Showing papers by "Chaminade University of Honolulu published in 2014"

Vertebrate decomposition is accelerated by soil microbes.

Abstract: Carrion decomposition is an ecologically important natural phenomenon influenced by a complex set of factors, including temperature, moisture, and the activity of microorganisms, invertebrates, and scavengers. The role of soil microbes as decomposers in this process is essential but not well understood and represents a knowledge gap in carrion ecology. To better define the role and sources of microbes in carrion decomposition, lab-reared mice were decomposed on either (i) soil with an intact microbial community or (ii) soil that was sterilized. We characterized the microbial community (16S rRNA gene for bacteria and archaea, and the 18S rRNA gene for fungi and microbial eukaryotes) for three body sites along with the underlying soil (i.e., gravesoils) at time intervals coinciding with visible changes in carrion morphology. Our results indicate that mice placed on soil with intact microbial communities reach advanced stages of decomposition 2 to 3 times faster than those placed on sterile soil. Microbial communities associated with skin and gravesoils of carrion in stages of active and advanced decay were significantly different between soil types (sterile versus untreated), suggesting that substrates on which carrion decompose may partially determine the microbial decomposer community. However, the source of the decomposer community (soil- versus carcass-associated microbes) was not clear in our data set, suggesting that greater sequencing depth needs to be employed to identify the origin of the decomposer communities in carrion decomposition. Overall, our data show that soil microbial communities have a significant impact on the rate at which carrion decomposes and have important implications for understanding carrion ecology.

Sibling rivalry: implications for the family business succession process

Abstract: This paper deals with sibling rivalry dynamics and their impact on the succession outcome within family enterprises. While sibling rivalry plays a critical role in the succession process, there is only limited literature that addresses this important subject. This theoretical study reveals valuable insights on this topic and contributes to the existing literature. Particular attention is placed on parental behavior and attitude during childhood, sibling characteristics and the perception of parental fairness by the successors, which we advocate are the principal factors conducive not only to the emergence of rivalry among heirs but also to influencing the effectiveness of the succession outcome.

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1a enzymes are present and active in the mouse blastocyst.

Abstract: The UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes are critical for regulating nutrients, hormones, and endobiotics, as well as for detoxifying xenobiotics. Human and murine fetuses are known to express glucuronidation enzymes, but there are currently no data prior to implantation. Here we addressed this gap in knowledge and tested whether Ugt enzymes are already present in preimplantation-stage embryos. Blastocysts were obtained after in vitro fertilization with gametes from B6D2F1 hybrid mice and from embryo culture. Protein expression and localization were determined using pan-specific UGT1A and UGT2B, as well as anti-human isoform-specific antibodies. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that blastocysts expressed Ugt1a globally, in the cytoplasm and nuclei of all of the cells. Western blots demonstrated the presence of Ugt1a6 but not Ugt1a1, Ugt1a3, Ugt1a4, or Ugt1a9. The Ugt2b proteins were not detected by either assay. The level of Ugt activity in murine blastocysts was comparable with that of the adult human liver (per milligram of protein), but the activity of β-glucuronidase, an Ugt-partnering enzyme responsible for substrate regeneration, was lower. Altogether, these data confirm that Ugt1a proteins are present and active in preimplantation murine embryos and point to a potential role for these proteins in implantation and early embryonic and fetal development.

The Case for an Integrative Approach

Abstract: Because integration relies on reciprocity, cooperation must be the basis for any integrative approach. Having proven to be evolutionarily stable, cooperative structures promise greater collective gains than rivalries do, they lead to more robust and durable relationships, and they better promote long-term adaptation. In short, cooperative strategies for Space exploration and habitation will better insure the success of extraterrestrial settlements than competition-based strategies that currently define the status quo.

Futures of Human Evolution

Abstract: The isolated, remote, and radically different geographies of Space will have a profound impact on human evolution, not only in the conventional biological sense, but also through the technological mediations that will be indispensable for dwelling in Space. The process of change will shift from slow gradual increments as it is in biology, to a revolutionary, abrupt, full-scale transformation. We should not expect that we will remain human in the conventional sense—but what does it mean then to be ‘posthuman’?

Shifting from Habitation to Adaptation in Space

Abstract: Habitability is often equated with adaptation, but while habitability is the first requirement for adaptation, a fuller understanding of adaptation encompasses more than issues of physical and social well-being and comfort; it entails evolutional criteria that promote longevity—traits such as resilience, robustness, and durability. Whereas conditions for habitability are generally passive, criteria for adaptability cannot be assessed or cultivated without some kind of engagement with the environment. Well-being and comfort requirements for habitability can be achieved through avoidance of external conditions and without any active participation on the part of the subject, but evolutional traits required for adaptation call for confrontations and negotiations with environmental resistances. Genuine adaptation does not occur in circumstances void of stress or demands. It is through resistant encounters and the overcoming of obstacles that organisms grow hardier and more capable; thus they are more likely to endure.

Alternative Technological Interfaces with the Space Environment

Abstract: To say that technology produces useful things understates the prodigious power that it has; technology is much more than the sum of all devices. It is not simply the making of gadgets or products of invention—it is a force majeure—with implications that are social, political, economical, cultural, and even evolutionary.

Current Directions in Space Exploration

Abstract: The purpose of this chapter is to set the context for the dissertation by giving an historical overview of the past and present goals of the exploration of Space and the design criteria associated with each. With the more recent objectives of establishing a human presence on Mars as the next major milestone in exploration (followed by human settlements), a new set of design challenges has emerged. In response to those challenges, human factors research has received increasing attention, considerably expanding in scope over the last two decades to now address requirements for habitability. However, despite the latest focus on habitability criteria, most current habitat design proposals are still rooted in a rigid engineering perspective and not in a deeper understanding of what promotes well-being; to remedy those oversights, habitability criteria must be re-evaluated.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: can hearts really break?

Abstract: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), or broken-heart syndrome, is a form of cardiomyopathy (CM) that is significantly different from other common types. This form of CM occurs spontaneously and can be easily reversed. TCM is seen primarily in postmenopausal women with a recent stressful event. Patients with TCM often present with symptoms suggestive of a myocardial infarction. Home health-care and hospice clinicians interact frequently with caregivers and other family members who are living under stressful circumstances. It is important that home care clinicians be familiar with TCM and understand the relationship that may exist between stress, stressful events, triggers, and TCM.