Cell fusion is a fundamental phenomenon observed in all eukaryotes. Cells can exchange resources such as molecules or organelles during fusion. In this paper, we ask whether a cell can also transfer an adaptive response to a fusion partner. We addressed this question in the unicellular slime mould Physarum polycephalum, in which cell-cell fusion is extremely common. Slime moulds are capable of ...

OBJECTIVES Moulds are frequently found in the indoor environment of residential houses. An association between domestic mould contamination and respiratory symptoms has been reported, but mould exposure as a risk factor for allergy to moulds is not well documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of allergic hypersensitivity to moulds. MATERIALS AND ...

OBJECTIVE To assess whether the severity of asthma is associated with sensitisation to airborne moulds rather than to other seasonal or perennial allergens. DESIGN Multicentre epidemiological survey in 30 centres. SETTING European Community respiratory health survey. PARTICIPANTS 1132 adults aged 20-44 years with current asthma and with skin prick test results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sev...

The Till-U-Test Candida Dermatophyte (TUT CD) culture slide, produced for the diagnosis of yeast and dermatophyte infections, was compared with microscopy and formal laboratory culture in the diagnosis of vaginal candidosis. Candida albicans grew readily on the medium and reliable results were obtained within a mean of three days' incubation at room temperature. Agreement with laboratory cultur...

Dry-cured meat production has a long tradition in Norway. Presently, the annual production is around 1700 tons with an approximate per capita consumption of 0.5 kilos. However, many producers are facing a significant quality and economic problems due to uncontrolled fungal growth. With the aim of assessing the diversity of fungi contaminating Norwegian dry-cured meat products, 72 samples were c...

A CAD paradigm is presented to produce blow moulds for Poly Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles decorated with ornamental patterns. This work integrates design and manufacturing of decorated blow moulds which, in turn, are utilized to blow PET bottles. The parametric geometric modeling techniques are employed to customize a CAD system, tailoring to suit the requirements of the bottle making in...

In this research the relationship between graphitization ability and the carbon equivalent (CE %) of a cast iron have been investigated. The first series of moulds were cast at CE of 3.2% and pouring temperature of 1350°C. The other moulds were cast at different CE% with varying Si content. The graphitization ability( c ) was calculated using the thermodynamics aspects of graphitization and CE%...