Reproduction, infection and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor haplotype evolution

Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are encoded by one of the most polymorphic families in the human genome. KIRs are expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, which have dual roles: (1) in fighting infection and (2) in reproduction, regulating hemochorial placentation. Uniquely among primates, human KIR genes are arranged into two haplotypic combinations: KIR A and KIR B. It has been proposed that KIR A is specialized to fight infection, whilst KIR B evolved to help ensure successful reproduction. Here we demonstrate that a combination of infectious disease selection and reproductive selection can drive the evolution of KIR B-like haplotypes from a KIR A-like founder haplotype. Continued selection to survive and to reproduce maintains a balance between KIR A and KIR B

Feasibility study of the solar scientific instruments for Spacelab/Orbiter

The feasibility and economics of mounting and operating a set of solar scientific instruments in the backup Skylab Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM) hardware was evaluated. The instruments used as the study test payload and integrated into the ATM were: the Solar EUV Telescope/Spectrometer; the Solar Active Region Observing Telescope; and the Lyman Alpha White Light Coronagraph. The backup ATM hardware consists of a central cruciform structure, called the "SPAR', a "Sun End Canister' and a "Multiple Docking Adapter End Canister'. Basically, the ATM hardware and software provides a structural interface for the instruments; a closely controlled thermal environment; and a very accurate attitude and pointing control capability. The hardware is an identical set to the hardware that flow on Skylab

Using the tree of life group in UK mental health contexts

Despite a shift towards recovery focused practice in mental health care, some have highlighted this does not always translate into practice on inpatient psychiatric wards. This study explores the stories people tell about their psychiatric admission, and their experience of the Tree of Life group, to identify how each aligns with the idea of recovery focused care. Seven people were interviewed and the Interview data were analysed using Thematic Narrative Analysis; chosen due to its unstructured interview approach and focus on wider context. Narratives varied in structure and subjective content, but some themes were replicated across participants. Firstly, themes of powerlessness and problem-focused relationships with others were present throughout all narratives, which supports the wider literature that suggests the recovery orientation of inpatient wards is limited. Secondly, the meaning people attributed to their experience’s pre-admission appeared important in setting the scene for the rest of their story. Generally, those who agreed with ‘mental illness’ discourses spoke of positive experiences of inpatient admission and those who disagreed with mental illness discourses spoke of negative experiences of inpatient care. Finally, the Tree of Life group was storied as a positive experience for most participants, offering experiences that link with processes of recovery; although its ability to influence a recovery focus in the context of inpatient admission was limited

Making the city my own: uses and practices of mobile location technologies for exploration of a new city

In this paper, we present an interview study of 13 recent newcomers to New York City, focusing on their early experiences of exploration and use of mobile location services and other tools for getting to know their new city. We describe their reasons and intentions behind exploratory practices using digital tools and emphasize how they make meaning out of new places in relation to technology tools as well as their previous places. Mobile location technologies make the process of finding specific places and exploring new neighborhoods a digital search task but discourage the notion of wandering and exploration. We point out missed opportunities for socio-technical systems supporting place making and place discovery and suggest that digital exploration tools should stay peripheral to the activities that people enjoy as tech-free but support a wider notion of search for salient characteristics of places