Constraining the GENIE model of neutrino-induced single pion production using reanalyzed bubble chamber data

The longstanding discrepancy between bubble chamber measurements of $\nu_\mu$-induced single pion production channels has led to large uncertainties in pion production cross section parameters for many years. We extend the reanalysis of pion production data in deuterium bubble chambers where this discrepancy is solved (Wilkinson et al., PRD 90 (2014) 112017) to include the $\nu_{\mu}n\rightarrow \mu^{-}p\pi^{0}$ and $\nu_{\mu}n\rightarrow \mu^{-}n\pi^{+}$ channels, and use the resulting data to fit the parameters of the GENIE (Rein-Sehgal) pion production model. We find a set of parameters that can describe the bubble chamber data better than the GENIE default parameters, and provide updated central values and reduced uncertainties for use in neutrino oscillation and cross section analyses which use the GENIE model. We find that GENIE's non-resonant background prediction has to be significantly reduced to fit the data, which may help to explain the recent discrepancies between simulation and data observed by the MINERvA coherent pion and NOvA oscillation analyses.Comment: v3: Updated to match published versio

El SHAPE de doblamiento de tRNA y del extremo 5' del genoma VIH-1

Desarrolla un método rápido y exacto para determinar la estructura secundaria del ARN y usarlo para entender el doblamiento de ARN y del extremo 5' del genoma de VIH-1. ARN se dobla en estructuras complejas y difíciles de predecir; durante el proceso de doblamiento algunos nucleótidos se hacen flexibles. En el presente trabajo se identificó una molécula que modifica nucleótidos flexibles. Esta reacción fue ligada a extensión con cebadores y este proceso se llama SHAPE (Selective 2'-Hydroxyl Acylation analyzed by Primer Extension). Se utilizó SHAPE para demostrar que el doblamiento de ARNt involucra interacciones no jerárquicas. Además, se usó SHAPE para observar el genoma de VIH-1 en cuatro estados diferentes.Most RNAs function only once they fold to form difficult-to-predict base-paired helices and other structural elements. As an RNA forms a preferred secondary or tertiary structure, a characteristic set of nucleotides becomes constrained by base pairing and higher-order interactions, while unconconstrained positions remain flexible. Determining local nucleotide flexibility as a function of nucleotide position in a folded RNA provides important information that enables the sequence and structure of an RNA to be related to its biological function. I have developed a technology, termed selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE), that can be used to interrogate RNA structure under diverse in vitro and in vivo conditions. SHAPE chemistry can be applied to monitor protein binding events and locate promising sites for primer annealing in arbitrary RNA. SHAPE chemistry is based on the discovery that flexible RNA nucleotides preferentially sample conformations that enhance the nucleophilic reactivity of the 2'-hydroxyl group toward electrophiles, such as N-methylisatoic anhydride. Modified sites are detected as stops in an optimized DNA primer extension reaction, followed by sizing of the extension products. SHAPE chemistry scores local flexibility at all four ribonucleotides in a single experiment and discriminates between base-paired versus unconstrained residues with a dynamic range of 20-fold or greater. I have applied SHAPE chemistry to observe equilibrium melting of a model tRNA at single nucleotide resolution. I observed that RNA folding is a complex process involving structural rearrangement and the formation of tertiary structure concurrent with secondary structure. Furthermore, I have employed capillary electrophoresis and sophisticated analysis algorithms to create a high-throughput SHAPE (hSHAPE) experiment that can comprehensively interrogate the flexibility of several hundred nucleotides in a single robust experiment. Using hSHAPE, I analyzed the structure of HIV-1 genomic RNA as a function of 4 different biologically relevant states, including infectious viral particles. Despite many thermodynamically plausible structures, the HIV-1 genome exists in a single conformation. I observed the effects of tRNA primer binding, and the effects of nucleocapsid protein on RNA flexibility. hSHAPE chemistry is a promising, scalable approach that can rapidly and accurately analyze the structure of RNA molecules under biologically relevant conditions.Estados Unidos. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Graduate Student FellowshipTesi

The Breeding of Wolves: Understanding the Escalation Continuum & Escalation Dynamics of Contemporary Sex Trafficking Demand

This quantitative, quasi-longitudinal research was conducted to empirically examine if sex-demand buyer behavior of heterosexual males is causational based on commonplace societal and transgenerational influences. These causational influences are termed “escalation dynamics,” which can lay on a ranged scale from adolescent development through adulthood, termed an “escalation continuum.” This research aimed to research how and why a heterosexual male becomes a sex buyer from different influences over a developmental time frame. Participants had to meet the criteria of being a heterosexual male, having been arrested for sex-demand buying, and currently participating or having completed the Sex Buyers Transformation and Restoration (STAR) Program. The 67-question My Sex Life Survey was completed online by 56 respondents. The results indicated a correlation between developmental influences, i.e., escalation dynamics, such as hegemonic masculinity, traditional male roles, internet pornography, strip clubs, and beliefs leading to the objectification of prostituted females. The research showed multiple significant inferences on sex-demand buyer behavior concerning negative heterosexual male influences from adolescents to adulthood. Furthermore, the results showed and exposed a range of sex-demand buyers as being more or less hegemonic in their masculinity traits, suggesting that men who suffer more significant strain suffer greater symptoms of hegemonic masculinity

Iron chelation promotes mitophagy through SENP3-mediated deSUMOylation of FIS1

The selective clearance of mitochondria by mitophagy is an important quality control mechanism for maintaining mitochondrial and cellular health. Iron chelation, for example by the compound deferiprone (DFP), leads to a specific form of PINK1-PRKN/Parkin-independent mitophagy; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. In our recent paper, we examined the role of the deSUMOylating enzyme SENP3 in DFP-induced mitophagy. We observed that SENP3 levels are enhanced by DFP treatment, and that SENP3 is essential for DFP-induced mitophagy. Furthermore, we identified the mitochondrial protein FIS1, which is also required for DFP-induced mitophagy, as a novel SUMO substrate. Our data demonstrate that SENP3-dependent deSUMOylation of FIS1 enhances FIS1 mitochondrial targeting, to promote mitophagy in response to DFP treatment. These findings offer new insight into the mechanisms underlying mitophagy upon iron chelation, and have relevance to the therapeutic potential of DFP in a number of disorders, including Parkinson disease

Bat Monitoring, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri: Sound and Seismic Effects

The U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood (Installation) has prepared a Biological Assessment (BA) to evaluate effects of the construction and operation of a Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) range on threatened and endangered species at the Installation. A pilot monitoring plan will describe the process in which field data are to be gathered and timelines in which field data are processed and/or reported. The data collected during this pilot monitoring survey will be used to validate the noise and seismic estimations, as described in the BA, for MICLIC detonations and ensure that thresholds of sound and vibration have not been surpassed. If field data results surpass thresholds, the USFWS will be consulted and appropriate coordination will be conducted. Dr. Kevin Mickus, geophysicist and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geography, Geology, and Planning at Missouri State University (MSU), was the lead scientist on the pilot monitoring survey to assess the noise and sound effects during MICLIC testing. He was assisted in the field by Paul Wilkerson, an undergraduate student in geology. The seismic and sound data were collected at King Cave which is the closest of the seven caves to the MICLIC Range

Increasing the voluntary and community sector’s involvement in Integrated Offender Management(IOM)

As part of an undertaking to increase voluntary and community sector (VCS) involvement in service delivery, the Home Office set up an initiative to provide small grants to VCS organisations to work with IOM partnerships. The Home Office commissioned an evaluation of the initiative which aimed to: explore the strengths and weaknesses of the funding model; identify perceived barriers and facilitators to voluntary and community sector involvement in IOM; explore how the Home Office might best work with the VCS to encourage and support their capacity to work in partnership with statutory agencies; and identify any implications for the delivery of future similar projects

Physiological correlates of performance in international-standard squash players

Tactical, technical and fitness factors are important for success in elite squash. While tactical and endurance fitness aspects have been explored, altered demands that have resulted from rule changes and absence of specific tests of high-intensity exercise capabilities have prevented identification of elements of fitness that correlate with performance in elite-standard players. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between test scores and player rank in such players. With institutional ethics approval, 31 players from the England Squash performance programme participated (11 women and 20 men, mean±SD body mass 62.4±5.5 kg and 73.1±7.5 kg respectively). After habituation, participants completed countermovement and drop-jump tests, squash-specific tests of change-of-direction speed and multiple-sprint ability and the multistage fitness test in one test session. Short recoveries were allowed between tests. World rank at the time of testing was obtained from the Professional Squash Association website. In men, change-of-direction speed (??=?0.59, p?=?0.02, n?=?14) multiple-sprint ability (??=?0.78, p<0.01, n?=?13) and fastest sprint from the multiple-sprint test (??=?0.86, p<0.01, n?=?13) correlated with world rank. In women, only fastest repetition from the multiple-sprint test correlated with world rank (??=?0.65, p?=?0.04, n?=?10). Measures of high-intensity exercise capability correlated with world rank in elite-standard men and women players. Endurance capability did not relate to rank in either the men or women. The results suggest that high-intensity, variable-direction exercise capabilities are important for success in elite squash