The role of influenza neuraminidase transmembrane domain on budding and virus morphology

Influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA), a type II transmembrane glycoprotein plays a role in the cleavage of sialic acids and facilitating the release of mature virions from the surface of infected cells. NA has also previously been shown to play a role in virion formation during influenza A virus budding, although the exact mechanisms by which NA contributes to influenza virion formation and morphology is currently unknown. Previous research has shown that mutations within the transmembrane domain (TMD) of NA can result in alteration in virion morphology, particularly in the production of filament like influenza virions. In this research project we examined if the TMD does indeed play a role in influenza virus budding and morphology. We utilised both full and partial mutations of the TMD of NA from A/WSN/33, a primarily spherical lab adapted influenza strain, with the TMD of a primarily filamentous strain A/California/09. To evaluate the effects of TMD on the morphology of a primarily spherical strain with that of filamentous strain. This study used a transfection based virus like particle (VLP) system to examine the effects of TMD alterations on morphology, utilising various biochemical and microscopy methods. Our findings show that as previously indicated mutations within the TMD do result in alterations to virion morphology, as well as showing that despite previous theories both NA and NA’s TMD may play a more active role in in budding and morphology than previously though

Exports, Technical Progress and Productivity Growth in Chinese Manufacturing Industries

Theories suggesting either static or dynamic productivity gains derived from exports often assume the prior existence of a perfect market. In the presence of market failure, however, the competition effect and the resource reallocation effect of exports on productive efficiency may be greatly reduced; and there may actually be disincentives for innovation. This paper analyses the impact of exports on total factor productivity (TFP) growth in a transition economy using a panel of Chinese manufacturing industries over the period 1990-1997. TFP growth is estimated by employing a non-parametric approach and is decomposed into technical progress and efficiency change. We have not found evidence suggesting significant productivity gains at the industry level resulting from exports. Findings of the current study suggest that, for exports to generate significant positive effect on TFP growth, a well?developed domestic market and a neutral, outward-oriented policy are necessary.exports, industrial efficiency, technical progress, productivity

Assessing the Determinants and Implications of Teacher Layoffs

Analyzes the factors that predict which teachers are likely to be laid off in Washington state in the current seniority-based system and which would likely be laid off in an effectiveness-based system. Considers implications for student achievement

The Privilege to Write What You Want

Roddy Doyle Talks to Joanna KosmalskaThis interview is part of a literature project DEC-2011/01/B/HS2/05120 financed by the National Science Centre

The best marker for guiding the clinical management of patients with raised intracranial pressure: the RAP index or the mean pulse amplitude?

Raised intracranial pressure is a common problem in a variety of neurosurgical conditions including traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus and intracranial haemorrhage. The clinical management of these patients is guided by a variety of haemodynamic, biochemical and clinical factors. However to date there is no single parameter that is used to guide clinical management of patients with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the role of ICP indices, specifically the mean pulse amplitude (AMP) and RAP index [correlation coefficient (R) between AMP amplitude (A) and mean ICP pressure (P); index of compensatory reserve], as an indicator of true ICP has been investigated. Whilst the RAP index has been used both as a descriptor of neurological deterioration in TBI patients and as a way of characterising the compensatory reserve in hydrocephalus, more recent studies have highlighted the limitation of the RAP index due to the influence that baseline effect errors have on the mean ICP, which is used in the calculation of the RAP index. These studies have suggested that the ICP mean pulse amplitude may be a more accurate marker of true intracranial pressure due to the fact that it is uninfluenced by the mean ICP and, therefore, the AMP may be a more reliable marker than the RAP index for guiding the clinical management of patients with raised ICP. Although further investigation needs to be undertaken in order to fully assess the role of ICP indices in guiding the clinical management of patients with raised ICP, the studies undertaken to date provide an insight into the potential role of ICP indices to treat raised ICP proactively rather than reactively and therefore help prevent or minimise secondary brain injury

The seal matrix of Sir John Campbell and the struggle for Dunyvaig Castle on the Isle of Islay

The great feud between the clans Campbell and MacDonald in the early seventeenth century AD was part of a power struggle for control of Islay, the seat of the Lord of the Isles, and encompassed wider political, economic and religious change in the region and beyond from the sixteenth century. The discovery of a seal matrix found during excavations at Dunyvaig Castle reveals the personal story of Sir John Campbell of Cawdor (1576–1642) in these broader political events