Barnes & Noble (United States)

A forward genetic screen identified a dominant-negativeArabidopsis thalianamutant resistant to growth inhibition caused by the actin-disrupting compound latrunculin B (LatB). Map-based cloning combined with whole-genome sequencing revealed that the mutant referred to here aslbr1forLatB resistant1had a point mutation in theAT5G09810gene, which encodes the vegetative actin (ACT) isoform ACT7. The cytosine to thymine mutation in the second exon ofACT7oflbr1led to substitution of proline to serine at position 34 (P34S) adjacent to the nucleotide-binding cleft of the ACT7 protein. Confirmation thatACT7is the causal gene for thelbr1phenotype was achieved through transgenic complementation withACT7 wild type (ACT7WT)andACT7 P34S (ACT7P34S)constructs.ACT7P34also rescued the seedling developmental defects and conferred partial resistance to LatB in the recessiveact7-5mutant. Furthermore, expressing a P34S mutation in ACT2 (ACT2P34S), another vegetative ACT isoform, conferred partial LatB resistance to wild type. Finally, site-directed mutagenesis of ACT7 amino acid residues forming putative hydrogen bonds with LatB, based on yeast and mammalian actin docking and structural analyses, reveals domains adjacent to the actin nucleotide-binding cleft crucial for LatB's effects on the plant actin cytoskeleton.

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) diagnostic testing is on the rise with many in vitro diagnostic tests being lateral flow assays (LFAs). A growing number of these are adopting reader technologies, which provides an alternative to visual readouts for results interpretation, allowing for improved accessibility of OTC diagnostics. As the reader technology market develops, there are many technologies entering the market, but no clear, single solution has yet been identified. The purpose of this research is to identify and discuss important parameters for the assessment of LFA reader technologies for consideration by manufacturers or researchers. Methods: As part of The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering's Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Tech program, reader manufacturers were interviewed to investigate the current state of reader technology development through several parameters identified as important industry standards. Readers were categorized by technology type and parameters including cost, detection method, multiplex capabilities, assay type, maturity, and use case were all assessed. Results: Fifteen reader manufacturers were identified and interviewed, and information on a total of 19 technologies was assessed. Reader technology type was found to be predictive of other attributes, whether the reader is smart technology only, a standalone reader, a reader with smart technology required, or a reader with smart technology optional. Conclusions: Pairing reader technology with OTC diagnostic tests is important for improving existing COVID-19 tests and can be utilized in other diagnostics as the OTC use case grows in popularity. Reader technology type, which is predictive of core reader attributes, should be considered when selecting a reader technology for a specific LFA test within the context of regulatory guidance. As diagnostics increase in complexity, readers provide solutions to accessibility challenges, facilitate public health reporting, and ease the transition to multiplex testing, therefore increasing market availability.

These document contains three parts: the first part focuses on the lessons that have been learnt from the 2007-2009 crisis and how economic authorities handled the shock suffered in most variables. The conclusion is that Government intervention through fiscal policy is the only way to offset the weakness of households and firms. Monetary policy on the other hand can help, but it has limits in its ability to become a real source of economic growth. The second part makes a short review on current economic affairs including a discussion on whether the crisis has ended. Krugman accepts that the crisis is over, but he believes that we are still far from an economic expansion. Finally, the article analyzes the economic situation of Latin America and Colombia in particular. It points out that this crisis did not start in our countries and it did not happen because of bad economic policies as it used to happen in previous crisis in emerging economies. The crisis had an impact on these countries because of its effects on trade, commodities and capital flows due to the lower economic activity in developed countries. However we have evidence of strength in developing countries.

Abstract The design and construction of water-borne craft using "scientific" methods is a relatively recent development in the context of the whole history of humankind, and is by no means universally applied even today. Many traditional craft in current service still rely on the process akin to Darwin's natural selection concept. And the evolutionary process continues from Madagascar outrigger fishing canoes to Bangkok water taxis with "long-tail" propulsion systems, and from Haitian fishing boats with high performance new sails built from poly-tarp material to whaling umiaks in NW Alaska covered with tensioned membrane skins made from walrus hide and equipped with outboard motors. There can be value in studying the design, construction and operational approaches of these craft, which can lead to insights for the modern naval architect. Lessons such as optimizing weight/strength ratios, minimizing resistance, utilizing materials in clever ways, developing repairable structures etc., can all be learned from the study of indigenous craft. The indigenous peoples living above of the tree line on the North American continent exist in an environment where much of what is required to survive and thrive comes from the sea. This paper will specifically describe the development of skin- covered craft for use to support of the life-styles of the peoples of Arctic and Sub-Arctic North America in Alaska, Canada and Greenland.

Abstract This paper describes the practical experiences gained during the first year of operation of a new Panamax-size ultra deepwater drill ship. The vessel started operations in the Gulf of Mexico in July 2012. The practical experience is offset against the vessel's design expectations: improved safety, an increased drilling efficiency and reduced operational costs. The drill ship is of an integrated design covering vessel, drill tower and equipment handling. The drill ship offers an equal payload compared to other ultra deepwater drill ships but at half the displacement. This paper details the effects of the highly automated onboard material and equipment handling on the vessel's drilling efficiency and on the operational cost The material and equipment handling is designed around the box girder drill tower that has no V-door limitation and features a drilling side and a construction side, thus minimising flat time. Stands built on one side of the tower can be stored in two set back drums, one on each side of the tower, and taken out when needed. Four pipe handlers are available for handling purposes. This paper covers the field experience with all features of the drill tower that are designed to save time and/or increase efficiency and/or enhance onboard safety. These include the drill tower's dual drawworks eliminating slip-cut procedures, the passive and active heave compensation on the drawworks, and the splittable blocks. The latter allow increasing the block speed for lighter loads.

With growing concerns about environmental emissions, the natural gas industry is taking the lead in developing greater understanding of leakage and venting from natural gas systems. Emissions of natural gas from gas transmission networks originate from a number of sources including infrastructure failure, operational/process venting, and fugitive leakage from pipeline equipment. Process venting and maintenance operations often result in significant emissions to the atmosphere. National Grid Gas Transmission has developed a project with GL Noble Denton to investigate and develop technological options to reduce venting of natural gas. One technology developed for gas capture from venting operations is ANG. Here, a storage vessel is filled with a suitable adsorbent material. Activated carbon's large micropore volume and its ability to form densely packed beds make it a suitable adsorbent. When filled to the same pressure, the energy density will be greater than that of the same vessel without the adsorbent. At 35 bar pipeline pressure, ANG can store about half the amount of compressed natural gas at 200 barg. The operation of gas transmission network compressor sites means they vent gas in an unpredictable manner, responding to overall system demands and network flows. Techno-economic analysis has shown the lowest carbon footprint and best economic viability is by using ANG technology. Captured gas can be reused in a variety of downstream applications. Other benefits of ANG include safer, lower operating pressures compared with compressed natural gas (CNG), reduced environmental impact, design flexibility, and lower capital and operating costs.