192 research outputs found
Classical Themes in the Non-Satiric Poetry of Andrew Marvell
No full textPhDChapter 1 examines the grammar school curriculum
in the early seventeenth century, paying special
attention to the classical texts usually taught and
to the normal pedagogic methods used. It also gives
an account of the courses of study at Trinity College,
Cambridge in the period. Chapter 2 discusses Marvell's
Latin poetry, and includes a detailed analysis of those
poems which have a close relation to the English lyrics.
Chapter 3 considers 'To His Coy Mistress' in the
context of the carpe diem tradition, suggesting that
a particular affinity exists between Marvell's poem
and the Greek amatory epigram, and also traces
Lucretian influence on its metaphors and language.
Chapter k discusses 'The Nymph complaining' as a pet
lament which is in the tradition of the Greek Anthology,
Book VII, and of neo-Latin pet poetry, but which also
echoes the ecphrastic epigram, in its concentration
on the aesthetic object. Chapter 5 analyses 'The
Garden' as a version of the Horatian retreat poem
which is much altered, chiefly by Marvell's use of
Ovidian allusion and Neoplatonic metaphors and ideas.
Chapter 6 examines the relation of 'Damon the Mower'
and 'The Mower's Song'to the pastoral complaint in
classical literature, and demonstrates the pervasiveness
of the influence of Pliny's Natural History on 'The
Mower against Gardens'. Chapter 7 argues that the
'Horatian Ode' is a meditation on fate and human
motivation in the manner of Lucan, and that Horatian
influence is slighter than has usually been thought
Genetic association study of QT interval highlights role for calcium signaling pathways in myocardial repolarization.
No full textThe QT interval, an electrocardiographic measure reflecting myocardial repolarization, is a heritable trait. QT prolongation is a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and could indicate the presence of the potentially lethal mendelian long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Using a genome-wide association and replication study in up to 100,000 individuals, we identified 35 common variant loci associated with QT interval that collectively explain ∼8-10% of QT-interval variation and highlight the importance of calcium regulation in myocardial repolarization. Rare variant analysis of 6 new QT interval-associated loci in 298 unrelated probands with LQTS identified coding variants not found in controls but of uncertain causality and therefore requiring validation. Several newly identified loci encode proteins that physically interact with other recognized repolarization proteins. Our integration of common variant association, expression and orthogonal protein-protein interaction screens provides new insights into cardiac electrophysiology and identifies new candidate genes for ventricular arrhythmias, LQTS and SCD
Research on Scientific Journals: Implications for Editors and Authors
No full textA review of editorial policies of leading journals and of research relevant to scientific journals revealed conflicts between 'science' and 'scientists.” Owing to these conflicts, papers are often weak on objectivity and replicability. Furthermore, papers often fall short on importance, competence, intelligibility, or efficiency. Suggestions were made for editorial policies such as: (1) structured guidelines for referees, (2) open peer review, (3) blind reviews, and (4) full disclosure of data and method. Of major importance, an author's “Note to Referees” (describing the hypotheses and design, but not the results) was suggested to improve the objectivity of the ratings of importance and competence. Also, recommendations are made to authors for improving contributions to science (such as the use of multiple hypotheses) and for promoting their careers (such as using complex methods and obtuse writing).scientific journals, authors, research, editors
CENTRAL BANKING, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND CREDIT CREATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
No full textThis paper examines how developing countries can embark on a sustained path of strong investment, capital accumulation and economic growth without capital imports. It is argued that the key lies in the Keynesian-Schumpeterian credit-investment nexus: Given certain preconditions, the central bank can allow a credit expansion which finances new investment and creates the savings necessary to balance the national accounts. It is further argued and confirmed in empirical data that one of the biggest impediments to such a process is formal or informal dollarization which limits the policy scope of the central bank. Moreover, a stable banking system with a broad outreach as well as a low degree of pass-through between the exchange rate and domestic prices seem to be a necessary condition for this process to work
Distinct migratory and non-migratory ecotypes of an endemic New Zealand eleotrid (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) – implications for incipient speciation in island freshwater fish species
No full textBackground: Many postglacial lakes contain fish species with distinct ecomorphs. Similar evolutionary scenarios might be acting on evolutionarily young fish communities in lakes of remote islands. One process that drives diversification in island freshwater fish species is the colonization of depauperate freshwater environments by diadromous (migratory) taxa, which secondarily lose their migratory behaviour. The loss of migration limits dispersal and gene flow between distant populations, and, therefore, is expected to facilitate local morphological and genetic differentiation. To date, most studies have focused on interspecific relationships among migratory species and their non-migratory sister taxa. We hypothesize that the loss of migration facilitates intraspecific morphological, behavioural, and genetic differentiation between migratory and non-migratory populations of facultatively diadromous taxa, and, hence, incipient speciation of island freshwater fish species.
Results: Microchemical analyses of otolith isotopes (Sr-88, Ba-137 and Ca-43) differentiated migratory and non-migratory stocks of the New Zealand endemic Gobiomorphus cotidianus McDowall (Eleotridae). Samples were taken from two rivers, one lake and two geographically-separated outgroup locations. Meristic analyses of oculoscapular lateral line canals documented a gradual reduction of these structures in the non-migratory populations. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprints revealed considerable genetic isolation between migratory and non-migratory populations. Temporal differences in reproductive timing (migratory = winter spawners, non-migratory = summer spawners; as inferred from gonadosomatic indices) provide a prezygotic reproductive isolation mechanism between the two ecotypes.
Conclusion: This study provides a holistic look at the role of diadromy in incipient speciation of island freshwater fish species. All four analytical approaches (otolith microchemistry, morphology, spawning timing, population genetics) yield congruent results, and provide clear and independent evidence for the existence of distinct migratory and non-migratory ecotypes within a river in a geographically confined range. The morphological changes within the non-migratory populations parallel interspecific patterns observed in all non-migratory New Zealand endemic Gobiomorphus species and other derived gobiid taxa, a pattern suggesting parallel evolution. This study indicates, for the first time, that distinct ecotypes of island freshwater fish species may be formed as a consequence of loss of migration and subsequent diversification. Therefore, if reproductive isolation persists, these processes may provide a mechanism to facilitate speciation
Is Review By Peers As Fair As It Appears?
No full textRecent research shows that journal reviewing practices are neither objective nor fair. I propose a procedure to increase the likelihood of publishing important papers. This will be tested by Interfaces for a year.publication, review, peers, fairness
β-Lactam type molecular scaffolds for antiproliferative activity : synthesis and cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cells
No full textA series of novel β-lactam containing compounds are described as antiproliferative agents and potential selective modulators of the oestrogen receptor. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of these compounds on human MCF-7 and MDA MB-231 breast cancer cells. The compounds are designed to contain three aryl ring substituents arranged on the heterocyclic azetidin-2-one (β-lactam), thus providing conformationally restrained analogues of the triarylethylene arrangement exemplified in the tamoxifen type structure. The compounds demonstrated potency in antiproliferative assays against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line at low micromolar to nanomolar concentrations with low cytotoxicity and moderate binding affinity to the oestrogen receptor. The effect of a number of aryl and amine functional group substitutions on the antiproliferative activity of the β-lactam products was explored and a brief computational structure–activity relationship investigation with molecular simulation was investigated.
Virtual screening of the estrogen receptor
No full textMethod : This review comprehensively details all current applications of virtual screening to the estrogen receptor and demonstrates how its use has pushed the boundaries of VS in general. Conclusion : The widespread application of the estrogen receptor to VS has allowed identification of numerous pitfalls within the process flow of VS such as library generation, correct validation procedures for docking/scoring functions, and inclusion of receptor flexibility.
T Cell responses to whole SARS Coronavirus in humans
No full textEffective vaccines should confer long-term protection against future outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by a novel zoonotic coronavirus (SARS-CoV) with unknown animal reservoirs. We conducted a cohort study examining multiple parameters of immune responses to SARS-CoV infection, aiming to identify the immune correlates of protection. We used a matrix of overlapping peptides spanning whole SARS-CoV proteome to determine T cell responses from 128 SARS convalescent samples by ex vivo IFN-γ ELISPOT assays. Approximately 50% of convalescent SARS patients were positive for T cell responses, and 90% possessed strongly neutralizing Abs. Fifty-five novel T cell epitopes were identified, with spike protein dominating total T cell responses. CD8+ T cell responses were more frequent and of a greater magnitude than CD4+ T cell responses (p < 0.001).
Polychromatic cytometry analysis indicated that the virus-specific T cells from the severe group tended to be a central memory phenotype (CD27+/CD45RO+) with a significantly higher frequency of polyfunctional CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2, and CD8+ T cells producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and CD107a (degranulation), as compared with the mild-moderate group. Strong T cell responses correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with higher neutralizing Ab. The serum cytokine profile during acute infection indicated a significant elevation of innate immune responses. Increased Th2 cytokines were observed in patients with fatal infection. Our study provides a roadmap for the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV and types of immune responses that may be responsible for the virus clearance, and should serve as a benchmark for SARS-CoV vaccine design and evaluation
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in relation to gut integrity, growth and cognitive development of rural African children
No full textBackground
and
rationale:
Weaning
foods
fed
to
infants
in
rural
Gambia
are
often
contaminated,
resulting
in
infections
which
contribute
to
initiating
a
persistent
inflammation
of
the
gut.
This
enteropathy,
which
causes
intestinal
damage
and
malabsorption,
is
strongly
associated
with
the
high
degree
of
growth
faltering
seen
in
Gambian
infants.
There
is
evidence
that
supplementary
omega-3
long-chain
polyunsaturated
fatty
acids
(n-3
LCPs)
might
ameliorate
this
damage
by
reducing
gastro-intestinal
inflammation.
Additionally,
n-3
LCPs
have
been
shown
to
benefit
mental
development
and
problem-solving
ability
in
infants,
but
this
has
not
yet
been
tested
in
an
African
population.
Methods:
A
randomised,
double-blind,
controlled
trial
(500mg
combined
n-3
LCPs
per
day
for
six
months)
was
conducted
in
a
population
of
rural
African
infants
aged
3
months
-
9
months.
The
primary
outcomes
were
infant
anthropometric
indicators
and
gut
integrity
(measured
by
urinary
lactulose-mannitol
ratios).
Plasma
fatty
acid
status
(plasma
fatty
acid
profiles),
cognitive
development
(Willatts
Test
and
an
attention
assessment
at
12
months
of
age),
intestinal
mucosal
inflammation
(faecal
calprotectin),
and
daily
morbidities
were
the
secondary
outcome
measures.
Results:
One-hundred
and
seventy-two
Gambian
infants
completed
the
trial.
Except
for
an
increase
in
mid-upper-arm
circumference
z-scores
in
the
intervention
group
(95%
Cl:
0.06,0.56;
p=0.017),
no
significant
differences
between
treatment
groups
were
detected
for
growth
and
lactulose-mannitol
ratios
at
9
months.
At
12
months
mid-upper-arm
circumference
remained
greater
in
the
intervention
group,
and
significant
increases
in
skinfold
thicknesses
were
detected
(pSO.022
for
ali).
Supplementation
resulted
in
a
significant
increase
in
plasma
n-3
LCP
levels
(p<O.001)
and
decrease
in
n-6
LCP:n-3
LCP
ratios
(p<O.OOl).
Plasma
n-6
fatty
acid
levels
were
not
affected.
No
difference
was
detected
for
the
other
secondary
outcomes.
Conclusion:
Fish
oil
supplementation
proved
safe
and
successfully
increased
plasma
n-3
fatty
acid
status,
but
the
results
of
this
trial
do
not
support
the
use
of
supplementary
n-3
LCPs
in
young,
breast-fed,
rural
Gambian
infants
for
improving
overall
growth
performance,
intestinal
integrity,
and
cognitive
development,
or
reducing
intestinal
and
systemic
inflammatio
- …
