Kenny mediates selective autophagic degradation of the IKK complex to control innate immune responses

Selective autophagy is a catabolic process with which cellular material is specifically targeted for degradation by lysosomes. The function of selective autophagic degradation of self-components in the regulation of innate immunity is still unclear. Here we show that Drosophila Kenny, the homologue of mammalian IKKγ, is a selective autophagy receptor that mediates the degradation of the IB kinase complex. Selective autophagic degradation of the IκB kinase complex prevents constitutive activation of the immune deficiency pathway in response to commensal microbiota. We show that autophagy-deficient flies have a systemic innate immune response that promotes a hyperplasia phenotype in the midgut. Remarkably, human IKKγ does not interact with mammalian Atg8-family proteins. Using a mathematical model, we suggest mechanisms by which pathogen selection might have driven the loss of LIR-motif functionality during evolution. Our results suggest that there may have been an autophagy-related switch during the evolution of the IKKγ proteins in metazoans

Simulation of a Secure Ad Hoc Network Routing Protocol

Secure wireless ad hoc networks possess many properties that are highly valuable in e.g. emergency situations and military applications. By using X.509 certificates, the ad hoc routing protocol B.A.T.M.A.N. has been modified in order to support identification and authentication of mobile nodes trying to access a restricted ad hoc network.The new protocol design needs to be evaluated by performing tests under various conditions and environments. However, this might be a challenging and expensive task to do in a real-world system, thus it is recommended to simulate the routing protocol using a network simulator.ns-3 is an open source discrete-event network simulator for Internet systems. The goal of this thesis is to extend ns-3 to support simulation of both the original and modified B.A.T.M.A.N. protocol such that protocol design, interactions, and large-scale performance issues can be investigated and compared

Polymer-coated liposomes for hydration of oral mucosa. Investigation of water adsorption, retention, and release properties.

Ailments from a dehydrated mouth may result in problems with food intake, such as chewing and swallowing, with smiling and appearance, and some of them may cause pain. A system to increase hydration of oral mucosa will reduce patient ailments, or the frequency of them, and increase quality of life. The focus of this thesis is to study the potential of polymer coated liposomal systems for hydration of the oral mucosa. To establish an in vitro method for determination of the water adsorption/retention capacity of liposomes and polymers by using the DVS method and to examine the release of a marker to determine different leakage profiles. Finally, to see if there is a possible correlation between the water adsorption/retention abilities and the release profiles. The water adsorption/retention abilities of liposomes and polymers have been investigated with a DVS-Intrinsic apparatus. This was executed at 35 C with a % RH ranging from 0-95 %. The release profiles of CF from EggPC/DOTAP coated with negative polymers and EggPC/EggPG and DPPC/DPPG coated with a positive polymer have been studied at 35 C. Release from uncoated liposomes were determined as well. The DVS Intrinsic studies showed that the uncoated liposomes display the same water adsorption/retention abilities. Of the different polymers LM Pectin had the highest adsorption and retention ability of water, although it was not significantly different. Alginate and Chitosan shared adsorption/retention properties of water. PNIPAAM had the lowest adsorption/retention ability, and was significantly different. The release studies showed that EggPC/DOTAP coated with LM Pectin had a higher release than uncoated or coated EggPC/DOTAP. EggPC/DOTAP coated with PNIPAAM had the lowest release profile, although never significantly different. The liposome formulation that would be a good candidate for future xerostomia treatments is dependent on the release profile that is optimal for the purpose of hydrating a mouth. If a high release profile is desirable, EggPC/DOTAP coated with LM Pectin would be a good choice

Calculation methods of strengthening of existing structures

This thesis is a theoretical evaluation on whether the sequence of installation can be neglected when determining the capacity of structural systems, as postulated by the elasto-plastic lower bound theorem. The thesis further aims to identify the conditions under which this approach is considered acceptable. To address this approach, two theoretical studies were conducted: -Sequential buttweld capacity -Capacity of sequential installation of columns For the theoretical study of sequential buttweld capacity, a hypothetical situation was examined, where a sequence of buttwelds is added to a structure. Each buttweld is then loaded to its design capacity prior to the introducing the next buttweld. The aim of this study was to capture the influence of the installation sequence of sequential buttwelds. Installation of two and ten sequential buttwelds were examined. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted in Abaqus and simple hand calculations were conducted in Mathcad. The results indicates that the initial weld experienced a higher level of strain for the ten-step sequence compared to the two-step sequence. This further indicates that the strain increases with number of sequences and will endure some strain within the non-elastic domain. However, the results also indicated that the anticipated strain level in the initial weld is well below the threshold of rapture failure. For a ductile material like steel, the system demonstrated sufficient capacity even after the sequence of installation. The second theoretical study was a study into buckling of columns and evaluation of capacity of sequential installation of columns. For this study the capacity, ductility and slenderness of undamaged tubular members with circular hollow section (CHS) were investigated. Further, these were used in an evaluation of capacity of two sequentially installed columns. No experimental test was executed in this thesis, hence, the study relied on previous experimental test reports executed by Chen and Ross (Chen & Ross, 1978), Vo and Hestholm (Vo & Hestholm, 2019) and Riise (Riise, 2021). From the experimental studies, a total of 10 undamaged columns with varying geometric and material properties were utilized. Capacity of each column was calculated according to NORSOK N-004 and compared to experimental results. A proposal for calculation of the level of ductility is suggested, through a ductility index. In addition, an analysis of how this ductility index varies with slenderness and Diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratio for experimentally tested columns is presented. Three columns were selected from the experimental test set (specimen 6, Specimen 8 and Riise1) where nonlinear buckling analysis was performed in Abaqus. The FE-model were then compared to experimental test results. FE-model and experimental test showed reasonable comparison, but full agreement in the post-buckling phase was and is a challenge. A simple evaluation of the ultimate system capacity of two sequentially installed columns were simulated in Mathcad. From the calculations, an indication of the required ductility for the individual component to allow for ignoring the installation sequence was found, as a function of slenderness and diameter to thickness ratios

Carbon Risk in Cross-Border Acquisitions : Do acquirers consider carbon risk in cross-border acquisitions?

In this master thesis, we study the role of carbon risk in acquisition decisions and how it is related to announcement returns. We analyze the likelihood of cross-border acquisitions based on certain industry and target country characteristics. We find that acquirers with higher levels of emissions are more likely to engage in cross-border acquisitions in countries with lower financial performance (GDP), governance, and environmental regulations. For industries where emissions are a material issue, we find that acquirers with higher levels of emissions are more likely to acquire a foreign target relative to a domestic target. These findings suggest that acquirers use cross-border acquisitions as a strategy to reduce carbon risk by moving emissions abroad. Additionally, we study the relationship between announcement returns and carbon risk in cross-border acquisitions. After controlling for endogeneity, we find that capital markets reward acquiring targets in countries with low financial performance (GDP), and low governance standards. We find that acquirers with higher levels of emissions in a material industry, are associated with higher acquisition announcement returns when engaging in cross-border acquisitions. Our study thus contributes to existing literature with a further understanding of the role of carbon risk in acquisition decisions.nhhma

Intestinal PTGS2 mRNA Levels, PTGS2 Gene Polymorphisms, and Colorectal Carcinogenesis

<div><p>Background & Aims</p><p>Inflammation is a major risk factor for development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Prostaglandin synthase cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) encoded by the <i>PTGS2</i> gene is the rate limiting enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis and therefore plays a distinct role as regulator of inflammation.</p><p>Methods</p><p><i>PTGS2</i> mRNA levels were determined in intestinal tissues from 85 intestinal adenoma cases, 115 CRC cases, and 17 healthy controls. The functional <i>PTGS2</i> polymorphisms A-1195G (rs689466), G-765C (rs20417), T8473C (rs5275) were assessed in 200 CRC cases, 991 adenoma cases and 399 controls from the Norwegian KAM cohort.</p><p>Results</p><p><i>PTGS2</i> mRNA levels were higher in mild/moderate adenoma tissue compared to morphologically normal tissue from the same individual (P<0.0001) and (P<0.035) and compared to mucosa from healthy individuals (P<0.0039) and (P<0.0027), respectively. In CRC patients, <i>PTGS2</i> mRNA levels were 8–9 times higher both in morphologically normal tissue and in cancer tissue, compared to healthy individuals (P<0.0001). <i>PTGS2</i> A-1195G variant allele carriers were at reduced risk of CRC (odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.28–0.99, P = 0.047). Homozygous carriers of the haplotype encompassing the A-1195G and G-765C wild type alleles and the T8473C variant allele <i>(PTGS2</i> AGC) were at increased risk of CRC as compared to homozygous carriers of the <i>PTGS2</i> AGT (<u>A</u>-1195G, <u>G</u>-765C, <u>T</u>8473C) haplotype (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.40–20.5, P = 0.014). No association between the investigated polymorphisms and <i>PTGS2</i> mRNA levels could be detected.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>High intestinal <i>PTGS2</i> mRNA level is an early event in colorectal cancer development as it occurs already in mild/moderate dysplasia. <i>PTGS2</i> polymorphisms that have been associated with altered <i>PTGS2</i> mRNA levels/COX-2 activity in some studies, although not the present study, were associated with colorectal cancer risk. Thus, both <i>PTGS2</i> polymorphisms and <i>PTGS2</i> mRNA levels may provide information regarding CRC risk.</p></div

Polychètes pélagiques des campagnes de "l'Ombango" dans les eaux équatorialeset tropicales ouest-africaines

La collection étudiée ici (2817 spécimens) provient des campagnes 12, 13 et 14 de l' "Ombango", navire du Centre ORSTOM d'Océanographie et des Pêches de Pointe-Noire, Congo-Brazzaville. Elle rassemble les Polychètes pélagiques de 154 pêches, faites par un filet non fermant "Grand Schmidt", en 1960 et 1961. Cette collection est intéressante car les polychètes pélagiques n'ont fait l'objet que d'études très fragmentaires ou fortuites dans cette région. Les espèces identifiées sont au nombre de soixante-cinq (dont douze étaient nouvelles pour la science), appartenant à trente et un genres (dont trois nouveaux), répartis dans dix familles (dont une nouvelle). Chaque espèce est brièvement décrite et étudiée (aspect quantitatif, distribution verticale, répartition géographique). Un résultat particulièrement intéressant est la réidentification de #Tomopteris onisciformis, l'espèce-type du genre #Tomopteris. (Résumé d'auteur

Deltakelse som forutsetning for erfaringslæring i arbeidslivet : en konseptuell drøfting og diskursanalytisk tilnærming

Tema og problemstiling Dagens arbeidsliv er preget av å måtte tilpasse seg stadig skiftende omgivelser, noe som nødvendiggjør virksomheters og arbeidstakeres tilgang til å kontinuerlig lære og utvikle seg. En måte arbeidstakere kan imøtekomme tiltagende behov for endring og utvikling, er å lære av erfaringer de erverver gjennom sitt daglige arbeid. I følge John Dewey (1969 [1938]) forutsetter erfaringslæring deltakelse. Dette er utgangspunktet for hovedoppgaven som omhandler forholdet mellom arbeidstakeres deltakelse og deres tilgang til å lære av sine erfaringer i det daglige arbeidet. Hovedoppgavens problemstilling er; Er deltakelse en forutsetning for arbeidstakeres erfaringslæring? Det vil bli redegjort for ulike dimensjoner ved deltakerbegrepet, som blir drøftet i forhold til hvilken tilknytning det har til arbeidstakeres mulighet for erfaringslæring i sitt arbeid. Metodisk tilnærming Hovedoppgaven består av to hoveddeler, som har ulike metodiske tilnærminger til problemstillingen. I den første delen blir problemstillingen belyst med en teoretisk og konseptuell drøfting av erfaringslæring og ulike dimensjoner ved deltakerbegrepet. Tilknytningen mellom arbeidstakeres deltakelse og erfaringslæring blir fortløpende drøftet ut fra deltakerbegrepets ulike meningsinnhold. Den konseptuelle drøftingen av deltakerbegrepet blir videreført i oppgavens andre hoveddel, som har en diskursanalytisk tilnærming til problemstilingen. I diskursanalyser blir en bestemt måte å oppfatte og omtale deler av samfunnet på, en diskurs, analysert, noe som i denne oppgave er deltakerbegrepet som kommer til uttrykk i den offentlige diskurs. Det blir fortløpende drøftet hvilke følger denne forståelse av deltakerbegrepet kan få for arbeidstakeres tilgang til å lære av sine erfaringer. Det er altså den gjensidige innflytelse mellom språkbruk og den konteksten språkbruken finner sted, som er vesentlig i diskursanalyser. Litteratur og kilder Som et teoretisk rammeverk for hovedoppgaven blir John Deweys læringssyn videreført til læring i arbeidslivet, da jeg mener det har mye å tilføre dette området. Dewey (1969 [1938]) betraktet individets egne erfaringer som utgangspunkt for all sann læring, noe han mente fordret deltakelse. For å styrke aktualiteten ved Deweys læringssyn, blir det gjennomgående referert til litteratur fra forskningsprogrammet Bedriftsutvikling mot år 2000, der sentrale temaer samsvarer med aspekter ved Deweys læringssyn. Den offentlige diskurs som blir analysert i oppgavens andre del, blir konkretisert til offentlige dokumenter som angår forslag til ny lovgivning i arbeidslivet. Det er hovedsakelig NOU 2004:5 Arbeidslivslovutvalget som blir analysert, da det er utredningsdokumentet som ligger til grunn for den nye loven. For å vise en bredere diskurs analyseres også utvalgte høringsuttalelser og Arbeids- og sosialdepartementets påfølgende Odelstingsproposisjon nr 49 (2004-2005). Hovedkonklusjoner I den konseptuelle drøfting av problemstillingen fremkommer det at meningsinnholdet i deltakerbegrepet er meget omfattende og mangesidig. Dette vanskeliggjør et entydig svar på om arbeidstakeres deltakelse er en forutsetning for deres erfaringslæring. Tilgangen til å erverve erfaringer, og dermed muligheten for å lære av dem, øker når den enkelte arbeidstaker er direkte involvert i deltakelsen. En nyansering av deltakerbegrepet viser at ikke alle forståelser og former for deltakelse gir arbeidstakere erfaringer. Dette blir illustrert i diskursanalysen, der deltakerbegrepet som kommer til uttrykk i utredningsdokumentet, innebærer at det er arbeidstakeres representanter som skal sikre den enkeltes deltakelse i virksomheten, altså indirekte deltakelse. Til grunn for en slik forståelse av deltakerbegrepet, ligger et instrumentelt deltakerperspektiv og en nytteargumentasjon, der deltakelse betraktes som et middel til å nå mål utover selve deltakelsen. Arbeidstakeres direkte deltakelse blir med dette i liten grad anerkjent og tilrettelagt for i NOU 2004:5 Arbeidslivslovutvalget. Dette kan begrense arbeidstakeres tilgang til å erverve erfaringer og lære av dem. En slik oppfatning av deltakerbegrepet blir bekreftet i analysen av arbeidsmiljøbegrepet som fremstår i utredningsdokumentet. Organisatoriske arbeidsmiljøfaktorer, som innbefatter forhold som fremmer arbeidstakeres direkte deltakelse og erfaringslæring, blir i betydelig mindre grad omtalt og behandlet i forhold til fysiske og psykiske arbeidsmiljøfaktorer. Dette kan gjenspeile et forslag om en beskyttelseslov fremfor en utviklende og læringsfremmende lov. Et slikt deltaker- og arbeidsmiljøbegrep kan forstås dithen at deltakelse betraktes som et middel til å få innflytelse i virksomheten, og ikke som en forutsetning for arbeidstakeres erfaringslæring

Med hjerte for læring. Den motiverte eleven i livsverden

Masteroppgave i praktisk kunnskap - Nord universitet, 202