The Role of Ferritin in Iron Regulation

Iron plays a critical role in biological systems. Its variable redox properties make it a tremendously versatile element. It is involved in numerous cellular processes including; oxygen transport, nucleotide synthesis, nitrogen fixation, electron transport and a host of metabolic reactions. Without it, nearly all life would cease to function. However, under certain circumstances iron can be extremely detrimental to biological systems and has been linked to numerous pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, Parkinson\u27s disease, Alzheimer\u27s and atherosclerosis. In the presence oxygen, Fe(II) is rapidly oxidized to Fe(III), and oxygen is reduced to potentially deleterious oxygen radicals (1). These radicals, especially the hydroxyl radical, are powerful oxidants, capable of oxidizing DNA, lipids and proteins (2). As a result, biological systems have developed intricate methods for maximizing the benefits of iron utilization while at the same time minimizing its destructiveness

Characterization of the Aquistore CO2 project storage site, Saskatchewan, Canada

AbstractAquistore is a new integrated Carbon Capture and Storage demonstration project in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. An extensive geological, geophysical, petrophysical, hydrogeological, and geochemical characterization program was undertaken using both pre-existing and newly-acquired data at this site. Data were assembled into several geological models that were used to support planning and permitting of the project. Carbon dioxide will be injected into a permeable sandstone interval approximately 150m thick using a newly-drilled 3400m deep injection well and monitored, in part, using a new 3400m deep instrumented observation well that is 150m away from the injection well. All of the integrated characterization work at the site thus far indicates strongly favorable conditions for geological CO2 storage in the subsurface at Aquistore

If the University Is in the Computer, Where Does That Leave the Library? MOOCs Discovered

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are disrupting the traditional view of learning and the academy. Using technology, high-quality courses taught by some of the brightest minds are now available to unprecedented numbers of students. The university now has the potential to be in the computer. If the university is truly in the computer, what does that mean for the library? In this plenary session, Meredith Schwartz from Library Journal shares highlights from her article “Massive Open Opportunity: Supporting MOOCs in Public and Academic Libraries,” with an emphasis on academic communities. Key topics include definitions, current and future trends, and the potential impact of MOOCs on the library’s role, financials, policies, and collections. From this paper, learn more about this growing phenomenon and how your library can be involved

Regulatory T cells in helminth infection: induction, function and therapeutic potential

Helminth parasites infect an alarmingly large proportion of the world’s population, primarily within tropical regions, and their ability to down‐modulate host immunity is key to their persistence. Helminths have developed multiple mechanisms that induce a state of hyporesponsiveness or immune suppression within the host; of particular interest are mechanisms that drive the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Helminths actively induce Tregs either directly by secreting factors, such as the TGF‐β mimic Hp‐TGM, or indirectly by interacting with bystander cell types such as dendritic cells and macrophages which then induce Tregs. Expansion of Tregs not only enhances parasite survival but in cases such as filarial infection, Tregs also play a role in preventing parasite‐associated pathologies. Furthermore, Tregs generated during helminth infection have been associated with suppression of bystander immunopathologies in a range of inflammatory conditions such as allergy and autoimmune disease. In this review we discuss evidence from natural and experimental infections that point to the pathways and molecules involved in helminth Treg induction, and postulate how parasite‐derived molecules and/or Tregs might be applied as anti‐inflammatory therapies in the future

Automated Annotation-Based Bio-Ontology Alignment with Structural Validation

We outline the structure of an automated process to both align multiple bio-ontologies in terms of their genomic co-annotations, and then to measure the structural quality of that alignment. We illustrate the method with a genomic analysis of 70 genes implicated in lung disease against the Gene Ontology

Telemetric Observations of Foraging Ozark Big-Eared Bats in Arkansas

Ozark big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) foraging activities were studied during 1995 in Marion County, Arkansas. Adult bats were equipped with radiotransmitters and tracked during June and July. Foraging activities were generally within 1 kilometer (km) of the roost cave. Male bats ranged farther than females with the exception of one female that flew 2.5 km into a different watershed. Male big-eared bats and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) were also found within the maternity colony

Technology development for the early detection of plant pests : a framework for assessing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in environmental science

This work was supported by a grant funded jointly by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Forestry Commission, the Natural Environment Research Council and the Scottish Government, under the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative.Innovation in environmental fields such as plant health is complex because of unbounded challenges and lack of certainty of commercial uptake. In this paper we present a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, specifically to assist with assessment of technologies to support detection of tree pests and pathogens, but also for wider potential adaptation. Biosecurity can be enhanced by improved early detection of pests and pathogens, but development and deployment of new technologies requires robust scrutiny. We critically analyse the concept, practice and applicability of TRLs. Interviews revealed scientist perspectives during the development process of five novel early plant pest and pathogen detection technologies. A retrospective, collective narrative of one technology from concept to commercial deployment was undertaken. We then developed a calculator tool for assessment of biosecurity TRLs. Our findings illustrate the iterative process of technology development, the challenges in final TRLs of acquiring funding to move from proven success to viable product, inefficiencies created through the need for multiple projects for each technology and the imperative to consider the wider socio-ecological technical landscape, including policy context. End user engagement was particularly valuable at beginning and end of the TRL scale. We conclude that the TRL framework comprises a robust approach to assess technologies in that it facilitates progress tracking, evaluation of success likelihood and identification of opportunities for investment. However, its potential will only be realised for environmental management if it is integrated into the socio-ecological technical landscape and wider discussions regarding knowledge co-production and valuing nature.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe