Entrepreneurship Education in Forty Hours — You Can Do It!

Kettering University’s terms are but eleven weeks long, allowing for forty hours of instruction. Four sections of the course over two years have proved that students can appreciate the risks, processes, and rewards of entrepreneurship in this short time frame. Students begin with a self-created idea around which to build a business, vote for best ideas, form teams (companies), and pursue the projects to develop a business plan for presentation at the conclusion of the term. Alternately, some teams are provided industrial patents to commercialize as examples of intrapreneurship. Evaluation of the results by faculty outside the course and the supplier of the patents indicate that, indeed, you can teach entrepreneurship in forty hours. This paper provides examples of student projects and discusses the project development process

Soybean glycinin improves HDL-C and suppresses the effects of rosuvastatin on hypercholesterolemic rats.

Background: This study was an investigation of the effects of ingesting a daily dose of isolated glycinin soy protein (11S globulin), in association with rosuvastatin, on the control of hypercholesterolemia in experimental animals. Methods: Male Wistar rats were kept in individual cages under appropriate controlled conditions of temperature, light and humidity. The animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): 1) standard (STD): fed on casein as protein source; 2) hypercholesterolemic (HC): STD plus 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid; 3) HC+11S: hypercholesterolemic + glycinin (300 mg/kg/day); 4) HC+ROS: hypercholesterolemic + rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day); 5) HC+11S+ROS: HC diet, the 11S protein and the drug in the doses given in (3) and (4). The protein and the drug were administered by gavage for 28 days. The results indicated that the addition of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid induced hypercholesterolemia in the animals without interfering with their weight gain. Results: A single daily dose of glycinin contributed an additional 2.8% of dietary protein intake and demonstrated its functional role, particularly in raising HDL-C, decreasing triglycerides in the liver and improving the atherogenic index in animals exposed to a hypercholesterolemic diet. Conclusion: Most of the beneficial effects of the isolated treatments disappeared when the drug (rosuvastatin) and the protein (glycinin) were taken simultaneously. The association was shown not to interact additively, as noted in the plasma levels of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, and in the significant increase of cholesterol in the liver. Studies are in progress to identify the effects of peptides derived from the 11S globulin and their role in cholesterol metabolism

Soybean glycinin improves HDL-C and suppresses the effects of rosuvastatin on hypercholesterolemic rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study was an investigation of the effects of ingesting a daily dose of isolated glycinin soy protein (11S globulin), in association with rosuvastatin, on the control of hypercholesterolemia in experimental animals.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Male Wistar rats were kept in individual cages under appropriate controlled conditions of temperature, light and humidity. The animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): 1) standard (STD): fed on casein as protein source; 2) hypercholesterolemic (HC): STD plus 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid; 3) HC+11S: hypercholesterolemic + glycinin (300 mg/kg/day); 4) HC+ROS: hypercholesterolemic + rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day); 5) HC+11S+ROS: HC diet, the 11S protein and the drug in the doses given in (3) and (4). The protein and the drug were administered by gavage for 28 days. The results indicated that the addition of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid induced hypercholesterolemia in the animals without interfering with their weight gain.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A single daily dose of glycinin contributed an additional 2.8% of dietary protein intake and demonstrated its functional role, particularly in raising HDL-C, decreasing triglycerides in the liver and improving the atherogenic index in animals exposed to a hypercholesterolemic diet.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Most of the beneficial effects of the isolated treatments disappeared when the drug (rosuvastatin) and the protein (glycinin) were taken simultaneously. The association was shown not to interact additively, as noted in the plasma levels of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, and in the significant increase of cholesterol in the liver. Studies are in progress to identify the effects of peptides derived from the 11S globulin and their role in cholesterol metabolism.</p

Hacia un control inmunológico de la toxocariasis: inmunoprotección en canes con antígenos de Toxocara canis

Tanto en perros como en seres humanos la toxocariasis se controla con el uso de drogas antiparasitarias. Su continuo uso produce resistencia en el hospedero. El perro es fundamental en la contaminación del ambiente con huevos de Toxocara canis y posterior transmisión accidental de ellos al hombre. Interrumpir la cadena epidemiológica de transmisión es primordial. En este ensayo preliminar se investigó la inmunoprotección en canes con antígenos de T. canis. Se inocularon cinco perros: dos (una hembra y un macho) con antígenos de excreción-secreción, dos hembras con antígenos escondidos y un macho destinado como control. A los 15 días de la segunda dosis, todos los animales fueron infectados con 500 huevos larvados de T. canis. A los 25 días los perros fueron desparasitados, registrándose la carga parasitaria como indicador de efectividad de la inoculación. Todos mostraron huevos en el día 25 post desafío y la posterior negativización a los 20 días en los inmunizados. En el perro control, la cantidad de huevos fue mayor en el día 25 post desafío que en los animales del grupo experimental y aumentó aún más en los días posteriores. Estos resultados iniciales permiten estimular los estudios de selección de antígenos e inmunoprotección con miras a la obtención de un sistema vacunal para canes. La bibliografía internacional no muestra experiencias similares en la unidad T. canis-perro

A Low Dimensional Description of Globally Coupled Heterogeneous Neural Networks of Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons

Neural networks consisting of globally coupled excitatory and inhibitory nonidentical neurons may exhibit a complex dynamic behavior including synchronization, multiclustered solutions in phase space, and oscillator death. We investigate the conditions under which these behaviors occur in a multidimensional parametric space defined by the connectivity strengths and dispersion of the neuronal membrane excitability. Using mode decomposition techniques, we further derive analytically a low dimensional description of the neural population dynamics and show that the various dynamic behaviors of the entire network can be well reproduced by this reduced system. Examples of networks of FitzHugh-Nagumo and Hindmarsh-Rose neurons are discussed in detail

Monitoreo de glifosato en agua superficial en Entre Ríos: La investigación acción participativa como metodología de abordaje

Las pérdidas de glifosato desde agroecosistemas y su impacto sobre el agua superficial generan preocupación en los actores de la comunidad rural y urbana de Entre Ríos, habiéndose generalizado percepciones de riesgo. La ausencia de información ha agudizado la sensibilidad social, requiriéndose un abordaje adecuado. Los objetivos fueron: conformar una red de monitoreo del efecto del uso de glifosato sobre la calidad del agua (RMCA) en el área agrícola de Entre Ríos; estimar la concentración de glifosato en agua superficial, y acordar prácticas agronómicas de bajo impacto ambiental. Se desarrolló una investigación acción participativa (IAP), con participación de diferentes actores en todas las instancias del estudio. Se llevó adelante un programa de sensibilización de profesionales, productores y organismos interesados en conocer la calidad de aguas. La selección de sitios y el muestreo fueron realizados por los integrantes de la RMCA. Se establecieron tres períodos de muestreo: 1.°: 15 agosto – 15 setiembre 2012; 2.°: 15 noviembre – 15 diciembre 2012, y 3.°: 15 marzo – 15 abril 2013. Las concentraciones de glifosato fueron clasificadas en 3 categorías: <0,1 μg L-1; 0,1-240 μg L-1 y ˃240 μgL-1. La RMCA resultó integrada por 70 miembros. Se evaluaron 311 puntos y 703 muestras de agua. En el primer período, 4,7% de los puntos superó el nivel de 240 μgL-1, mientras que en el segundo todas las concentraciones resultaron inferiores, de las cuales un 69,2% presentó valores inferiores a 0,1 μg L-1. El 76% de las muestras de marzo/abril presentó concentraciones inferiores a 0,1 μg L-1. Los resultados se discutieron con los integrantes de la RMCA en un taller replicado en cuatro localidades y en un segundo evento se acordaron prácticas agronómicas de bajo impacto ambiental. La IAP demostró ser una metodología adecuada para analizar los cambios en la calidad del agua superficial debidos al uso de glifosato en Entre Ríos. La cuantificación de la concentración de glifosato permitió analizar el riesgo de contaminación no medido precedentemente, lo cual fue motor de búsqueda de soluciones consensuadas entre los diferentes actores del sector agroalimentario para mitigar o remediar impactos ambientales por el uso de agroquímicos.There is concern about glyphosate losses from agroecosystems and its impact on surface water in urban and rural communities of Entre Rios, having a widespread perception of risk in public opinion. Social awareness was exacerbated by lack of information, which requires an adequate approach. The objectives were: i) to set up a network for monitoring the effect of glyphosate use on water quality (RMCA) in the agricultural area of Entre Rios, ii) to estimate glyphosate concentration in surface water as a result of losses from the agroecosystem, and iii) to identify management practices of low environmental impact to be agreed on with members of the agro alimentary sector. The methodological framework applied corresponds to a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. An awareness program for professionals, farmers and organizations interested in knowing water quality was carried out. Site selection and water sampling were carried out by RMCA members. A schedule of 3 sampling periods was established: 1º) August 15th - September 15th 2012, 2º) November 15th - December 15th 2012 and 3º) March 15th - April 15th 2013. Concentration of glyphosate in the water samples was determined by the Elisa technique, using as a UPLC-MS/MS verification method. Glyphosate concentrations were classified according to the guide levels defined by the Undersecreatriat of Water Resources of Argentina and the European Union: < 0.1 µg L-1; 0.1-240 µg L-1 y ˃ 240 µg L-1. The RMCA network was integrated by 70 members becoming a community-based organization to promote the preservation of surface water. 311 monitoring points and 703 water samples were evaluated. In the first period, 4.7% of the monitoring points overcame the level of 240 µg L-1 whereas in the second sampling instance all concentrations results were lower, 69% of them showing values below 0.1 µg L-1. 76% of the March-April samples resulted in concentrations below 0.1 µg L-1. Results were discussed by RCMA members in a workshop that was replicated at 4 locations. In a second meeting, the members identified on agronomic practices of environmental low impact. The PAR proved to be an adequate methodology to analyze changes in the quality of surface water due to the use of glyphosate in the agricultural area of Entre Rios. The quantification of glyphosate concentration in water allowed to know the risk of pollution, not previously measured, which promoted the search for consensual solutions among stakeholders of the agro alimentary sector to either mitigate or solve environmental impact by the use of agrochemicals.Fil: Sasal, Maria Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Wilson, Marcelo Germán. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Sione, Silvana. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Beghetto, S. M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Rios. Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria Parana. Agencia de Extension Rural Crespo.; ArgentinaFil: Gabioud, Emmanuel Adrián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Oszut, José D.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Paravani, Enrique Valentin. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Demonte, Luisina Delma. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ingeniería Química. Programa de Investigación y Análisis de Residuos y Contaminantes Químicos; ArgentinaFil: Repetti, María Rosa. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ingeniería Química. Programa de Investigación y Análisis de Residuos y Contaminantes Químicos; ArgentinaFil: Bedendo, Dante Julián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Medero, Silvina Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación de Recursos Naturales. Instituto de Recursos Biológicos; ArgentinaFil: Pautasso, Natalia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Schulz, G. A.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación de Recursos Naturales. Instituto de Suelos; Argentin

FACT-MNG: tumor site specific web-based outcome instrument for meningioma patients

To formulate Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Meningioma (FACT-MNG), a web-based tumor site-specific outcome instrument for assessing intracranial meningioma patients following surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery. We surveyed the relevant literature available on intracranial meningioma surgery and subsequent outcomes (38 papers), making note of which, if any, QOL/outcome instruments were utilized. None of the surgveyed papers included QOL assessment specific to tumor site. We subsequently developed questions that were relevant to the signs and symptoms that characterize each of 11 intracranial meningioma sites, and incorporated them into a modified combination of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-BR) and SF36 outcome instruments, thereby creating a new tumor site-specific outcome instrument, FACT-MNG. With outcomes analysis of surgical and radiosurgical treatments becoming more important, measures of the adequacy and success of treatment are needed. FACT-MNG represents a first effort to formalize such an instrument for meningioma patients. Questions specific to tumor site will allow surgeons to better assess specific quality of life issues not addressed in the past by more general questionnaires

The Cooperation between hMena Overexpression and HER2 Signalling in Breast Cancer

hMena and the epithelial specific isoform hMena11a are actin cytoskeleton regulatory proteins belonging to the Ena/VASP family. EGF treatment of breast cancer cell lines upregulates hMena/hMena11a expression and phosphorylates hMena11a, suggesting cross-talk between the ErbB receptor family and hMena/hMena11a in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether the hMena/hMena11a overexpression cooperates with HER-2 signalling, thereby affecting the HER2 mitogenic activity in breast cancer. In a cohort of breast cancer tissue samples a significant correlation among hMena, HER2 overexpression, the proliferation index (high Ki67), and phosphorylated MAPK and AKT was found and among the molecular subtypes the highest frequency of hMena overexpressing tumors was found in the HER2 subtype. From a clinical viewpoint, concomitant overexpression of HER2 and hMena identifies a subgroup of breast cancer patients showing the worst prognosis, indicating that hMena overexpression adds prognostic information to HER2 overexpressing tumors. To identify a functional link between HER2 and hMena, we show here that HER2 transfection in MCF7 cells increased hMena/hMena11a expression and hMena11a phosphorylation. On the other hand, hMena/hMena11a knock-down reduced HER3, AKT and p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation and inhibited the EGF and NRG1-dependent HER2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation. Of functional significance, hMena/hMena11a knock-down reduced the mitogenic activity of EGF and NRG1. Collectively these data provide new insights into the relevance of hMena and hMena11a as downstream effectors of the ErbB receptor family which may represent a novel prognostic indicator in breast cancer progression, helping to stratify patients

SPARC 2019 Fake news & home truths : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2019 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also our first ever Doctoral School Best Supervisor awards, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 90 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant, innovative and collaborative PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the inspiring, relevant and impactful research in progress, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. Find an abstract that interests you, and say “Hello” to the author. Who knows what might result from your conversation? With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to take up this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas from your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research needs interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised and rewarded by all major research funders. Engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers. Even better, our free ice cream van means that you can have those conversations while enjoying a refreshing ice lolly