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Pasta with lemon sauce and basil - easy recipe
It really is the pasta loved by adults and children and is one of the most popular meals in the world as it is the fastest and easiest meal today I offer you the recipe of pasta without the sauce, but taste delicious with lemon and basil
There are a variety of ways you can prepare a pasta meal, including spaghetti pasta with sauces or balsamic, as well as pasta with whites sauce Everyone starts to choose the preferred way to eat pasta, if you are a fan of pasta and tired of the traditional ways that are presented, Pasta with lemon and basil sauce
Ingredients of pasta with lemon and basil sauce
pasta bag strips
Two large unsweetened butter
Two tablespoons of olive oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
5 chicken breast free of bone (cubic)
teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup heavy cream
Pack basil
cup fresh lemon juice
A teaspoon of grated lemon
2 cups of frozen peas
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to make pasta with lemon and basil sauce
1- Bring a large bowl of salty water to boil, add pasta to the boiling water, leave it until it is cooked, then lift it out of the fire and get it out of the water, and keep it warm.
2- Meanwhile, cook the chicken by mixing the butter, oil, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-medium heat. When the garlic starts cooking, add chicken cubes, sprinkle with salt and white pepper.
3- Stir on medium heat until chicken is almost cooked in 4 to 6 minutes.
4- Add the cream and stir on low heat, then the heat is reduced to low.
5- Add the chicken mixture to lemon sauce, except 3 tablespoons of sauce, and pour 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, peas, and Parmesan cheese, and put them on medium heat until the chicken is cooked well and the mixture is hot.
6- Place the hot pasta in the serving bowl and place the chicken over it.
7- In a small bowl mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of lemon sauce with the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then the mixture is sprinkled over pasta and chicken and served immediately.
If you like descriptive, do not forget to tell me in a comment so I can give you more quick and simple recipes
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Linear optical amplifiers are described quantum mechanically by a linear differential equation with Langevin operator noise sources. Even if the gain medium is composed of fermions, in the limit when the amplifier is a linear amplifier, the noise sources must have bosonlike commutation relations. I show in detail how the Tomonaga approximation produces the bosonic commutators of the noise sources.
© 2001 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
OSA Recommended Articles
Victor V. Kozlov
Opt. Lett. 27(19) 1723-1725 (2002)
Carlton M. Caves and David D. Crouch
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 4(10) 1535-1545 (1987)
Ivan H. Deutsch, John C. Garrison, and Ewan M. Wright
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 8(6) 1244-1251 (1991)

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello, my dear friends! I hope you've been enjoying your summer (I'm in complete denial that it's ending!). I'm so excited to share a few things I've been obsessing over this month.
1. A Life-Changing Tech Accessory
I bought a PopSocket for the first time, and ok!! (For those of you who are like pop-what? It's a button that you stick to the back of your phone case/phone that's designed to make it 10x easier to hold.) I totally get why people (read: millennials and generally social-media-savvy peeps) go crazy for them. You can multitask even MORE than usual and with more efficiency (😂). You're less likely to drop your phone and it's easier to hold it with one hand (while juggling groceries, kittens, an umbrella, etc.). Texting with one hand: easier. Taking a selfie? So much easier and more intuitive! The coolest part is that you can easily remove and reapply your PopSocket when you switch phone cases or decide to try another design (because, of course, there are tons of cool styles and graphics to choose from). I got my fierce lion PopSocket (above) here, and I'm loving these, too: Palm Shadows, Aloha Sloth, Blue Nebula, I'm a Purrmaid, Avocados Pink and Bubblegum Giraffe.
2. A Cool Way to Send a Thank You Note
I believe that a thoughtful thank you card, especially a handwritten one, is one of the most powerful ways you can show gratitude. And getting one in the mail can be such a bright spot in the day. In fact, studies show we underestimate the positive impact of a thank you note. I usually aim to mail out thank you cards after my birthday or Christmas, but I haven't made the time over the last few years and I always feel bad about it. I realized it would probably be easier to send thank you cards over email (at least to family and friends who check their messages often). It still has a big impact and it would save me a few steps since I can write them from anywhere (with wifi) and I don't have to make a trip to the post office. I used Paperless Post for the first time a few years ago to send out cool invites for a Halloween party I hosted and I fell in love with their thank you card selection this summer (like this one and this one). They've got pretty designs for all kinds of events and themes (whether it's a sweet birthday card for your brother who loves being outdoors, an edgy and rustic wedding invitation or a cool happy hour invite to celebrate the last few days of summer with your coworkers). You can customize the cards and envelopes and send them in minutes. Major bonus: There are tons of free cards and invitations available (which you can send to up to 2,000 people!). All other cards you purchase via Paperless Post coins. It's made sharing gratitude so much easier for me, and it saves paper (yay!). I sent out a few thank you cards this week. Such a good feeling!
3. An Au Naturel Trend I'm Embracing
Finding a really good strapless bra is a unique sort of nightmare. The ones I have dig into my ribs, are super uncomfortable and they rarely stay in place (cue me not-so-discreetly hiking up my bra every 15 minutes). I haven't found an underwire-free one yet that I love (let me know in the comments if you have a favorite!), so I've tried something new for me: simply going without a bra when I can. I have a few parameters for when I do this: Usually I'm going out to meet friends (it's not something I'd feel comfortable doing at work) and I make sure it's a top that's textured and a bit loose-fitting, so that it's not super obvious I've got a whole lot of nothing going on underneath. (I get that for big-chested women, this is a bit of a moot point.) Going braless is one of the more freeing things I've done in a long time, and if you've thought about it before but never quite taken the leap, I strongly recommend it.
4. The Prettiest All-Natural Face Wash
I'm slowly integrating more and more natural products into my beauty routine. The latest is this gorgeous face wash. It has five ingredients (!), gives off a lovely herbal scent, foams just enough and the bottle looks so darn pretty sitting on my shelf. It was the most I've ever spent on face wash, but I use it carefully, sparingly, and it reminds me to really enjoy the process of washing my face, like it's a special self-care ritual, rather than just another routine part of my day.
5. Three Articles That Moved Me This Week
Ethan Hawke's late rise to fame (despite much resistance on his part) and believing in your power as an artist... even when no one else does (written by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who writes the most wonderful profiles on celebrities). Being a woman often means that we're never completely comfortable alone in public spaces (via Fortune's Broadsheet newsletter; this story is written by HuffPost Senior Editor Emma Gray, who also happens to co-host one of my favorite Bachelor podcasts). And on a lighter note (I promise, it's uplifting and funny), what happens when you take on a major fitness challenge... and fail miserably.
P.S. My friend Michelle wrote a fun piece for Bustle where 5 women share the beauty "rules" they love to break and I'm one of the five (eek!). If you'd like, you can read the full story here. There's some great tips, too, for using eye masks and a unique way to spray fragrance.
Thank you to Paperless Post for helping to make this post possible. It's such a pleasure to work with brands that I admire and use myself. Paperless Post offers a wide array of beautiful card and invitation designs, plus they make life easier with free card and invitation options. Everything else in this post is simply products, brands and stories that I love and want to share with you.
Pictured above: Society 6 phone case, lion PopSocket, jeans by Free People (similar) and Madewell sandals.
Photograph by Tom Schelling


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Raelians(redirected from Raëlians)
This UFO cult claims to be cloning people under the directive of the Elohim, the extraterrestrial creators of humans on Earth.
In July 2001 the Raelian Movement made headlines around the world when one of its members, Brigitte Boisselier, a forty-four-year-old scientist with doctorates from universities in Dijon and Houston, announced that Clonaid, her team of four doctors and a technician, would soon produce the first human clone. Defying opposition from President George W. Bush, Congress, Secretary of Health Tommy Thompson, and the Food and Drug Administration, Boisselier refused to disclose the location of Clonaid's two laboratories, other than to state that one was in the United States and the other abroad. Clonaid, established by Ra'l in 1997, is funded in part by $500,000 from an anonymous couple who want a child cloned from the DNA of their deceased ten-month-old son. Ra'l states that such cloning will demonstrate the methods employed by the Elohim in their creation of the human species.
So who is Ra'l?
Claude Vorilhon, a French sports journalist and former race-car driver, claims to have been contacted by an extraterrestrial being while climbing the Puy de Lassolas volcanic crater near Clermont-Ferrand, France, on December 13, 1973. Vorilhon was astonished when he saw a metallic-looking object in the shape of a flattened bell about thirty feet in diameter descend from the sky. A door opened in the side of the craft, and what appeared to be a humanlike being about four feet in height emerged in a peaceful manner. Vorilhon soon learned that the being was a member of the Elohim referred to in the creation story in Genesis, the "gods" who made humans in their own image; they did this, according to Vorilhon, by utilizing deoxyribonucleic acid—DNA.
Vorilhon was told that the Elohim had sent great prophets, such as Moses, Ezekiel, Buddha, and Muhammad to guide humankind. Jesus, the fruit of a union between the Elohim and Mary, a daughter of man, was given the mission of making the Elohims' messages of guidance known throughout the world in anticipation of the Age of Apocalypse—which in the original Greek meant "age of revelation," not "end of the world." In this epoch, which the people of Earth entered in 1945, humankind will at last be able to understand scientifically that which the Elohim accomplished eons ago in the Genesis story.
Vorilhon said that the Elohim renamed him "Ra'l," which means "the man who brings light." Shortly after his encounter with the extraterrestrial, he created the Raelian Movement, which soon acquired over a thousand members in France. Today, according to figures produced by the Raelians, their membership includes 55,000 individuals in eighty-five different countries.
Ra'l maintains that he established the Raelian Movement according to instructions given to him by the Elohim. Its aims are to inform humankind of the reality of the Elohim "without convincing," to establish an embassy where the Elohim will be welcome, and to help prepare a human society adapted to the future. In the years since his first contact experience, he has written a number of books, which can be obtained directly from the Raelians. The titles include The Message Given by Extraterrestrials and Let's Welcome Our Fathers from Space.


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Sunday, October 14, 2007
Cycle C
Gospel: Lk 17, 11-19
There's a story of two women who died and were at the waiting room before they go straight to heaven. The first was a learned, educated woman, the other, a poor one.
The rich woman told the other, "I heard that to enter heaven you need to present St. Peter the books you produced on earth that benefited others. So I studied and studied and produced books on education. Have you produced a series of books?"
"No, except this small one," the poor woman replied shamefully.
Then St. Peter came in asked them to submit their books. "Give me time to review them," he said, and went out of the waiting room. "I'll surely get to heaven now," said the rich woman.
Moments later, St. Peter came back. "I've reviewed your books. Some will go straight to heaven, the others, remain here at the waiting room." So he called the names of those who passed, among them was the poor woman.
The rich woman, not on the list, complained to St. Peter, "I've produced a library of books in my lifetime while this woman just made a small one. How come she goes to heaven and I don't?"
St. Peter answered, "My dearest, I know you made a thousand books, but this woman produced a book that contained the word, "Thank you." Every time she received kindness from another, she would write "Thank you"'; and every time a person would thank her, she would also write it down. So, she is entitled to enter heaven because her books contains a thousand "thanks" for the people in her life."
And the woman said, "Oh no, I wrote the wrong books."
Much have been said about thanks, sometimes, they come in cheaply, but most often, they come straight from the heart.
Saying thanks opens our worlds and let grace flow in others and in ourselves. Moreover, the greatest act of thanksgiving is a life transformed to goodness and glory of God.
1 comment:
- Anonymous2:20 AM
Gratitude is the memory of the heart-a French Proverb.ReplyDelete
Man by nature could easily be blinded by his power,his wealth,his strength and influence,his fame and all the good things that he possess in this world and yet,what keeps his feet planted on the ground is the realization that a Supreme Being,much greater than himself is the source of all these.
With this realization,we as His creatures should be grateful for everything that our Almighty God has bestowed on us.Our lives,our families,friends and all the wonderful blessings that we receive each day.
This Thanksgiving Day is a Special Day to reflect on the greatness and goodness of our Almighty God who have provided us with everything we need,everything that we are and everything that we will ever be.
We have to acknowledge that without Him,we are absolutely nothing.And the best way to give thanks is to live each day according to His will and to give glory and praise to Him.


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Thailand is a country famous for its beaches, bars, culture, hospitality and, obviously, its food. Thai cuisine is one of the most famous in the world. the following are best dishes must-try while in Thailand.
Gooay teeo reua
Gooay teeo reua translates as 'boat noodles', so-called because the small bowls were previously served from boats along the canals and rivers of Bangkok and central Thailand. Based around a dark, slow-cooked broth that unites meat, herbs, dried spices and sometimes blood, these pork- or beef-based bowls are among the most full-flavoured – and perhaps intimidating – of all Thai noodle dishes.
Kanom beuang
The old-school version of this tiny, taco-like snack is sold with two types of fillings: sweet, which combine rich strands of duck egg and preserved fruit, and savoury, which include a spicy mixture of dried shrimp and white pepper. Available from street vendors in older parts of Bangkok, such as the stall at Nang Loeng Market.
Mee grorp
Crispy noodles prepared the traditional way, via a former palace recipe that provides the dish with a uniquely fragrant, sweet/sour flavour, are a dying breed. Longstanding shophouse restaurant Chote Chitr is one of a handful of places to try the old-school version of this dish.
Pat tai
It can be said Pat tai is one of the most famous dishes must-try in Thailand. It takes the form of rice noodles stir-fried with dried and/or fresh shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu, egg and seasonings, and is traditionally served with lime halves and a few stalks of Chinese chives and a sliced banana flower.


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Data Integration
Cleverly connected
With the FundraisingBox you can link your online fundraising data with various web applications and automate data synchronisation.
This way all of your applications are up to date without any manual effort.
Smart Trigger (closed beta)Smart triggers can connect chains of conditional statements. Should an incoming donation comply with one or more of the defined conditions, an event will be executed as per your definition. For example, you can automatically send every fundraiser who has collected at least 2,000 GBP through a peer-to-peer campaign a "Top Fundraiser" t-shirt including a personalised cover not as a thank-you.
Exclusive Interfaces
The Enterprise database extensions autoamtically synchronise all donations received via the FundraisingBox with your database in real time. This saves a lot of time and minimises error. With the common interface development, security, and scalability have been put to the utmost value, so that even high transaction numbers can be synchronised.


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Popular Misconceptions Concerning the Arab/Israeli Conflict and the Bible
Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4
9:45-10:45am - Room 218
Join Dr. Mark Biddle, Baptist Theological Seminary Professor of Old Testament and author, and the Covenant Class as they explore the data and try to develop a perspective that respects Israel's status as the chosen people without condemning the Palestinians to perpetual suffering.
Popular conceptions about the modern Arab-Israeli impasse typically assume that its roots trace back to the animosity between Ishmael and Isaac. According to this line of thought, the two peoples have been destined, almost divinely ordained, for conflict. Furthermore, anyone who fails to support Israeli policies, so the argument goes, may be guilty of anti-Semitism. Those who support Israel's expansionism will also accrue God's blessing. The only problems with this neat system are that it conforms neither to the actual teachings of scripture nor to historical events.


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A Swedish power station has turned to discarded clothing from fashion retail giant Hennes & Mauritz to replace the burning of coal at the plant. The Vasteras facility near Stockholm is aiming to become a fossil free by 2020, with unsold H&M clothes, recycled wood and waste in the incineration mix.
The power station, which is operated by Malarenergi, last week received its final delivery of coal, has burnt 15 tons of discarded clothing in 2017 to date. H&M told Bloomberg that it had a legal obligation to ensure that clothes with mould or not in compliance with chemical restrictions are destroyed.


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In a landmark judgment, Supreme Court of India has allowed a 24 week pregnant woman to undergo abortion. As per the information, the foetus was underdeveloped and continuation of pregnancy would have been dangerous for mother's life.
The bench of Justice S.A. Bobde and Justice L. Nageswara Rao, after examining several reports form doctors, came to the conclusion that the foetus will not survive outside the uterus due to undeveloped skull.
The 22 year woman found about the deformed foetus in December and requested for an abortion then. However, the doctors denied abortion on the ground that her pregnancy had crossed 20 weeks and hence the abortion will be illegal. Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, the doctors can't abort the foetus if it is over 20 weeks. However, there is an exception if there is a threat to the mother's life.
Information source: hindustantimes
Title image: premiumtimesng
Like our facebook page to stay updated. You can also download Reacho app on Android or iOS to get interesting stories at your fingertips.


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This study examined flexible adjustments of skeletal muscle size, fiber structure, and capillarization in Inuit sled dogs responding to seasonal changes in temperature, exercise and food supply. Inuit dogs pull sleds in winter and are fed regularly throughout this working season. In summer, they remain chained to rocks without exercise, receiving food intermittently and often fasting for several days. We studied two dog teams in Northern Greenland (Qaanaaq) where dogs are still draught animals vital to Inuit hunters, and one dog team in Western Greenland (Qeqertarsuaq) where this traditional role has been lost. Northern Greenland dogs receive more and higher quality food than those in Western Greenland. We used ultrasonography for repeated muscle size measurements on the same individuals, and transmission electron microscopy on micro-biopsies for summer–winter comparisons of muscle histology, also within individuals. At both study sites, dogs' muscles were significantly thinner in summer than in winter – atrophy attributable to reduced fiber diameter. Sarcomeres from West Greenland dogs showed serious myofilament depletion and expansion of the sarcoplasmatic space between myofibrils during summer. At both study sites, summer samples showed fewer interfibrillar and subsarcolemmal mitochondria, and fewer lipid droplets between myofibrils, than did winter samples. In summer, capillary density was higher and inter-capillary distance smaller than in winter, but the capillary-to-fiber-ratio and number of capillaries associated with single myofibers were constant. Increased capillary density was probably a by-product of differential tissue responses to condition changes rather than a functional adaptation, because thinning of muscle fibers in summer was not accompanied by reduction in the capillary network. Thus, skeletal muscle of Inuit dogs responds flexibly to changes in functional demands. This flexibility is based on differential changes in functional components: mitochondrial numbers, lipid droplet size, and the number of contractile filaments all increase with increasing workload and food supply while the capillary network remains unchanged.
Life in the Arctic is governed by strong seasonal fluctuations of environmental parameters, most noticeably temperature, light regime, and food and water availability. Animals living under such conditions must adapt or escape when environmental conditions turn harsh. Hibernation and migration are avoidance strategies, but those that stay need to adjust to cycling changes in their environment. Piersma and Drent (Piersma and Drent, 2003) have coined the term "life-cycle staging" for flexible responses of animals in seasonally fluctuating environments.
Most studies that have analyzed seasonal changes of activity and food supply in arctic and boreal mammals describe an abundance of food during summer resulting in seasonal obesity, and famine during winter (Lohuis et al., 2007; Mustonen et al., 2004; Nieminen et al., 2004). Inuit sled dogs (Canis lupus familiaris L.) differ from this model. During summer when sledding is impossible, they live chained to rocks with an intermittent food supply, and so cannot build up fat deposits for the winter season. During winter they receive more food, but this is also the period of maximal work load and low-temperature challenge. Therefore, studies on wild animals living in the same climate zone cannot be extrapolated to Inuit sled dogs. However, sled dogs may serve as an interesting model to tease apart the seasonal effects of activity, food supply and temperature on physiology and internal organ structure. Furthermore, Inuit sled dogs are easily accessible for repeated measurements of the same individuals in summer and winter. All individuals in a team live and work under the same conditions, ensuring uniformity within the experimental group.
Inuit sled dogs are the only domestic animal of traditional Inuit and were essential to the survival of these people for more than 1000 years. The working relationship between dogs and the Inuit is currently losing its importance and, in many places, people no longer hunt using dog sleds. We worked with dogs that are still used by active hunters in the northernmost settlement of Greenland, and compare these dogs with those kept for recreational activities in Western Greenland.
While being used as draft animals during winter and spring, sled dogs are fed regularly and more frequently. During summer and fall, the dogs are permanently chained to rocks and fed only one to three times per week. Because in North Greenland the dogs receive high energy food throughout the year, they remain in a balanced energy budget. In West Greenland the dogs receive low energy food during summer, accumulating an energy deficit. During winter, higher energy food permits balancing of their energy budget.
We used the above differences in husbandry conditions as an experimental framework within which to explore the effects of exercise level, food supply and temperature on dog locomotor muscles. Activity (exercise) and nutrition are the strongest known determinants of skeletal muscle shape and size, which change fast and reversibly (Boonyarom and Inui, 2006; Hoppeler and Flück, 2002; Pette, 2001). To explore the separate effects of these two determinants on muscle morphology, we compared a suite of variables between seasons (summer and winter) and food supply, represented by two different locations (the West with low food supply versus the North with adequate food supply). These variables were muscle fiber diameter, capillary network and supply area, and myofibril ultrastructure (sarcomere shape, myofilament alignment and the sarcoplasmatic compartment), measured on biopsy samples using light and transmission electron microscopy.
First, to explore the combined effects of exercise and temperature, we compared muscle samples from summer with muscle samples from winter within each location. We hypothesized that while dogs were resting in summer, their muscle fibers would be atrophied relative to the winter condition. And in contrast to other arctic mammals, which downregulate muscle size in winter as a result of starvation (Josefsen et al., 2007), we expected Inuit dogs to upregulate their skeletal muscle size in response to increased work load, sufficient food supply and cold acclimatization. Such upregulation of muscle size is presumably based on changes in fiber size and architecture.
Second, The capillary network is one of the determinants of peripheral gas and substrate exchange, dictating the metabolic capacity of muscle tissue. The network is thus optimized to supply muscle metabolic demand (Baba et al., 1995; Hoppeler and Kayar, 1988), and adjusts to chronic electrical stimulation (Reichmann et al., 1985) or exercise. This being so, we expected that increased exercise would result in increased capillarization and a reduced capillary supply area in dogs in winter.
Third, we assessed the effects of food supply on exercised and resting muscle by comparing muscle samples between winter and summer, within each location (North and West Greenland) separately. In anorectic humans, loss of muscle bulk and muscle fiber atrophy are the most prominent effects of self-induced prolonged fasting (Lindboe et al., 1982). McLoughlin et al. (McLoughlin et al., 2000) also reported changes in blood plasma parameters in anorectic patients, including elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an enzyme associated with the transfer of nitrogen-containing groups between amino acids. Changes in the blood chemistry of sled dogs competing in a long distance race include significant increases of AST and creatine kinase (CK), indicating severe muscle breakdown (Burr et al., 1997). Here, we tried to clarify whether the seasonal changes in living conditions of the sled dogs result in similar changes of blood plasma parameters.
Although sled dogs offer an apparently unique and repeatable opportunity to study flexible responses of individual Arctic mammals to fluctuating conditions, our `experimental' framework of seasonal and locational comparisons has certain constraints. A full cross-over design is not possible because of local traditions and physiological realities: `experimental' groups cannot be reversed as dogs can neither work in summer nor fast in winter while working. It is beyond their physiological scope to work during summer or fast in winter while working. Moreover, biopsy sampling must be limited to a degree that dogs are not impaired and life of the hunters is not at risk.
Research sites
Research was conducted at the Arctic Station of the University of Copenhagen in Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island (69°15′N, 53°32′W) off the west coast of Greenland in summer 2005 and winter 2006. Temperatures at Disko Island are milder than in North Greenland, because of the relative warmth of Atlantic waters moving northwards with the West Greenland current. In summer 2007 and winter 2008, fieldwork was conducted in Qaanaaq, North Greenland (77°27′N 69°15′W).
Temperature recording
Environmental (air) temperatures close to the living area of the dog teams were recorded every 10 min throughout the fieldwork period using i-Button data loggers with an on-chip direct-to-digital temperature converter with 11-Bit (0.0625°C) resolution (DS2422 temperature/data logger, Maxim Integrated Products, USA). Mean daily temperatures were pooled for each season and location. Statistical analyses were done using SigmaStat 3.5 (Systat Software GmbH, Germany). Differences between seasons and between locations were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA on ranks, followed by pairwise multiple comparisons using Dunn's method.
Dog husbandry
The sex ratio in Inuit sled dog teams is artificially skewed towards one or two bitches per 10 male dogs. Females can be gravid or have puppies throughout the year. Therefore, and to avoid inflation of variances as a result of female reproductive status, we investigated only male dogs. A team of 12 male dogs (age between 2 and 4 years), was studied in July/August 2005 and in February/March 2006 in Qeqertarsuaq. In July/August 2007 and in February/March 2008 a total of 10 male dogs (age between 2 and 10 years) belonging to two different dog teams of active Inuit hunters were studied in Qaanaaq. In winter, the dogs pulled sleds once or twice per week in Qeqertarsuaq, and three to four times per week in Qaanaaq, but remained chained to their places for the remaining time. The feeding regime followed local practice. During winter, the dogs in Qeqertarsuaq received a daily meal (approximately 150–700 g per dog) of dried fish or frozen seal meat. In Qaanaaq, the dogs were fed every other day (meal size: about 2 kg per dog). The food consisted of thawed and heated walrus and seal meat. During hunting trips, the dogs were fed daily with commercially available food for sled dogs (Nukik Polar, A/S Arovit Petfood, Esbjerg, Denmark). Throughout the summer, the dogs were constantly chained to rocks. In Qeqertarsuaq, they were each fed 2.5–3.6 kg of fresh fish in a single meal every fourth day. In Qaanaaq, each received 1–2 kg of walrus and seal meat from the previous hunting period every second to third day. Although the total amount of food received per 4-day period did not differ much between winter and summer, the quality and energy content of the food did differ. In Qeqertarsuaq, the average daily energy intake in winter was 4134±934 kJ per dog, but only 3603±388 kJ during summer. In Qaanaaq, the quality of the dog food did not differ between seasons. Daily energy intake was about 5900 kJ per dog in summer and 11800 kJ per dog in winter (J.M.S., N.G. and S.J., unpublished data).
The general health of all dogs was assessed by repeated physical exams performed following standard procedures by a veterinarian. All dogs assessed in Qeqertarsuaq were underweight in summer and winter. They were heavily infested by intestinal parasites during the summer months and suffered from periodic diarrhea. (J.M.S., N.G. and S.J., unpublished data). The dogs studied in Qaanaaq were in good condition in summer and in winter.
Size measurements
Dog body masses were measured using a hanging scale (Kern CH 50K100, Kern and Sohn GmbH, Balingen, Germany; precision: 0.1 kg) mounted on a carrying rod. Dogs were placed in a sling that supported the chest and belly while two people lifted the sling. Head length from the tip of the nose to the caudal tip of the crista sagittalis was used as an estimate of body size that was independent of body mass. The measuring tape was placed directly onto the dogs head and followed the outline of the head. Height was measured at the withers using a measuring rod.
For non-invasive measurements of muscle thickness, we used a portable ultrasonography machine equipped with a broadband 7.5–10 MHz linear scanner head (Titan, SonoSite, Bothell, WA, USA) (Starck et al., 2001). A 0.5% aqueous solution of a polyacrylic acid (sodium polymer PNC 430, Spinnrad, Norderstedt, Germany) was applied as acoustic coupling gel. The thickness of the shoulder muscle, m. supraspinatus, was measured precisely halfway along the spina scapulae on the dogs' left side while standing (Fig. 1). The measuring track (Fig. 2A) was arranged parallel to the spina scapulae so that the ultrasonograph image covered the widest dimension of the m. supraspinatus. Muscle thickness of portions of m. triceps brachii and m. brachialis lateral to the humerus of standing dogs was measured halfway along the humerus (Fig. 2B). The thickness of the hind leg muscles was measured from the lateral side halfway along the femur while dogs were standing (Fig. 2C). These measurements included parts of the m. biceps femoris as well as parts of the m. vastus lateralis of the m. quadriceps femoris. The axis of the ultrasound probe was positioned perpendicular to the spina scapulae at the shoulder and perpendicular to humerus and femur. At each location we took multiple images per session, and each dog was scanned for at least four repeated sessions. The daily averages of multiple measurements were pooled to obtain averages of all values for each dog, and compared within each location between seasons using one way ANOVA with season as fixed factor. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 12.0.1. (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA).
Biopsy sampling
A 14 gauge spring-loaded side-cutting needle with a sampling notch of 1.5 cm (Temno; Allegiance Healthcare, McGaw Park, IL, USA) was used for needle biopsy sampling of the m. adductor magnus. Biopsies were taken from standing dogs in the field under local Lidocaine anesthesia (1–1.5 ml per dog Xylocain 2% local infiltration; AstraZeneca, Wedel, Germany), except in winter 2006, when they were obtained from dogs in lateral recumbency while under full anesthesia for other procedures. We took focused biopsy samples from the caudal mid-belly region of the m. adductor magnus. We took three biopsies from one incision site. This procedure minimized a possible negative effect of biopsy sampling on dog performance. An extensive random sampling as described by Mayhew (Mayhew, 2008) was neither possible nor intended. Care was taken to obtain cross-sectional samples at a 90 deg. angle to the muscle fibers. After biopsy sampling all dogs received subcutaneous Carprofen injections for analgesia (4 mg kg–1 Rimadyl, Pfizer GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany). Bacterial inflammation was suppressed by a single subcutaneous dose of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (10 mg kg–1; Synulox RTU; Pfizer GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany).
Muscle biopsies were preserved in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 mol l–1 phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 and stored at 4°C until processing for histology. Embedding followed standard protocols for transmission electron microscopy. Biopsy samples were carefully oriented for later longitudinal and cross-sections. First, samples were washed in phosphate buffer, then postfixed in 1% osmium tetroxide in 0.1 mol l–1 phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 2 h, and dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol and pure acetone. Following dehydration, samples were embedded in epoxy resin (Epon, Carl Roth GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany). Semithin sections of 500 nm thickness were stained with Rüdeberg solution (Methylene Blue–Thionin). Ultrathin sections of 60 nm thickness were counterstained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. We used a Zeiss EM 10 transmission electron microscope to examine the sections.
Histological morphometry
When sectioning, careful attention was paid to obtain cross-sections and longitudinal sections of the samples. For cross-sectional morphometry we measured only fibers that showed no indication of oblique sectioning, i.e. elongated fiber diameter with an orientation in one direction. For longitudinal morphometry, we used only fibers that were running across the entire length of the section without major change in shape. To obtain quantitative measures of muscle architecture, we (1) measured the smallest diameter of all myofibers per section (100–150 myofibers per dog), (2) counted the number of fibers per area (myofiber density), and (3) measured the extracellular distance between myofibers. As a measure of capillarization, we (1) counted the number of capillaries surrounding each myofiber, and (2) counted the number of capillaries per unit area (capillary density). Because capillaries supply more than one fiber, we (3) calculated a capillary-to-fiber ratio by dividing the number of capillaries per mm2 by the number of fibers per mm2. (4) The capillary supply area was determined as a circle with the radius being half the mean intercapillary distance around the capillary. To obtain a random selection of measuring points for the distance between myofibers (μm), a grid of five lines was laid over longitudinal sections. Measuring points were defined where grid lines crossed intercellular space. We used SigmaScanPro (version 5, Jandel Scientific, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA) for morphometry of semithin sections in longitudinal and transversal alignment to the fibers. Two-way ANOVAs with season and location of the dogs as fixed factors were performed and pairwise comparisons (Holm–Sidak method, overall significance level=0.05) applied to detect differences between groups.
Myofiber ultrastructure
The histological examination of ultrastructure was based on TEM images of longitudinal sections through myofibers. Of course, morphometry of myofiber ultrastructure is affected by a cascade of factors ranging from biopsy sampling under non-standard conditions in the field (e.g. extremely low temperatures during winter) and lack of precise stereological information of biopsy sampling position (no ultrasound control possible), to dehydration and embedding artifacts during standard TEM-histology (see Zumstein et al., 1983). Thus, morphometric measurements on myofiber ultrastructure are semi-quantitative and need to be interpreted with caution. We applied three different qualitative and quantitative measures to analyze the ultrastructure of muscle fibers.
Sarcomere shape. We assigned the outer line of the sarcomeres to two different categories; either parallel/convex or concave. All sarcomeres, that were fully visible in the TEM images, were categorized and the percentage of sarcomeres in each category was calculated. Furthermore, we measured the width of the sarcomeres at the M-line and at the Z-line and calculated the M/Z ratio of individual sarcomeres. The M/Z ratio is a simple estimate of sarcomere shape: a ratio <1 indicates that the sarcomere has a concave shape, which indicates a depletion of myofilaments in the sarcomere, while a ratio ≥1 is typical for straight or convex sarcomere, indicating a normal structure of the myofilaments. We measured the M/Z ratio of all fully visible sarcomeres on each TEM-image and then calculated the percentage of the sarcomere that were either normal or concave. Because sample size differs between years and locations it is always given with the results. We ran a two-way ANOVA to test for effects of season and location as fixed factors on the measure of sarcomere shape. When the model was significant, pairwise multiple comparisons (Holm–Sidak method) were made to recognize significant differences between groups.
The alignment of myofilaments within each sarcomere is another character that can be used to qualitatively describe possible effects of workload and/or nutrition on sarcomere structure. We defined two categories. The first category was characterized by all myofilaments arranged in a parallel fashion, which is usually associated with a normal (full) sarcomere. The second category was characterized by myofilaments in a diffuse arrangement, usually because of depleted numbers of myofilaments. Transmission electron micrographs were screened for the arrangement of myofilaments in each sarcomere. Sarcomeres were assigned to each category and counted to calculate the percentage of each category in samples of dogs from summer and winter.
The packing of myofibrils within the myofiber was assessed by defining two groups (`large' and `narrow', according to the size of the sarcoplasmatic compartments between the myofibrils) that categorized the distance between the myofibrils. Sarcoplasmatic compartments were labeled `large' when they were wider than one third of the width of adjacent myofibrils, and `narrow' when thinner than one third of the width of myofibrils. Again, we counted distance categories on each image and calculated percentages for samples of dogs from summer and winter.
Blood sampling
Blood was obtained from the cephalic vein of the left front leg using a 21-gauge needle, and spun down in heparinized 2 ml tubes at 3000 g for 10 min to gather plasma within 1 h after collection. Care was taken to prevent the blood samples from freezing. The supernatant was frozen immediately and stored at –20°C. Blood was sampled from dogs in postabsorptive condition, in summer, this was at the end of a 4-day fasting interval in Qeqertarsuaq, and in winter and both seasons in Qaanaaq, this was 24 h after feeding. Measured parameters were liver function and integrity (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), urea, triglycerides, glucose, cholesterol and bilirubin); kidney function [sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), creatinine, urea, phosphate (PO 3–4)]; muscles and bones [creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), triglyceride]; and digestion (glucose, fructosamine and cholesterol). Additionally, we measured chloride (Cl–), total protein, albumin and fatty acids (Qeqertarsuaq: N=12 in summer, N=11 in winter; Qaanaaq: N=10 in summer and winter).
Winter temperatures at Qeqertarsuaq in West Greenland (median– 8.5°C, 25% percentile –12.1°C, 75% percentile– 2.1°C) were significantly higher than winter temperatures at Qaanaaq in North Greenland (median –21.4°C, 25% percentile– 24.4°C, 75% percentile –18.4°C; difference of ranks: 32.4, q: 3.3, P<0.05), but significantly below the summer values at both study sites (difference of ranks: 64.6Qeqertarsuaq, 42.6Qaanaaq; q: 6.5Qeqertarsuaq, 4.5Qaanaaq; P<0.05). During summer, the temperatures at Qeqertarsuaq (median 12.1°C) did not differ statistically from temperatures measured at Qaanaaq (9.4°C).
Size measurements
The body mass of dogs from Qeqertarsuaq averaged 27.3±2.7 kg during winter, which is about 30% above the mean summer mass (19.1±1.6 kg). The body mass of dogs from Qaanaaq did not differ between the seasons (33.2±3.0 kg in winter, 33.7±2.7 kg in summer). A two-way ANOVA with season and location as factors revealed significant differences for both factors (season: d.f.=1, F=25.3, P<0.001; location: d.f.=1, F=176.9, P<0.001). Interactions between the factors were significant (d.f.=1, F=31.4, P<0.001), i.e. location as a factor determined whether dogs differed in body mass between seasons or not. Body mass differed between seasons in Qeqertarsuaq (difference of means=8.2, t=7.8, P<0.001), but not in Qaanaaq. Dogs from Qaanaaq (61.9±3.2 cm) were significantly taller than dogs from Qeqertarsuaq (56.6±1.4 cm; d.f.=1, F=9.6, P=0.01). However, the head length of the dogs did not differ between the study sites (Table 1).
Ultrasonography of dogs from Qeqertarsuaq showed that shoulder muscles were on average 19% thicker during winter than during summer (d.f.=1, F=50.4, P<0.0001) (Fig. 1), foreleg muscles were 44% thicker during winter than during summer (d.f.=1, F=18.1, P=0.0002), and hindleg muscles were 39% thicker during winter than during summer (d.f.=1, F=175.5, P<0.0001). By contrast, the thickness of shoulder and foreleg muscles of dogs from Qaanaaq did not differ between seasons, but, their hindleg muscles were significantly (10%) thicker during winter than during summer (d.f.=1, F=13.1, P=0.004).
Histological morphometry
For both locations in winter, muscle fibers were packed tightly in clusters surrounded by capillaries in a thin endomysium (Fig. 3C,D, Table 2). Light microscopy showed numerous mitochondria clustered along the margin of each fiber next to the capillaries. The intermyofibrillar space was partially filled with lipid droplets. Distribution of lipids differed between fiber types, which cannot be discriminated in standard light microscopy. Dogs from Qeqertarsuaq in summer had rounded muscle fibers loosely packed in an endomysium with more space between the fibers than in winter. The margin of each myofiber showed no concentration of mitochondria and the intermyofibrillar space contained only few lipid droplets (Fig. 3A). By contrast, the muscle fibers of dogs from Qaanaaq sampled in summer (Fig. 3B) did not differ much from winter muscle. Although light microscopy is semi-quantitative, the margin of the muscle fibers appeared to contain fewer mitochondria in summer than in winter, and the intermyofibrillar space fewer lipid droplets.
Morphometric measurement of muscle fiber diameter showed that this was always smaller in summer than in winter, and within each season, was smaller in Qeqertarsuaq than in Qaanaaq. A two-way ANOVA showed that the effects of season and location were highly significant but no interactions between factors were observed (season: d.f.=1, F=15.2, P<0.001; location: d.f.=1, F=12.6, P<0.001). At both locations, the myofiber density was significantly higher (d.f.=1, F=11.1, P=0.002) in summer than in winter. No differences were found for the location and no interaction was detected between season and location.
The distance between myofibers was largest in muscle samples from dogs from Qeqertarsuaq. When tested in a two-way ANOVA with season and location as the main effects, the model was highly significant (season: d.f.=1, F=12.7, P=0.001; location: d.f.=1, F=35.5, P<0.001). However, we detected a significant interaction between factors, thus an interpretation of the main factor would be difficult, i.e. the effect of season will depend on whether the dogs originate from Qeqertarsuaq (difference of means=2.8, t=5.0, P<0.001) or Qaanaaq (no significant difference).
The number of capillaries surrounding one fiber remained constant in summer and winter at both locations. Significantly more (d.f.=1, F=36.4, P<0.001) capillaries surrounded one fiber in Qaanaaq than in Qeqertarsuaq. The capillary density differed significantly between the seasons and between the locations (season: d.f.=1, F=9.5, P=0.004; location: d.f.=1, F=16.7, P<0.001), but no interaction was detected between the two factors. The capillary-to-fiber ratios calculated from the densities of capillaries and fibers were constant throughout the year, but significantly higher (d.f.=1, F=39.1, P<0.001) in Qaanaaq than in Qeqertarsuaq. No interactions between the two factors were detected.
Significant seasonal differences (d.f.=1, F=31.3, P<0.001) were found for the distance between neighboring capillaries, but no difference were observed for the factor `location' and no interaction between the factors. The area supplied by each capillary consequently differed significantly between seasons (d.f.=1, F=30.5, P<0.001), but not between areas, and no interactions between the factors were observed.
Sarcomere ultrastructure
In winter, the sarcomeres were full with a straight or convex outline (Fig. 4C,D). The myofilaments were densely packed in straight and parallel arrangement to each other and to the long axis of the sarcomeres. Between the myofilaments numerous lipid droplets were stored close to the intermyofibrillar mitochondria. This ultrastructure of myofibrils holds for muscle samples from winter for both locations.
In summer, the ultrastructure of myofibrils of dogs from Qeqertarsuaq looked strikingly different (Fig. 4A). Many sarcomeres had a concave shape, so that the sarcoplasmatic compartment appeared dilated. The myofilaments were less dense and in disorganized arrangement within the sarcomeres. Many myofibrils were oriented oblique to the long axis of the sarcomere. Also, ramifications of sarcomeres were observed which did not occur during winter. The sarcomere structure of dogs from Qaanaaq (Fig. 4B) resembled the winter conditions, but myofilaments appeared to be less densely packed although in orderly arrangement.
In winter, 20% of the sarcomeres of dogs from Qeqertarsuaq but none from the dogs in Qaanaaq were classified as concave (Table 3) whereas in summer this increased to 71% and 20%, respectively. In winter, the myofilaments within the sarcomeres were aligned in parallel in 93% of the samples from Qeqertarsuaq and all samples from Qaanaaq. In summer in dogs from Qeqertarsuaq, the majority of sarcomeres (57%) contained myofilaments obliquely arranged to the long axis of the sarcomere. By contrast, in summer 90% of the sarcomeres of dogs from Qaanaaq contained myofilaments arranged parallel to the long axis of the sarcomere. We observed a dilatation of the sarcoplasmatic compartment in 13% of the TEM images of tissue samples from Qeqertarsuaq and none in the samples from Qaanaaq in winter condition. In summer, 50% of the samples from Qeqertarsuaq and 30% of the samples from Qaanaaq showed extended sarcoplasmatic compartments.
An M/Z ratio <1, which is indicative of concave sarcomeres, was only found in summer in dogs from Qeqertarsuaq (0.87±0.11, N=9). M/Z ratios of 1 and higher (=straight or convex sarcomeres) were found in dogs from Qeqertarsuaq during winter (1.00±0.10, N=8), Qaanaaq during summer (1.03±0.12, N=10) and Qaanaaq during winter (1.10±0.06, N=8). When tested with a two-way ANOVA the M/Z ratio differed significantly between seasons (d.f.=1, F=8.9, P=0.006) and between locations (d.f.=1, F=14.4, P<0.001). No interactions between season and location were detected.
Blood plasma parameters
Most blood plasma values of dogs located in Qeqertarsuaq were within a range that would not indicate pathologies. Only one dog showed permanently and seriously elevated values indicative of hepatic dysfunction, i.e. elevated values for ALT (measured: 2173 i.u. l–1 in summer, 2689 i.u. l–1 in winter, reference: 16–91 i.u. l–1 l), AST (only measured in winter: 243 i.u. l–1, reference: 19–51 i.u. l–1), and AP (measured: 1769 i.u. l–1 in summer, 201 i.u. l–1 in winter, reference: 11–225 i.u. l–1). Five out of 12 dogs showed elevated levels of creatine kinase (measured: 653±579 units; reference: 33–351 units) in winter samples. In Qaanaaq, blood plasma parameters of all dogs were within a tolerance range for healthy dogs, whereas AP was above the reference value in seven dogs during winter (measured: 653±579 i.u. l–1; reference: 11–225 i.u. l–1). Also, four dogs showed elevated urea levels during winter (measured: 13.6±2.6 mmol l–1; reference: 3.3–8.3 mmol l–1).
Size measurements
This study aimed at understanding plasticity of skeletal muscle in Inuit sled dogs in response to seasonal changes of environmental temperature, exercise and food supply. We have studied Inuit dogs living under different husbandry conditions at different locations to distinguish between effects of activity and food supply on muscle tissue.
The observed fluctuations in body mass of Inuit sled dogs located in Qeqertarsuaq compared with the constant body mass of dogs living in Qaanaaq show that the main factor for changes in muscle size during resting in summer is food supply and food quality. Other parameters, like temperature and activity level were similar at both locations. Because the dogs located in Qeqertarsuaq were lean throughout the year, and because all investigated muscles were significantly thicker in winter than in summer, we conclude that overall body mass differences of these dogs are mainly based on changes in muscle bulk.
Although Inuit sled dogs are a morphologically rather diverse breed, we found no difference in the length of the head of the dogs from the two study sites. Thus we feel confident that the dogs represent similar size classes, even though body mass and of height of the withers differ. Certainly, the breed is uniform throughout Greenland because it is protected by a strict prohibition of any other dog breed north of the Arctic Circle.
In Qeqertarsuaq, the average daily energy intake of dogs was 3603±388 kJ during summer and 4134±934 kJ during winter for dogs in thermoneutral condition (N.G. and J.M.S., unpublished data). The summer values are considerably below the values reported for Siberian Huskies (5021 kJ) and Labrador retrievers (5611 kJ) under thermoneutral conditions (Finke, 1991). The dogs located in Qaanaaq were in a balanced energy budget and maintained their weight during summer, receiving about 5900 kJ day–1.
During winter, the daily energy budget of the dogs in Qaanaaq (11,800 kJ; N.G. and J.M.S., unpublished data) was balanced, but, it was at the lower margins of the range of values given by Orr (Orr, 1966), i.e. between 10,500 kJ day–1 for a non-working dog and 21,000 kJ day–1 for working sled dogs.
Racing sled dogs are known to have the highest sustained metabolic rates (47,100 kJ day–1) of any mammal measured so far (Hammond and Diamond, 1997; Hinchcliff et al., 1997).
Histological morphometry and sarcomere ultrastructure
Many studies have analyzed ultrastructural changes of muscles in response to endurance training, inactivity or fasting (Flück, 2006; Hamilton and Booth, 2000). Lindboe and Prestus (Lindboe and Prestus, 1985) found that immobilization and food deprivation had different effects on the size of different histochemical fiber types in the tibial muscles of rats. Food deprivation resulted in atrophy of all fiber types, but, immobilization resulted in a differential size change of different histochemical fiber types.
The dogs in Qeqertarsuaq experienced the combined effects of inactivity and undernourishment during summer, whereas the dogs in Qaanaaq experienced only inactivity but were well fed. Thus, by comparing these two groups, we can partition change of muscle size and structure for effects of undernourishment and inactivity.
The average diameter of muscle fibers of dogs during winter at both locations, and of dogs in Qaanaaq during summer is within the range of 50–64 μm reported for domestic dogs (Z'Berg and Augsburger, 2002). The diameter of muscle fibers of dogs during summer in Qeqertarsuaq is much smaller, indicating atrophy of muscle fibers. Based on a qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis, Lindboe et al. (Lindboe et al., 1982) reported that anorectic human patients also have muscle fiber diameters that are significantly below average. McLoughlin at al. (McLoughlin at al., 1998) found that the muscle fibers of anorectic patients showed separation and segmental loss of myofibrils in the m. vastus lateralis, thus indicating severe atrophy. All these patients were physically active, some even over-exercising, walking or jogging up to 6 h daily, so the skeletal muscle atrophy with underlying ultrastructural changes was clearly a result of undernutrition and not of inactivity. These findings are identical to what we see in dogs from Qeqertarsuaq, where dogs were undernourished and inactive. In Qaanaaq, where dogs were well nourished and inactive, we did not find any of these changes. Based on the similarity of ultrastructural findings, we can safely conclude that depletion of myofilaments and segmental ramification of sarcomeres is a result of undernourishment. Comparing a large number of TEM images, the effects of undernourishment appear to be unevenly distributed within a myofiber, i.e. some myofibrils are more affected than others, resulting in differential depletion of sarcomeres.
We introduced the M/Z ratio as a semi-quantitative measure to support the observed sarcomere changes. The key to interpreting changes of the M/Z ratio is that the Z-line remains constant while the M-line changes with an increasing or decreasing size of the contractile filament compartment in a sarcomere. Thus, an M/Z ratio smaller than 1 indicates a reduction/depletion of myofilaments from a sarcomere whereas an M/Z ratio of 1 or higher suggests normal sarcomere structure. The M/Z ratio of Qeqertarsuaq dogs during summer suggests a serious depletion of sarcomeres, whereas Qeqertarsuaq dogs during winter and all dogs from Qaanaaq had normal sarcomeres. However, many of our TEM images showed that for example in dogs from Qeqertarsuaq in summer even within one myofibril the sarcomere structure varies between full and depleted. We suggest that this sketchy pattern is caused by differential depletion of myofibrils. Because we applied random sampling for M/Z-ratio measurements we are confident that we have identified average differences between muscle samples from different locations and different seasons. Because we have taken that measurement only on clearly defined longitudinal sections of muscles we excluded stereological artifacts. Differential depletion of myofibers explains the patchy pattern of concave sarcomeres and the rather proportional changes of depleted sarcomeres observed between the different groups.
The capillary network supposedly is an important determinant for oxygen transport to the muscles (Hoppeler and Kayar, 1988). The dogs in all four groups of our study maintained a stable capillary network throughout the year, as shown by the constant capillary-to-fiber ratio and the constant number of capillaries adjacent to one myofiber. However, dogs from Qaanaaq that were used more intensively for hunting always had a higher capillary-to-fiber ratio than dogs from Qeqertarsuaq. We also found significant differences in capillary density and the distance between neighboring capillaries between the seasons. Because in each of these groups the capillary density is higher in summer than in winter, we conclude that these changes are not affected by training but are related to the decreased fiber size in summer. When the fiber diameter decreases but the capillary network remains unchanged the capillary density per area will automatically increase. The same type of correlated changes was described by Deveci and Eggington (Deveci and Eggington, 2002) in a morphometric study of Syrian hamsters.
At a first glimpse, our results appear to be in partial contrast to those of Capric and James (Capric and James, 1983) who reported that the capillary-to-fiber ratio of untrained dogs increased after training on a treadmill for 6 weeks. However, in our study, the capillary-to-fiber ratio of the dogs from Qeqertarsuaq always was in the range of the values found in untrained dogs, whereas the dogs from Qaanaaq had a capillary-to-fiber ratio comparable to that of trained dogs, but we found no change in the capillary-to-fiber ratio in response to season. We suggest that training has a long-term effect on the capillary network and is not easily downregulated during periods of low activity. This would explain why the dogs from Qaanaaq that were more frequently used for sledding have a higher capillary-to-fiber ratio than dogs from Qeqertarsuaq that were used only on shorter and occasional trips. However, the capillary network may be affected by many more factors than just training, e.g. Hepple and Vogell (Hepple and Vogell, 2004) and Mathieu-Costello et al. (Mathieu-Costello et al., 2005) showed that the capillary network does not change with age. This suggests that once the capillary network has been established there is no flexibility for downregulation, ultimately supporting our interpretation of long-term effects on the capillary network and the lack of flexibility for downregulation.
Other mammalian model systems show similarly contrasting results. For example, capillary densities of heart and skeletal muscles of European woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) that were trained on a treadmill did not differ from activity-restrained woodmice (Hoppeler et al., 1984). But, in rats (Poole and Mathieu-Costello, 1989) and humans (Ingjer, 1979; Zumstein et al., 1983) endurance training resulted in an increased capillary network.
Blood plasma parameters
Blood plasma parameters must be discussed with caution. Blood sampling and in particular storage cannot always match standard conditions as requested by laboratory protocols. In our study, samples could not be kept at– 25°C during transport back to the home laboratory thus potentially increasing error variance in the final analysis. Blood samples in general suggested a satisfying health status of the dogs, except for one dog in Qeqertarsuaq, which obviously suffered from some liver dysfunction. However, this dog in particular was very active and second in the hierarchy of the team, and did not show any signs of impaired health.
An elevated level of AP is difficult to interpret if it is not clearly associated with other blood plasma parameters. Elevation of AP can be associated with extreme exercise or over-exercising. For example, Hinchcliff (Hinchcliff, 1996) and Burr et al. (Burr et al., 1997) compared sled dogs finishing a long distance race with dogs that did not finish the race, and always found significantly higher levels of AP in the non-finishing group than in the finishing group.
The reported seasonal changes in skeletal muscle morphology of Inuit sled dogs are a result of the Greenlandic sled dog husbandry, that varies depending on the importance of the dogs in the daily life of the Inuit. The summer season is marked with movement restriction and severe undernutrition in parts of Greenland, where the dogs are no longer important in peoples' daily lives. During the working winter season the dogs receive sufficient food; especially where they are still used frequently for hunting and transportation, in the northernmost parts of Greenland. While other arctic mammals gain weight rapidly during summer and build up fat deposits for the upcoming winter season, the sled dogs keep or even lose weight in summer as a result of undernourishment and inactivity. In summer, skeletal muscle morphology of dogs kept in western Greenland is characterized by atrophied fibers with depleted and deranged myofilaments in the concave sarcomeres. The sarcoplasmatic compartment is dilated. These changes in muscle structure are reversible and the dogs quickly recover, their muscles gain full functionality and normal structural appearance when fed more and regularly during the working season. Muscle fibers of dogs kept in Northern Greenland are atrophied too, but packed densely during summer and the structure of the sarcomeres appears normal. By contrast, the capillary network remains unchanged throughout the year at both locations.
We thank the staff of the Arctic station of the University of Copenhagen in Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island, in particular Akaaraq Mølgaard, Dr Rasmus Ejrnæs and Prof. Dr Reinhardt Kristensen for invaluable support of the project. Thanks also to Naimanitsoq Christiansen and Rasmus Avike for mushing and granting us access to their dog teams, Hans Jensen and Saki Daorama for helping with logistics and accommodation in Qaanaaq. We are grateful for supply of field gear by the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research. We thank Julia Faltermeier, Heidi Gensler, Marianne Braun, and Mechthild Gredler for help in the laboratory. This study was supported by a grant from the German Research Council (DFG) to J.M.S. (grant # STA 345/9-1, STA 345/9-3).


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Saturday didn't start off too well for San Diego's anti-war movement. A protest set for 8 a.m. outside the NBC studios downtown-intended as a critique of the media's lack of coverage of war opposition-yielded only two groups of four 20-somethings, one of which had questionable motives. The other quartet, however, had heard there'd be a large contingency from the San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice who were, at that moment, organizing a float for the 10 a.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade set to start from the county building and make its way to Seaport Village.
But even over at the county building main parking lot things didn't look promising for the war protestors. Confused-looking groups of mostly older adults, five or so here, a couple over there, seemed not to know quite what to do with themselves. Meanwhile, all around them the standard parade fare was getting its act together-high school bands, drill teams and dance troupes.
In the middle of the parking lot sat a small rented moving van. Scott Cosette busily taped signs and posters to the side of the truck, the largest of which bore a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: "The greatest purveyor of violence in the world today-my own government." Cosette said he had asked for a flat bed truck for the parade, but when he showed up at Carl's Rental that morning, all they had was the moving van.
Cosette said he was a volunteer with the International Action Center as well as with A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism)-the same group organizing much larger protests that day in Washington, D.C., San Francisco and 32 other cities. He said a lot of his peers had jumped on busses to San Francisco, but he felt confident that enough had stayed behind to make a good showing in San Diego. As he taped more signs to the truck, a group of peaceniks began to gather to his right, the parking lot aisle serving as a barrier between them and the moving van. Cosette figured they were with the San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice-then stopped to wonder if any of the A.N.S.W.E.R. people were among that group. "I hope in the end we'll all get together," he said.
By 9:30 the number of anti-war protestors had climbed into the triple digits, the truck by then acting as a magnet, drawing people from other parts of the parking lot to join the critical mass. Signs, banners and t-shirts revealed that the growing crowd was made up of no less than 10 local leftie organizations-the Green Party, the San Diego Committee Against Police Brutality and the American Friends Service Committee, among others. One woman observed that groups formed something of a "cell," mutating and then coming together. As the group solidified, however, it did what any quickly growing organism does-it began to affect its surroundings, which, in this case, comprised three dance troupes of black teenagers who tried their best to practice their moves amid the chaos.
As the group grew, so too did an odd juxtaposition. As the parade was in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., the majority of youth marching in the parade were black. The anti-war protestors, on the other hand, were roughly 98 percent white. For one of the Bethel Baptist Hundredfold Youth Highsteppers, who were rehearsing their moves off to the side of the sign-holders, a group of white grown-ups marching in a predominantly black parade presented some initial confusion. "We don't need no protestors," he barked. A girl in the next row quickly set him straight about the crowd's intent, at which time his disdain turned to approval.
In the middle of the anti-war crowd stood Ted Burnett, one of the non-white 2 percent. The obvious black-white divide to him represented a larger social epidemic. "Some people feel they don't want to come out of their safety zone," he observed. "People think, 'If I march with this group, I'll feel safe because I know everyone around me.'"
As he looked around at the kids practicing their routines, their coaches prepping them for the judging table, he wondered if the youngsters knew what it meant to honor the spirit of the civil rights movement.
"Maybe the black community hasn't done enough to teach the kids what Martin Luther King stood for," he opined before fielding a cell phone call from a friend trying to find Burnett in the crowd.
By 9:45 it was time to get parade participants in line. Clipboard in hand, a parade organizer wandered through the crowd yelling for the different groups to separate themselves out from the others thereby ending, at least for awhile, Scott Cosette's hope for a united front.


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iNoslen Radio Ep.162 Ccelli Exponent Ent.
Become a iNoslen Radio Patron by going to patreon.com/inoslen
Ccelli grew up in Glassboro NJ but moved to Philly when he was 18yrs to purse a degree in law. It didn't take much to get Ccelli from the books to a party. At 21yrs old while still in school Ccelli started a record label. This opened many doors for Ccelli because he landed a job at Black Out Records of South New Jersey. Not being able to tour with artist of his choice Ccelli and his wife decided to become a free agency that focused on working with artist on a different level which later transitioned into Exponent Entertainment. In 2006 Ccelli started Exponent Entertainment which is a management company for leading artists in the Philly area. In 2012 Ccelli decided to release projects under Exponent Entertainment. Exponent Entertainment has now worked with various artists like E. Ness, Reed Dollaz, Jay Griffy, and Rich Quick to name a few. Exponent Entertainment had their first tour in 2012 and continued to tour with various artists in 2013 and 2014 with 30 shows over a course of 5 months heading to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Boston, Baltimore, Texas and recently touring in the United Kingdom. What's next for Exponent Entertainment? Well you can catch new albums dropping; videos and the promotions of various artists. Exponent Entertainment has created a platform for itself and this proves that hard work pays off.
Links to Ccelli
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2. Hiphopdx.com


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Take a break from looking at cars for a few minutes.
Like every good auto show, Detroit 2015 failed to disappoint when it came to the beautiful booth professionals. Not only are these lovely ladies pleasing on the eye, trust us when we say they also have plenty of automotive knowledge and are versed in the finest details about the cars they are employed to make more attractive by their very presence. Which they also do very well indeed. Here's a selection for your viewing pleasure.


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How Decluttering Cab Help Your Earn and Save Money
- Technology and Electrical, Uncategorized
- August 17, 2018
It is common knowledge that most laptops need to be replaced every few years. This makes money spend in the machine a temporary investment. Their life depends on the purposes they are used for, but there are certain things that should be kept in mind when investing in a laptop. You may want to goREAD MORE
Tech products or gadgets have become a crucial part of our daily lives. From waking up to going to sleep, our cell phones are what we use. Apart from that, almost all business operations rely on gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and various other devices. However, regardless of how vital these gadgets are, you can't denyREAD MORE
Anyone who has dealt with refurbished i Phones and MacBooks may have come across the terms seller refurbished and manufacturer refurbished. Both of the terms are used to explain how a product has been renovated and by whom it has been done? These terms can be seen in the product descriptions and even in theREAD MORE
Before discussing anything let's understand the basic acronyms first which will appear repetitively till the very end of this informative piece. These acronyms are used to describe the computer memory, and it is vital to know and understand about them all. Have a look at what they stand for and what is the meaning andREAD MORE
The fact is that we all have useless things in our rooms, homes, and lives. We have a habit of overbuying clothes and stuffing all of it in our closets. We put many things in or drawers to get them out of sight. This also leads to us losing important paperwork. However, we can avoidREAD MORE


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White Dog Roaming
Rudy Koshar
A brushed-aluminum sky grates my eyes as we stand in the parking lot of a Subway in Oconto, Wisconsin. We cluster around the open tailgate of our Subaru eating our lunch rather than going inside where the air conditioning is too cold and the people behind the counter too cheery. I'm the tuna melt, my wife is turkey with jalapeños, our twenty-year-old daughter a foot-long Black Forest ham. From the cargo area our yellow Lab begs, wishing he could be all of the above.
I'd been wishing too, incessantly, for several hours. We were on our way to Northern Michigan for our annual family vacation. It had been a stressful few months at work for me, and in the car I'd been wishing I had enough money to retire and my blood pressure was lower and on and on. The kind of wishing you do at 3 in the morning when you can't sleep and you long for a pinch of morning light like a penitent wishes for forgiveness. My hope—my wish, my prayer—was that I'd find it within me to stop wishing while we were on vacation. To be, and not to wish.
My wishing is cut short by the approach of two men who'd just driven into the parking lot in a rusted Chevy station wagon. One is old and silver-bristled, the other middle-aged, ropy except for a bowling-ball-sized paunch. They smile. We smile back.
I recognize the old one. We met him a summer ago, same parking lot, behind this same Subaru, along this same highway north to the forests of the Upper Peninsula. He'd seen our "Recall Walker" bumper sticker and complimented us. He said he hated the Governor, who took away large chunks of his pension. A savvy old guy, I thought. A man who knows his politics. An old-style Wisconsin progressive. Good man. He shows no indication he recognizes us now.
The two men gravitate to my daughter. The old man speaks.
I like dogs, he says. His smile reveals two gold fillings nested in a field of yellow.
That's a beautiful Lab, he says. English conformation, right? Blocky head, stockier body, shorter legs. Good hunting dog. Great companion.
My daughter responds with yesses and a smile and her eyes and her Black Forest ham.
What's his name?
Good name. Can I pet him?
Of course.
Petting done, the old man recalls a poodle. White, standard-size, he was. Named him Andre, he says. Smart as hell, that dog was. We'd hide antlers around the house, my boy and I did, taught the dog to find 'em. Got so good at sniffing out antlers he'd go out into the woods and find 'em and bring 'em home. I'd just sand down the sharper parts and he'd have all the antlers he wanted. Had an unending supply of deer antlers to gnaw on, that dog did.
We nod. So does the tall man with the paunch. He must be the son.
But Andre didn't stick around long, says the son.
I look down at his paunch to avert my eyes. I'm thinking I don't want to hear a sad story about how Andre was run over by a semi. Or how a beaver trap mutilated his leg during one of his antler-hunting expeditions and he had to be euthanized, or put down, as they say, which of course sounds like someone insulted the poor dog.
The old man nods. It was my wife, he says.
An oh-no expression clouds my daughter's face. My wife's too, but at least she's finished her turkey sub. I think of how fresh a tuna melt will stay in a sweaty pair of hands on a hot August day on an asphalt parking lot in Oconto. Not long, I figure, and I want to eat it more than ever. But I pause, mid-sandwich, feeling a certain inevitability about hearing the old man's tale of his wife and the dog Andre.
The old man again: I couldn't keep Andre because my wife said it was too expensive.
Now the younger man says, She wanted money for her mother.
I can think of nothing to say. All I can do is wonder why we in America open the doors of our private lives to total strangers.
My mother-in-law, says the old man, his grandmother, he says, pointing to his son. What a witch she was, he says, shaking his head.
Pet ownership is a big responsibility, says my wife, who's better at this kind of thing than I am. Maybe your wife just needed more time before committing to owning a pet, she says.
I admire her answer. So understanding.
Sometimes I find owning a cat is a challenge, chimes in my daughter. She's only halfway through her Black Forest ham, but still trying to be helpful and supportive, following in her mother's footsteps.
My mother-in-law was the most selfish person I ever knew. The old man doesn't just say the words, he spits them as if he's tasted acid.
She and my wife were always in cahoots. My wife would take my salary—I worked for the county—and spend it on her mother. A new carpet. New coffee table. New drapes. There was never anything for us. For me and my boy. My wife and her mother were living high on the hog. Over at her mother's condo. It was my money that covered part of the down payment!
Rage is not what I anticipate in the parking lot of the only Subway in Oconto, a quiet little town with a river and a campground, a population of 4,513, an estimated median household income of $40,000, and an estimated median house or condo value of $91,000. But rage is what we get. Mixed with massive doses of orange-red bitterness. I've given up on my tuna melt.
I was clearing ninety dollars a week on my paper route, says the son.
It's no longer possible for me to stare at his paunch. His eyes are unavoidable and they flame like a drought-stricken forest in a controlled burn.
And she took it all away, he says. Every single week. Nothing left over.
She ended up in an insane asylum, says the old man.
I ask, your mother-in-law? These are the only words I've spoken in this exchange, and of course they have to be words that invite more rage.
No! says the old man. My wife! It was my wife! My wife was in the loony bin! Several times! In and out, in and out! It was too much to take!
He's waving his hands now.
The son is nodding, yes, yes, yes!
And then the son's voice rises as he says, she wouldn't let me buy a new bicycle even though I needed one for my route! It all went to my grandmother!
His paunch now bounces in rhythm with his shouts. It's hard to tell if the shouts cause bouncing or the bouncing shouts.
And: my mom brought men home and slept with them in the bedroom with my dad sleeping out on the couch!
The old man is shaking his head and looks as if he's about to cry. His mouth curls in anguish. I have a vision of him on his deathbed wearing that expression.
Again the son, booming: Worst of all, she killed Andre! She killed Andre! Stabbed him! Slit his throat! Blood everywhere!
The son is now striding back and forth, arms flailing, and Flint begins to bark a strange, wailing bark I've never heard before.
My daughter's expression turns from oh-no to oh-my-God.
Leaving downtown Oconto, such as it is, we take County Road S north until we reach US 41. I've driven all the way from Madison so now my wife takes over at the wheel. I still haven't finished my tuna melt due to our sudden departure from the Subway parking lot.
I look outside and see the passing trees. Some are stressed, already showing fall colors, a consequence of dry weather. Most still wear their multiple shades of summer green. They would look brighter under a blue sky rather than this oppressive aluminous gray, but they still look good.
I look into the backseat. My daughter has put what remains of her sandwich in the Subway's bag. I couldn't finish it, she says with a half-hearted smile, I lost my appetite from, you know…
My wife says, I think the jalapeños have disagreed with me a little, especially after all that…
I try to finish my tuna melt, but now I too don't feel as hungry as before. I have an image of how it would look had I left it in the parking lot, baking, pepper jack cheese running out onto black asphalt, mayonnaise turning milky liquid, lettuce browning. I put it back into its bag; I'll give Flint a little treat at the next stop and pitch the rest.
Flint has just curled up into his travel mode. My daughter opens her iPad and I take a quick peek back at her to be reminded of what she looked like as a child reading mysteries and fantasy. My wife sets the cruise control, but my mind does anything but cruise. I take a deep breath, and I wonder if everything the old man and his son said was true or whether it was all a crazy, violent lie. I think about what anguish people experience in their lives, far more than I do. I think about their rage, and how they wish for relief wherever they can find it, and how they need to talk about their hurting. I'd been wishing not to wish, simply to be, but perhaps this was a mirage, a convoluted detour. I needed to wish, but not for me. For them, and everyone like them.
I turn to look out the window, concentrate on the forest, and wait for a single thing. I think I see it in a clearing bounded by red sumac, but then it's gone. It looked like a flash of white, but I can't be sure, the moment passed before I knew I was in it.
Rudy Koshar's short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous magazines including Riptide, Prick of the Spindle, Guernica, and Eclectica. A recipient of Guggenheim and other fellowships, he teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and blogs here and at Huffington Post.


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Letting Our Kids See Us Work
For the past five months, four-year-old Danny has been constantly at my side as I attempt to forge a new professional path. This has been both a blessing and a strain, since it turns out that he interprets my being always nearby as my being always attentive, engaged, and up for a round of 20 questions or hide-n-seek. So part-time homeschooling mama/full-time OCH admin has become more full-time/part-time, as dedicated work is something stolen in unpredictable snatches of 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there. Or if I'm really lucky, an hour or two during one of Danny's increasingly infrequent and irregular afternoon naps.
For work-at-home parents who have this figured out, I salute you, and I beg you to share the alchemy that makes it all possible. But as seemingly impossible and impractical as it still seems, we remain committed to continuing for a bit longer at least, as Danny's experience--despite his frustration with my pausing our play to answer phone calls--is far richer and more nourishing than what he had as a full-time daycare attendee.
For one, he gets to come to the OCH shop at least once a week.
There, he has his own dedicated desk filled with Lego, toy vehicles and letter puzzles, as well as a variety of findings from around the shop; scraps of wood, shop pencils, safety glasses, tape measures. There, he meets the men that surround Dan during the day, witnessing both their strength in flipping 40 foot timbers and their gentleness in speaking to him. There, he sees that work can be both dirty and dignified. He wanders through the shop with my camera, attending to the task I give him to "take pictures of all the tools." And I see that he's grasped a nuanced concept when he returns with photos of both circular saws and pencils, chain mortiser and hand-drawings on paper, cell phone and broom.
While we plan to enroll Danny in a 2-day a week Montessori school this fall to give him the additional nourishment of time with children his own age and time apart from us to grow in confidence and self-assurance, we will continue our regular visits to the shop. While part of me recognizes the good of school--a dedicated place for learning (at least theoretically)-- I also wonder... what are kids missing by not witnessing their parents working? After all, compulsory schooling has only been around for a century-and-a-half or so. The anthropologist in me can't help but wonder what we did for the greater part of 40,000 years of human history when we didn't have schools to send the kids to for the day while we hunted and gathered. They hunted and gathered right along at our sides.
What the real lessons are for Danny in letting him see us work, time will tell. But one thing I'm sure of is that there are lessons there, as valuable as any he'll learn in school, and perhaps moreso, and more vividly remembered, I hope. And so for that reason, we'll muddle on with our imperfect arrangement as long as we can.