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Does the sequence matter:interest rates, quantitative easing or forward guidance?
No full textWe study the role of unconventional monetary policies during a pandemic, focusing on the implementation sequencing of policies when there is a social containment period. Using the Bank of Canada's main projection model (ToTEM), we compare the efficacy of a suite of extended monetary policies (EMPs), finding that the immediate implementation of forward guidance and quantitative easing, followed by credit easing when containment measures are lifted delivers the best outcome. We also quantify the fiscal response needed to offset the gap in gross domestic product created by the effective lower bound, given operational limitations in scaling up EMPs
Structure and mechanism of the broad spectrum CRISPR-associated ring nuclease Crn4
No full textType III CRISPR systems detect the presence of RNA from mobile genetic elements (MGE) in prokaryotes, providing antiviral immunity. On activation, the catalytic Cas10 subunit conjugates ATP to form cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) signalling molecules that activate ancillary effectors, providing an immune response. Cellular ring nucleases degrade cOA to reset the system. Here, we describe the structure and mechanism of a new family of ring nucleases, Crn4, associated with type III-D CRISPR systems. The crystal structure of Crn4 reveals a small homodimeric protein with a fold unrelated to any known ring nuclease or, indeed, any known protein structure. Crn4 degrades a wide range of cOA species to linear oligoadenylates in vitro and ameliorates type III CRISPR immunity in vivo. Phage and plasmids also encode Crn4 orthologues that may function as anti-CRISPRs. These observations expand our understanding of ring nucleases and reveal a new protein fold for cyclic nucleotide recognition
Radical poetics and the pursuit of Northumbrian distinctness:the verse of Lewis Proudlock, 1856–1899
No full textThis article compares two competing visions of Northumbria in the latter half of the nineteenth century, conceived of as a distinct region within England, and encompassing both Northumberland and County Durham. Building on the research of Robert Colls in Northumbria: History and Identity, which examines the romantic regionalism of the antiquarian movement he terms the ‘New Northumbrians,’ it explores how sentimentalism, primitivism, and historicism shaped their interpretation of the region’s past, setting this vision against that of the pitman poet Lewis Proudlock. While both perspectives framed Northumbria as a land of historical ruins and fading grandeur, Proudlock recast this narrative of decline as the consequence of feudal-like exploitation by coal owners, a condition imagined as one day being reversed by pitmen, and which stood at odds with the antiquarian idea of Northumbria as an archaic land, made anachronistic by the progress of modernity, its decline irreversible
A bottleneck for star formation:the importance of magnetic fields during the formation of cold gas in galaxies
No full textUsing a high-resolution simulation of a dwarf galaxy, we quantify the energetic importance of magnetic fields within the different phases of its interstellar medium (ISM) on parsec scales. We show that, whilst overall the magnetic field is only energetically dominant for a small fraction of the ISM, it becomes important in the thermally unstable regime (45.2 per cent of the mass is magnetically dominant), and dominates in the cold neutral medium (66.1 per cent of the mass). In the molecular gas, the magnetic field dominates more of the total mass budget (39.8 per cent) than thermal energy, turbulent kinetic energy, or gas self-gravitating potential energy. However, much of this mass will be CO-dark. This suggests that magnetic forces are non-negligible during the formation of cold dense gas, which will slow its collapse and lead to an increase in the fraction of cold atomic and molecular gas in the ISM. Consequently, star-forming clouds may be surrounded by a larger reservoir of cold gas than would otherwise be expected
Efficient RFLP-based protocol for routine authentication of Drosophila
No full textAuthentication of strains is important for preventing genetic contamination before any experiment, which can compromise reproducibility and lead to misleading results. Here, we developed an approach that combines computational single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification with molecular validation using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). This workflow enables rapid and precise confirmation of strains in an inexpensive, reproducible, and easily adaptable way for long-term stock maintenance across laboratories. We apply this protocol to Drosophila melanogaster from the Drosophila Genome Resource Panel (DGRP), which are commonly used in fruit fly research, providing a reliable context for ensuring the integrity of Drosophila genetic resources.</p
Behavioural reactions of harbour porpoises (<i>Phocoena phocoena</i>) to startle-eliciting stimuli:movement responses and practical applications
No full textAcoustic deterrent devices are frequently used as a mitigation method to exclude harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from areas of potential harm, such as wind farm construction sites. However, there is increasing evidence that the devices themselves have the capacity to cause hearing damage. Here, we investigated the response of harbour porpoises to a 15 min sequence of 200 ms sounds (peak frequency 10.5 kHz, range 5.5 to 20.5 kHz, 27 sounds total) which elicit the acoustic startle reflex. We used a duty cycle (0.6%) and sound exposure level that was significantly lower than in conventional acoustic deterrent devices. Harbour porpoises were exposed to startle sounds from a small vessel and groups were visually tracked during 13 sound exposure sequences and 11 no-sound control trials. Porpoises showed a significant avoidance reaction during exposure travelling to a mean distance of 1.78 km (maximum 3.21 km). In all cases, they left the area within 1 km of the sound source in the first 15 min after the start of the startle sequence. No avoidance was exhibited during control trials. Results are consistent with the startle reflex mediating this behaviour at low response thresholds. Our method can be used for mitigating collision risk and the risk of hearing damage from renewable energy installations, their construction and the deterrence device itself
Downhill skiing after total knee arthroplasty:a systematic review
No full textBackground: Downhill skiing is a popular sport globally and increasing number of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) seek to return to the sport. While skiing provides physical and psychological benefits, it also poses potential biomechanical risks such as torsional stress, high impact loading and possible implant compromise. Despite advances in implant design and rehabilitation, there is no consensus on the safety or functional outcomes of skiing following TKA. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current literature to assess postoperative outcomes, risks, and expert opinion on skiing after TKA. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered prospectively with the PROSPERO database. Literature was searched in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to October 2025 using combinations of terms including “total knee arthroplasty,” “TKA,” “skiing,” and “winter sports.” Studies were included if they reported outcomes specific to skiing following TKA. Data was extracted on study type, sample size, follow-up duration, outcome measures and key findings. Results: From 572 identified studies, 21 were included. Most studies came from a single research group which conducted prospective cohort studies on post TKA skiing biomechanics, tendon morphology, and functional outcomes. Return to skiing rates following TKA was 47–51%. These studies found no increase in radiographic loosening or pain, and reported improvements in tendon stiffness, gait symmetry, and muscle strength after skiing. Patient-reported outcomes were favourable, with average Oxford Knee Scores >45 and Tegner activity levels indicating moderate to high activity. Survey studies showed mixed surgeon opinions, though most favoured a return to skiing for experienced patients with adequate strength and range of motion. Conclusion: Current evidence supports that skiing after TKA can be safe and functionally beneficial for selected patients. Experienced skiers with good rehabilitation outcomes may return to the sport without increased risk of implant-related complications. Larger, long term and multicentre prospective studies are needed to provide definitive guidelines for patients and surgeons post operatively
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