bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urea-based osmoregulation in the developing embryo of oviparous cartilaginous fish (Callorhinchus milii): contribution of the extraembryonic yolk sac during the early developmental period
Authors: Takagi Wataru , Kajimura Makiko , Tanaka Hironori , Hasegawa Kumi , Bell Justin D. , Toop Tes , Donald John A. , Hyodo Susumu
Published: December 2013

Marine cartilaginous fish retain a high concentration of urea to maintain the plasma slightly hyperosmotic to the surrounding seawater. In adult fish, urea is produced by hepatic and extrahepatic ornithine urea cycles (OUCs). However, little is known about the urea retention mechanism in developing cartilaginous fish embryos. In order to address the question as to the mechanism of urea-based osmoregulation in developing embryos, the present study examined the gene expression profiles of OUC enzymes in oviparous holocephalan elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii) embryos. We found that the yolk sac membrane (YSM) makes an important contribution to the ureosmotic strategy of the early embryonic period. The expression of OUC enzyme genes was detectable in the embryonic body from at least stage 28, and increased markedly during development to hatching, which is most probably due to growth of the liver. During the early developmental period, however, the expression of OUC enzyme genes was not prominent in the embryonic body. Meanwhile, we found that the mRNA expression of OUC enzymes was detected in extraembryonic YSM; the mRNA expression of cmcpsIII in the YSM was much higher than that in the embryonic body during stages 28-31. Significant levels of enzyme activity and the existence of mitochondrial-type cmgs1 transcripts in YSM supported the mRNA findings. We also found that the cmcpsIII transcript is localized in the vascularized inner layer of the YSM. Taken together, our findings demonstrate for the first time that the YSM is involved in urea-based osmoregulation during the early to mid phase of development in oviparous cartilaginous fish.
Role of axial muscles in powering mouth expansion during suction feeding in Largemouth Bass
Authors: Camp Ariel , Brainerd Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

Suction-feeding fishes capture food by fast and forceful expansion of the mouth cavity, and axial muscles likely provide substantial power for this feeding behavior. Dorsal expansion of the mouth cavity can only be powered by the epaxial muscles, but both the sternohyoid, shortening against an immobile pectoral girdle to retract the hyoid, or the hypaxial muscles, shortening to retract both the pectoral girdle and hyoid, could contribute ventral expansion power. To determine 1) if hypaxial muscles generate power for ventral expansion, and 2) the rostrocaudal extent of axial muscle shortening during suction feeding, we measured skeletal kinematics and muscle shortening in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The 3D motions of the cleithrum and hyoid were measured with X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM), and muscle shortening was measured with fluoromicrometry, wherein changes in the distance between radio-opaque intramuscular markers are measured with biplanar x-ray video. We found that the hypaxials generated power for ventral suction expansion, shortening (mean of 6.2 mm) to rotate the pectoral girdle caudoventrally (mean of 9.3°) and retract the hyoid (mean of 8.5 mm). In contrast, the sternohyoid shortened minimally (mean of 0.48 mm), functioning like a ligament to transmit hypaxial shortening to the hyoid. Hypaxial and epaxial shortening were not confined to the rostral muscle regions, but extended more than halfway down the body during suction expansion. We conclude that hypaxial and epaxial muscles are both crucial for powering mouth expansion in largemouth bass, supporting the integration of axial and cranial musculoskeletal systems for suction feeding.
Special K: testing the potassium link between radioactive rubidium (86Rb) turnover and metabolic rate
Authors: Tomlinson Sean , Mathialagan Priya D. , Maloney Shane K.
Published: December 2013

The measurement of 86Rb turnover recently has been suggested as a useful method of measuring field metabolic rate in small animals. We investigated a proposed mechanism of 86Rb turnover, its analogy for K+, by comparing the turnover of 86Rb in a model insect, the rhinoceros beetle Xylotrupes gideon, fed diets of plum jam, or plum jam enriched with K+ or Rb+. The turnover of 86Rb in the beetles on the K+ and the Rb+ diets was higher than on the Jam diet (F2, 311 = 32.4; p = 1.58 × 10-13). We also exposed the beetles to different ambient temperatures to induce differences in metabolic rate (VCO2) while feeding them the Jam and K+ diets. VCO2 was higher at higher Ta for both Jam (F1,11 = 14.56; p = 0.003) and K+ (F1,8 = 15.39; p = 0.004) dietary groups, and the turnover of 86Rb was higher at higher Ta for both Jam (F1,11 = 10.80; p = 0.007) and K+ (F1,8 = 12.34; p = 0.008) dietary groups. There was a significant relationship between 86Rb turnover and VCO2 for both the Jam (F1,11 = 35.00; p = 1.0× 10-3) and the K+ (F1,8 = 64.33; p = 4.3 × 10-5) diets, but the relationship differed between the diets (F1,19 = 14.07; p = 0.001), with a higher 86Rb turnover on the K+-enriched than the Jam diet at all Ta. We conclude that 86Rb turnover is related to K+ metabolism, and that this is the mechanism of the relationship between 86Rb turnover and VCO2. Studies relating the 86Rb turnover to VCO2 should maintain dietary [K+] as close as possible to natural diets for the most accurate calibrations for free-ranging animals.
Differential effects of specific carotenoids on oxidative damage and immune response of gull chicks
Authors: Lucas Alberto , Morales Judith , Velando Alberto
Published: December 2013

Micronutrients are essential for normal metabolic processes during early development. Concretely, it has been suggested that diet-derived carotenoids can play a key role in physiological functions due to their antioxidant and immunostimulant properties. However, their role as antioxidants remains controversial. Additionally, it is also unclear whether oxidative stress mediates their immunostimulatory effects. In this field study, we separately supplemented yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis, Naumann 1840) chicks with two carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) with different molecular structure and different transformation pathways into other oxidative forms of carotenoids. We quantified their effect on the oxidative status and the immune response of chicks before and after an oxidative challenge with Paraquat, a pro-oxidant molecule. Prior to oxidative challenge, no carotenoid treatment affected the oxidative status of chicks, but they enhanced the inflammatory response to an antigen compared to controls. The oxidative challenge enhanced plasma vitamin E levels (but not in β-carotene supplemented chicks) and the antioxidant capacity in the short term. Interestingly, lutein-supplemented chicks showed lower oxidative damage to proteins than non-lutein supplemented chicks. After the oxidative challenge, the positive effect of carotenoid supplementation on the immune response disappeared. Thus, these results suggest differential effects of two carotenoids with different molecular structure on the oxidative status. Lutein but not β-carotene helps to combat oxidative damage after a free-radical exposure. Additionally, the results indicate that the immunostimulatory effects of carotenoids are linked to oxidative status during early life.
The smell of moulting:N-acetylglucosamino-1,5-lactone is a premoult biomarker and candidate component of the courtship pheromone in the urine of the blue crab,Callinectes sapidus
Authors: Kamio Michiya , Schmidt Manfred , Germann Markus W. , Kubanek Julia , Derby Charles D.
Published: December 2013

Female blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in their pubertal moult stage release unidentified sex pheromone molecules in their urine, causing males to respond with courtship behaviours including a display called courtship stationary paddling and a form of precopulatory guarding called cradle carry. We hypothesized that pheromones are mixtures of molecules and are more concentrated in urine of pubertal premoult females compared to other moulting stages and thus that these molecules are biomarkers (i.e. metabolites that can be used as an indicator of some biological state or condition) of pubertal premoult females. We tested this hypothesis by combining bioassay-guided fractionation and biomarker targeting. To evaluate the molecular mass of the putative pheromone by bioassay-guided fractionation, we separated urine from pubertal premoult females and intermoult males by ultrafiltration into three molecular mass fractions. The <500 Da fraction and the 500-1000 Da fraction but not the >1000 Da fraction of female urine induced male courtship stationary paddling, but none of the fractions of male urine did. Thus, female urine contains molecules <1000 Da that stimulate courtship behaviours in males. Biomarker targeting using NMR spectral analysis of the 500-1000 Da fraction of urine from premoult and postmoult males and females revealed a premoult biomarker. Purification, NMR, mass spectrometry, and HPLC analysis of this premoult biomarker identified it as N-acetylglucosamino-1,5-lactone (NAGL) and showed that it is more abundant in urine of premoult females and males than in urine of either postmoult or juvenile females and males. NAGL has not been reported before as a natural product or as a molecule of the chitin metabolic pathway. Physiological and behavioural experiments demonstrated that blue crabs can detect NAGL through their olfactory pathway. Thus, we hypothesize that NAGL is a component of the sex pheromone and that it acts in conjunction with other yet unidentified components.
The Costs of Producing Biodiesel from Microalgae in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Griffin G.J. , Batten D.F. , Beer T. , Campbell P.K.
Published: December 2013

Capital and operating cost estimates for converting microalgae to oil or biodiesel are compared. These cost comparisons are based on Australian locations, which are expected to fall at the lower end of the cost spectrum in the Asia-Pacific Region and other parts of the world.  It is assumed that microalgae are grown in a concentrated saltwater medium in raceway ponds, then are harvested, dewatered and the oil is extracted and converted to biodiesel by transesterification. The size of the desired pond system affects the number of potential locations due to constraints in resource availability. Cost estimates vary significantly due to differences in the assumed oil productivity, the harvesting equipment and the method of converting residual biomass to electric power. A comparison is made with recent cost estimates from other parts of the world, in which the expected costs of microalgae oil production from a number of publicly available sources lay between 0.34–31.0 USD/L.  The resulting cost estimates of between 1.37—2.66 USD/L are at the lower end of this scale, thereby confirming that Australia has the potential to be a low-cost producer of algal oil and biodiesel in the Asia-Pacific Region.  It was significant that, despite similar assumptions for the microalgae-to-oil process, cost estimates for the final biodiesel or oil price differed by a factor of 2.  This highlights the high degree of uncertainty in such economic predictions.
A Linear Regression Model for Global Solar Radiation on Horizontal Surfaces at Warri, Nigeria
Authors: Okundamiya Michael S. , Okpamen Israel E.
Published: December 2013

The growing anxiety on the negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment and the global emission reduction targets call for a more extensive use of renewable energy alternatives. Efficient solar energy utilization is an essential solution to the high atmospheric pollution caused by fossil fuel combustion. Global solar radiation (GSR) data, which are useful for the design and evaluation of solar energy conversion system, are not measured at the forty-five meteorological stations in Nigeria. The dearth of the measured solar radiation data calls for accurate estimation. This study proposed a temperature-based linear regression, for predicting the monthly average daily GSR on horizontal surfaces, at Warri (latitude 5.020N and longitude 7.880E) an oil city located in the south-south geopolitical zone, in Nigeria. The proposed model is analyzed based on five statistical indicators (coefficient of correlation, coefficient of determination, mean bias error, root mean square error, and t-statistic), and compared with the existing sunshine-based model for the same study. The results indicate that the proposed temperature-based linear regression model could replace the existing sunshine-based model for generating global solar radiation data.
Batch and Fed-Batch Fermentation System on Ethanol Production from Whey using Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Hadiyanto H , Ariyanti D. , Aini A.P. , Pinundi D.S.
Published: December 2013

Nowadays reserve of fossil fuel has gradually depleted. This condition forces many researchers to  find energy alternatives which is renewable and sustainable in the future. Ethanol derived from cheese industrial waste (whey) using fermentation process can be a new perspective in order to secure both energy and environment. The aim of this study was  to compare the operation modes (batch and fed-batch) of fermentation system on ethanol production from whey using Kluyveromyces marxianus. The result showed that the fermentation process for ethanol production by fed-batch system was higher at some point of parameters compared with batch system. Growth rate and ethanol yield (YP/S) of fed-batch fermentation were 0.122/h and 0.21 gP/gS respectively; growth rate and ethanol yield (YP/S) of batch fermentation were 0.107/h, and 0.12 g ethanol/g substrate, respectively. Based on the data of biomass and ethanol concentrations, the fermentation process for ethanol production by fed-batch system were higher at some point of parameters compared to batch system. Periodic substrate addition performed on fed-batch system leads the yeast growth in low substrate concentrations and consequently  increasing their activity and ethanol productivity.
Premixed Combustion of Coconut Oil on Perforated Burner
Authors: Wirawan I.K.G. , Wardana I.N.G. , Soenoko Rudy , Wahyudi Slamet
Published: December 2013

Coconut oil premixed combustion behavior has been studied experimentally on perforated burner with equivalence ratio (φ) varied from very lean until very rich. The results showed that burning of glycerol needs large number of air so that the laminar burning velocity (SL) is the highest at very lean mixture and the flame is in the form of individual Bunsen flame on each of the perforated plate hole. As φ is increased the  SL decreases and the secondary Bunsen flame with open tip occurs from φ =0.54 at the downstream of perforated flame. The perforated flame disappears at φ = 0.66 while the secondary Bunsen flame still exist with SL increases following that of hexadecane flame trend and then extinct when the equivalence ratio reaches one or more. Surrounding ambient air intervention makes SL decreases, shifts lower flammability limit into richer mixture, and performs triple and cellular flames. The glycerol diffusion flame radiation burned fatty acids that perform cellular islands on perforated hole.  Without glycerol, laminar flame velocity becomes higher and more stable as perforated flame at higher φ. At rich mixture the Bunsen flame becomes unstable and performs petal cellular around the cone flame front.
Biodiesel from Mustard oil: a Sustainable Engine Fuel Substitute for Bangladesh
Authors: Alam M.M. , Rahman K.A.
Published: December 2013

Various attractive features of mustard oil based biodiesel as a potential substitute for engine fuel are investigated in this paper for use in Bangladesh. Although the use of mustard oil as edible oil has been reduced, Bangladesh still produces 0.22 million metric tons of mustard oil per year. This surplus mustard oil would satisfactorily be used as an alternative to diesel fuel, and thus could contribute in reducing the expenses for importing fuel from foreign countries. Moreover, the rural people of Bangladesh are capable of producing mustard oil themselves using indigenous machines. Fuel properties of biodiesel obtained from mustard oil were determined in the laboratory using standard procedure and an experimental setup was constructed to study the performance of a small diesel engine. It is observed that with biodiesel, the engine is capable of running without difficulty. Initially different lower blends of biodiesel (e.g., B20, B30 etc.) have been used to avoid complicated modification of the engine and the fuel supply system. It is also found in some condition that mustard oil based biodiesel have better properties than those made from other vegetable oils. These properties of mustard oil based biodiesel were evaluated to validate its sustainability in Bangladesh.
Hilbertian fields and Galois representations
Authors: Bary-Soroker Lior , Fehm Arno , Wiese Gabor
Published: December 2013

We prove a new Hilbertianity criterion for fields in towers
whose steps are Galois with Galois group either abelian or a product of finite simple groups.
We then apply this criterion to fields arising from Galois representations.
In particular we settle a conjecture of Jarden on abelian varieties.
The Curse of Free-Will and the Paradox of Inevitable Regret
Authors: Pearl Judea
Published: December 2013

The paradox described below aims to clarify the principles by which empirical data are harnessed to guide decision making. It is motivated by the practical question of whether empirical assessments of the effect of treatment on the treated (ETT) can be useful for either policy evaluation or personal decisions.
Values of T/QRS ratios measured during normal and post-term pregnancies
Authors: Fuchs Tomasz
Published: December 2013

Aim: To evaluate values and variability of T/QRS ratios between 28 and 42 weeks’ gestation in term and post-term pregnancies using non-invasive methods with electrodes placed over the maternal abdomen.

Methods: Fetal electrocardiograms were recorded from 657 women with singleton pregnancies. Recorded signals were analyzed by KOMPOREL software from ITAM (Zabrze, Poland) and the T/QRS ratios were automatically calculated. The analyses were performed in subgroups according to gestational age. The T/QRS ratio variables were calculated; one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA test) and linear regression were carried out.

Results: The T/QRS ratio was successfully measured in 95.4% (n=627) of patients during 30 min recordings. Values of T/QRS ratio variables changed during pregnancy. The mean T/QRS ratio ranged between 0.134 in the 41st gestational week and 0.178 in the 35th gestational week. Mean minimal and maximum values of the T/QRS ratio ranged between 0.02 and 0.29 [x=0.09; standard deviation (SD)=0.05] and 0.08 and 0.5 (x=0.27; SD=0.1), respectively. The highest values occurred in pre-term and post-term pregnancies.

Conclusions: Measurement of the T/QRS ratio is one of the techniques used for non-invasive fetal distress assessment that can be used in antepartum fetal monitoring. Values of T/QRS ratio variables changed during pregnancy from higher in pre-term pregnancies, lower in the peripartum period and rose again in post-term pregnancies. The study provides more insight into the values of T/QRS ratios during pregnancy; however, additional research is required.
Business Process Security Analysis – Design Time, Run Time, Audit Time
Authors: Böhr Frank , Ly Linh Thao , Müller Günter
Published: December 2013

This paper reports on approaches and tool support for security
and compliance analysis of executable business processes,
so-called workflows, employed in the GESINE project. Specifically,
focusing on the business layer and the corresponding workflow
entities along the business process management lifecycle (i. e.,
workflow model, instance and event log), the techniques reported
on in this paper cover the design time, run time and audit time
analysis. Their goal is to verify the adherence to security
requirements, such as the four-eyes principle and separation and
binding of duties. Altogether, the complementary techniques
described in this paper enable a holistic approach to ensure the
security of workflows.
Gender-dependent changes in haematological parameters in patients with Cushing's disease before and after remission
Authors: Ambrogio Alberto Giacinto , De Martin Martina , Ascoli Paola , Cavagnini Francesco , Pecori Giraldi Francesca
Published: December 2013

Objective

Glucocorticoids stimulate several steps in red blood cell (RBC) development; however, little is known on changes in erythroid parameters in patients with Cushing's disease. The aim of this study was to assess both RBC and white blood cell (WBC) parameters in a large cohort of patients with Cushing's disease and report on alterations in the active phase and after surgical remission.

Design and methods

A total of 80 patients with Cushing's disease (63 women and 17 men) were studied before and for up to 254 months' follow-up (mean follow-up 65.8±6.71 months) after pituitary/adrenal surgery. Details of blood counts were reviewed and compared with data obtained from a database of healthy subjects.

Results

The RBC counts and haemoglobin levels were low in men with active Cushing's disease (over 80% of values in the lowest quartile) and four patients were overtly anaemic, whereas erythrocyte counts and haemoglobin levels were evenly distributed across the normal range in women with active Cushing's disease. Low erythroid parameters were linked to hypogonadism in men with Cushing's disease. Recovery in erythroid parameters occurred slowly after remission of hypercortisolism in men, in parallel with improvements in testosterone levels. Over 50% of patients with active disease presented increased WBC counts, irrespective of gender, and prompt normalisation within 1 month after surgery.

Conclusions

Male patients with Cushing's disease present reduced RBC counts and haemoglobin levels, associated with low testosterone concentrations, which resolve over time after remission of hypercortisolism. Anaemia should therefore be regarded as another unfavourable feature in men with Cushing's disease.
Nuclear receptors and chromatin: an inducible couple
Authors: Gadaleta Raffaella Maria , Magnani Luca
Published: December 2013

The nuclear receptor (NR) family comprises 48 transcription factors (TFs) with essential and diverse roles in development, metabolism and disease. Differently from other TFs, NRs engage with well-defined DNA-regulatory elements, mostly after ligand-induced structural changes. However, NR binding is not stochastic, and only a fraction of the cognate regulatory elements within the genome actively engage with NRs. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the interactions between NRs and DNA. We discuss how chromatin accessibility and epigenetic modifications contribute to the recruitment and transactivation of NRs. Lastly, we present novel evidence of the interplay between non-coding RNA and NRs in the mediation of the assembly of the transcriptional machinery.
Determinants of GH resistance in malnutrition
Authors: Fazeli Pouneh K , Klibanski Anne
Published: December 2013

States of undernutrition are characterized by GH resistance. Decreased total energy intake, as well as isolated protein–calorie malnutrition and isolated nutrient deficiencies, result in elevated GH levels and low levels of IGF1. We review various states of malnutrition and a disease state characterized by chronic undernutrition – anorexia nervosa – and discuss possible mechanisms contributing to the state of GH resistance, including fibroblast growth factor 21 and Sirtuin 1. We conclude by examining the hypothesis that GH resistance is an adaptive response to states of undernutrition, in order to maintain euglycemia and preserve energy.
Faster-X Adaptive Protein Evolution in House Mice
Authors: Kousathanas Athanasios , Halligan Daniel L , Keightley Peter D
Published: December 2013

The causes of the large effect of the X chromosome in reproductive isolation and speciation have long been debated. The faster-X hypothesis predicts that X-linked loci are expected to have higher rates of adaptive evolution than autosomal loci if new beneficial mutations are on average recessive. Reproductive isolation should therefore evolve faster when contributing loci are located on the X chromosome. In this study, we have analyzed genome-wide nucleotide polymorphism data from the house mouse subspecies Mus musculus castaneus and nucleotide divergence from Mus famulus and Rattus norvegicus to compare rates of adaptive evolution for autosomal and X-linked protein-coding genes. We found significantly faster adaptive evolution for X-linked loci, particularly for genes with expression in male-specific tissues, but autosomal and X-linked genes with expression in female-specific tissues evolve at similar rates. We also estimated rates of adaptive evolution for genes expressed during spermatogenesis and found that X-linked genes that escape meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) show rapid adaptive evolution. Our results suggest that faster-X adaptive evolution is either due to net recessivity of new advantageous mutations or due to a special gene content of the X chromosome, which regulates male function and spermatogenesis. We discuss how our results help to explain the large effect of the X chromosome in speciation.
The Anaphase Promoting Complex Regulates Yeast Lifespan and rDNA Stability by Targeting Fob1 for Degradation
Authors: Menzel Johannes , Malo Mackenzie E , Chan Cynthia , Prusinkiewicz Martin , Arnason Terra G , Harkness Troy A A
Published: December 2013

Genomic stability, stress response, and nutrient signaling all play critical, evolutionarily conserved roles in lifespan determination. However, the molecular mechanisms coordinating these processes with longevity remain unresolved. Here we investigate the involvement of the yeast anaphase promoting complex (APC) in longevity. The APC governs passage through M and G1 via ubiquitin-dependent targeting of substrate proteins and is associated with cancer and premature aging when defective. Our two-hybrid screen utilizing Apc5 as bait recovered the lifespan determinant Fob1 as prey. Fob1 is unstable specifically in G1, cycles throughout the cell cycle in a manner similar to Clb2 (an APC target), and is stabilized in APC (apc5CA) and proteasome (rpn10∆) mutants. Deletion of FOB1 increased replicative lifespan (RLS) in wild type (WT), apc5CA, and apc10∆ cells, and suppressed apc5CA cell cycle progression and rDNA recombination defects. Alternatively, increased FOB1 expression decreased RLS in WT cells, but did not reduce the already short apc5CA RLS, suggesting an epistatic interaction between apc5CA and fob1∆. Mutation to a putative L-Box (Fob1E420V), a Destruction Box-like motif, abolished Fob1 modifications, stabilized the protein, and increased rDNA recombination. Our work provides a mechanistic role played by the APC to promote replicative longevity and genomic stability in yeast.
Comparative Genomics RNAi Screen Identifies Eftud2 as a Novel Regulator of Innate Immunity
Authors: De Arras Lesly , Laws Rebecca , Leach Sonia M , Pontis Kyle , Freedman Jonathan H , Schwartz David A , Alper Scott
Published: December 2013

The extent of the innate immune response is regulated by many positively and negatively acting signaling proteins. This allows for proper activation of innate immunity to fight infection while ensuring that the response is limited to prevent unwanted complications. Thus mutations in innate immune regulators can lead to immune dysfunction or to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or atherosclerosis. To identify novel innate immune regulators that could affect infectious or inflammatory disease, we have taken a comparative genomics RNAi screening approach in which we inhibit orthologous genes in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and murine macrophages, expecting that genes with evolutionarily conserved function also will regulate innate immunity in humans. Here we report the results of an RNAi screen of approximately half of the C. elegans genome, which led to the identification of many candidate genes that regulate innate immunity in C. elegans and mouse macrophages. One of these novel conserved regulators of innate immunity is the mRNA splicing regulator Eftud2, which we show controls the alternate splicing of the MyD88 innate immunity signaling adaptor to modulate the extent of the innate immune response.
Simultaneous Expression of Multiple Proteins Under a Single Promoter in Caenorhabditis elegans via a Versatile 2A-Based Toolkit
Authors: Ahier Arnaud , Jarriault Sophie
Published: December 2013

Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful in vivo model in which transgenesis is highly developed. However, while the analysis of biological phenomena often require the expression of more than one protein of interest, no reliable tool exists to ensure efficient concomitant and equivalent expression of more than two polypeptides from a single promoter. We report the use of viral 2A peptides, which trigger a “ribosomal-skip” or “STOP&GO” mechanism during translation, to express multiple proteins from a single vector in C. elegans. Although none of the viruses known to infect C. elegans contain 2A-like sequences, our results show that 2A peptides allow the production of separate functional proteins in all cell types and at all developmental stages tested in the worm. In addition, we constructed a toolkit including a 2A-based polycistronic plasmid and reagents to generate 2A-tagged fosmids. 2A peptides constitute an important tool to ensure the delivery of multiple polypeptides in specific cells, enabling several novel applications such as the reconstitution of multi-subunit complexes.
Psychological support based on positive suggestions in the treatment of a critically ill ICU patient — a case report
Authors: Varga Katalin , Varga Zsófia , Fritúz Gábor
Published: December 2013

This case report describes the way psychological support based on positive suggestions (PSBPS) was added to the traditional somatic treatment of an acute pancreatitis 36-year-old male patient. Psychological support based on positive suggestions (PSBPS) is a new adjunct therapeutic tool focused on applying suggestive techniques in medical settings. The suggestive techniques usually applied with critically ill patients are based on a number of pre-prepared scripts like future orientation, reframing, positivity, supporting autonomy, etc., and other, very unique and personalized interventions, which are exemplified with verbatim quotations. We describe the way several problems during treatment of intensive care unit (ICU) patients were solved using suggestive methods: uncooperativeness, difficulties of weaning, building up enteral nutrition, supporting recovery motivation, and so on, which permanently facilitated the patient's medical state: the elimination of gastrointestinal bleeding, recovery of the skin on the abdomen, etc. Medical effects follow-up data at 10 months show that the patient recovered and soon returned to his original work following discharge.
Role of primary stability for successful osseointegration of dental implants: Factors of influence and evaluation
Authors: Javed Fawad , Ahmed Hameeda Bashir , Crespi Roberto , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: December 2013

A secure implant primary (mechanical) stability is positively associated with a successful implant integration and long-term successful clinical outcome. Therefore, it is essential to assess the initial stability at different time-points to ensure a successful osseointegration. The present study critically reviews the factors that may play a role in achieving a successful initial stability in dental implants. Databases were searched from 1983 up to and including October 2013 using different combinations of various keywords. Bone quality and quantity, implant geometry, and surgical technique adopted may significantly influence primary stability and overall success rate of dental implants.
Results of thoracic drainages placed in air rescue
Authors: Schupfner Rupert , Wagner Walter , Schneller Angelika
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Thorax injuries are to be found in approximately 78% amongst all accident victims. Moreover, they implicate an increase in mortality rate. Consequently, an adequate contemporary treatment has to begin preclinically, even if the conditions are less comfortable than in a clinical setting. Emergency doctors need to be familiar with the placement of chest tubes.

Materials and Methods

From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010, emergency doctors of the rescue helicopter site Christoph 20 had to place chest tubes directly at the scene of an accident in 49 patients. These patients were now reidentified, and their clinical course was reevaluated. By means of apparative diagnostics, it was possible to analyze the location of the tubes tip. Following a comparison of the patient, outcome versus the quality of preclinical thoracic discharge could be made.

Results

The preclinical placement of a chest tube became necessary mainly because of a blunt thoracic trauma. This was predominantly related to victims of traffic accidents, whereas male victims clearly dominated. Forty-two of those patients received further treatment at the Klinikum Bayreuth hospital, enabling an analysis of the tubes location by CAT (computed axial tomography) scan. Six patients had been discharged on both sides, contributing to 48 tube tips that could be examined concerning their location. Of the 48 chest tubes, 46 had been placed from a lateral approach. The ventral access by Monaldi had only been chosen in two cases. Altogether, nine incorrect placements, mainly within the right interlobe gap, had been detected.

Conclusions

The study collective showed a significant preference to the lateral approach when placing a chest tube at the emergency scene of an accident. In total, a prevalence of 19% incorrect placements could be revealed, meaning the chest tube had either been placed within the lung parenchyma, the interlobe gap, or extrathoracically. Concerning the patient outcome, no statistically significant difference regarding the clinical course after incorrect chest tube placement could be identified.
Effect of production variables on the physicochemical characteristics of celecoxib-loaded stearic and alginic acids-based microparticles
Authors: Shunmugaperumal Tamilvanan , Sharma Deepak , Thakur Ashutosh , Vinaykumar
Published: December 2013

The objectives of the current investigation were (1) to prepare the microparticles based on stearic and alginic acids from an aqueous system by hot (melt) dispersion method, (2) to achieve a higher drug entrapment efficiency and process yield (%) by changing the production variables such as stirring speed, concentration of stabilizer in aqueous dispersion medium, volume of aqueous dispersion medium, and stirring time, and (3) to see whether or not a retardation in drug release profile was attained from the celecoxib-loaded stearic and alginic acids-based microparticles compared to that of the celecoxib alone. The addition of alginic acid into stearic acid produced spherical-shaped particles with an almost smooth surface. Higher drug entrapment efficiency and process yield (%) values were obtained when the microparticles were prepared at 1000 r/min using 0.1% w/v polyvinyl alcohol in 100 mL aqueous dispersion medium and 30 min stirring time. The in vitro dissolution study in 900 mL of 2% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) solution at 75 r/min, however, showed only around 10% retardation in drug release from microparticles compared to the drug release from pure celecoxib alone. This indicated that the gel-like network formed by the alginic acid around the microparticles could not prevent the drug leakage from the microparticles.
The Gendered House
Authors: Dolfini Andrea
Published: December 2013

This paper discusses how gender was reproduced at Sorgenti della Nova, a Final Bronze Age settlement in west-central Italy. The paper examines structural features and finds from a domestic assemblage comprising a large elliptical dwelling (House 2) and surrounding buildings, which lay on one of the artificially carved terraces that made up the prehistoric village. Structural and spatial analysis yielded meaningful insights into the organization of domestic life at this site. It is argued in particular that House 2 was divided into three activity areas, and that essential tasks for the physical and social reproduction of the household were carried out in the space outside the house. Examination of the small finds has allowed identification of several engendered practices, including spinning/weaving and domestic rituals. Based on these findings, it is argued that gender was not performed in isolation, but was inseparably intertwined with other facets of social identity including age, status and kin. The study concludes that not only gender but also an entire idea of society was constructed in the house through the daily performance of meaningful domestic practices.
Robert Thomas Crucefix, Redux
Authors: Sommers Susan Mitchell
Published: December 2013

Robert Thomas Crucefix (1788-1850) was a charismatic and polarizing figure in English freemasonry through the 1830s until his death. He is best remembered for founding the Freemasons’ Quarterly Review and as the primary force behind the establishment of the Asylum for Worthy, Aged and Decayed Freemasons. He was not only an active Craft mason and Junior Grand Deacon in the Grand Lodge, but he also joined, and often dominated, other degrees and orders in England, Scotland, Ireland, France and the United States. Though there has been no proper biography of Crucefix, much has been written about his masonic activities, and especially about his ongoing confrontations with the Duke of Sussex, who served as Grand Master for much of the time Crucefix was a freemason. His private life has been virtually ignored, and this is especially true for his medical career, around which a cordon sanitaire seems to have been thrown, fending off inquiry. This study is a preliminary foray beyond that boundary, exploring both Crucefix’s medical career and its broader implications.
Landfill cap models under simulated climate change precipitation: impacts of cracks and root growth
Authors: SINNATHAMBY G. , PHILLIPS D.H. , SIVAKUMAR V. , PAKSY A.
Published: December 2013

Desiccation crack formation is a key process that needs to be understood in assessment of landfill cap performance under anticipated future climate change scenarios. The objectives of this study were to examine: (a) desiccation cracks and impacts that roots may have on their formation and resealing, and (b) their impacts on hydraulic conductivity under anticipated climate change precipitation scenarios. Visual observations, image analysis of thin sections and hydraulic conductivity tests were carried out on cores collected from two large-scale laboratory trial landfill cap models (∼80 × 80 × 90 cm) during a year of four simulated seasonal precipitation events. Extensive root growth in the topsoil increased percolation of water into the subsurface, and after droughts, roots grew deep into low-permeability layers through major cracks which impeded their resealing. At the end of 1 year, larger cracks had lost resealing ability and one single, large, vertical crack made the climate change precipitation model cap inefficient. Even though the normal precipitation model had developed desiccation cracks, its integrity was preserved better than the climate change precipitation model.
Common surface potential of two different crystal planes
Authors: Kallay Nikola , Preocˇanin Tajana , Sapunar Marin , Namjesnik Danijel
Published: December 2013

Crystals have different planes of different structures. In contact with aqueous environment, they exhibit different behaviors and different interfacial equilibriums. Surface potentials of individual crystal planes could be measured with single-crystal electrodes. In reality, these planes are not separated but rather electrically connected through the bulk of the crystal so that common potential is established. The value of common potential lies between values of separated individual planes. In the equilibration process, one plane may dominate. The problem was considered by numerical simulation based on surface complexation model and experimentally. Discussion was extended to one surface with different active surface sites.
Use of the Challenge Point Framework to Guide Motor Learning of Stepping Reactions for Improved Balance Control in People With Stroke: A Case Series
Authors: Pollock Courtney L. , Boyd Lara A. , Hunt Michael A. , Garland S. Jayne
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose

Stepping reactions are important for walking balance and community-level mobility. Stepping reactions of people with stroke are characterized by slow reaction times, poor coordination of motor responses, and low amplitude of movements, which may contribute to their decreased ability to recover their balance when challenged. An important aspect of rehabilitation of mobility after stroke is optimizing the motor learning associated with retraining effective stepping reactions. The Challenge Point Framework (CPF) is a model that can be used to promote motor learning through manipulation of conditions of practice to modify task difficulty, that is, the interaction of the skill of the learner and the difficulty of the task to be learned. This case series illustrates how the retraining of multidirectional stepping reactions may be informed by the CPF to improve balance function in people with stroke.

Case Description

Four people (53–68 years of age) with chronic stroke (>1 year) and mild to moderate motor recovery received 4 weeks of multidirectional stepping reaction retraining. Important tenets of motor learning were optimized for each person during retraining in accordance with the CPF.

Outcomes

Participants demonstrated improved community-level walking balance, as determined with the Community Balance and Mobility Scale. These improvements were evident 1 year later. Aspects of balance-related self-efficacy and movement kinematics also showed improvements during the course of the intervention.

Discussion

The application of CPF motor learning principles in the retraining of stepping reactions to improve community-level walking balance in people with chronic stroke appears to be promising. The CPF provides a plausible theoretical framework for the progression of functional task training in neurorehabilitation.
Dynamics of a chain of optically coupled micro droplets
Authors: Crouzil Th. , Perrin M.
Published: December 2013

We study a chain of fluid droplets excited by two incoherent laser beams. Such structured object is merely an array of spherical lenses, that can guide a TEMpq optical mode. Taking into account the optical forces exerted by two counterpropagating beams, we show that the droplets can be trapped and the chain auto-organizes in the optical potential. The model takes into account the possible coalescence of several droplets, and shows that the droplet size can increase before they become trapped at stable postitions. For some input beam parameters (beam waist size and position), we have observed dynamic trapping : the droplets experience collective oscillation. Meanwhile, the beam shape evolves periodically in time.
The evolutionary‐developmental origins of multicellularity
Authors: Niklas Karl J.
Published: December 2013

Multicellularity has evolved at least once in every major eukaryotic clade (in all ploidy levels) and numerous times among the prokaryotes. According to a standard multilevel selection (MLS) model, in each case, the evolution of multicellularity required the acquisition of cell–cell adhesion, communication, cooperation, and specialization attended by a compulsory alignment‐of‐fitness phase and an export‐of‐fitness phase to eliminate cell–cell conflict and to establish a reproductively integrated phenotype. These achievements are reviewed in terms of generalized evolutionary developmental motifs (or “modules”) whose overall logic constructs were mobilized and executed differently in bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals. When mapped onto a matrix of theoretically possible body plan morphologies (i.e., a morphospace), these motifs and the MLS model identify a “unicellular ⇒ colonial ⇒ multicellular” transformation series of body plans that mirrors trends observed in the majority of algae (i.e., a polyphyletic collection of photoautotrophic eukaryotes) and in the land plants, fungi, and animals. However, an alternative, more direct route to multicellularity theoretically exists, which may account for some aspects of fungal and algal evolution, i.e., a “siphonous ⇒ multicellular” transformation series. This review of multicellularity attempts to show that natural selection typically acts on functional traits rather than on the mechanisms that generate them (“Many roads lead to Rome.”) and that genome sequence homologies do not invariably translate into morphological homologies (“Rome isn't what it used to be.”).
Michel Foucault, visionnaire du droit contemporain
Authors: Garapon Antoine
Published: December 2013

RÃ©sumÃ© Cet article analyse les mutations contemporaines du droit. Il constate une évolution paradoxaledes pratiques juridiques néolibérales « à l’ombre du droit » : une tendance à chercher une solution aux controverses juridiques en dehors des tribunaux, à travers des modalités d’accord et de compensation. L’application de la loi est perçue comme une menace et un danger (notamment sur le plan économique), plutôt que comme une garantie de protection. Une nouvelle forme de subjectivité juridique comme capacité immédiate de calcul et de négociation se substitue progressivement au sujet titulaire de droits et de libertés inaliénables, exposant pourtant les individus et les entreprises au risque de subir des pressions les incitant à renoncer à défendre leurs droits, au nom même de leur intérêt.
Néolibéralisme, théorie politique et pensée critique
Authors: de Lagasnerie Geoffroy
Published: December 2013

RÃ©sumÃ© Cet article se propose de mettre en lumière les potentialités critiques qui sont inscritesau coeur de la rationalité néolibérale, qui s’est constituée dans le cadre d’une opposition à la raison d’État en posant l’idée selon laquelle « on gouverne toujours trop ». La réflexion foucaldienne dans Naissance de la biopolitique est particulièrement attentive à ce thème : en utilisant le raisonnement économique et les instruments de la science économique comme armes critiques pour déconstruire la philosophie politique traditionnelle et démystifier ses prétentions émancipatrices, Michel Foucault y présente en effet le néolibéralisme comme l’une des incarnations contemporaines de la tradition critique. Par conséquent, c’est en dehors de la philosophie politique, de la philosophie morale et éthique et de la théorie du droit que l’on pourra trouver des instruments de résistance au néolibéralisme.
Quantifier la qualité
Authors: Paltrinieri Luca
Published: December 2013

RÃ©sumÃ© Cet article s’intéresse à ce qui peut apparaître comme un oubli paradoxal dans les coursque Foucault consacre au néolibéralisme, à savoir la description de ce que serait une biopolitique néolibérale. Il trace les contours d’une telle biopolitique en soulignant la manière dont s’articulent l’économie et la démographie. En faisant la généalogie du gouvernement économique de la population depuis les théories classiques, l’auteur met en évidence le rôle que joue la notion de capital humain dans la rationalité néolibérale, et la tension qu’elle introduit entre quantification du temps de travail et qualification de la population, ainsi qu’entre présent et possible, et entre investissement et réalisation : il s’agit de quantifier la qualité, à travers une série de dispositifs qui évaluent la valorisation possible des sujets. 66