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Abstract. The implantation in pig is superficial and non-invasive, involving phases of apposition, adhesion and attachment of conceptuses to endometrial surface epithelium. The role of integrins and ECM proteins is suggested. In the study, the expression of α5β1 integrin and FN on conceptus trophectoderm and endometrium during implantation and early pregnancy was investigated. The immunohistochemical localization of α5β1 integrin and FN was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections using the ABC method. The results indicate that both conceptus and uterus expressed α5β1 integrin and FN during early porcine pregnancy. The most intensive staining for α5β1 integrin and FN was found in conceptus trophectoderm and endometrial surface epithelium in all investigated periods. During placentation the immunohistochemical staining for both α5β1 integrin and FN was increased in trophectoderm and all endometrial structures. Since placenta in pigs is non-invasive, it can be suggested that both α5β1 integrin and FN participate in molecular events leading to successful implantation and placentation in species with true epitheliochorial placenta

An Ecosystem for E-Learning in Mechatronics: The CLEM Project

This paper describes some results of the FP7 CLEM project, Cloud E-learning for Mechatronics. An interesting development has been the creation of remote laboratories in the cloud. Learners can access such laboratories to help with their practical learning about mechatronics without need to set up laboratories at their own institutions. On the other hand the cloud infrastructure enables multiple laboratories to come together virtually to create an ecosystem for educators and learners. From such a system, educators can pick and mix materials to create suitable courses for their students. This means that learners can experience different types of devices and laboratories through the cloud. The paper provides an overview of the CLEM project, presenting results so far. In addition to the remote laboratories set up using a Raspberry Pi and Arduino microprocessor structure, this paper also presents information on the results of a survey and the development of static learning material. It also explains how a holistic e-learning experience can be obtained through use of static and dynamic material together with facilities for collaboration and innovation

Structure and mechanisms of sodium-pumping KR2 rhodopsin

Rhodopsins are the most universal biological light-energy transducers and abundant phototrophic mechanisms that evolved on Earth and have a remarkable diversity and potential for biotechnological applications. Recently, the first sodium-pumping rhodopsin KR2 from Krokinobacter eikastus was discovered and characterized. However, the existing structures of KR2 are contradictory, and the mechanism of Na+ pumping is not yet understood. Here, we present a structure of the cationic (non H+) light-driven pump at physiological pH in its pentameric form. We also present 13 atomic structures and functional data on the KR2 and its mutants, including potassium pumps, which show that oligomerization of the microbial rhodopsin is obligatory for its biological function. The studies reveal the structure of KR2 at nonphysiological low pH where it acts as a proton pump. The structure provides new insights into the mechanisms of microbial rhodopsins and opens the way to a rational design of novel cation pumps for optogenetics