Adenosine to inosine editing by ADAR2 requires formation of a ternary complex on the GluR-B R/G site

RNA editing by members of the ADAR (adenosine deaminase that acts on RNA) enzyme family involves hydrolytic deamination of adenosine to inosine within the context of a double-stranded pre-mRNA substrate. Editing of the human GluR-B transcript is catalyzed by, the enzyme ADAR2 at the Q/R and R/G sites. We have established a minimal RNA substrate for editing based on the RIG site and have characterized the interaction of ADAR2 with this RNA by gel shift, kinetic, and cross-linking analyses. Gel shift analysis revealed that two complexes are formed on the RNA as protein concentration is increased; the ADAR monomers can be crosslinked to one another in an RNA-dependent fashion. We performed a detailed kinetic study of the editing reaction; the data from this study are consistent with a reaction scheme in which formation of an ADAR2.RNA ternary complex is required for efficient RNA editing and in which formation of this complex is rate determining. These observations suggest that RNA adenosine deaminases function as homodimers on their RNA substrates and may partially explain regulation of RNA editing in these systems

Applying Vector Fitting for Measurement-based Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Model Identification of a Grid-Forming Converter

This paper presents an approach for applying Vector Fitting (VF) to identify a small-signal state-space model of a power electronic converter represented as a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. A workflow for the proposed model identification procedure is presented, with focus on aspects related to the processing of data from measurements and on the configuration of the VF algorithm. An example of how a small-signal state-space model can be identified from laboratory measurements on a 50 kW grid-forming converter is presented to demonstrate how VF is suitable for identifying black-box MIMO models of power converters. The identification procedure is applied to the full matrix of transfer functions between the input and output combinations obtained from the laboratory measurements. The accuracy of the resulting state-space model is verified in the frequency-domain and by time-domain simulations. Finally, limitations of the presented approach are discussed. Index Terms—power electronic systems, model identification, state-space models, MIMO systems, laboratory experimentsApplying Vector Fitting for Measurement-based Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Model Identification of a Grid-Forming ConverteracceptedVersio

Polynomial Fitting of Operating Point Dependency in Small-Signal State-Space Models for Power Electronic Converters

This paper presents an approach for representing nonlinear operating point dependencies in small-signal state-space modelling of power electronic converters. The intended application is for unifying a set of small-signal models identified from black-box simulation models or physical measurements into a single operating point dependent model. The approach is based on a polynomial fitting of the operating point dependency of the matrix elements in a state-space modal representation. The fitted expressions for the matrix elements provide a single model that can be utilized for small-signal analysis in a wide range of operating conditions and prevents the need for investigation of individual models at each operation point. Two different cases are discussed for evaluating the applicability of the presented approach, including a grid-forming converter with a Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM)-based control and a conventional grid-following converter with dc-link voltage control. The results show that a quadratic fitting of the matrix elements can provide acceptable model accuracy in most cases. Index Terms—power electronic systems, model identification, state-space models, small-signal analysis, MIMO-systems, laboratory experimentsPolynomial Fitting of Operating Point Dependency in Small-Signal State-Space Models for Power Electronic ConvertersacceptedVersio

Contemporary Pastoralism in the Dhofar Mountains of Oman

In the Dhofar Mountains of Oman stakeholders are concerned about the social and ecological sustainability of pastoralism. In this study we used interviews with pastoralists to examine the prevailing drivers of pastoralism and how they are changing. We find that people are committed to pastoralism for sociocultural reasons, but also that this commitment is under pressure because of husbandry costs and changing values. We find that capital investment in feedstuff enables pastoralists to overcome the density-dependent regulation of livestock populations. However, high production costs deter investment in marketing and commercialization, and there is little offtake of local livestock. Our study reveals how pastoral values, passed down within households, motivate pastoralism in the face of high husbandry costs, modernization and social change

Characterising the interventions designed to affect the reporting of musculoskeletal imaging: a scoping review protocol using the COM-B model.

Introduction Attributing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain to normal and commonly occurring imaging findings, such as tendon, cartilage and spinal disc degeneration, has been shown to increase people's fear of movement, reduce their optimism about recovery and increase healthcare costs. Interventions seeking to reduce the negative effects of MSK imaging reporting have had little effect. To understand the ineffectiveness of these interventions, this study seeks to scope their behavioural targets, intended mechanisms of action and theoretical underpinnings. This information alongside known barriers to helpful reporting can enable researchers to refine or create new more targeted interventions. Methods and analysis The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Search terms will be devised by the research team. Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and PsycINFO from inception to current day will be performed. The review will include studies, which have developed or evaluated interventions targeting the reporting of MSK imaging. Studies targeting the diagnosis of serious causes of MSK pain will be excluded. Two independent authors will extract study participant data using predefined extraction templates and intervention details using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. Interventions will be coded and mapped to the technique, mechanism of action and behavioural target according to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model categories. Any explicit models or theories used to inform the selection of interventions will be extracted and coded. The study characteristics, behaviour change techniques identified, behavioural targets according to the COM-B and context specific theories within the studies will be presented in narrative and table form. Ethics and dissemination The information from this review will be used to inform an intervention design process seeking to improve the communication of imaging results. The results will also be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and stakeholder events

Risk indicators to identify intimate partner violence in the emergency department

Background: Intimate partner violence against women is prevalent and is associated with poor health outcomes. Understanding indicators of exposure to intimate partner violence can assist health care professionals to identify and respond to abused women. This study was undertaken to determine the strength of association between selected evidence-based risk indicators and exposure to intimate partner violence. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 768 English-speaking women aged 18–64 years who presented to 2 emergency departments in Ontario, Canada, participants answered questions about risk indicators and completed the Composite Abuse Scale to determine their exposure to intimate partner violence in the past year. Results: Intimate partner violence was significantly associated with being separated, in a common-law relationship or single (odds ratio [OR]

Infant sleep and anxiety disorders in early childhood: Findings from an Australian pregnancy cohort study

Emphasis on continuous infant sleep overnight may be driven by parental concern of risk to child mental health outcomes. The Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS) examined whether infant sleep at 6 and 12 months postpartum predicts anxiety disorders at 2–4 years, and whether this is moderated by maternal depression, active physical comforting (APC) or maternal cognitions about infant sleep. Data included 349 women and infants. Infant sleep was measured using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and child anxiety disorders by the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment. The risk of developing generalised anxiety or social phobia disorders at 3–4 years was reduced by 42% (p = 0.001) and 31% (p = 0.001), respectively, for a one standard deviation increase in total sleep at 12 months. No other infant sleep outcomes were associated. Maternal depression, APC and cognitions about infant sleep did not significantly moderate these relationships. Focus may need to be on total infant sleep, rather than when sleep is achieved. Highlights: To assess whether infant sleep outcomes (i.e., frequency of nocturnal wakes; nocturnal wakefulness and total sleep per day) at 6 and 12 months predict early childhood anxiety disorders at 3–4 years of age. Maternally reported infant sleep outcomes were not associated with the risk of developing early childhood anxiety disorders at 3–4 years. It may be total infant sleep, irrespective of when sleep occurs or night waking and, independently, active physical comforting that requires further investigation