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Analysis of anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) data under a variety of analytical parameters for a broadly representative sample of taxa (136 species representing all extant families) recovered a well-resolved and strongly supported tree for the higher phylogeny of Neuropterida that is highly concordant with previous estimates based on DNA sequence data. Important conclusions include: Megaloptera is sister to Neuroptera; Coniopterygidae is sister to all other lacewings; Osmylidae, Nevrorthidae and Sisyridae are recovered as a monophyletic Osmyloidea, and Rhachiberothidae and Berothidae were recovered within a paraphyletic Mantispidae. Contrary to previous studies, Chrysopidae and Hemerobiidae were not recovered as sister families and morphological similarities between larvae of both families supporting this assumption are reinterpreted as symplesiomorphies. Relationships among myrmeleontoid families are similar to recent studies except Ithonidae are placed as sister to Nymphidae. Notably, Ascalaphidae render Myrmeleontidae paraphyletic, again calling into question the status of Ascalaphidae as a separate family. Using statistical binning of partitioned loci based on a branch-length proxy, we found that the diversity of phylogenetic signal across partitions was minimal from the slowest to the fastest evolving loci and varied little over time. Ancestral character-state reconstruction of the sclerotization of the gular region in the larval head found that although it is present in Coleoptera, Raphidioptera and Megaloptera, it is lost early in lacewing evolution and then regained twice as a nonhomologous gula-like sclerite in distantly related clades. Reconstruction of the ancestral larval habitat also indicates that the ancestral neuropteridan larva was aquatic, regardless of the assumed condition (i.e., aquatic or terrestrial) of the outgroup (Coleopterida).

The eukaryotic green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, is a unique expression platform that can efficiently express complex therapeutic proteins. However, demonstrating that therapeutic molecules can be produced in quantifiable levels is essential to establish the potential of the C. reinhardtii expression system. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to determine the process conditions that could maximize C. reinhardtii biomass accumulation and induced-production of the two recombinant proteins, a single chain fragment antibody molecule (αCD22 scFv) and malaria vaccine antigen (Pfs25), produced in the chloroplast of C. reinhardtii. To achieve a higher production of recombinant proteins, cultivation variables of C. reinhardtii, such as mixing, light-induction time and intensity, nutrient depletion and culture age, were investigated and optimized. The optimal light-induction time was 24 h at a light intensity of 300 μmol m−2 s−1. Replacement of the culture media in the late exponential growth with fresh media was beneficial to the accumulation of recombinant proteins. Optimization led to increases in the accumulation of recombinant proteins by six-fold and the recombinant protein fraction in the extracted soluble protein by two-fold.

This study evaluates the effect of polymer molecular weight and charge density, algogenic organic matter (AOM), and salt concentration on harvesting efficiency of marine microalgae. Aluminum chloride (AlCl3), chitosan, and five synthetic cationic polymers of different molecular weights and charge density levels were used as flocculation agents. Polymer flocculation of marine microalgae was most efficient when using the highest charge density polymer (FO4990). The flocculant dosage irrespectively of the agent chemistry and charge density was affected by the amount of AOM secreted into the culture media. The presence of AOM increased the amount of required flocculant 7-fold when using synthetic cationic polymers; 10-fold with chitosan; and ~3-fold with AlCl3. Salt concentration of 5 or 35 g/L NaCl alone did not significantly affect removal efficiency, indicating that AOM were the main cause for the increased flocculant dosage requirement. The synthetic cationic polymer (FO4990) was the least expensive flocculation agent.

We study the meson-baryon interaction with = 1/2^− using the hidden-gauge Lagrangians and mixing pseudoscalar meson-baryon with the vector meson-baryon states in a coupled channels scheme with πN, ηN, KΛ, KΣ, ρN, and πΔ (d-wave). We fit the subtraction constants of each channel to the S_11 partial wave amplitude of the πN scattering data extracted from experimental data. We find two poles that we associate to the N^*(1535) and the N^*(1650) resonances and show that the subtraction constants are all negative and of natural size. We calculate the branching ratios for the different channels of each resonance and we find a good agreement with the experimental data. The cross section for the π^−p → ηn scattering is also evaluated and compared with experiment.

Forty-six species of fishes of the family Gobiidae are reported from the reef environments (mainly coralline) of the Colombian Caribbean. Of these, 11 were previously unknown from the southern Caribbean and 24 are new records for the northern Colombian coast. Forty species occur in the continental coast and 37 in Isla de Providencia. Based on rotenone collections, information on their distribution, frequency and abundance is presented and analyzed. Among the small reef ichthyofauna, gobies are in average more than one fourth of the species, about one third of the individuals, and less than one tenth of thé biomass. The most common species in the whole Colombian Caribbean are Coryphopterus personatus and Gnatholepis thompsoni (present in 68% of the samples), followed by Quisqui/ius hipoliti (57%), Coryphopterus eidolon (52%) and Elacatinus illecebrosum (51%). Regional differences in composition, frequency and abundance of the reef gobiid fauna are noted. A key for the identification of the 17 studied genera is included.

Process variables affecting harvesting efficiency of Nannochloris oculata by AlCl3 flocculation such as, cell density, ionic strength, coagulant dosage, media pH, and cell surface charge were investigated. Initial cell density and coagulant dosage had a significant effect on the removal efficiency; however, levels of ionic strength tested were not significant. Best flocculation conditions of investigated variables were: 0.0016 ng of AlCl3/cell, 3.0 × 107 cell/mL, and pH 5.3. Removal efficiency at optimum conditions and salt concentrations of: 0, 15, and 30 g/L NaCl was 96, 98, and 97 %, respectively. Low cell density cultures ∼106 cell/mL, required five times greater AlCl3 dosage to achieve the same removal efficiency. Destabilization of algal cultures using 0.0032 ng of AlCl3/cell was observed by reducing the zeta potential to −22 mV. Acidification with HCl for conducting flocculation at pH 5.3 could be a significant cost burden unless is mitigated by selecting a low-buffering-capacity media.

Lactuca sativa cv. 'SVR6006' plants were grown in silica sand culture to induce and photograph nutritional disorder symptoms. Plants were grown with a complete modified Hoagland's all nitrate solution: (macronutrients in mM) 15 N0 3 -N, 1.0 PO 4 -P, 6.0 K, 5.0 Ca, 2.0 Mg, and 2.0 SO 4 -S, plus μM concentrations of micronutrients, 72 Fe, 18 Mn, 3 Cu, 3 Zn, 45 B, and 0.1 Mo. A control group was grown using a complete nutrient formula containing all essential nutrients. Each nutrient deficiency treatment was induced using a complete nutrient formula that lacked only one of the essential nutrients. Reagent grade chemicals and deionized water of 0.18 dS/m purity were used to formulate treatment solutions. Nutrient toxicity of boron was also induced by increasing the element 10X higher than the complete nutrient formula. The plants were automatically irrigated every 2 hours and the solution drained from the bottom of the pot and recaptured for use. A complete replacement of nutrient solutions was done weekly. Plants were monitored daily to document and photograph sequential series of symptoms as they developed. Typical symptomology of nutrient disorders are presented.

Downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cortex occurs early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since BDNF plays a critical role in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and memory, BDNF reduction may contribute to synaptic and cellular loss and memory deficits characteristic of AD.In vitroevidence suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ) contributes to BDNF downregulation in AD, but the specific Aβ aggregation state responsible for this downregulationin vivois unknown. In the present study, we examined cortical levels of BDNF mRNA in three different transgenic AD mouse models harboring mutations inAPPresulting in Aβ overproduction, and in a genetic mouse model of Down syndrome. Two of the three Aβ transgenic strains (APPNLhand TgCRND8) exhibited significantly decreased cortical BDNF mRNA levels compared with wild-type mice, whereas neither the other strain (APPswe/PS-1) nor the Down syndrome mouse model (Ts65Dn) was affected. OnlyAPPNLhand TgCRND8 mice expressed high Aβ42/Aβ40ratios and larger SDS-stable Aβ oligomers (∼115 kDa). TgCRND8 mice exhibited downregulation of BDNF transcripts III and IV; transcript IV is also downregulated in AD. Furthermore, in all transgenic mouse strains, there was a correlation between levels of large oligomers, Aβ42/Aβ40, and severity of BDNF decrease. These data show that the amount and species of Aβ vary among transgenic mouse models of AD and are negatively correlated with BDNF levels. These findings also suggest that the effect of Aβ on decreased BDNF expression is specific to the aggregation state of Aβ and is dependent on large oligomers.

We study the effect of a hidden charm nuclear excited state ${N}_{c\overline{c}}^{*}$ in the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{D}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}_{c}^{+}$ reaction near threshold using an effective Lagrangian approach. We calculate the background contribution of the $t$ and $u$ channels by the ${D}^{*0}$ vector meson exchange and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}_{c}^{++}$ intermediate state, respectively. We show that the consideration of a ${N}_{c\overline{c}}^{*}$ resonance provides an enhancement of the total cross section close to the reaction threshold. We also evaluate the differential cross section for different energies and we study the angle dependence. It is expected that our model calculations will be tested in future experiments.

NAtural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) were discovered in 2011 as being mixtures of polar “primary metabolites” that exhibit unexpected solubilizing and stabilizing abilities for hydrophobic and/or bioactive ingredients. However, due to the inherent low vapor pressure of NADES, it is challenging to recover analytes such as “secondary” metabolites from a NADES-analyte(s) matrix by conventional liquid chromatography. The present study shows that countercurrent separation (CCS) can perform this task successfully. The resolution capability of CCS depends on the differential distribution coefficients (K values) of the analytes. Compared to most bioactive constituents, the NADES components have extreme K values (close to 0 or ∞, in RP or NP, resp.) because of their high polarity. Glucose-choline chloride-water (2:5:5, mole/mole) with rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, or daidzein were chosen as the test matrices. The CCS fraction analysis by UV-UHPLC and qHNMR showed that CCS can recover the target analyte completely from the NADES-analyte matrix, and at the same time yield the NADES quantitatively, allowing further study of “primary” NADES vs. bioactive “secondary” metabolites in botanical extracts. *represents equal contribution to this work

We study the meson-baryon interaction with J P = 1/2 using the hidden-gauge Lagrangians and mixing pseudoscalar meson-baryon with the vector meson-baryon states in a coupled channels scheme withN, �N, K�, K�, �N and �� (d-wave). We fit the subtraction constants of each channel to the S11 partial wave amplitude of theN scattering data extracted from experimental data. We find two poles that we associate to the N � (1535) and the N � (1650) resonances and show that the subtraction constants are all negative and of natural size. We calculate the branching ratios for the different channels of each resonance and we find a good agreement with the experimental data. The cross section for thep ! �n scattering is also evaluated and compared with experiment.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports hippocampal, cortical and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, which lose function in Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's tissues such as hippocampus and parietal cortex, brain- derived neurotrophic factor mRNA is decreased three- to four-fold compared with controls. However, the molecular mechanism of the down-regulation of BDNF in Alzheimer's disease is unknown. The human brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene has multiple promoters governing six non-coding upstream exons that are spliced to one downstream coding exon, leading to six different transcripts. Here we report an alternate human splice variant within exon 4I for a total of seven transcripts. Previous brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA measurements in Alzheimer's disease tissue were done using the downstream coding exon present in all transcripts. Using RT-PCR primers specific for each upstream exon, we observe a significant decrease in three human brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA transcripts in Alzheimer's disease samples compared with controls. Transcripts 1 and 3 each exhibit a two-fold decrease, and transcript 2 shows a five-fold decrease. There are no significant differences between control and Alzheimer's disease samples for the other transcripts, including the new splice variant. In rat, both transcripts 1 and 3 are regulated through the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein, whose phosphorylation is decreased in the Alzheimer's disease brain. This could lead to specific down-regulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor transcripts shown here.

We develop a method to determine accurately the binding energy of the X(3872) from lattice data for the DD* interaction. We show that, because of the small difference between the neutral and charged components of the X(3872), it is necessary to distinguish them in the energy levels of the lattice spectrum if one wishes to have a precise determination of the the binding energy of the X(3872). The analysis of the data requires the use of coupled channels. Depending on the number of levels available and the size of the box we determine the precision needed in the lattice energies to finally obtain a desired accuracy in the binding energy., To be published in the proceedings of CHARM-2015, Detroit, MI, 18-22 May 2015

Using an interaction extracted from the local hidden-gauge Lagrangians, which brings together vector and pseudoscalar mesons, and the coupled channels rho N (s wave), pi N (d wave), pi Delta (s wave), and pi Delta (d wave), we look in the region ofv root s = 1400-1850 MeV and find two resonances dynamically generated by the interaction of these channels, which are naturally associated to N*(1520)(3/2(-)) and N*(1700)(3/2(-)). N*(1700)(3/2(-)) appears neatly as a pole in the complex plane. The free parameters of the theory are chosen to fit the pi N (d-wave) data. Both the real and imaginary parts of the pi N amplitude vanish in our approach in the vicinity of this resonance, which is similar to what happens in experimental determinations and which makes this signal very weak in this channel. This feature could explain why this resonance does not show up in some experimental analyses, but the situation is analogous to that of the f(0)(980) resonance, the second scalar meson after sigma[f(0)(500)] in the pi pi(d-wave) amplitude. The unitary coupled channel approach followed here, in connectionwith the experimental data, leads automatically to a pole in the 1700-MeV region and makes this second 3/2-resonance unavoidable.

A retrospective analysis of factors that affect pregnancy rates from 4214 fresh in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos that were transferred at a fixed-time (FTET) in 20 different farms. Recipients were all cycling cows or heifers that were synchronized with 1 of 3 treatments: 1) treatments with progesterone (P4) devices and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB) on Day 0 (day of insertion) and 24 h after device removal (Day 8); 2) treatments with P4 devices and EB on Day 0, but with 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate (ECP) at device removal (Day 8); or 3) treatments with P4 devices and GnRH on Day 0 and a second GnRH 60 h after device removal (Day 5). Cows in all treatment groups also received 500 µg of cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2α) at the time of P4 device removal and 400 IU of eCG either at device removal or 3 days before device removal. All embryos were transferred 7 or 8 days after the expected time of oestrus (24 h after EB, 48 h after ECP or at the time of the second GNRH for each synchronization treatment, respectively). On the day of embryo transfer, recipients were examined by ultrasonography and those with corpus luteum >14 mm in diameter received a fresh, IVP embryo in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum. Pregnancy rates were determined by ultrasonography 35 days after FTET. Data were analysed by logistic regression. Independent variables were classified into the following three categories. 1) Factors related to the recipient and the environment; there were no significant differences in pregnancy rates for corpus luteum diameter (≥14 and

Defects in synaptic development and plasticity may lead to autism. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. BDNF is synthesized as a precursor, pro-BDNF, which can be processed into either a truncated form or into mature BDNF. Previous studies reported increased BDNF-immunoreactive protein in autism, but the mechanism of this increase has not been investigated. We examined BDNF mRNA by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and BDNF protein by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in postmortem fusiform gyrus tissue from 11 patients with autism and 14 controls. BDNF mRNA levels were not different in the autism versus control samples, but total BDNF-like immunoreactive protein, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was greater in autism than in controls. Western blotting revealed greater pro-BDNF and less truncated BDNF in autism compared with controls. These data demonstrate that increased levels of BDNF-immunoreactive protein in autism are not transcriptionally driven. Increased pro-BDNF and reduced truncated BDNF are consistent with defective processing of pro-BDNF to its truncated form. Distortion of the balance among the 3 BDNF isoforms, each of which may exhibit different biological activities, could lead to changes in connectivity and synaptic plasticity and, hence, behavior. Thus, imbalance in proteolytic isoforms is a possible new mechanism for altered synaptic plasticity leading to autism.

We study the interaction of vector mesons with the octet of stable baryons in the framework of the local hidden gauge formalism using a coupled channels unitary approach, including also the pseudoscalar-baryon channels which couple to the same quantum numbers. We examine the scattering amplitudes and their poles, which can be associated to known $J^P=1/2^-,3/2^-$ baryon resonances, and determine the role of the pseudoscalar-baryon channels, changing the width and eventually the mass of the resonances generated with only the basis of vector-baryon states.

Vimentin, a member of the intermediate filament protein family, exhibits tissue- as well as development-specific expression. Transcription factors that are involved in expression of the chicken vimentin gene have been described and include a cis-acting silencer element (SE3) that is involved in the down-regulation of this gene (F. X. Farrell, C. M. Sax, and Z. E. Zehner, Mol. Cell. Biol. 10:2349-2358, 1990). In this study, we report the identification of two additional silencer elements (SE1 and SE2). We show by transfection analysis that all three silencer elements are functionally active and that optimal silencing occurs when multiple (at least two) silencer elements are present. In addition, the previously identified SE3 can be divided into three subregions, each of which is moderately active alone. By gel mobility shift assays, all three silencer elements plus SE3 subregions bind a protein which by Southwestern (DNA-protein) blot analysis is identical in molecular mass (approximately 95 kDa). DNase I footprinting experiments indicate that this protein binds to purine-rich sites. Therefore, multiple elements appear to be involved in the negative regulation of the chicken vimentin gene, which may be important in the regulation of other genes as well.

As an example of dynamically generated resonances we mention the interaction of vector mesons with baryons within the local hidden gauge formalism which gives rise to a large amount of such states, many of which can be associated to known resonances, while others represent predictions for new resonances. The width of these states coming from decay into pseudoscalar baryon is also addressed. We also mention recent states coming from $\Delta \rho \pi$ interaction obtained with Faddeev equations.

We study the radiative decay into gamma and a baryon of the SU(3) octet and decuplet of nine and ten resonances that are dynamically generated from the interaction of vector mesons with baryons of the octet and the decuplet, respectively. We obtain quite different partial decay widths for the various resonances, and for different charge states of the same resonance, suggesting that the experimental investigation of these radiative decays should bring much information on the nature of these resonances. For the case of baryons of the octet we determine the helicity amplitudes and compare them with experimental data when available., We would like to thank M. J. Vicente Vacas for a critical reading of the manuscript. This work is partly supported by DGICYT contract number FIS2006-03438. This research is part of the EU Integrated Infrastructure Initiative Hadron Physics Project under contract number RII3-CT-2004-506078. B. X. Sun acknowledges support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China under grant number 10775012.

International audience; We demonstrate an experimental setup and associated digital image processing software for measuring the vibrational amplitude of a tuning fork with subpixel accuracy. Stroboscopic illumination allows the use of a standard video camera to explore the resonant frequencies up to the kHz range. No preliminary surface patterning is required because the image processing is based on features present in the object's structure. Because the tuning fork is a high quality-factor resonator, it can be used for demonstrating the spectral power distribution of various excitation signals and the temperature dependence of the resonance frequency. The procedure can be generalized to the measurement of the in-plane lateral displacements of any structure

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a senile dementia characterized by amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and synaptic and cell loss. The “amyloid cascade” hypothesis suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ), the peptide deposited as amyloid plaques, is the primary insult in AD. However, debate continues over the mechanism of Aβ toxicity and whether fibrillar or oligomeric Aβ is the active species of the peptide that ultimately causes the synaptic loss and dementia associated with AD. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for survival and function of cells compromised in AD. Decreased BDNF causes defects in long-term potentiation and memory and correlates with cognitive decline. We previously demonstrated that BDNF reduction occurs early in the course of AD, suggesting that decreased BDNF may promote neuronal dysfunction in AD. We also demonstrated that three of seven human BDNF transcripts are specifically downregulated in AD. What pathological feature(s) of AD leads to the decreased BDNF is unknown.In this study, we administered both fibrillar and oligomeric conformations of Aβ1–42to differentiated SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line, and measured both phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a regulator of BDNF transcription, and BDNF total mRNA. We found that oligomeric but not fibrillar preparations of Aβ1–42significantly decrease both phosphorylated CREB and total BDNF mRNA. Furthermore, oligomeric Aβ1–42decreases BDNF transcripts IV and V in these cells, demonstrating that Aβ1–42downregulates the major BDNF transcript decreasedin vivoin the AD brain. Thus, oligomeric Aβ1–42could compromise neuronal function, causing memory loss and cognitive dysfunction by downregulation of BDNF in AD.

An experiment was designed to evaluate in vitro embryo production following the use of frozen-thawed conventional or Y-sexed semen from a single Brangus and a single Braford bull of proven fertility. Semen was obtained by splitting the same ejaculate to be frozen directly or sex-sorted and then frozen. Oocytes were obtained from 69 ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (ovum pickup) sessions performed at random stages of the oestrous cycle without superstimulation in 24 Brangus and 10 Braford cows and heifers. Viable oocytes (n = 1120) were matured in TCM-199 medium with NaHCO3 and supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum. Frozen-thawed sperm from the Brangus and Braford bulls were selected with Percoll for IVF, capacitated in Fert Medium, and used at a final concentration of sperm per milliliter for conventional (non-sexed) semen and 2 × 106 sperm mL–1 for Y-sexed semen. After 16 h (sexed) or 18 h (conventional) of co-incubation with oocytes in Fert Medium, presumptive zygotes were denuded and cultured in SOF supplemented with 0.4% BSA under oil at 37°C, 5% CO2, and saturated humidity for 7 days. The total number of oocytes matured and fertilized from the Brangus donors was 538 and 318 for conventional and sexed semen, respectively. The total numbers of oocytes matured and fertilized from the Braford donors were 139 and 125 for conventional and sexed semen, respectively. Data were compared by ANOVA for mixed models, using breed and type of semen as fixed variables and cow (i.d.) as a random variable. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were first transformed by square root and then analysed by ANOVA for mixed models. Mean (± s.e.m.) number of total viable oocytes collected, cleaved zygotes, and blastocysts produced per ovum pickup session did not differ (P = 0.18) between breeds (Brangus: 17.1 ± 1.6, 10.0 ± 0.9, and 6.2 ± 0.7 v. Braford: 13.9 ± 2.8, 7.6 ± 1.5, and 4.0 ± 0.8), and there was no breed × semen interaction on the mean number of cleaved zygotes and blastocysts produced. However, the mean (± s.e.m.) number of cleaved zygotes and blastocysts produced was significantly higher (P

This paper describes six advanced cryogenic thermal management devices/subsystems developed by Swales Aerospace for ground/space‐based applications of interest to NASA, DoD, and the commercial sector. The devices/subsystems described herein include the following: (a) a differential thermal expansion cryogenic thermal switch (DTE‐CTSW) constructed with high purity aluminum end‐pieces and an Ultem support rod for the 6 K Mid‐Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST); (b) a quad‐redundant DTE‐CTSW assembly for the 35 K science instruments (NIRCam, NIRSpec, and FGS) mounted on the JWST Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM); (c) a cryogenic diode heat pipe (CDHP) thermal switching system using methane as the working fluid for the 100 K CRISM hyperspectral mapping instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO); and (d) three additional devices/subsystems developed during the AFRL‐sponsored CRYOTOOL program, which include a dual DTE‐CTSW/dual cryocooler test bed, a miniaturized neon cryogenic loop heat pipe (mini‐CLHP), and an across gimbal cryogenic thermal transport system (GCTTS). For the first three devices/subsystems mentioned above, this paper describes key aspects of the development efforts including concept definition, design, fabrication, and testing. For the latter three, this paper provides brief overview descriptions as key details are provided in a related paper.This paper describes six advanced cryogenic thermal management devices/subsystems developed by Swales Aerospace for ground/space‐based applications of interest to NASA, DoD, and the commercial sector. The devices/subsystems described herein include the following: (a) a differential thermal expansion cryogenic thermal switch (DTE‐CTSW) constructed with high purity aluminum end‐pieces and an Ultem support rod for the 6 K Mid‐Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST); (b) a quad‐redundant DTE‐CTSW assembly for the 35 K science instruments (NIRCam, NIRSpec, and FGS) mounted on the JWST Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM); (c) a cryogenic diode heat pipe (CDHP) thermal switching system using methane as the working fluid for the 100 K CRISM hyperspectral mapping instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO); and (d) three additional devices/subsystems developed during the AFRL‐sponsored CRYOTOOL program, which include a dual DTE‐CTSW/dual cryocooler test bed, a miniaturiz...

This paper describes the cryogenic thermal management advances made during the AFRL‐sponsored CRYOTOOL program. Advances occurred as a result of conducting four technology development tasks: (1) development of a differential thermal expansion cryogenic thermal switch (DTE‐CTSW) made with high purity Al end‐pieces and an Ultem support rod; (2) carrying out of a dual DTE‐CTSW/dual cryocooler performance test to quantify CTSW benefits in a redundant cryocooler system; (3) development of a miniaturized cryogenic loop heat pipe (mini‐CLHP) that combines flex link, conduction bar, and CTSW functionalities; and (4) development of an across‐gimbal cryogenic thermal transport system (GCTTS) with large diameter transport line coils for optics cooling. The results are as follows. The DTE‐CTSW achieved an ON conductance of 2–3.6 W/K (from 35–90 K) and an OFF resistance of 1100–2300 K/W (300–230 K warm end). The redundant cryocooler test showed modest parasitic heat leak savings when dual DTE‐CTSWs were used versus wh...

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes cholinergic neuron function and survival. In Alzheimer's disease, BDNF mRNA and protein are decreased in basal forebrain cholinergic neuron target tissues such as cortex and hippocampus. Using RT-PCR, we demonstrate that BDNF is synthesized in basal forebrain, supplying cholinergic neurons with a local as well as a target-derived source of this factor. BDNF mRNA levels are decreased 50% in nucleus basalis of Alzheimer disease patients compared to controls. Thus, not only do the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons have a reduced supply of target-derived BDNF, but also of local BDNF. We also show by Western blotting that human CNS tissue contains both proBDNF and mature BDNF protein. Moreover, we demonstrate a significant (2.25-fold) deficit in proBDNF protein in Alzheimer's disease parietal cortex compared to controls. Thus, reduced BDNF mRNA and protein levels in Alzheimer's disease suggests that BDNF administration may be an effective therapeutic strategy for this disorder.

An experiment was designed to evaluate in vivo and in vitro embryo production following the use of frozen–thawed conventional or Y-sexed semen from a Brangus bull with known high fertility. For in vivo embryo production, Brangus heifers (n = 12) were superovulated twice in a crossover design and inseminated with sexed or conventional semen. On Day 0, all heifers received an intravaginal progesterone device (DIB 1 g, Syntex S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 2.5 mg oestradiol benzoate and 50 mg progesterone (Progestar, Syntex S.A.) by intramuscular injection (IM). On Day 4, heifers were superstimulated with 200 mg of NIH-FSH-P1 Folltropin-V (Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) in twice-daily decreasing doses over 4 days. In the a.m. and p.m. of Day 6, all heifers received PGF2a (Ciclase, Syntex) and DIBs were removed in the p.m.. In the a.m. of Day 8, heifers received 100 μg de Gonadolerin (Gonasyn, Syntex S.A.) and were randomly allocated to receive either one straw of conventional semen (24 × 106 sperm per dose) 12 and 24 h later or two straws of sexed semen (2.4 × 106 sperm per dose) 18 and 24 h after GnRH. Ova/embryos were collected nonsurgically on Day 15 and evaluated following IETS recommendations. Means were compared by t-test. Mean ( ± s.e.m.) number of ova/embryos, fertilized ova, and transferable embryos were 14.8 ± 2.7, 9.4 ± 1.8, and 7.1 ± 1.7 v. 16.8 ± 3.1, 9.9 ± 2.5, and 8.1 ± 2.0 for donors inseminated with conventional or sexed semen, respectively (P > 0.6). For in vitro production, oocytes were obtained from 50 ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (OPU) sessions that was performed at random stages of the oestrous cycle and without superstimulation in 22 Brangus cows and heifers. Oocytes were classified and matured in TCM-199 medium with NaHCO3 and supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum. Semen samples from the same bull used for in vivo embryo production were selected using Percoll and capacitated in Fert medium and used at a final concentration of sperm/mL for nonsexed semen and 2 × 106 sperm mL–1 for sexed semen. After 16 h (sexed) or 18 h (conventional) in Fert medium, zygotes were denuded and cultured in SOF supplemented with 0.4% BSA under oil at 37°C, 5% CO2 and saturated humidity for 7 days. The total number of oocytes matured and fertilized was 528 and 318 for conventional and sexed semen, respectively. Means were compared by t-test and proportions by chi-squared test. Mean (± s.e.m.) number of cleaved zygotes and blastocysts produced per OPU session did not differ between conventional (11.0 ± 1.4 and 7.1 ± 1.0) and sexed (8.7 ± 0.8 and 4.9 ± 0.7; P > 0.2) semen. However, the proportion of cleaved zygotes and blastocysts produced were significantly higher (P

Using an interaction extracted from the local hidden gauge Lagrangians and the coupled channels ρN (s-wave), πN (d-wave), πΔ (s-wave) and πΔ (d-wave), we look in the region of [Formula: see text] and we find two resonances dynamically generated which are naturally associated to the N*(1520)(3/2-) and N*(1700)(3/2-). The N*(1700)(3/2-) appears neatly as a pole in the complex plane. The free parameters of the theory are chosen to fit the πN (d-wave) data. The unitary coupled channel approach followed here, in connection with the experimental data, leads automatically to a pole in the 1700 MeV region and makes this second 3/2- resonance unavoidable.

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of administering 1 or 2 doses of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) at the time of ova/embryo collection on luteal regression and return to oestrus and ovulation in donor cows. In Experiment 1, 14 Angus cows were blocked at the time of embryo collection by the number of corpora lutea (CL) determined by rectal palpation [6 to 10 CL (n = 6), 11 to 15 CL (n = 4), >15 CL (n = 4)] and were randomly assigned to 2 groups to receive a single injection of 500 µg of sodium cloprostenol (PGF, Ciclase, Syntex S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina) on the day of embryo collection (Day 0) or a single injection of PGF on Day 0 and a second injection of PGF 24 h later. All cows were bled daily to determine progesterone concentrations by RIA and ultrasonically scanned daily (Falco 100, Pie Medical, Maastricht, the Netherlands) for 19 days after embryo collection, to determine ovulation of a newly recruited dominant follicle. In Experiment 2, 47 superovulated Angus cows were blocked by CL numbers [1 to 4 CL (n = 5), 5 to 10 (n = 11), 11 to 15 (n = 13), >15 CL (n = 18)] and treated as in Experiment 1. In this experiment, cows were bled and scanned on Days 0 (i.e. embryo collection), 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19. The interval from embryo collection to luteal regression (i.e. plasma progesterone 0.5). The interval from treatment to luteal regression was not affected by PGF treatment (1 PGF: 2.0 ± 1.2 days; 2 PGF: 2.4 ± 1.0 days). Furthermore, 6/7 animals (85.7%) were observed in oestrus in both groups, and 6/7 (85.7%) and 4/7 (57.1%) ovulated within 19 days in the 1 PGF and 2 PGF groups, respectively (P > 0.2). The interval to oestrus and ovulation did not differ among groups (7.0 ± 0.7 days and 8.5 ± 0.6 days v. 9.7 ± 0.5 days and 10.0 ± 0.7 days, for 1 PGF and 2 PGF, respectively; P > 0.1). In Experiment 2, the mean number of CL in donor cows did not differ from that in Experiment 1 (13.9 ± 1.1; P > 0.37), and the effect of CL numbers on luteal regression and ovulation was not significant (P > 0.7). Although luteal regression occurred earlier (P = 0.03) in the 2 PGF group (4.1 ± 0.6 days) compared with the 1 PGF group (5.3 ± 2.2 days), no differences were detected between PGF groups in any of the other parameters. The proportion of cows in oestrus and the interval to oestrus was 19/24 (79.2%) and 7.2 ± 0.4 days v. 18/23 (78.3%) and 7.2 ± 0.3 days for cows in the 1 PGF and 2 PGF groups, respectively (P > 0.7). Finally, the proportion of cows ovulating within 19 days after collection and the interval to ovulation were 20/24 (83.3%) and 10.3 ± 0.4 days v. 21/23 (91.3%) and 10.1 ± 0.4 days for cows in the 1 PGF and 2 PGF groups, respectively (P > 0.4). In summary, treatment with PGF at the time on embryo collection results in luteal regression in 4 to 5 days and ovulation of a new dominant follicle in 80 to 90% of the donors within 19 days. The addition of a second PGF treatment did not shorten the interval to oestrus and ovulation.

The lack of other effective treatment for colorectal liver metastases makes hepatic resection a primary treatment consideration. Between January 1980 and December 1990, 26 selected patients with liver colorectal metastases who underwent hepatic resection were reviewed. The age, sex, site of primary lesion, histological grade, lymph node involvement, location, size, and number of hepatic metastases, type of hepatic resection, and preoperative CEA blood levels were documented. Complete removal with histologically negative resection margins were accomplished in 24 patients. The extent of resection performed was hepatic lobectomy in 12 patients. Segmentectomy in eight patients, and wedge resection in four patients. The 5-year survival rate was 30.5 per cent. Patients with metachronous metastases showed a better survival rate than those with synchronous lesions--46.6% versus 13.6% respectively (P = 0.08). None of the other factors studied showed a significant effect on survival. All patients were followed from the time of hepatic resection to the time of this study or death. During a median follow-up of 30.9 months, 20 patients developed recurrence of their disease (60 per cent in the liver). There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity arose in 66.6 per cent of patients, with a majority of the complications being minor. We conclude that hepatic resection can be performed safely enough to be recommended in selected patients.

Polyclonal antibodies directed against the amino-terminal portion of the cloned rat mu-opioid receptor (muOR) were raised in rabbits. The antibodies diminished the specific binding of 125I-Tyr27-beta-endorphin-(1-31) (human) and [3H][D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin, but not that of the delta OR-selective ligand [3H][D-Pen2,5]enkephalin, to mouse brain membranes. The intracerebroventricular administration to mice of affinity-purified anti-muOR IgGs impaired the antinociception produced by the muOR agonists [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin and morphine and the mu/delta OR agonists beta-endorphin-(1-31) and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin, when studied 24 hr later in the tail-immersion test. Antinociception produced by the delta OR-selective agonists [D-Pen2,5]enkephalin and [D-Ala2]deltorphin II was fully displayed in these mice. Immunoblots of sodium dodecyl sulfate-solubilized membranes from mouse central nervous system regions revealed protein bands of M(r) 43,000, 51,000, and 58,000. Also detected were bands of higher molecular weights, 100,000 and 114,000, which probably corresponded to dimeric forms, because they disappeared after sonication of the solubilized tissues. This immunoreactivity was present in regions of mouse central nervous system and was barely detected in NG108-15 cells. After treatment of the solubilized material with endoglycosidase F, the antibodies labeled a band of M(r) 43,000, coincident with the weight of the cloned muOR. These results confirm the existence of several molecular forms of the muOR due to glycosylation.

Commercial embryo transfer programs require frequent superovulation of embryo donors. Although early reports suggested that donor cows require 60 to 90 days to recover from superovulation, recent information suggests that this interval could be reduced to 25 to 30 days. Because donor cows reovulate at variable intervals after embryo collection, some donors do not have an ultrasonically detectable corpus luteum (CL) when frequent superovulation programs are initiated. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the influence of the presence of a CL at the time of initiating treatments on superovulatory response of beef donors that had been previously collected once and then were collected every 28 to 35 days 2 or 3 times. The data were from 190 collections performed in 48 Angus, 36 in 10 Brangus and 74 in 20 Bonsmara donors. On Day 0, all cows were ultrasonically examined for the presence of a CL (Falco 100 Vet, 8-MHz transducer, Pie Medical, the Netherlands) and were treated with 5 mg of oestradiol-17β and 50 mg of progesterone IM and a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (Cue-Mate, Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada). On Day 4, donors were superstimulated with Folltropin-V (Bioniche Animal Health), in twice-daily injections over 4 days or diluted in 20 mg mL–1 hyaluronan and given by a single IM injection. Folltropin-V dosages used were 300 or 400 mg (Angus), 260 or 300 mg (Brangus), or 200 or 300 mg (Bonsmara). On Day 6, all cows received 2 doses of PGF2α 12 h apart and Cue-Mates were removed in the p.m. In the a.m. of Day 8, cows received 12.5 mg pLH (Lutropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health) and were inseminated 12 and 24 h later. Ova/embryos were collected nonsurgically on Day 15 and evaluated following IETS guidelines. For each breed, superovulatory response (i.e. mean number of CL) and embryo data were evaluated by ANOVA for mixed models, using CL, FSH dose and treatment as fixed variables and cow identification as a random variable. Forty-six (24.2%) Angus donors, 4 (11.1%) Brangus donors and 5 (6.8%) Bonsmara donors did not have a CL at the time of initiating FSH treatment. There was no significant effect of FSH dose or treatment protocol on superovulatory response and the presence or absence of a CL did not influenced embryo production (P > 0.31). Mean (± SEM) number of CL, ova/embryos and transferable embryos were 13.2 ± 0.5, 12.4 ± 0.7 and 6.1 ± 0.4 in Angus donors with a CL vs 13.0 ± 0.7, 11.5 ± 0.9 and 5.6 ± 0.7 for those without a CL (P > 0.37); 14.8 ± 1.2, 14.2 ± 1.6 and 8.4 ± 1.1 for Brangus donors with a CL vs 15.2 ± 3.1; 11.2 ± 3.3 and 5.7 ± 2.8 for those without a CL (P > 0.34); and 13.2 ± 0.8, 11.2 ± 1.0 and 7.4 ± 0.5 for Bonsmara donors with a CL vs 17.4 ± 3.7, 13.6 ± 6.5 and 9.2 ± 4.3 for those without a CL (P > 0.16). In summary, the presence or absence of a CL did not affect embryo production in donor cows superstimulated every 28 to 35 days using a progesterone-releasing device and FSH. Study was supported by Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada.

The intermediate filament protein, vimentin, is differentially expressed in various tissues and stages of development and in metastatic versus nonmetastatic breast cancer cell lines. Previously, we have shown vimentin expression to be regulated at least in part by a silencer element which binds a M(r) 95,000 protein and an overriding, antisilencer element which binds a M(r) 140,000 protein. Southwestern blot (DNA-protein) analyses indicate that silencer protein binding activity is missing in the metastatic breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), where vimentin is highly expressed, but is present in the nonmetastatic breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, where vimentin is not expressed. This suggests that the absence of a functional silencer protein may lead to expression of vimentin as well as other genes which contribute to the metastatic state.

Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy had celiotomy either by a blind (Veress needle) approach (n = 781) or by fascial and peritoneal incision with insertion of a 10-mm sheath under direct vision (n = 247). The blind approach was associated with three small bowel injuries and one tear of the left common iliac artery. No intestinal or vascular injuries occurred in the open insertion group. The difference was not statistically significant. The mean duration of surgery was 81.4 +/- 1.3 min in the blind group compared with 72.6 +/- 2.0 min in the open group (p0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative stay or in return to normal activity between the two groups. It is recommended that blind access to the peritoneal cavity for laparoscopy be abandoned in favor of an open approach because the blind approach confers no advantages and places the patient at risk for unrecognized visceral or vascular injury even though these injuries may not occur at a statistically significant frequency.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced at McGill University-affiliated hospitals in a planned manner to evaluate the safety and results of this new procedure while training attending and resident surgeons. Laparoscopy was performed with the intent of carrying out cholecystectomy in 500 consecutive patients (70% female, 30% male), whose age averaged 48 years (range from 7 to 93 years). Thirty-seven percent had undergone intra-abdominal surgery previously, and 9.1% had had acute cholecystitis. There were two common-bile-duct injuries and one major small-bowel injury. The procedure had to be converted to open cholecystectomy in 25 (5%) patients. There were no deaths. The mean duration of surgery was 88 minutes. Fifty-five percent of patients were discharged home in 24 hours or less after surgery, and 75% were back to normal activity within 1 week of discharge. Fourteen attending staff and 8 senior residents achieved competence to carry out laparoscopic cholecystectomy independently.