Molecular construction of HIV-gp120 discontinuous epitope mimics by assembly of cyclic peptides on an orthogonal alkyne functionalized TAC-scaffold

Mimics of discontinuous epitopes of for example bacterial or viral proteins may have considerable potential for the development of synthetic vaccines, especially if conserved epitopes can be mimicked. However, due to the structural complexity and size of discontinuous epitopes molecular construction of these mimics remains challeging. We present here a convergent route for the assembly of discontinuous epitope mimics by successive azide alkyne cycloaddition on an orthogonal alkyne functionalized scaffold. Here the synthesis of mimics of the HIV gp120 discontinuous epitope that interacts with the CD4 receptor is described. The resulting protein mimics are capable of inhibition of the gp120–CD4 interaction. The route is convergent, robust and should be applicable to other discontinuous epitopes

The role of livelihood, social capital, and market organization in shaping rural-urban interactions (post-print)

This chapter starts from the premise that economic actions can only be understood if looked upon as embedded in social structure. Therefore, it elaborates the concept of (sustainable) livelihood, which is taken to emanate from the interactions of actors with vital capitals. It argues that, in the context of globalization, livelihood becomes increasingly multidimensional and multilocal, spanning rural and urban areas at the same time. The chapter focuses on changing rural-urban linkages in West Africa, notably on the trade in maize, yam, and cattle in Benin. Expanding flows between rural areas and urban outlets are analysed against the background of the livelihood strategies of traders, paying special attention to trade organization, networks, entry modes, and accumulation paths. Emphasis is placed on the role of social capital in these interactions

The role of livelihood, social capital, and market organization in shaping rural-urban interactions

This chapter starts from the premise that economic actions can only be understood if looked upon as embedded in social structure. Therefore, it elaborates the concept of (sustainable) livelihood, which is taken to emanate from the interactions of actors with vital capitals. It argues that, in the context of globalization, livelihood becomes increasingly multidimensional and multilocal, spanning rural and urban areas at the same time. The chapter focuses on changing rural-urban linkages in West Africa, notably on the trade in maize, yam, and cattle in Benin. Expanding flows between rural areas and urban outlets are analysed against the background of the livelihood strategies of traders, paying special attention to trade organization, networks, entry modes, and accumulation paths. Emphasis is placed on the role of social capital in these interactions. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]ASC – Publicaties niet-programma gebonde

Cross-border cattle marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1990: geographical patterns and government induced change

This chapter aims to study the impact of government policies on cross-border cattle marketing in Africa. It analyses the extent to which this type of cross-border trade has been created, diverted or contracted as a result of government policies. The chapter portrays the geographical patterns of cattle trade in the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods. It examines the main reasons for the increase, decline or diversion of cross-border cattle trade and it specifically pays attention to trade and other policies. The volume of cross-border cattle trade in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is often long distance trade, became significant when the colonial economy developed. Population growth, export production and increased incomes triggered demand for meat in newly emerging consumption areas. Whereas colonial trade policies contributed little to this expansion in West Africa, government interventions in East and Southern Africa had more impact. However, despite the stronger grip of the state on cattle marketing in East and Southern Africa, much of the cross-border cattle trade in these regions was in the hands of private traders like in West Africa. In the post-colonial era, government interventions increased through the creation of cattle and meat marketing boards. However, in West Africa many of these boards never functioned properly. In East and Southern Africa their impact was substantial, still most of them were dismantled under structural adjustment programs. The chapter concludes that mainly changes in supply caused by (civil) wars and droughts, and changes in demand caused by rising and falling economic prosperity have had significant impact on cross-border cattle trade, which was accordingly created, diverted or contracted. Notwithstanding differences between West Africa on the one hand and East and Southern Africa on the other, government policies aiming at intervention in cattle marketing only temporarily and to a smaller extent affected cross-border trade. Slightly more important are general economic policies resulting for example in currency fluctuations. Private cattle traders are acknowledged for their remarkable responsiveness to both short and long term opportunities cross-border cattle trade, legal or illicit, offer to them

Формування органів управління кінематографа в Україні (1919)

У статті розглядається процес створення та діяльність органів управління кінематографа в перші роки функціонування радянської влади в Україні.В статье рассматривается процесс создания и деятельность органов управления кинематографа в первые годы функционирования советской власти в Украине.The process of creating and functioning of the cinematography authorities in the early years of the Soviet Union in Ukraine is examined in the article

A Proteinaceous Fraction of Wheat Bran May Interfere in the Attachment of Enterotoxigenic E. Coli K88 (F4+) to Porcine Epithelial Cells

Peer reviewe

Practicing Politics: technical project templates and political practice in a DFID country office

Development agencies including the UK Department for International Development (DFID) increasingly agree that if aid is to be effective, it should be politically smart and locally led. However, both the critical and the reformist literature have argued that development agencies persist with technical, template-driven programming: political analysis and practice have not been widely institutionalized. This study aims to identify why development representations are persistently technical in their form, and what blockages have existed for developing locally grounded and politically aware programmes. The article presents an ethnography of the process of developing the core elements of the governance portfolio in an (anonymized) DFID country office. Focusing on a key design workshop, the study is situated within a wider organizational ethnography. The persistently technical justifications for programmes are a result of the bureaucratic form itself, its accountability and approval processes. Political analyses represent countries in such a way that officials can prioritize selection from a repertoire of technical models. However, scepticism about the tractability of governance problems to such analyses and programming has led to an emerging understanding of politics that creates space within the bureaucratic form for politically aware practice. Politically aware programming should emphasize good operational practice over explicit analysis and should continue to emphasize technical models like the adaptive management models which create room for such practice

Correlations, Causes and the Logic of Obscuration: Donor Shaping of Dominant Narratives in Indonesia's Irrigation Development

This article analyses policy trends in Indonesian irrigation, particularly during the last five decades, from the perspective of dominant narratives, as authored, suggested and pushed by international donors. It argues that international donors' adherence to ‘deferred maintenance’ as the core element of irrigation policy problem framing does not match with farmers' and the irrigation agency staff perceptions and practices. The logic of obscuration and the discursive manoeuvers that maintain it are analysed. The article concludes that there is space for more profound conceptual contestation and for alternative actions pathways even within the ‘dominant paradigm’ to address management problems more effectively