What Can We Learn from FGF-2 Isoform-Specific Mouse Mutants? Differential Insights into FGF-2 Physiology In Vivo

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), ubiquitously expressed in humans and mice, is functionally involved in cell growth, migration and maturation in vitro and in vivo. Based on the same mRNA, an 18-kilo Dalton (kDa) FGF-2 isoform named FGF-2 low molecular weight (FGF-2LMW) isoform is translated in humans and rodents. Additionally, two larger isoforms weighing 21 and 22 kDa also exist, summarized as the FGF-2 high molecular weight (FGF-2HMW) isoform. Meanwhile, the human FGF-2HMW comprises a 22, 23, 24 and 34 kDa protein. Independent studies verified a specific intracellular localization, mode of action and tissue-specific spatiotemporal expression of the FGF-2 isoforms, increasing the complexity of their physiological and pathophysiological roles. In order to analyze their spectrum of effects, FGF-2LMW knock out (ko) and FGF-2HMWko mice have been generated, as well as mice specifically overexpressing either FGF-2LMW or FGF-2HMW. So far, the development and functionality of the cardiovascular system, bone formation and regeneration as well as their impact on the central nervous system including disease models of neurodegeneration, have been examined. This review provides a summary of the studies characterizing the in vivo effects modulated by the FGF-2 isoforms and, thus, offers a comprehensive overview of its actions in the aforementioned organ systems.     

B. F. Skinner: Au-delá de la controverse.

Discusses controversies surrounding the work of B. F. Skinner's influence on various theories of human and animal behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

视错觉及其应用

视觉足人类获取外部信息的最重要方式。但由于人类自身的生理、心理因素以及外界光、形、色等因素的干扰,会产生视觉误差,即视错觉。本章系统的分析了视错觉产生原因,按不同的现象和成因把视错觉分成病理视错觉、动态视错觉、几何视错觉、颜色视错觉、轮廓错觉等5类。在此基础上介绍了视错觉的应用,特别介绍了其在图像融合中的应用,并用matlab实现了图像的融合。     

采油菌株的分离及其特性研究

从采油菌剂及原油中共分离出11株细菌,并对其发酵特性和生理生化特性进行研究。结果表明,分离菌株可以利用石蜡产表面活性物质,但不产气;菌株发酵液的pH值没有明显的变化,对原油有不同程度的乳化作用;Y-1和Y-5为芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus),Y-2和Y-6为节杆菌属(Arthrobacter),Y-3为棒杆菌属(Corynebacterium),Y-4、J-1、J-2、J-4、J-5和J-6为不动杆菌属(Acinetobacter)。大多数分离菌株为兼性厌氧菌,具有运动性,不产生硫化氢,能够利用蔗糖、葡萄糖等廉价碳源产生有机酸和气体,这些特性有利于菌株应用于微生物采油。     

基于分布式结构的弹射生理损伤指标测试系统

为提升飞行员弹射救生系统试验中人体生理损伤指标的测试能力和测试可靠性,结合航空仿真试验假人的结构,提出了分布式测试系统的设计、配置方案,设计了系统触发及同步控制电路,试验结果表明,系统能够在不影响假人生物仿真性能的前提下,可靠实现弹射试验人体生理损伤指标的测试.     

Cytochemical investigation of the digestive gland of two strombidae species (Strombus gigas and Strombus pugilis) in relation to the nutrition

Strombus gigas and Strombus pugilis are threatened species and aquaculture represents a good alternative solution to the fishing. In this study, we highlighted the intracellular digestion process in the digestive gland of two Strombidae species, S. gigas and Strombuspugilis, by the cytochemical characterization of two lysosomal enzymes: acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase. In order to check the efficiency of artificial food digestion, we conducted the characterization on freshly collected, starved and artificially fed individuals of S. pugilis. TEM observations of digestive gland sections from freshly collected individuals of both species revealed the presence of acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase activity mostly located in the apical third of digestive cells. Both enzymes were also detected in artificially fed individuals. In response to the starvation, acid phosphatase is not produced anymore by digestive cells, while arylsulfatase is still present. To our knowledge, this is the first cytochemical validation of intracellular digestion of artificial food in Strombidae. This study highlights the intracellular digestion of artificial food developed for Strombidae aquaculture. Moreover, we have shown that the lysosomal activity could be used as a feed index. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The physical and physiological workload of refuse collectors

In order to secure a safer and healthy work situation, the heavy physical loads imposed on 23 refuse collectors (aged 26-54) working in the city of Haarlem, in The Netherlands, were studied in a series of three experiments between 1984 and 1987. The aims were respectively (1) to study the load for workers collecting dustbins or polythene bags; (2) to introduce changes to reduce the load to avoid exceeding the overload criteria by individual refuse collectors; and (3) to investigate the effects of interventions to improve the efficiency of refuse collecting. The maximal isometric lifting force (F_max) and the maximal aerobic power( [Vdot]O_2max of 23 refuse collectors were measured in the laboratory. F_max was measured with an isometric dynamometer pulling with one arm from the floor; the mean value was 912 (± 127)N. VO_2max was measured running on a treadmill; the mean value was 43-3 (±0-8) ml O₂ per kg body mass per min. The physical load on the oxygen transport system was measured through work analysis and by a continuous registration of the heart rate over three working days. Criteria for overload were set at a mean external load of 20% Fm? and a mean energy expenditure of 30% VO_2max and an energy expenditure of 50% VO_2max or more for a maximum of 60 min per day. Replacement of dustbins by polythene bags resulted in a 70% increase in the total amount of refuse collected, an increase in throwing frequency, but a lower mean load per throw, and no significant differences in the mean heart rate over the working day. When polythene bags were used the mean values did not exceed the overload criteria, but 39% of the individual collectors did have a workload that was too high with respect to one of the criteria. In the last experiment the collectors were advised to reduce their work load by (a) lifting no more than two bags at a time; (b) reducing their walking pace; and (c) taking more breaks. Although compliance with the recommendations was good, and the weight lifted and the walking speed decreased, the physiological load remained the same. This may have been caused by a 15% increase in the total amount of refuse that had to be collected at that time.