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Objective We investigated how pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) affects embryonic development during pre-in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) using porcine oocytes isolated from small follicles. Methods We divided the follicles into the experimental groups by size (SF, small follicles; MF, medium follicles) and treated with and without PACAP and cultured for 18 hours (Pre-SF[−]PACAP; without PACAP, Pre-SF[+]PACAP; with PACAP) before undergoing IVM. The gene expression related to extracellular matrix formation (amphiregulin, epiregulin, and hyaluronan synthase 2 [HAS2]) and apoptosis (Bcl-2-associated X [BAX], B-cell lymphoma 2, and cysteine-aspartic acid protease 3) was investigated after maturation. The impact on developmental competence was assessed by the cleavage and blastocyst rate and total cell number of blastocysts in embryos generated from parthenogenesis (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results Cleavage rates in the Pre-SF(+)PACAP after PA were significantly higher than SF and Pre-SF(−)PACAP (p

In this paper, we are presenting the results of the first test of the Percival P2M-FSI detector with tender x-rays photons at a synchrotron beamline. Percival is a monolithic CMOS Imager for detection of x-rays in Synchrotron Rings and Free Electron Lasers: the Front-Side-Illuminated (FSI) version of the detector has been proven able to successfully distinguish tender (2keV) x-ray single photons.

High brilliance synchrotrons and FELs require high performing detector systems to realise their full potential. High dynamic range, low noise and high frame rate are all of great importance. In this paper we present first optical characterization results of the P2M CMOS sensor, designed for soft X-ray detection at such facilities. Previous work is summarised and an overview of the sensor is presented. Test results for the sensor’s column-parallel ADC and readout chain are presented, and first test results for the pixel acquired using the Photon Transfer Curve (PTC) method are shown. Finally, an outline of future work is provided.

Topological insulators are a new class of electronic materials with promising device applications. In this work, multilayer Bi2Se3 field effect transistors (FETs) are prepared by standard lithography followed by mechanical exfoliation method. Electrical characterization of the FET has been studied at room temperature. We observed both insulating and metallic-type transport behavior when device was gate-biased. Electron-phonon scattering plays a vital role in observing this behavior. We assume that this sort of behavior could be raised from the inherent metallic surface and semiconducting interior bulk properties of Bi2Se3.

Introduction Solitary neurofibroma originating from the external nose is extremely rare, and to our knowledge, only 3 cases have been reported so far in English literatures. It may originate from the ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary (V2) branches of the trigeminal nerve. Case report We present a rare case of solitary neurofibroma arising from the external nose, which was successfully removed by intranasal approach with intercartilaginous incision. Conclusion This case emphasizes two important points. First, we should keep in mind that this clinical entity is included in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses arising from the external nose. Second, we should choose the best surgical approach for complete removal with the maintenance of cosmetic appearance.

Resume Introduction Le neurofibrome solitaire developpe dans la portion externe du nez est extremement rare et, a notre connaissance, seuls 3 cas ont ete rapportes dans la litterature anglophone. Il peut se developper a partir des branches ophtalmique (V1) et maxillaire (V2) du nerf trijumeau. Cas clinique Nous presentons un cas rare de neurofibrome solitaire developpe a partir de la portion externe du nez dont l’exerese complete a ete realisee par voie endonasale apres incision cartilagineuse. Conclusion Ce cas met en lumiere deux points importants. Tout d’abord, nous devons garder a l’esprit que cette entite clinique est incluse dans le diagnostic differentiel des masses tissulaires developpees a partir de la portion externe du nez. Ensuite, nous devons choisir la meilleure approche chirurgicale pour l’exerese complete avec preservation de l’aspect cosmetique.

The PERCIVAL collaboration to develop a soft X-ray imager able to address the challenges of high brilliance light sources, such as new-generation synchrotrons and Free Electron Lasers, has reached one of its major milestones: a full 2-MegaPixel (P2M) system (uninterrupted 4 × 4 cm2 active area) has already seen its first light.Smaller prototypes of the device, a monolithic active pixel sensor based on CMOS technology, have already been fully characterised, and have demonstrated high frame rate, large dynamic range, and relatively high quantum efficiency.The PERCIVAL modular layout allows for clover-leaf like arrangement of up to four P2M systems. Moreover, it will be post-processed in order to achieve a high quantum efficiency in its primary energy range (250 eV to 1 keV).We will present the P2M system, its status and newest results, bring these in context with achieved prototype performance, and outline future steps.

This study involves investigating the Y-type perfobond rib shear connector to reveal its superior ductile capacity when compared with those of the traditional stud-type shear connectors. It is expected that the excellent ductile behavior of the Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors can be utilized for energy dissipating devices in seismic structural excitations. In this study, the energy dissipating characteristics of the Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors are evaluated. Monotonic loading tests and cyclic loading tests of the Y-type perfobond rib shear connector are conducted. The specimens with various rebar diameters are fabricated, and the accumulated energy dissipations in each cyclic loading are evaluated. The decreasing characteristics of both energy dissipating capacity and shear resistance stiffness of Y-type shear connections during the cyclic loadings are examined.

Aims The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus (LCR35) on Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like symptoms in mice. Methods and Results AD-like skin lesions in BALB/C mice were induced by sensitization and subsequent repeated challenges with trimellitic anhydride (TMA) for 10 days. LCR35 was orally administered to the mice once daily throughout the study. In the TMA-induced AD model, orally administered LCR35 suppressed significantly irritant-related scratching behaviour and skin dehydration as well as apparent severity of AD. LCR35 also significantly decreased serum levels of IgE and IL-4, but not IFN-γ, implying the restoration of TMA-induced disruption of Th1/Th2 balance. Quantitative real-time PCR targeting hypervariable regions of 16S rDNA gene of faecal microbiota indicated that the LCR35 treatment increased the population of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, Enterococcus and Bacteroides fragilis group, but decreased those of Clostridium coccoides group. Conclusions LCR35 has the ability to suppress the development of AD in mice, possibly through the modulation of Th1/Th2 balance and gut microbiota. Significance and Impact of the Study LCR35 has a strong potential as a probiotic for preventing AD.

This paper performed a numerical analysis study of the cutting characteristics when drilling a taper hole whose upper and lower diameters are different, that is, a pilot hole. 3-dimensional drilling analysis was performed using a commercial code, and these results were used to determine analytically and compare the cutting temperature, the phenomenon of cutting chip formation, deformation and pressure, etc., for the tools, chips, and specimens during cutting. Also, cutting force and the required energy were calculated and compared. To verify the results of analysis, a cutting dynamometer was used to analyze 3-axis cutting force. Results of analysis showed that the specimen maintained a temperature of approximately 650°, with rapid cooling after chips were formed from the specimen. The tool reached a maximum of 700°, similarly to the chips. It is expected that these results will be utilized to optimize cutting processes and work conditions when drilling holes.

Introduction To investigate the association between pregnancies with small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and the concentration of cell-free fetal DNA or cell-free total DNA in maternal plasma during the first and second trimesters using tissue-specific epigenetic characteristics of the SERPINB5 gene. Methods A nested case–control study was conducted with maternal plasma collected at 11 to 26 gestational weeks from 51 women with SGA neonates and 102 controls. We performed a real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR to quantify concentrations of unmethylated- SERPINB5 (U- SERPINB5 ) as a cell-free fetal DNA marker and methylated- SERPINB5 (M- SERPINB5 ) as a cell-free total DNA marker. Results A positive correlation was observed between U- SERPINB5 and M- SERPINB5 concentrations in both control ( r = 0.363, p r = 0.548, p SERPINB5 or M- SERPINB5 was significantly positive correlated with gestational age at sampling in both controls (U- SERPINB5 : r = 0.397, p SERPINB5 : r = 0.275, p = 0.005) and SGA (U- SERPINB5 : r = 0.274, p = 0.052; M- SERPINB5 : r = 0.439, p = 0.001). However, the concentration of U- SERPINB5 or M- SERPINB5 was not correlated with birthweight. At 11–14 weeks, U- SERPINB5 and M- SERPINB5 concentrations in SGA did not differ significantly from those of controls. There were also no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of U- SERPINB5 and M- SERPINB5 between SGA and controls at 15–26 weeks of gestation. Discussion Our findings suggest that U- SERPINB5 and M- SERPINB5 concentrations in maternal plasma during early pregnancy are not associated with pregnancies who delivered SGA neonates.