390 research outputs found
Research as a navigating tool
No full textPilegaard, N. H. S. (2025). Research as a Navigating Tool. In M. J. P. Wolf (Ed.), Navigating Imaginary Worlds: Wayfinding and Subcreation. New York: Routledge. When screenwriters embark on the journey of the creation of an ‘imaginary world’ (Wolf, 2012) for a film and television series, they might venture into unfamiliar territories, such as the specific codes of conduct in certain settings or the interior design of particular workplaces. This exploration is not confined to fantastic realms vastly different from our own, like the worlds depicted in the television series Game of Thrones (2011-2019), but also extends to imaginary worlds that closely mirror reality.In the process of creating an imaginary world, even those that resemble the real world, research often plays a crucial role in the subcreation process. Research can be conducted in various ways and with different levels of detail and forms of systematics. Regardless of how research is applied, research serves as a tool for seeking inspiration, offering new ideas that can be translated into tangible expressions, such as concepts for the imaginary world and its structures (Philipsen & Pilegaard, 2023; Redvall, 2008). In the following essay, I explore how research aids screenwriters in their extradiegetic wayfinding during the subcreation of imaginary worlds for films and television series. I analyze paratextual material (Wolf, 2012) from two Danish case studies: The subcreation of the imaginary world in the Danish short film Climate Warrior by Anna van Deurs, and the subcreation of the imaginary world in the Danish television series The Investigation (2020) by Tobias Lindholm. I use these two cases to illustrate the ‘Research-based subcreation process’ wherein research functions as a navigating tool for the screenwriters’ own extradiegetic wayfinding. Here, extradiegetic wayfinding is understood more broadly than specific locations and maps leading to these places; it encompasses navigating the extradiegetic material in the subcreation of imaginary worlds.In this chapter, Pilegaard explores the critical role of research in the subcreation process for screenwriters developing imaginary worlds for films and television series. The essay examines how research functions as a tool for extradiegetic wayfinding, providing inspiration and constraints that shape the narrative and structure of these worlds. Through two Danish case studies – Anna van Deurs’ short film Climate Warrior (2022) and Tobias Lindholm's television series The Investigation (2020) – Pilegaard illustrates the application of research in creating realistic and coherent imaginary worlds. The concept of scaffolding is introduced, highlighting how research imposes constraints that guide the creative process. The essay also discusses the challenges and benefits of using research as a navigating tool, emphasizing its importance in both realistic and fantastical genres. Ultimately, Pilegaard argues that research is essential for generating ideas and maintaining direction in the subcreation of imaginary worlds.</p
Exercise-induced pyruvate dehydrogenase activation is not affected by 7 days of bed rest
No full textKiilerich K, Ringholm S, Bienso RS, Fisher JP, Iversen N, van Hall G, Wojtaszewski JF, Saltin B, Lundby C, Calbet JA, Pilegaard H. Exercise-induced pyruvate dehydrogenase activation is not affected by 7 days of bed rest. J Appl Physiol 111: 751-757, 2011. First published June 16, 2011; doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00063.2011.-To test the hypothesis that physical inactivity impairs the exercise-induced modulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), six healthy normally physically active male subjects completed 7 days of bed rest. Before and immediately after the bed rest, the subjects completed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a one-legged knee extensor exercise bout [45 min at 60% maximal load (W-max)] with muscle biopsies obtained from vastus lateralis before, immediately after exercise, and at 3 h of recovery. Blood samples were taken from the femoral vein and artery before and after 40 min of exercise. Glucose intake elicited a larger (
Metabolic stress-dependent regulation of the mitochondrial biogenic molecular response to high-intensity exercise in human skeletal muscle
No full textKEY POINTS: Low-volume high-intensity exercise training promotes muscle mitochondrial adaptations that resemble the ones associated with high-volume moderate-intensity exercise training. These training-induced mitochondrial adaptations stem from the cumulative effects of transient transcriptional responses to each acute exercise bout. However, whether metabolic stress is a key mediator of the acute molecular responses to high-intensity exercise is still incompletely understood. Herein we show that, by comparing different work-matched low-volume high-intensity exercise protocols, more marked metabolic perturbations were associated with enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis-related muscle mRNA responses. Furthermore, when compared with high-volume moderate-intensity exercise, only the low-volume high-intensity exercise eliciting severe metabolic stress compensated for reduced exercise volume in the induction of mitochondrial biogenic mRNA responses. The present results, besides improving our understanding of the mechanisms mediating exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis, may have implications for applied and clinical research that adopts exercise as a means to increase muscle mitochondrial content and function in healthy or diseased individuals. ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of exercise-induced metabolic stress on regulation of the molecular responses promoting skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. Twelve endurance-trained men performed three cycling-exercise protocols characterized by different metabolic profiles in a randomized, counter-balanced order. Specifically, two work-matched low-volume supramaximal-intensity intermittent regimes, consisting of repeated-sprint (RS) and speed endurance (SE) exercise, were employed and compared with a high-volume continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CM) protocol. Vastus lateralis muscle samples were obtained before, immediately after, and 3h after exercise. SE produced the most marked metabolic perturbations as evidenced by the greatest changes in muscle lactate and pH, concomitantly with higher post-exercise plasma adrenaline levels in comparison with RS and CM (P < 0.05). Exercise-induced phosphorylation of CaMKII and p38 MAPK was greater in SE than in RS and CM. The exercise-induced PGC-1α mRNA response was higher in SE and CM than in RS, with no difference between SE and CM. Muscle NRF-2, TFAM, MFN2, DRP1 and SOD2 mRNA content was elevated to the same extent by SE and CM, while RS had no effect on these mRNAs. The exercise-induced HSP72 mRNA response was larger in SE than in RS and CM. Thus, the present results suggest that, for a given exercise volume, the initial events associated with mitochondrial biogenesis are modulated by metabolic stress. In addition, high-intensity exercise seems to compensate for reduced exercise volume in the induction of mitochondrial biogenic molecular responses only when the intense exercise elicits marked metabolic perturbations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Evaluation of agronomic practices for mitigation of natural toxins.
No full textSeveral preventive and corrective measures to minimize toxin contamination in agricultural commodities particularly by mycotoxins have been attempted. These can be divided into three broad categories: plant breeding, good agronomic practice and detoxification. . The focus of this current review is the evaluation of agronomic practises aimed to modulate “natural toxins”. In order to identify what is known about the agronomic effects and how they might potentially be manipulated to reduce toxin levels, it is necessary to analyse the relationship between toxins, crops and agricultural practises. In this discussion paper we will deal first with two major food crops (cereals and potatoes) and their food safety. We will then deal with agronomic factors and their effects on different crops, and also on fungal strains, and the occurrence of mycotoxins or the occurrence of inherent toxins on different food crops. Detoxification is considered outside the scope of this review.
As starting point the two key food crops in Europe, cereals and potatoes, were selected .The intention was to develop an inventory of the current agronomic practices applied in order to reduce the concentration of inherent plant toxins and mycotoxins. With respect to food processing only those closely related to harvesting, storage, or domestic food preparation will be considered. Industrial food processing is outside the remit of this paper. Other topics considered include masked mycotoxins, mycotoxins boundaries and the environmental conditions that influence fungal growth.
This review considers different fungal strains, the influence of climate (temperature), growth conditions, toxicity, data gaps and research needs, toxin interaction with other compounds, kinetics, sensitivity of the fungal population and possible polymorphism. Additional topics include the definition and comparison of agronomic factors, the application of plant protection products, hereafter referred to as pesticides, and the occurrence of mycotoxins.
Other food crops will be also considered in relation to mycotoxins and inherent toxins and the influence of agronomic factors on the formation of such toxins. These include the mycotoxins, fusarium toxins particularly trichothecenes such as T2 and HT2, DON, fusarium toxin, ochratoxins and phenyl hydrazine derivatives (cultivated mushroom) and cyanogenic glycosides (cassava)
Cost benefit-analysis of a transport improvement in the case of search unemployment
No full textWe examine the implications of search unemployment for the evaluation of a transport in-vestment in a conventional cost benefit analysis (CBA) assuming perfect competition. Lower transport costs induces search over a larger area and longer commuting distances. The ex-pected duration of vacancies is reduced with ensuing benefits outweighing the loss to in-creased transport. The search imperfection drives a wedge between the marginal product of labour and the wage, such that the final benefits of a transport improvement exceed those of a conventional CBA. Using a simulation model we find these additional benefits may be sub-stantial.Cost-benefit; transport; search unemployment; welfare
Lactate/H+ transport kinetics in rat skeletal muscle related to fibre type and changes in transport capacity
No full textUdgivelsesdato: 1998-SepLactate/H+ transport kinetics were determined by means of the pH-sensitive probe BCECF in sarcolemmal giant vesicles, obtained from rat skeletal muscle, and related to variations in lactate/H+ transport capacity. Vesicle preparations were made from red and white muscles, mixed muscles, denervated muscles, muscles of old rats and rats that had been subjected to high-intensity training, endurance training, repeated exposure to hypoxia, and hypothyroid or hyperthyroid treatments. The lactate/H+ transport capacity of red muscles was greater than that of white muscles, and this difference was associated with a higher maximal transport rate (Vmax) in red muscles, whereas the Km was similar in the two muscle types. High-intensity training and hyperthyroidism increased the lactate/H+ transport capacity by enhancing Vmax without affecting Km. Similarly, a reduced transport capacity with old age and hypothyroidism was due to a decrease in Vmax. The denervation-induced decline in lactate/H+ transport capacity resulted from both an increased Km and a reduced Vmax. The present data show that muscle type differences and most changes in the lactate/H+ transport capacity are mediated by modifications in Vmax, which is expected to represent the number of membrane transporter molecules. Km is unaffected by most treatments and appears to be independent of fibre type
Effect of prior eccentric contractions on lactate/H<sup>+</sup> transport in rat skeletal muscle
No full text The effect of prior eccentric contractions on skeletal muscle lactate/H+transport was investigated in rats. Lactate transport was measured in sarcolemmal giant vesicles obtained from soleus and red (RG) and white gastrocnemii (WG) muscles 2 days after intense eccentric contractions (ECC) and from the corresponding contralateral control (CON) muscles. The physiochemical buffer capacity was determined in the three muscle types from both ECC and CON legs. Furthermore, the effect of prior eccentric contractions on release and muscle content of lactate and H+ during and after supramaximal stimulation was examined using the perfused rat hindlimb preparation. The lactate transport rate was lower ( P < 0.05) in vesicles obtained from ECC-WG (29%) and ECC-RG (13%) than in vesicles from the CON muscles. The physiochemical buffer capacity was reduced ( P < 0.05) in ECC-WG (13%) and ECC-RG (9%) compared with the corresponding CON muscles. There were only marginal effects on the soleus muscle. Muscle lactate concentrations and release of lactate during recovery from intense isometric contractions were lower ( P< 0.05) in ECC than in CON hindlimbs, indicating decreased anaerobic glycogenolysis. In conclusion, the sarcolemmal lactate/H+ transport capacity and the physiochemical buffer capacity were reduced in prior eccentrically stimulated WG and RG in rats, suggesting that muscle pH regulation may be impaired after unaccustomed eccentric exercise. In addition, the data indicate that the glycogenolytic potential is decreased in muscles exposed to prior eccentric contractions. </jats:p
The natural real interest rate and the output gap in the euro area: A joint estimation
No full textThe notion of a natural real rate of interest, due to Wicksell (1936), is widely used in current central bank research. The idea is that there exists a level at which the real interest rate would be compatible with output at its potential level and stationary inflation. Such a consept is of primary concern for monetary policy because it provides a benchmark for the monetary policy stance. This paper applies the method recently suggested by T. Laubach and J. C. Williams to jointly estimate the natural real interest rate and the output gap in the euro area using data from 1960. Our results suggest that the natural real rate of interest has declined gradually over the past 40 years. They also indicate that monetary policy in the euro area was on average stimulative during the 1960s and the 1970s, while it contributed to dampen the output gap and inflation in the 1980s and 1990s.Real interest rate gap, output gap, Kalman filter, euro area
Evaluating interest in narrative therapy for decision making about pectus excavatum treatment
No full textOBJECTIVES: The decision to proceed with surgical treatment for pectus excavatum (PE) is rarely clear-cut. Patients interested in treatment are referred for evaluation by numerous different specialists, but psychosocial counselling is currently not included in this process. Our objective was to assess whether PE patients would be interested in formal assistance with the decision-making process surrounding PE surgery using narrative therapy principles. METHODS: Ninety-seven untreated PE patients at 5 different institutions in 4 countries completed a questionnaire consisting of 13 questions, with 3 questions specifically evaluating interest in narrative therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of participants were interested in narrative therapy to assist with the decision-making process surrounding PE surgery. Individuals most interested in narrative therapy tend to be more interested in correction (P > 0.05) to improve the way they feel about their body (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of PE patients are interested in narrative therapy to aid the decision-making process about treatment. We propose that narrative therapy should be offered to PE patients during the treatment evaluation process to address the psychosocial difficulties associated with PE and the surgical decision-making process overall. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of this interdisciplinary model
PGC-1 alpha increases PDH content but does not change acute PDH regulation in mouse skeletal muscle
No full textKiilerich K, Adser H, Jakobsen AH, Pedersen PA, Hardie DG, Wojtaszewski JFP, Pilegaard H. PGC-1 alpha increases PDH content but does not change acute PDH regulation in mouse skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 299: R1350-R1359, 2010. First published August 18, 2010; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00400.2010.- The aim of this study was to test whether the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma coactivator (PGC)1 alpha regulates the content of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH)-E1 alpha and influences PDH activity through regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 (PDK4) expression and subsequently PDH phosphorylation. PGC-1 alpha whole body knockout (KO), muscle-specific PGC-1 alpha overexpressing mice (MCK PGC-1 alpha), and littermate wild-type (WT) mice underwent two interventions known to affect PDH. Quadriceps muscles were removed from fed and 24-h fasted mice as well as at 6 h of recovery after 1-h running and from mice that did not run acutely. PDH-E1 alpha protein content and PDH-E1 alpha phosphorylation were lower in PGC-1 alpha KO and higher in MCK PGC-1 alpha mice at rest, but, while MCK PGC-1 alpha had higher PDK4 protein content, KO of PGC-1 alpha had no effect on PDK4 protein content. The differences in phosphorylation partly vanished when expressing phosphorylation relative to the PDH-E1 alpha content with only a maintained elevated phosphorylation in MCK PGC-1 alpha mice. Fasting upregulated PDK4 protein in PGC-1 alpha KO, MCK PGC-1 alpha and WT mice, but this was not consistently associated with increased PDH-E1 alpha phosphorylation. Downregulation of the activity of PDH in the active form (PDHa) at 6-h recovery from exercise in both the PGC-1 alpha KO and MCK PGC-1 alpha mice and the association between PDH-E1 alpha phosphorylation and PDHa activity in PGC-1 alpha KO mice indicate that PGC-1 alpha is not required for these responses. In conclusion, PGC-1 alpha regulates PDH-E1 alpha protein content in parallel with mitochondrial oxidative proteins, but does not seem to influence PDH regulation in mouse skeletal muscle in response to fasting and in recovery from exercise.</p
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