SUMMARY The T cell receptor (TCR) and CD8 bind peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) glycoproteins to initiate adaptive immune responses, yet the trimolecular binding kinetics at the T cell membrane is unknown. Using a micropipette adhesion frequency assay, we show that this kinetic has two stages. The first consists of TCR-dominant binding to agonist pMHC. This triggers a second stage consisting of a step increase in adhesion following a one second delay. The second-stage binding requires Src family kinase activity to initiate CD8 binding to the same pMHC engaged by the TCR. This induced-trimeric-cooperative interaction enhances adhesion synergistically to favor potent ligands, which further amplifies discrimination. Our data reveal a TCR-CD8 positive feedback loop involved in initial signaling steps that is sensitive to a single pMHC, is rapid, reversible, synergistic, and peptide-discriminative.

A novel mixed method smart metering approach to reconciling differences between perceived and actual residential end use water consumption.

On-site wastewater treatment and dispersal systems (OWTS) are used in non-sewered populated areas in Australia to treat and dispose of household wastewater. The most common OWTS in Australia is the septic tank–soil absorption system (SAS)—which relies on the soil to treat and disperse effluent. The mechanisms governing purification and hydraulic performance of a SAS are complex and have been shown to be highly influenced by the biological zone (biomat) which develops on the soil surface within the trench or bed. Studies suggest that removal mechanisms in the biomat zone, primarily adsorption and filtering, are important processes in the overall purification abilities of a SAS. There is growing concern that poorly functioning OWTS are impacting upon the environment, although to date, only a few investigations have been able to demonstrate pollution of waterways by on-site systems. In this paper we review some key hydrological and biogeochemical mechanisms in SAS, and the processes leading to hydraulic failure. The nutrient and pathogen removal efficiencies in soil absorption systems are also reviewed, and a critical discussion of the evidence of failure and environmental and public health impacts arising from SAS operation is presented. Future research areas identified from the review include the interactions between hydraulic and treatment mechanisms, and the biomat and sub-biomat zone gas composition and its role in effluent treatment.

COVID-19 is a wicked problem for policy makers internationally as the complexity of the pandemic transcends health, environment, social and economic boundaries. Many countries are focusing on two key responses, namely virus containment and financial measures, but fail to recognise other aspects. The systems approach, however, enables policy makers to design the most effective strategies and reduce the unintended consequences. To achieve fundamental change, it is imperative to firstly identify the “right” interventions (leverage points) and implement additional measures to reduce negative consequences. To do so, a preliminary causal loop diagram of the COVID-19 pandemic was designed to explore its influence on socio-economic systems. In order to transcend the “wait and see” approach, and create an adaptive and resilient system, governments need to consider “deep” leverage points that can be realistically maintained over the long-term and cause a fundamental change, rather than focusing on “shallow” leverage points that are relatively easy to implement but do not result in significant systemic change.

The purpose of this study was to explore the predominant determinants of shower end use consumption and to find an overarching research design for building a residential end use demand forecasting model using aligned socio-demographic and natural science data sets collected from 200 households fitted with smart meters in Southeast Queensland, Australia. ANOVA as well as multiple regression analysis statistical techniques were utilised to reveal the determinants (e.g. household makeup, shower fixture efficiency, income, education, etc.) of household shower consumption. Results of a series of one-way independent ANOVA extended into linear multiple regression models revealed that females, children in general and teenagers in particular, and the showerhead efficiency level were statistically significant determinants of shower end use consumption. Eight-way independent factorial ANOVA extended into a three-tier hierarchical linear multiple regression model, was used to create a shower end use forecasting model, and indicated that household size and makeup, as well as the showerhead efficiency rating, are the most significant predictors of shower usage. The generated multiple regression model was deemed reliable, explaining 90.2% of the variation in household shower end use consumption. The paper concludes with a discussion on the significant shower end use determinants and how this statistical approach will be followed to predict other residential end uses, and overall household consumption. Moreover, the implications of the research to urban water conservation strategies and policy design, is discussed, along with future research directions.