Olfactory Recognition in Couples

The present study is an attempt to examine if couples can recognize the body odor of their significant other in a t-shirt worn for two days. Nine couples were in the experimental group (couples who had been dating at least six months), while the control group consisted of eight women and seven men (strangers to each other at the beginning of the study). The hypothesis that previous experience improves correct olfactory identification was not supported. When compared to women in the control group, men in the control group were better at recognizing their own shirt. When compared to men in the control group, women in the control group were better at identifying the shirt of a specific male participant

Modeling the Effects of prl Mutations on the Escherichia coli SecY Complex

The apparatus responsible for translocation of proteins across bacterial membranes is the conserved SecY complex, consisting of SecY, SecE, and SecG. Prior genetic analysis provided insight into the mechanisms of protein export, as well as the interactions between the component proteins. In particular, the prl suppressor alleles of secE and secY, which allow export of secretory proteins with defective signal sequences, have proven particularly useful. Here, we report the isolation of novel mutations in secE and secY, as well as the phenotypic effects of combinations of prl mutations. These new alleles, as well as previously characterized prl mutations, were analyzed in light of the recently published crystal structure of the archaeal SecY complex. Our results support and expand a model of Prl suppressor activity that proposes that all of the prlA and prlG alleles either destabilize the closed state of the channel or stabilize the open form. These mutants thus allow channel opening to occur without the triggering event of signal sequence binding that is required in a wild-type complex

In Your Face: Our Experience With Proactive Chat Reference

Reference at our academic library, following an interval of protracted decline, recently went through a renaissance period following the evolution of our chat reference service. This change was brought about by a desire to more actively capture today’s digitally native students. Academic libraries have previously sought to increase usage of their reference services by a variety of methods, including physically roving through the library or offering satellite locations. In an attempt to mirror that approach in an online environment, we implemented a proactive chat widget that allowed us to “e-rove” to students throughout our library’s website and catalog. Our previous chat implementation was passive in nature, requiring students to seek out help, often prior to searching. This meant that students would need to seek out the chat button in order to use the service. The redesign of chat reference included a proactive widget that popped-up, getting the users attention and encouraging them to chat with a librarian. The transition to a proactive approach resulted in a staggering increase in the number of chats that occured. This dramatic increase resulted in both positive and negative effects for students and librarians alike. The philosophy of reference at our academic library calls upon librarians to treat each reference interaction as an instructional opportunity. A hallmark of outstanding customer service is the anticipation of patron needs, and actively offering assistance. The increase in chat volume often called into question our ability to provide adequate patron instruction and quality service. Our presentation will discuss the successes and challenges brought on by this change from a passive chat service to a proactive one. We will discuss topics such as: the quality (READ Scale) of chat reference questions that occured during this evolution, how the volume increase impacted librarian responsibilities and how the library reacted to each of these events. In an age where many academic libraries are seeing a decline in reference services, chat reference brings this service to the 21st century at lightning speed. By fine tuning their own chat references services, libraries can make research even more relevant for today’s student

Modeling the Effects of prl Mutations on the Escherichia coli SecY Complex

The apparatus responsible for translocation of proteins across bacterial membranes is the conserved SecY complex, consisting of SecY, SecE, and SecG. Prior genetic analysis provided insight into the mechanisms of protein export, as well as the interactions between the component proteins. In particular, the prl suppressor alleles of secE and secY, which allow export of secretory proteins with defective signal sequences, have proven particularly useful. Here, we report the isolation of novel mutations in secE and secY, as well as the phenotypic effects of combinations of prl mutations. These new alleles, as well as previously characterized prl mutations, were analyzed in light of the recently published crystal structure of the archaeal SecY complex. Our results support and expand a model of Prl suppressor activity that proposes that all of the prlA and prlG alleles either destabilize the closed state of the channel or stabilize the open form. These mutants thus allow channel opening to occur without the triggering event of signal sequence binding that is required in a wild-type complex

Relating Spatial Patterns of Stream Metabolism to Distributions of Juveniles Salmonids at the River Network Scale

Understanding the factors that drive spatial patterns in stream ecosystem processes and the distribution of aquatic biota is important to effective management of these systems and the conservation of biota at the network scale. In this study, we conducted field surveys throughout an extensive river network in NE Oregon that supports diminishing populations of wild salmonids. We collected data on physical habitat, nutrient concentrations, biofilm standing stocks, stream metabolism (gross primary production [GPP] and ecosystem respiration [ER]), and ESA‐listed juvenile salmonid density from approximately 50 sites across two sub‐basins. Our goals were to (1) to evaluate network patterns in these metrics, and (2) determine network‐scale linkages among these metrics, thus providing inference of processes driving observed patterns. Ambient nitrate‐N and phosphate‐P concentrations were low across both sub‐basins (\u3c40 μg/L). Nitrate‐N decreased with watershed area in both sub‐basins, but phosphate‐P only decreased in one sub‐basin. These spatial patterns suggest co‐limitation in one sub‐basin but N limitation in the other; experimental results using nutrient diffusing substrates across both sub‐basins supported these predictions. Solar exposure, temperature, GPP, ER, and GPP:ER increased with watershed area, but biofilm Chl a and ash‐free dry mass (AFDM) did not. Spatial statistical network (SSN) models explained between 70% and 75% of the total variation in biofilm Chl a, AFDM, and GPP, but only 21% of the variation in ER. Temperature and nutrient concentrations were the most supported predictors of Chl aand AFDM standing stocks, but these variables explained little of the total variation compared to spatial autocorrelation. In contrast, solar exposure and temperature were the most supported variables explaining GPP, and these variables explained far more variation than autocorrelation. Solar exposure, temperature, and nutrient concentrations explained almost none of the variation in ER. Juvenile salmonids—a key management focus in these sub‐basins—were most abundant in cool stream sections where rates of GPP were low, suggesting temperature constraints on these species restrict their distribution to oligotrophic areas where energy production at the base of the food web may be limited

Comparison of Factorization-Based Filtering for Landing Navigation

No abstract availabl

Public diplomacy in a networked society: The Chinese government–NGO coalition network on acquired immune deficiency syndrome prevention

In the era of globalization, the line between domestic and international communication is becoming increasingly blurred. Public diplomacy communication is one such case. Public diplomacy has evolved from a focus on mass media to communication efforts to build transnational communication networks of relationships with respected international non-governmental organizations. This article explores how the Chinese government communicated with and collaborated with transnational human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome international non-governmental organizations. The findings of a network analysis of Chinese-international non-governmental organizations public diplomacy suggest that the Chinese government is strategically communicating with international organizations to help address a domestic issue. Additionally, the findings of a content analysis of international media coverage of China’s management of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome issue suggest that more positive frames are occurring in the news. China is now viewed as making progress in its handling of the health crisis.Yeshttps://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/manuscript-submission-guideline

Riverbed sediments buffer phosphorus concentrations downstream of sewage treatment works across the River Wensum catchment, UK

Purpose: Wastewater effluent discharged into rivers from sewage treatment works (STWs) represents one of the most important point sources of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) pollution and is a major driver of freshwater eutrophication. In this study, we assess the ability of riverbed sediments to act as a self-regulating buffering system to reduce SRP dissolved in the water column downstream of STW outflows. Materials and methods: River water and riverbed sediment samples were collected from 10 tributary outlets across the River Wensum catchment, Norfolk, UK, at monthly intervals between July and October 2016, such that 40 sediment and 40 water samples were collected in total. Of these locations, five were located downstream of STWs and five were on tributaries without STWs. Dissolved SRP concentrations were analysed and the Equilibrium Phosphorus Concentration (EPC0) of each sediment sample was measured to determine whether riverbed sediments were acting as net sources or sinks of SRP. Results and discussion: The mean SRP concentration downstream of STWs (382 µg P L-1) was double that of sites without a STW (185 µg P L-1), whilst the mean EPC0 for effluent impacted sites (105 µg P L-1) was 70% higher than that recorded at unaffected sites (62 µg P L-1). Regardless of STW influence, riverbed sediments across all 10 sites almost always acted as net sinks for SRP from the overlying water column. This was particularly true at sites downstream of STWs which displayed enhanced potential to buffer the river against increases in SRP released in sewage effluent. Conclusions: Despite EPC0 values revealing riverbed sediments were consistently acting as sinks for SRP, elevated SRP concentrations downstream of STWs clearly demonstrate the sediments have insufficient SRP sorption capacity to completely buffer the river against effluent discharge. Consequently, SRP concentrations across the catchment continue to exceed recommended standards for good chemical status, thus emphasising the need for enhanced mitigation efforts at STWs to minimise riverine phosphorus loading

The talar morphology of a hypochondroplasic dwarf: A case study from the Italian Late Antique period

This project aims to test whether geometric morphometric (GM) and trabecular analyses may be useful tools in identifying talar characteristics related to hypochondroplasia. We quantified the external and internal talar morphology of a hypochondroplasic dwarf (T17) from Modena (northern Italy) dated to the sixth century AD. External talar morphology of T17 was compared with a broad sample of modern human tali (n = 159) using GM methods. Additionally, a subsample of these tali (n = 41) was used to investigate whole talar trabecular changes in T17. Our results show that GM and trabecular analyses identify a combination of traits linked to the dwarfing disorder of hypochondroplasia. These traits include decreased scaled talar dimensions compared with normal-sized individuals, presence of an accessory antero-lateral talar facet, high bone volume fraction, and high anisotropy values throughout the entire talus. In our case study, hypochondroplasia does not appear to substantially modify external talar morphology probably due to the fast growth of the talus. We suggest that small talar dimensions are associated with hypochondroplasia. An antero-lateral talar facet may result from the talus and calcaneus coalition (i.e., talocalcaneal abnormal bridging) possibly related to an everted foot posture that was limited by overgrowth of the fibula. We suggest that high talar trabecular density and strut orientation provide insights into pathological development of the trabecular plates in T17. Finally, our study suggests that high talar trabecular density and strut orientation, and small talar dimensions, may be added as possible concomitant talar hallmarks for hypochondroplasia