Est modus in rebus.

In the July 2013 issue of the American Journal of Neuroradiology an editorial appeared, authored by Dr H.J. Cloft, entitled "Capitalism and Commodities: My Two Cents."[1][1] In the editorial, Dr Cloft explains that nowadays "more that 20 years after the invention of the Guglielmi Detachabl

The African Swine Fever Virus IAP Homolog Is a Late Structural Polypeptide

AbstractThe analysis of the complete nucleotide sequence of the African swine fever virus genome has revealed the existence of a number of genes potentially capable of modifying the host's response to the virus infection. In this report, we describe the results of the characterization of the A224L gene that encodes a novel member of the family of apoptosis inhibitors known as IAP proteins. A224L is expressed during the late phase of the infectious cycle, and its polypeptide product is assembled into virus particles

The TLC: A Novel Auditory Nucleus of the Mammalian Brain

[EN]We have identified a novel nucleus of the mammalian brain and termed it the tectal longitudinal column (TLC). Basic histologic stains, tract-tracing techniques and three-dimensional reconstructions reveal that the rat TLC is a narrow, elongated structure spanning themidbrain tectum longitudinally. This paired nucleus is located close to the midline, immediately dorsal to the periaqueductal gray matter.It occupies what has traditionally been considered the most medial region of the deep superior colliculus and the most medial region of the inferior colliculus. The TLC differs from the neighboring nuclei of the superior and inferior colliculi and the periaqueductal gray by its distinct connections and cytoarchitecture. Extracellular electrophysiological recordings show that TLC neurons respond to auditory stimuli with physiologic properties that differ from those of neurons in the inferior or superior colliculi. We have identified the TLC in rodents, lagomorphs, carnivores, nonhuman primates, and humans, which indicates that the nucleus is conserved across mammals. The discovery of the TLC reveals an unexpected level of longitudinal organization in the mammalian tectum and raises questions as to the participation of this mesencephalic region in essential, yet completely unexplored, aspects of multisensory and/or sensorimotorintegration.[ES]Hemos identificado un nuevo núcleo del cerebro de los mamíferos y lo hemos denominado columna longitudinal tectal (CLT; TLC por sus siglas en inglés). Mediante tinciones histológicas básicas, técnicas de trazado de vías nerviosas y reconstrucciones tridimensionales hemos observado que la CLT es una estructura larga y estrecha que recorre longitudinalmente el techo mesencefálico. Este núcleo par se encuentra próximo a la línea media, inmediatamente dorsal con respecto a la sustancia gris periacueductal. Ocupa un territorio considerado tradicionalmente como la región más medial de las capas profundas del colículo superior y la región más medial del colículo inferior. La CLT difiere de los núcleos que la rodean (colícuo superior, colículo inferior y sustancia gris periacueductal) por sus conexiones y su citoarquitectura. Los registros electrofisiológicos extracelulares muestran que las neuronas de la CLT responden a los estímulos auditivos y que sus propiedades de respuesta son distintas de las de las neuronas de los colículos superior e inferior. Hemos identificado la TLC en el cerebro de roedores, lagomorfos, carnívoros, primates no humanos y seres humanos, lo que indica que el núcleo está filogenéticamente conservado en una gran variedad de mamíferos. El descubrimiento de la CLT revela un insospechado nivel de organización longitudinal en el techo mesencefálico de los mamíferos y suscita preguntas sobre la participación de esta región mesencefálica en aspectos esenciales de la integración multisensorial y/o sensorimotora que hasta ahora no han sido estudiados

Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Methoxyfenozide on the Development, Survival and Reproduction on of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The lethal and sublethal effects of the ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were investigated by feeding a methoxyfenozide-treated diet to fifth instars until pupation in doses corresponding to the LC10 and LC25 for the compound. Larval mortality reached 8% and 26% in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12% for the LC10 and 60% for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. The development period for males and females was about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. In contrast, the compound affected neither pupae nor adult longevity. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their mean cumulative number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), nor percentages of eggs hatched (fertility), or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm

The action of obestatin in skeletal muscle repair: stem cell expansion, muscle growth, and microenvironment remodeling

The development of therapeutic strategies for skeletal muscle diseases, such as physical injuries and myopathies, depends on the knowledge of regulatory signals that control the myogenic process. The obestatin/GPR39 system operates as an autocrine signal in the regulation of skeletal myogenesis. Using a mouse model of skeletal muscle regeneration after injury and several cellular strategies, we explored the potential use of obestatin as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of trauma-induced muscle injuries. Our results evidenced that the overexpression of the preproghrelin, and thus obestatin, and GPR39 in skeletal muscle increased regeneration after muscle injury. More importantly, the intramuscular injection of obestatin significantly enhanced muscle regeneration by simulating satellite stem cell expansion as well as myofiber hypertrophy through a kinase hierarchy. Added to the myogenic action, the obestatin administration resulted in an increased expression of VEGF/VEGFR2 and the consequent microvascularization, with no effect on collagen deposition in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the potential inhibition of myostatin during obestatin treatment might contribute to its myogenic action improving muscle growth and regeneration. Taken together, our data demonstrate successful improvement of muscle regeneration, indicating obestatin is a potential therapeutic agent for skeletal muscle injury and would benefit other myopathies related to muscle regeneration

Avian predators as a biological control system of common vole (Microtus arvalis) populations in NW Spain: experimental set-up and preliminary results

Jareño, D., Paz, A., Arroyo, L., Viñuela, J., Arroyo, B.E., Mougeot, F., Luque-Larena, J.J., Fargallo, J.A

Decoration Increases the Conspicuousness of Raptor Nests

Avian nests are frequently concealed or camouflaged, but a number of species builds noticeable nests or use conspicuous materials for nest decoration. In most cases, nest decoration has a role in mate choice or provides thermoregulatory or antiparasitic benefits. In territorial species however, decorations may serve additional or complementary functions, such as extended phenotypic signaling of nest-site occupancy and social status to potential intruders. The latter may benefit both signaler and receiver by minimizing the risk of aggressive interactions, especially in organisms with dangerous weaponry. Support for this hypothesis was recently found in a population of black kites (Milvus migrans), a territorial raptor that decorates its nest with white artificial materials. However, the crucial assumption that nest decorations increased nest-site visibility to conspecifics was not assessed, a key aspect given that black kite nests may be well concealed within the canopy. Here, we used an unmanned aircraft system to take pictures of black kite nests, with and without an experimentally placed decoration, from different altitudes and distances simulating the perspective of a flying and approaching, prospecting intruder. The pictures were shown to human volunteers through a standardized routine to determine whether detection rates varied according the nest decoration status and distance. Decorated nests consistently showed a higher detection frequency and a lower detection-latency, compared to undecorated versions of the same nests. Our results confirm that nest decoration in this species may act as a signaling medium that enhances nest visibility for aerial receivers, even at large distances. This finding complements previous work on this communication system, which showed that nest decoration was a threat informing trespassing conspecifics on the social dominance, territory quality and fighting capabilities of the signaler

First Results and Status of the LHC Test String 2

After the commissioning of String 2 Phase1 and the powering of the main circuits in autumn 2001, a short yet vigorous experimental program was carried-out to validate the final design choices for the technical systems of LHC. This program included the investigation of thermo-hydraulics of quenches quench propagation, power converter controls and tracking between power converters, as well as the measurement of currents induced in the beam screen after a quench and crossing the interconnects. Parameters significant for the LHC, such as heat loads, were also measured. During the winter shutdown the String was completed to a full cell with the addition of three pre-series dipoles (Phase 2). After a short description of the layout of Phase 1 and Phase 2, the results of the experiments are presented and the future experimental program is outlined

Clinical implications of internal carotid artery tortuosity, kinking and coiling: A systematic review

Anatomical variations of the internal carotid artery are diverse. Abnormalities in their geometry and paths are commonly identified by ultrasonography and angiography. The surgical correction of symptomatic CAs is better in preventing stroke compared with best medical therapy, as well as it completely eliminates the symptoms in patients with non-hemispheric symptoms. The ICA anomalies may be dangerous and represent a risk factor for massive bleeding. Suture ligatures can penetrate and occlude torn vessels, scalpels or biting instruments can lacerate vessels, and indirectly conducted electric cauterization can burn the soft of bony tissues

Proteomic analysis of 92 circulating proteins and their effects in cardiometabolic diseases

Background: Human plasma contains a wide variety of circulating proteins. These proteins can be important clinical biomarkers in disease and also possible drug targets. Large scale genomics studies of circulating proteins can identify genetic variants that lead to relative protein abundance. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis on genome-wide association studies of autosomal chromosomes in 22,997 individuals of primarily European ancestry across 12 cohorts to identify protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) for 92 cardiometabolic associated plasma proteins. Results: We identified 503 (337 cis and 166 trans) conditionally independent pQTLs, including several novel variants not reported in the literature. We conducted a sex-stratified analysis and found that 118 (23.5%) of pQTLs demonstrated heterogeneity between sexes. The direction of effect was preserved but there were differences in effect size and significance. Additionally, we annotate trans-pQTLs with nearest genes and report plausible biological relationships. Using Mendelian randomization, we identified causal associations for 18 proteins across 19 phenotypes, of which 10 have additional genetic colocalization evidence. We highlight proteins associated with a constellation of cardiometabolic traits including angiopoietin-related protein 7 (ANGPTL7) and Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F). Conclusion: Through large-scale analysis of protein quantitative trait loci, we provide a comprehensive overview of common variants associated with plasma proteins. We highlight possible biological relationships which may serve as a basis for further investigation into possible causal roles in cardiometabolic diseases