Cell resolved, multiparticle model of plastic tissue deformations and morphogenesis

We propose a three-dimensional mechanical model of embryonic tissue dynamics. Mechanically coupled adherent cells are represented as particles interconnected with elastic beams which can exert non-central forces and torques. Tissue plasticity is modeled by a stochastic process consisting of a connectivity change (addition or removal of a single link) followed by a complete relaxation to mechanical equilibrium. In particular, we assume that (i) two non-connected, but adjacent particles can form a new link; and (ii) the lifetime of links is reduced by tensile forces. We demonstrate that the proposed model yields a realistic macroscopic elasto-plastic behavior and we establish how microscopic model parameters determine material properties at the macroscopic scale. Based on these results, microscopic parameter values can be inferred from tissue thickness, macroscopic elastic modulus and the magnitude and dynamics of intercellular adhesion forces. In addition to their mechanical role, model particles can also act as simulation agents and actively modulate their connectivity according to specific rules. As an example, anisotropic link insertion and removal probabilities can give rise to local cell intercalation and large scale convergent extension movements. The proposed stochastic simulation of cell activities yields fluctuating tissue movements which exhibit the same autocorrelation properties as empirical data from avian embryos

Factors Related to the Use of Waiting Honai Childbirth in the Asologaima Health Centre of Jayawijaya Regency

The maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate, an indicator of public health and other indicators that affect life expectancy. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the utilization of waiting Honai childbirth conducted in Asologaima health centre of Jayawijaya in July-August 2015. The study was conducted by quantitative approach with applied a cross sectional study. In the independent variable of this research is the knowledge of the mother, mileage / access, family support, resources, attitudes while the dependent variable was the use waiting Honai childbirth. Population in this study were all mothers delivered in July-August 2015. Sampling technique using the total sample with a sample of 63. Results analysis showed no significant relationship between knowledge and utilization waiting Honai childbirth with p = 0.021 (p <0.05), no significant correlation between the mileage / access with the use of waiting Honai childbirth with p = 0.000 (p <0, 05), there is a significant relationship between family support with the use of waiting Honai childbirth with p = 0.000 (p <0.05), no significant association between the use of resources waiting Honai childbirth with p = 0.000 (p <0, 05), there is a significant relationship between attitudes to the use waiting Honai childbirth with p = 0.000 (p <0.05)

An Analysis of Sentence-Like Utterances of IELTS Mock Speaking Test Scripts

The present study examines non-Malaysian candidates’ performance in an IELTS mock speaking test with regards to their use of different types of sentence structure utterances. Audio recorded data was obtained from eight students of three different levels of proficiency, namely; foundation, intermediate and advanced, in which thereafter an analysis was carried out using Radford (1990; 1997) sentence types. A semi-structured interview was also employed to gauge the candidates’ opinions on answering the test questions as well the interlocutor’s views on the candidates’ performance. The test was conducted by an IELTS trained interlocutor. It was found that most candidates were able to understand the questions, their responses were mainly simple sentence utterances indicated by many disjointed and choppy ideas. The semi-structured interview answers show that most candidates’ high level of nervousness and anxiety caused them not to be able to speak fluently, and as a result, their ideas were expressed in simple sentence structures that lacked logical coordination. It is hoped that the findings of the present study would help the current IETLS course module developers to integrate lessons on the different types of sentence structures in training test candidates to express complete and complex structured responses

Online Purchasing Behaviour of Consumers at Zalora in Malaysia

In the 1960s, the emergence of technology introduced by humans spurred the establishment of the Internet that can engage all people globally. Since 1994, the Internet has contributed tremendously towards the evolution of online shopping through the development Electronic Commerce (EC). There are many online shopping websites that have been established by various companies as other alternatives for consumers to purchase their goods or services rather than shopping at the stores. In Malaysia, the reputation and brand image of ZALORA has become the centre and the focus of society. It automatically raises a question among the marketers regarding the motives of the consumers in choosing ZALORA rather than other online shopping websites. This is due to the attractiveness of ZALORA that has led the consumers’ intention in purchasing or ordering the goods or services online. Therefore, it is vital to investigate and identify the factors that influence the consumers' purchasing behaviour as well as their intentions in shopping online at ZALORA. In order to fill the gap of this study, the data of 377 respondents were collected and analysed by using the Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) software version no.25. The findings show that the website designs of ZALORA have been portrayed as the main factor that has contributed to the purchasing behaviour of consumers for online shopping at ZALORA in comparison to other factors which were convenience, time saving and security

Genomic features of bacterial adaptation to plants

Author(s): Levy, A; Salas Gonzalez, I; Mittelviefhaus, M; Clingenpeel, S; Herrera Paredes, S; Miao, J; Wang, K; Devescovi, G; Stillman, K; Monteiro, F; Rangel Alvarez, B; Lundberg, DS; Lu, TY; Lebeis, S; Jin, Z; McDonald, M; Klein, AP; Feltcher, ME; Rio, TG; Grant, SR; Doty, SL; Ley, RE; Zhao, B; Venturi, V; Pelletier, DA; Vorholt, JA; Tringe, SG; Woyke, T; Dangl, JL | Abstract: © 2017 The Author(s). Plants intimately associate with diverse bacteria. Plant-associated bacteria have ostensibly evolved genes that enable them to adapt to plant environments. However, the identities of such genes are mostly unknown, and their functions are poorly characterized. We sequenced 484 genomes of bacterial isolates from roots of Brassicaceae, poplar, and maize. We then compared 3,837 bacterial genomes to identify thousands of plant-associated gene clusters. Genomes of plant-associated bacteria encode more carbohydrate metabolism functions and fewer mobile elements than related non-plant-associated genomes do. We experimentally validated candidates from two sets of plant-associated genes: one involved in plant colonization, and the other serving in microbe-microbe competition between plant-associated bacteria. We also identified 64 plant-associated protein domains that potentially mimic plant domains; some are shared with plant-associated fungi and oomycetes. This work expands the genome-based understanding of plant-microbe interactions and provides potential leads for efficient and sustainable agriculture through microbiome engineering

Different experimental approaches in modelling cataractogenesis: An overview of selenite-induced nuclear cataract in rats

Cataract, the opacification of eye lens, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. At present, the only remedy is surgical removal of the cataractous lens and substitution with a lens made of synthetic polymers. However, besides significant costs of operation and possible complications, an artificial lens just does not have the overall optical qualities of a normal one. Hence it remains a significant public health problem, and biochemical solutions or pharmacological interventions that will maintain the transparency of the lens are highly required. Naturally, there is a persistent demand for suitable biological models. The ocular lens would appear to be an ideal organ for maintaining culture conditions because of lacking blood vessels and nerves. The lens in vivo obtains its nutrients and eliminates waste products via diffusion with the surrounding fluids. Lens opacification observed in vivo can be mimicked in vitro by addition of the cataractogenic agent sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) to the culture medium. Moreover, since an overdose of sodium selenite induces also cataract in young rats, it became an extremely rapid and convenient model of nuclear cataract in vivo. The main focus of this review will be on selenium (Se) and its salt sodium selenite, their toxicological characteristics and safety data in relevance of modelling cataractogenesis, either under in vivo or in vitro conditions. The studies revealing the mechanisms of lens opacification induced by selenite are highlighted, the representatives from screening for potential anti-cataract agents are listed

Natural flavonoids as potential multifunctional agents in prevention of diabetic cataract

Cataract is one of the earliest secondary complications of diabetes mellitus. The lens is a closed system with limited capability to repair or regenerate itself. Current evidence supports the view that cataractogenesis is a multifactorial process. Mechanisms related to glucose toxicity, namely oxidative stress, processes of non-enzymatic glycation and enhanced polyol pathway significantly contribute to the development of eye lens opacity under conditions of diabetes. There is an urgent need for inexpensive, non-surgical approaches to the treatment of cataract. Recently, considerable attention has been devoted to the search for phytochemical therapeutics. Several pharmacological actions of natural flavonoids may operate in the prevention of cataract since flavonoids are capable of affecting multiple mechanisms or etiological factors responsible for the development of diabetic cataract. In the present paper, natural flavonoids are reviewed as potential agents that could reduce the risk of cataract formation via affecting multiple pathways pertinent to eye lens opacification. In addition, the bioavailability of flavonoids for the lens is considered