented perspective while reviewing academic publications, technical reports, legal documents, and published industry data to highlight the increasingly interconnected nature of material needs and geopolitical change. The paper considers a broad set of issues including technologies, material supplies, investment strategies, communal concerns, innovations, modeling considerations, and policy trends to help contextualize policy decisions and regulatory responses. Policy options are outlined for each topical section, as well as areas for further research. Together, these recommendations serve to help guide the complex, interdisciplinary approach to materials required for a low-carbon transition
Ethical, legal and social aspects of human cerebral organoids and their governance in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States
From training to artisanal practice : rethinking choreographic relationships in modern dance
In the first part of the twentieth century early modern dancers created both a new art form and the forms of group social organisation that were its condition of possibility. This paper critically examines the balletic and disciplinary ‘training’ model of dancer formation and proposes that the assumption of training in dance can obscure other ways of understanding dance-making relationships and other values in early modern dance. An ‘artisanal’ mode of production and knowledge transmission based on a non-binary relationship between ‘master’ and apprentice and occurring in a quasi-domestic and personalised space of some intimacy is proposed as a more pertinent way to think the enabling conditions of modern dance creation
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