The brittle star Amphiura filiformis, which regenerates its arms post autotomy, is emerging as a useful model for studying the molecular underpinnings of regeneration, aided by the recent availability of some molecular resources. During regeneration a blastema initially is formed distally to the amputation site, and then a rapid rebuild is obtained by adding metameric units, which will eventual...

BACKGROUND Type 1 brittle asthma is a rare form of asthma. Atopy, psychosocial factors and diet may contribute to this condition. As increased dietary magnesium has a beneficial effect on lung function and selenium, vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties, a study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that patients with brittle asthma have diets deficient in these nutrients compared wit...

In anticipation of the current biodiversity crisis, it has become critical to rapidly and accurately assess biodiversity. DNA barcoding has proved efficient in facilitating the discovery and description of thousands of species and also provides insight into the dynamics of biodiversity. Here, we sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from all morphosp...

All echinoderms (Echinodermata),except holothurids, possess an axial organ (AO) as part of their coelomic and haemal system. Immunocytochemical positive reactions were observed in 1973 in the sea star Asterina gibbosa (Asterid, Echinoderm) [1]. After injections of various proteins. It seemed interesting to look for similar actions in the Ophuirid: Ophiocomina nigra (another echinoderm) which po...

The object of this investigation was to gain a better understanding of the flow and fracture propensity of steel plates in which the Wells-type notch served as the fracture initiator. This type of notch is of importance in experimental investigations of the brittle fracture phenomenon because it successfully initiates low-stress brittle fractures in the wide-plate specimen in which it is used. ...