On the e-Process: Its Components and their Neutron Excesses

The pattern of abundances within the iron-abundance peak of the solar system is analyzed for various Cr, Fe, and Ni abundances, and a method is developed for finding the best fit to a given set of abundances with a chosen number of zones, i.e., mass contributions characterized by differing values of eta. This material can be synthesized by a superposition of e-process compositions in a low-eta region (eta = 0.003) and a high-eta region (eta = 0.065 -0.080) with at least 85% coming from the low-eta region. Addition of a third eta zone is unproductive. The applicability of the particle-poor freeze out is discussed in the light of these abundances, and the results of employing different numbers and types of zones are interpreted as an indication of the relative abundances themselves. Ejection of the low-eta zones is of great interest in gamma-ray astronomy and for empirical testing of theories of nucleosynthesis. The distribution of high zones should give important information about the formation of collapsed remnants

Evidence for Distinct Components of the Galactic Stellar Halo from 838 RR Lyrae Stars Discovered in the LONEOS-I Survey

We present 838 ab-type RR Lyrae stars from the Lowell Observatory Near Earth Objects Survey Phase I (LONEOS-I). These objects cover 1430 deg^2 and span distances ranging from 3-30 kpc from the Galactic Center. Object selection is based on phased, photometric data with 28-50 epochs. We use this large sample to explore the bulk properties of the stellar halo, including the spatial distribution. The period-amplitude distribution of this sample shows that the majority of these RR Lyrae stars resemble Oosterhoff type I, but there is a significant fraction (26 %) which have longer periods and appear to be Oosterhoff type II. We find that the radial distributions of these two populations have significantly different profiles (rho_{OoI} ~ R^(-2.26 +- 0.07) and rho_{OoII} ~ R^(-2.88 +- 0.11). This suggests that the stellar halo was formed by at least two distinct accretion processes and supports dual-halo models.Comment: 18 pages, 28 figures, apjemulated, minor corrections and clarifications. Accepted to ApJ on Jan 21, 200

Apparent non-canonical trans-splicing is generated by reverse transcriptase in vitro

Trans-splicing, the in vivo joining of two RNA molecules, is well characterized in several groups of simple organisms but was long thought absent from fungi, plants and mammals. However, recent bioinformatic analyses of expressed sequence tag (EST) databases suggested widespread trans-splicing in mammals^1-2^. Splicing, including the characterised trans-splicing systems, involves conserved sequences at the splice junctions. Our analysis of a yeast non-coding RNA revealed that around 30% of the products of reverse transcription lacked an internal region of 117 nt, suggesting that the RNA was spliced. The junction sequences lacked canonical splice-sites but were flanked by direct repeats, and further analyses indicated that the apparent splicing actually arose because reverse transcriptase can switch templates during transcription^3^. Many newly identified, apparently trans-spliced, RNAs lacked canonical splice sites but were flanked by short regions of homology, leading us to question their authenticity. Here we report that all reported categories of non-canonical splicing could be replicated using an in vitro reverse transcription system with highly purified RNA substrates. We observed the reproducible occurrence of ostensible trans-splicing, exon shuffling and sense-antisense fusions. The latter generate apparent antisense non-coding RNAs, which are also reported to be abundant in humans^4^. Different reverse transcriptases can generate different products of template switching, providing a simple diagnostic. Many reported examples of splicing in the absence of canonical splicing signals may be artefacts of cDNA preparation

How to deal with uncertainty in prenatal genomics: A systematic review of guidelines and policies

Exome Sequencing (ES) enhanced the diagnostic yield of genetic testing, but has also increased the possibility of uncertain findings. Prenatal ES is increasingly being offered after a fetal abnormality is detected through ultrasound. It is important to know how to handle uncertainty in this particularly stressful period. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of guidelines available for addressing uncertainty related to prenatal chromosomal microarray (CMA) and ES. Ten uncertainty types associated with prenatal ES and CMA were identified and defined by an international multidisciplinary team. Medline (all) and Embase were systematically searched. Laboratory scientists, clinical geneticists, psychologists, and a fetal medicine specialist screened the papers and performed the data extraction. Nineteen papers were included. Recommendations generally emphasized the importance of trio analysis, clinical information, data sharing, validation and re-analysis, protocols, multidisciplinary teams, genetic counselling, whether to limit the possible scope of results, and when to report particular findings. This systematic review helps provide a vocabulary for uncertainties, and a compass to navigate uncertainties. Prenatal CMA and ES guidelines provide a strong starting point for determining how to handle uncertainty. Gaps in guidelines and recommendations were identified and discussed to provide direction for future research and policy making

Ротационная борона для грядовых обработок посадок картофеля

It was established that quality pre-emergence cultivation of potato ridges depends on possibility of surface copying by working tools of a rotary harrow because of their vibrations. Rotary harrow design having damping devices and V-shaped spike tooth was suggested. Energy consumption evaluation depending on its speed, soil drag, operating modes and design parameters of working tools were researched. The optimal chain changing tension range was founded (100-120 H). Thus, the specific traction resistance of the newly developed harrow equaled 200-210 H/m, or 20 percent lower than that of a serial one. Data of field experiments characterizing influence of a harrow on quality of ridge cultivation and yield of potatoes were presented. It was showed that it is possible to create more favorable conditions for development and growth of potato due to use new harrow. As result potatoes yield increased by 1.2 -1.5 t/ha, or 4-6 percent. Fuel savings amounted to 12 percent.Установили, что качество довсходовой обработки гряд зависит от возможности копирования поверхности рабочими органами ротационной бороны вследствие создания ими поперечных колебаний. Предложили конструкцию ротационной бороны с демпфирующими устройствами и зубом V-образной формы. Исследовали зависимость энергоемкости бороны от скорости ее движения, сопротивления почвы, режимов работы и конструктивных параметров рабочих органов. Выявили оптимальный диапазон натяжения цепи бороны (100-120 Н). При этом удельное тяговое сопротивление разработанной бороны составило 200-210 Н/м, или на 20 процентов ниже, чем у серийной. Привели данные полевых опытов, характеризующие влияние бороны на качество обработки гряды и урожайность картофеля. Показали возможность создания более благоприятных условий для развития и роста картофеля с помощью использования новой бороны, что повысило урожайность, в сравнении с серийной бороной, на 1,2-1,5 т/га, или на 4-6 процентов. Экономия топлива составила 12 процентов

The use of a P. falciparum specific coiled-coil domain to construct a self-assembling protein nanoparticle vaccine to prevent malaria.

The parasitic disease malaria remains a major global public health concern and no truly effective vaccine exists. One approach to the development of a malaria vaccine is to target the asexual blood stage that results in clinical symptoms. Most attempts have failed. New antigens such as P27A and P27 have emerged as potential new vaccine candidates. Multiple studies have demonstrated that antigens are more immunogenic and are better correlated with protection when presented on particulate delivery systems. One such particulate delivery system is the self-assembling protein nanoparticle (SAPN) that relies on coiled-coil domains of proteins to form stable nanoparticles. In the past we have used de novo designed amino acid domains to drive the formation of the coiled-coil scaffolds which present the antigenic epitopes on the particle surface. Here we use naturally occurring domains found in the tex1 protein to form the coiled-coil scaffolding of the nanoparticle. Thus, by engineering P27A and a new extended form of the coiled-coil domain P27 onto the N and C terminus of the SAPN protein monomer we have developed a particulate delivery system that effectively displays both antigens on a single particle that uses malaria tex1 sequences to form the nanoparticle scaffold. These particles are immunogenic in a murine model and induce immune responses similar to the ones observed in seropositive individuals in malaria endemic regions. We demonstrate that our P27/P27A-SAPNs induce an immune response akin to the one in seropositive individuals in Burkina Faso. Since P27 is highly conserved among different Plasmodium species, these novel SAPNs may even provide cross-protection between Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax the two major human malaria pathogens. As the SAPNs are also easy to manufacture and store they can be delivered to the population in need without complication thus providing a low cost malaria vaccine

Promotion of Prescription Drugs to Consumers and Providers, 2001–2010

Background: Pharmaceutical firms heavily promote their products and may have changed marketing strategies in response to reductions in new product approvals, restrictions on some forms of promotion, and the expanding role of biologic therapies. Methods: We used descriptive analyses of annual cross-sectional data from 2001 through 2010 to examine direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) (Kantar Media) and provider-targeted promotion (IMS Health and SDI), including: (1) inflation-adjusted total promotion spending ($and percent of sales); (2) distribution by channel (consumer v. provider); and (3) provider specialty both for the industry as a whole and for top-selling biologic and small molecule therapies. Results: Total promotion peaked in 2004 at US$36.1 billion (13.4% of sales). By 2010 it had declined to $27.7B (9.0$370 million (8.8% of sales) spent on promotion, top biologics were promoted less, with only $33 million (1.4% of sales) spent per product. Little change occurred in the composition of promotion between primary care physicians and specialists from 2001–2010. Conclusions: These findings suggest that pharmaceutical companies have reduced promotion following changes in the pharmaceutical pipeline and patent expiry for several blockbuster drugs. Promotional strategies for biologic drugs differ substantially from small molecule therapies

Сеялка для разноглубинного посева зерновых и внесения минеральных удобрений

The article presents the main results of a three-year research on the use of a seeder with openers for different depths of grain sowing and mineral fertilizers application.Research purpose To compare SKP-2.1 seeder equipped with experimental openers and the serially produced one and to determine the yield and quality indicators of spring soft wheat grain, depending on the sowing method and the rate of nitrogen mineral fertilizers application.Materials and methods A comparative field agrotechnical experiment was carried out to compare the indicators of field germination, yield by variants and the quality of grain obtained in different variants of the experiment. The experiment was carried out on Omskaya-36 soft spring wheat. The sowing performed by SKP-2.1 serially produced seeder-cultivator was taken as control. The experimental plots were sown with the same seeder but equipped with combined coulters, which are lancet paws that ensure the placement of granular mineral fertilizers and seeds in soil horizons of different depths.Results and discussion According to the three-year research, the maximum economic effect was obtained at the rate of ammonium nitrate application of 150 kg/ha. As a result, the yield increased by 0.44 t/ha, the cost of additional production accounted for 6740 rub/ha. A slight decrease in the economic effect was revealed with an increase in the rate of fertilizer application. It was determined that the maximum yield and the best grain quality characteristics both in the control sowing options and in the experimental ones were obtained with the application of ammonium nitrate a rate of 150 and 200 kg/ha.Conclusions It was established that the use of a seeder for different-depth grain sowing and mineral fertilizers application, depending on the spring weather conditions and the ammonium nitrate dose, provides an increase in field germination by 11-18%; the average annual increase in grain yield accounted for 16.3%. The gluten content proved to increase from 24.6 (control) to 29.8 percent.Привели основные результаты трехлетних исследований применения сеялки с сошниками для разноглубинного посева зерновых и внесения минеральных удобрений.Цель исследования Сравнить переоборудованную экспериментальными сошниками сеялку СКП-2,1 с серийной, определить урожай и качество зерна яровой мягкой пшеницы в зависимости от способа посева и нормы внесения азотных минеральных удобрений.Материалы и методы Провели сравнительный полевой агротехнический опыт, в ходе которого сопоставили показатели полевой всхожести, урожайности по вариантам и качества зерна мягкой яровой пшеницы Омская-36. Приняли за контроль посев, выполненный серийно производимой сеялкой-культиватором СКП-2,1. Экспериментальные делянки засевали той же сеялкой, но переоборудованной комбинированными сошниками, представляющими собой стрельчатые лапы, обеспечивающие размещение гранулированных минеральных удобрений и семян в разных по глубине горизонтах почвы.Результаты и обсуждение По результатам трехлетнего опыта максимальный экономический эффект получили при норме внесения аммиачной селитры 150 килограммов на гектар: прибавка урожая составила 0,44 тонны на гектар, стоимость дополнительной продукции – 6740 рублей на гектар. Выявили незначительное снижение экономического эффекта при увеличении нормы внесения удобрения. Определили, что максимальная урожайность и лучшие качественные характеристики зерна как на контрольных вариантах посева, так и на экспериментальных получены при внесении аммиачной селитры в норме 150 и 200 килограммов на гектар.Выводы Установили, что использование сеялки для разноглубинного посева зерновых и внесения минеральных удобрений в зависимости от погодных условий весны и дозы внесения аммиачной селитры обеспечивает прирост полевой всхожести на 11-18 процентов; средняя ежегодная прибавка урожая зерна составила 16,3 процента. Выявили повышение содержания клейковины с 24,6 (контроль) до 29,8 процента